Healthy Saratoga

Healthy S aratoga A Saratoga TODAY Publication

Fall 2016

Workout

With Marcie Fraser

Healthy Recipes

Nutrition, cooking tips, products

Women’s Breast Health

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We all know a Well Stocked

KITCHEN

Is the key to Healthy Eating...

See PAGE 22 for what to shop for! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 3

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Welcome to

HEALTHY SARATOGA

Healthy Saratoga... the magazine!

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty

From The Editor

General Manager Robin Mitchell

Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee

Creative director/mag designer Kacie Cotter-Sacala

Advertising Designers Andrew Ranalli Morgan Rook

Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

Contributing Writers Carrie Rowlands Johnson Chad Vaughn, OD Christa Caimano David Delozier Denise Dubois Jodie Fitz Madison Messina Marcie Fraser Matthew Veitch Maureen Wherther Megin Potter Susan Halstead

Photographers Alice Corey Photography Clayton Vargeson Deborah Gerber Photography Joe Carey MarkBolles.com

Published by

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Healthy Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2016, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Chris Vallone Bushee Managing Editor

We are now in our second year (third issue!) of working with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce to help get the word out about their #HealthySaratoga initiative, and we couldn’t be happier! In just three years, Saratoga County has become the Healthiest County in NY STATE (see page 10 for all the details!) and Healthy Saratoga… the magazine! has become the community’s resource for “spreading the word” on all matters health related.

If you’re familiar with our other publications…

Saratoga TODAY newspaper or Simply Saratoga Magazine perhaps, you know that we strive to keep our readers happy.

We give you what you want, so if you suggest something we’re on it!

So, without further ado, here are some of our new contributors/ columns to fulfill those requests:

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• DIANE WHITTEN, Food and Nutrition Educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

In Diane’s first piece with us, our intern Christa Caimano interviews her

for suggestions on What to do with all that fall produce? ...who knew we

could make our own FRUIT LEATHERS?! (page 26) tog

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• DENISE DUBOIS, Founder/Owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness.

Denise will help us in the pursuit of The Fountain of Youth, oh I’m sorry GREAT SKIN – it’s the same thing, right?! (page 50) • PAYING IT FORWARD:

If you or someone you know is involved with a charity that the general public

may not know about, let me know and we’ll fix that! · cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com Check out our first three readers’ causes on page 64.

• HOW I LIVE MY HEALTHY LIFE:

Meet two people who epitomize the healthy lifestyle, page 31. If you or

someone you know has mastered the healthy lifestyle and would be an

inspiration to our readers…drop me a line!

• Q & A WITH A NUTRITIONIST:

This MUCH REQUESTED feature is scheduled to start in our SPRING issue…

so please, send me your questions by March 31st

(with NUTRITION in the subject line, to the email above) One of the many benefits of being a magazine editor is getting to experience what we write about. In this case, when I mentioned to Leslie Waters Dobis, that I had never had a Cupping Massage, she graciously offered me one. WOW – what a different sensation! You definitely feel the suction, and when she pulls the machine along the skin - I can’t even begin to describe how cool that was! Read all about it on page 42, then schedule your appointment – you can thank me later!

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’d be remiss if I didn’t direct you to start with the article on the Breast Health Symposium. Page 56.

Thank you to our advertisers who allow us to provide this informative magazine free of charge, please mention us by name when visiting their businesses.

As always… I love hearing from you!

Send your comments and story ideas to cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com Stay healthy, Saratoga!

Chris

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CONTRIBUTORS CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON With a firm belief that digital marketing is a must for small businesses, Carrie recently joined forces with photographer Alice Corey and created the blogging bar. The boutique agency provides blogging, SMM and photography services …and recently launched a brand new column in Simply Saratoga Magazine called, Simply…

Saratoga Society. Carrie is also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Berkshire Hathaway. Read more of Carrie’s work (and a glimpse into life as a single mom of twin tenyear old boys) at CarrieRowlands.com.

CHAD VAUGHN, OD

Dr. Chad A. Vaughn, Optometrist, completed his undergraduate studies at Holy Cross College and his doctorate studies at The New England College of Optometry in Boston. Currently a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric honor society, the American Optometric Association and the NYS Optometric Assoc. His specialties include family practice, specialty contact lens fittings including bifocal contacts, ocular disease diagnosis and management, laser surgery consultations, and postoperative care. Dr. Vaughn’s interests include golfing, running, swimming and spending time with his wife and two children.

DAVE DELOZIER Dave is known as the eco-local guy around town, as he published the "eco-Local Living mag from 2008-13. Dave and his wife Brenda "walk the walk" having converted their small suburban Saratoga Springs residence into a Permaculture homestead, integrating elements such as edible landscaping, PV solar power & micro-farming. Dave is now a certified Permaculture Design Consultant and looks to help others who are seeking a more healthy, grounded and resilient lifestyle. ecolocal@gmail.com.

CHRISTA CAIMANO

Christa Caimano has lived in Saratoga Springs her entire life. She is a competitive dancer at JDC Dance Center, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School and an intern at Saratoga Today. Christa has interests in fashion, design, journalism, and photography.

She hopes to major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Journalism/Communications in college. Christa is thrilled to be interning at one of Saratoga’s leading magazines.

DENISE DUBOIS

Denise Dubois is the founder/owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness with two locations in Albany and Saratoga Springs. With over 32 years of experience working in the beauty and spa industry, she specializes in skincare and wellness programs for her clients. Complexions Spa has been recognized as a leading day spa locally and nationally receiving numerous awards in many categories including sustainability practices and green building design. She can be reached at (518) 306-5502 or at denise@complexions.com

DIANE WHITTEN

Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County where she’s worked for the past 17 years. Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation methods. Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on WJKE the Jockey and WABY Moon Radio.

Her bi-monthly column, Know Your Farmer Know Your Food, is published in the Saratogian and Troy Record.

Diane has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Nutritional Sciences, and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.

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JODIE FITZ

Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club. She will be releasing two cookbooks in 2015; The Chaotic Kitchen; a collection of recipes to help make the lives of busy families just a little bit easier when it comes to mealtime & Cooking Up Fun; designed to get kids taste testing and experimenting with foods.

MADISON MESSINA

Madison is a freelance writer who received her bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from the State University of New York Cortland. She enjoys spending her free time writing books, exercising, and horseback riding. As a new comer to the area, Madison looks forward to the exciting opportunities ahead of her and wants to thank her mom for always supporting her creative adventures.

MARCIE FRASER

20 year veteran journalist, currently working as the Health and Fitness reporter for TWC News. Her published book, WHERE’D MY BUTT GO? is a self-help nutrition book that contains the knowledge and experience gained from her work as a Behavioral Eating Specialist. Marcie holds a Master’s in Public Health and is working on her Doctorate. An avid ballroom dancer, tri-athlete and retired bodybuilding champion, Marcie has motivated and counseled thousands of individuals. She is considered by some, THE FOOD THERAPIST.

MATTHEW VEITCH

Matthew is currently the Supervisor representing Saratoga on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He is also works for Verizon as a Project Manager. Matthew serves on various local boards, such as the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the Open Space Advisory Committee, and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, The Gateway House of Peace, and the Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation. A fifth-generation Saratogian, he has been married to his wife Stephanie for 16 years, and has two sons, Jacob and David.

MAUREEN WERTHER

Maureen Werther is the owner of WHE Strategic Business Solutions, specializing in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in the areas of business development, brand management, public relations, communications and marketing. She is also a lifelong writer and her articles have appeared in numerous local and regional publications. Currently, she is working on a book about the ongoing opioid and heroin epidemic in upstate New York.

MEGIN POTTER

Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer.

As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.

SUSAN HALSTEAD

Susan is a past Chamber Chair, former Treasurer of The Wesley Foundation Board, past co-chair of Soroptimist and currently serves as Secretary of The Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital as well as Chair of Saratoga County Health and Wellness Council. Susan is an avid runner and has competed in several triathlons and half marathons locally and throughout the state.

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47

CONTENT 50

26 it’s time to get moving!

32

meet eddie fyvie

34

meet deb czech

10 Start here & join the #healthysaratoga movement!

35

Stay primed with marcie frasier

Food and Nutrition

38

riding with the pack - bike tours

16

clean eating recipes

40

gypsyoga - see it here first!

18 26 22 26

the new fish in town weeknights made easy...with jodie fitz cooking tools for a healthy kitchen the cornell cooperative - recipes and tips

42

heard of a cupping massage?!

46

road race schedule

47

pocket parks - great idea!

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A good Read 50

getting great looking skin

54

tips for good eye health

58

annual breast health symposium

62

getting enough sleep?

64

paying it forward

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Saratoga County Ranks...

#1 HEALTHIEST COUNTY

in New York State!

The 2016 County Health Rankings are out and we’re thrilled to report that Saratoga County is now ranked as the #1 healthiest county in New York State

T

his past March, everyone that lives and works in Saratoga County had a great reason to celebrate as we learned that Saratoga County is the healthiest county in New York State.

This designation came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute. Just one year before in 2015, they determined that Saratoga County ranked number three and two years ago we were number five.

To say there was jubilation among the members of our Chamber’s Health and Wellness Council upon hearing this news is an understatement.

But since this announcement, we’ve had a lot of people ask us what does this really mean? How did they arrive at this conclusion? And most important, what can we do to remain the healthiest?

Let’s start with what it means to be designated the healthiest county in New York.

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According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, these health rankings are based on a model of population health that emphasizes the many factors that, if improved, can help make communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play. The rankings are compiled using county-level measures from a variety of national and state data sources. These measures are standardized and combined using scientifically-informed weights.

Specifically, the researchers gather data about health outcomes, such as length and quality of life. They evaluate health factors including access and quality of care as well as tobacco use, diet and exercise. They also look at policies and programs from housing and education to community safety, housing and transit, air and water quality which also impact our health.

In 2016, this report identifies the specific measures where Saratoga County shows areas of strength.

Saratoga County ranks and performs well in a range of social and economic factors, as we might expect given our vibrant and growing economy. For instance, we have a relatively high educational attainment rate, low unemployment, safe communities, and a low poverty rate.

Saratoga County also has a relatively high percentage of residents who are insured. We have a low teen birth rate. We have a high percentage of women that receive mammography screening. Our rate of preventable hospital stays is lower and our residents report that we participate in more physical activity than those people living in many other counties.

Even though we ranked number one, there are areas where we should explore ideas to get even healthier.

live and work. The #healthysaratoga events we’ve created and the overall community education program has been geared toward encouraging employers, employees and local residents to focus on their health and wellness at home and in the workplace.

As we head into the future, the #healthysaratoga movement will once again host a series of significant events and celebrations to bring employers and employees together to engage in healthy activities.

In January, we will host our Third Annual Health and Wellness Week. In March, we will hold our #HealthySaratoga HORSE Basketball Challenge. Next June, we will host a series of events as we celebrate June as Employee Wellness Month.

In 2017, the Chamber’s Health & Wellness Council hopes to create and launch a new workplace wellness program where we will provide #HealthySaratoga Kits to our members and their employees. Each of these kits will include information about specific activities or actions or local resources available regarding a specific health and wellness topic. We’ve also formed a task force to explore the creation of a Healthy Parks program to promote our local, state and national parks as great places to be active and to focus on wellness.

These activities and others resulting from our #healthysaratoga movement and the work of our Health & Wellness Council are updated as necessary on the Chamber’s website at www. saratoga.org. You can also follow the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates about the work of our council and ways everyone can be included in the #healthysaratoga movement.

In particular, the report suggests we can do better with respect to adult smoking, obesity, and excessive drinking. Our physical environment is also an area where improvements can be made on issues such as driving alone to work and long commutes to work.

So let’s focus on what we must do to stay healthy!

First, we must work together. There are a number of critical partnerships that have formed across Saratoga County to lead the charge. Some a being led by the public sector, others by nonprofits and our hospitals.

We believe the Chamber’s Health and Wellness Council is a part of this positive partnership as well. The launch of our #healthysaratoga movement three years had as its mission ensuring that Saratoga County is one of the healthiest places to

Proud to live and work in NY’s Healthiest County!

SUSAN HALSTEAD CHAIR OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S HEALTH & WELLNESS COUNCIL AND OWNER OF FAMILY VISION CARE CENTER, IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

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These Chamber Members have already taken the pledge...

The Adirondack Trust Company

Kumlander, Donofrio, Hay & Pehl CPAs

BlueShield of Northeastern New York

LaMarco Physical Therapy, P.C.

Adirondack Health & Wellness

Luther Forest Wealth Advisors, LLP

AIM Services, Inc.

Marshall & Sterling Upstate

Alzheimer’s Association

Matt Smith, Chiropractor

American Diabetes Assn.

Miles Ahead Communications

Blitman Development, DBA Changebridge Construction

NBT Bank N.A.

Bodywork Professionals C.T. Male Associates CAP COM Federal Credit Union Carter Conboy CASmith, LLC Christian E. Mathiesen, DMD Clodgo Chiropractic, PLLC

New York State Recreation & Park Society Newport News Shipbuilding NewYorkATM.com, Inc. Roohan Realty Roohan Realty Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Program Saratoga Botanicals Organic Spa & Store

Company Name

Saratoga Bridges, NYSARC, Inc., Saratoga County Chapter

Criterium, Inc.

Saratoga Casino Hotel

Criterium, Inc.

Saratoga Casino Hotel

Curtis Lumber Company, Inc.

Saratoga Center for Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care Saratoga Children’s Theatre, Inc.

Estates at Beaver Pond Village Family Vision Care Center Family Vision Care Center FC4, Inc. (Firecracker 4 Road Race) Fitness Professionals On Demand Fleet Feet Sports Four Winds Hospital Saratoga Franklin Community Center, Inc. Hampton Inn & Suites Saratoga Springs Downtown Healthy Strong Fit Personal Training Service Impressions of Saratoga Impressions of Saratoga iRun LOCAL Junda Video Enterprises

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Saratoga Farmers Market Assoc, Inc. Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co. Saratoga Sports Massage Saratoga Sports Massage Saratoga Today Semeraro Photography Smith Weight Loss and Wellness Programs TD Bank The Wesley Community Universal Preservation Hall West-­e Photography Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park

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NowThe it's Saratoga your turnCounty - Join Chamber ofTODAY Commerce Fill out the #HealthySaratoga pledge and fax back TODAY: (518) 587- 0318

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PLEDGE

Our company/organization supports the mission of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s #healthysaratoga movement which is to establish Saratoga County as one of the healthiest places to live and work.

We recognize that healthy employees tend to be happier and more productive, and that there are ways in which employers can positively support the achievement of the personal wellness goals of our employees.

We strive at all times to create and support a safe and healthy workplace.

We hereby pledge to join the #healthysaratoga movement by (check one or more): (

) Inviting local health and wellness professionals into our workplace to educate our staff from time to time.

(

) Offering healthy snacks for our employees and customers as well as water versus soda whenever possible.

(

) Select a walk, run or cycling event and register a team of employees who will participate together.

(

) Encourage employees to spend a few minutes periodically during each day to stand, stretch and relax.

(

) Support any member of our staff as much as possible if they enroll in a smoking cessation program.

AND/OR we pledge to support the health and wellness of our employees by:

(

) _____________________________________________________________________________________

(

) _____________________________________________________________________________________

(

) _____________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Company/Organization: _______________________________________________________________ Key Contact Person: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Signed: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Chamber members are invited to complete this pledge form and to forward it to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, 28 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or via email to sthornton@saratoga.org.

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Healthy eating has never been so

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Clean Eating in the

season

BY MADISON MESSINA

With sweater weather coming into season, it’s time to think about what produce to bring into the home. Just as the colors of the leaves are changing, the colors of our fruits and vegetables should be changing as well. With summer leaving us, it will be hard to come across the vitamins and minerals our bodies need in order to keep us healthy and happy. Here are just a few ways to eat clean with the season, keep you feeling great and keep the cold outside where it belongs!

Flavor of the Seasons As you look around, you may realize that every season has its own colors. They actually have their own flavors as well! The color of winter vegetables is normally muted in comparison to the light colors of summer, but they are filled with the nutrients we need to protect ourselves from the soon-to-be temperature change.

While shopping for your groceries during the winter, there are a few items you can get to help activate both your immune system and your metabolism. In return, this will help you overcome any fatigue or moodiness the new weather may cause. Look for foods that are rich in fiber, Omega 3, and antioxidants. We suggest broccoli, oranges, and even cauliflower. These fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin E and C to keep your health guard up!

You may have noticed that pumpkin is everywhere you look during the fall. This is for good reason other than just tasting delicious! Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene which is essential for the development of our immune system. By eating clean and healthy, your boosted immune system can keep you protected from any harmful substances. Cabbage is excellent as well if you’re looking to get some extra vitamins into your system. It has vitamin A, B1, B2, B9, and C! Who knew one vegetable could pack so much punch?

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Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

Clean Cooking at Home One of the best feelings about making your own food is having the ability to be tucked away in the warmth of your home while it is blistering cold outside. Plus, cooking anything from scratch beats warming up a frozen package from the store! If you want to make your task a little bit simpler, we suggest planning ahead and making sure your home is stocked with all of the healthy foods that your family enjoys. This way, you will always have a nutritious alternative for breakfast, lunch, and even snacks when you’re on the run!

Check out some of our delicious recipes to keep your heart and your tummy warm this fall!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Instant Oats • ¾ Cup of Whole Wheat Flour • 2 Tablespoons of Chocolate Chips • 2 Tablespoons of Oil • ¾ Cup of Pumpkin Puree • ½ Cup of Maple Syrup • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Directions: 1.

2.

• 2 Teaspoons of Ground Cinnamon • ¼ Teaspoon of Ground Ginger • ¼ Teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg • ¼ Teaspoon of Salt

Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl, whisk your oats, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger together.

3. In another bowl, mix your vanilla, pumpkin puree, and coconut oil together. Then, add in the maple syrup and flour mixture.

4. Once this is together, fold in as many chocolate chips as desired.

5. Drop cookie dough onto a greased pan and bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes. Be sure to allow them to cool before the family digs in!

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ Cups of Whole Wheat Flour 2 Eggs 1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda ¼ Teaspoon of Baking Powder ½ Cup of Oil ½ Teaspoon of Nutmeg 1 ½ Teaspoons of Cinnamon 1 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger 1/8 Teaspoon of Cloves ½ Cup of Honey 1 Cup of Pumpkin Puree ½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Optional: ½ Cup of Chopped Tree Nuts

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix all of the dry ingredients together.

3. Make a hole in the center of ingredients and place the eggs, honey, oil, and vanilla. Mix. 4. Next, fold in the pumpkin puree and the nuts if you choose to include them.

5. Grease a large loaf pan and pour batter in.

6. Bake loaf for 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

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Holy Mackerel

By David Delozier

superFOOD

from the

sea!

18 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

Superfood is the new buzzword traveling in foodie circles these days, as people seek foods that help build the immune system and help to ward off disease. Taking center stage is kale and spinach – deep leafy greens that are loaded with mineral and vitamin-rich molecules called phytonutrients.

Because of their nutrient density, superfoods also can be an acquired taste, as anybody who eats kale knows. But once that taste is acquired, it is craved.

But getting superfoods from the typical big box grocery store can be challenging, where the perils of genetic engineering (GMO), pesticides and hormone disrupters are lurking in every aisle. And for anyone who has viewed the movie “Food, Inc.,” anything from the meat department is, to put it bluntly, unpalatable. Subsequently, people are looking to the sea for healthier options. Medical professionals, dieticians, sustainability proponents – all - are recommending more fish in the diet.

The Pescitarian’s Dilemma

Fish has been mankind’s staple food for millennia. It is the subject of lore and love throughout history. Jesus Christ first performed miracles with fish. But of all the fish in the sea, we modern humans seem to have settled onto just four species – tuna, swordfish, salmon and cod – as the fish to feed the masses. And those four species are arguably the most controversial of all fish species to eat. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Tuna and Sword are apex predator fish – the big fish that eat the little fish. That prized 400 pound tuna catch is an old animal, and as such, has the potential for accumulating nasty things like mercury in its tissue. And when we eat the tuna, we get the mercury too! That’s why it’s recommended to eat tuna or sword no more than once a week.

The demand for salmon is huge, so to meet the demand, most salmon is farmed in pens, not much different from the feedlots for cattle, and often eating the same GMO Franken-food. It fattens up the fish quickly, meaning high profits for the farming operations.

Much of the cheap farmed salmon is coming from places like Chile and Vietnam - long food miles, bad labor practices, and polluted waters. And coming soon to a grocer near you, a GMO salmon that matures in half the time. Don’t worry, the USDA has deemed it safe, and no labeling is required to differentiate this Franken-fish from the regular farmed salmon.

Cod, once so plentiful it was the primary food for slaves in the south (salt preserved), has now been depleted to the point that strict regulations are needed to replenish the fishery. The bottom line is, the big four are in big trouble. So what is a fish aficionado to do?

Forgo the farm; forget the big four… eat the little fish, not the big fish!

Holy Mackerel!

One of the most sustainable fish species is the Atlantic Mackerel, also known as Boston Mackerel. These small, bullet-shaped fish travel in pods, or schools, and are the favorite meal of the big fish like tunas and swordfish. Atlantic Mackerel are plentiful, and migrate up and down the east coast. They are caught sustainably

Roasted Mackerel

by small-boat family fisherman using nets that minimize the by-catch (unintentionally caught fish). Most fisherman have a problem in that they catch more than they can sell – which translates to an inexpensive fish for your table! And best of all, Mackerel is good for you! Out of both fresh and saltwater fish, it’s got one of the highest concentrations in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are the polyunsaturated fatty acids with huge health benefits, such as lowering your blood pressure and raising your good cholesterol.

Mackerel is also a good source of Vitamins D and B12. It’s the superfood of the sea!

Superfood, Super Flavor

I love Mackerel. They have a rich, buttery flavor that is “fishy” but that’s how they are supposed to taste. This full-flavored fish is distinct and unapologetic about its Atlantic flavor, in one rich bite after another. They are easily filleted and excellent prepared any way… baked, broiled, steamed, smoked, or fried. You can smoke it, you can pickle it, and you could eat it as sushi. It takes bold spices well, and loves garlic.

Its robust ocean flavor will excite adventurous fish lovers, especially sushi fans (soak it in a salt brine for an hour for a divine sashimi).

Cut out the dark meat along the midline for a milder experience.

Many recipes work great, but easiest is grilled whole with crushed garlic, Spanish extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.

Yes, just like kale and spinach, Mackerel is an acquired taste. It’s that way with all good, nutrient rich food. Strong flavor = strong bodies.

So on your next visit to the farmers’ market, grab some kale, and ask the fishmonger for the Mackerel!

with Garlic, Smoked Paprika & Raw Kale Salad Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 garlic cloves, peeled • 2 tsp smoked paprika (check out Four Seasons Natural Foods on

Henry Street, which has a great bulk spice department) • 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste • Olive oil • 8 Mackerel fillets, skin on (from Moby Rick’s Seafood) • 1 pound new potatoes from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

2-3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced For the Vinaigrette • Pinch of saffron • 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Kale Salad • 1 large bunch of kale from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market • Juice of 2 lemons • Sea salt Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Put the garlic and smoked paprika into a mortar, add the salt, and pound to a smooth paste. Add a few drops of olive oil, then rub the flesh side of the Mackerel fillets with the paste and set aside.

3. Make the vinaigrette. Put all the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay the Mackerel fillets skin side up on the paper and season the skin with sea salt. Roast for 8-10 minutes until the skin is crisp and the fish is cooked through. Remove from the oven and leave to rest.

5. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pan of salted water for about 15 minutes until tender, then drain. Return to the pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Crush lightly with the back of a fork, then add the scallions and stir to combine. Season with salt, then add a couple of tablespoons of the vinaigrette.

6. Cut the kale into narrow strips and place into a large salad bowl.

Sprinkle on the lemon juice and a few shakes of sea salt. Pound the kale with a wooden spoon to bruise. Set aside for 10 minutes. Toss with half of the vinaigrette when ready to serve alongside the fish.

7. Serve the crushed potatoes topped with the mackerel and a drizzle of the remaining vinaigrette.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 19

WEEKNIGHTS Made Easy!

HI, I’M JODIE FITZ! I’m so excited to be sharing some of our family favorites with the readers of Healthy Saratoga magazine!

I have spent the last six years traveling in SIX (!) states cooking with kids & families…

I can relate to the BUSY COOK : ) As my recipe collection continues to grow, I am starting to share some of the recipes that you will find at our house for meals… Enjoyed by both family… and friends!

I am always experimenting & creating tasty bites, finding the simplest way to do it & love sharing great flavor and time saving finds along the way.

CREAMSICLE SMOOTHIE Ingredients • 2 cups ice

• 1 ½ cups rice milk • 6 oz. vanilla coconut milk yogurt • 1 naval orange • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 ½ teaspoons orange extract • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Remove the rind from the orange and divide into sections.

Add the ice, rice milk, yogurt, orange slices, honey & extracts into the blender. Blend & serve.

20 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

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GRILLED EGG & CHEESE SANDWICH Ingredients • 1 Traditional FlatOut® Fold-it® or Five Grain Flax FlatOut(r) Fold-it(r) • 1 hard-boiled egg • 3 tablespoons sharp cheese, finely shredded • 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard • 1/8 teaspoon paprika • Black pepper • Butter

Directions

1. Peel the hard-boiled egg and slice.

2. Stir the dry mustard, paprika, a pinch of black pepper and the shredded cheese together.

3. On one side of the FlatOut® Fold-it® lay out the egg slices. Top the egg with the seasoned shredded cheese and fold the Fold-it® in half to create a sandwich.

4. Toast the sandwich in a grilled cheese fashion on a frying pan with a very thin coating of butter. Cook the sandwich over low heat on one side until it’s toasted, flip and cook the other side.

5. HARD BOILING EGGS: Place the uncooked eggs, in their shell, in a pan. Cover them with cold water; 1/4 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, cover & let boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to the pan off & let the eggs sit, covered in the hot water for an additional 7 minutes. Run cold water over the eggs to stop the cooking process.

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at www.jodiefitz.com and www.facebook.com/jodiefitzcooks, or check out my new cook books coming soon! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 21

Tools

OF THE

trade

healthy eating.

FOR

PHOTOS BY MARKBOLLES.COM

Thank you to John Reardon from Compliments to the Chef, for helping us to put this together!

22 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

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All-Clad 4 Quart Ceramic Slow Cooker:

It’s good for you. Because when foods are cooked slowly at a lower temperature, the vitamin and mineral content of foods are preserved. And since you control the ingredients, you can make soups and stews using lower-fat, lowersodium broths and lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry; include more whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa in your meals; and even make desserts a little healthier by cutting back on some of the sugar and fat.

Breville Hemisphere Control Blender:

When you are blending fruits and vegetables, you are keeping the fruit intact. That means the nutrients that each item contains is going to be in the right amounts.

More importantly, the fiber content of what you decide to blend is going to remain. Fiber helps to regulate our dietary tract, lower the risk of chronic disease, and helps to stabilize blood sugars. This way you still get the benefit of drinking your foods instead of eating them, but you get the whole food package instead of just part of it.

Food Mill:

Food mills have a myriad of uses. They are an excellent way to make food that is soft enough for babies, yet not as pulverized as it would be using a blender. Food mills allow elderly or sick individuals — who may have trouble chewing or swallowing whole foods due to poor dentition — to consume nutrient-rich whole food instead of fortified supplement beverages, which can be expensive. Even picky eaters may benefit from the food mill, consuming healthful and inventive combinations of puréed fruits and vegetables.

Since it doesn’t rely on electricity, the food mill is more earthfriendly than its modern day counterparts and can be used anywhere, anytime. If properly cared for, a food mill can last decades, giving it a home in your kitchen for generations to come.

Salad Spinner:

Fill your salad spinner with enough water to remove dirt, sand, debris, and other particles from your lettuce leaves, which should sink to the spinner’s bottom. Lift the strainer basket – that contains the leaves – out of the spinner bowl, pour out the water, replace the strainer basket in the spinner bowl, and secure the lid on it. Spin the leaves according to the technology of your spinner. The spinning action forces the water off the leaves and helps them to dry. When not properly washed and dried, salad greens can be potentially harmful because of the presence of E. coli, listeria, and other types of bacteria which can cause food poisoning. The rise in outbreak of food borne diseases has, in fact, been one of the reasons why salad spinners have become increasingly popular. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 23

Epicurean Cutting Boards:

The Epicurean Cutting Boards have earned their place in the heart of the kitchen, meeting the highest standards of cooks and chefs world-wide.

With a natural look and texture from an eco-friendly, wood fiber composite, these boards are durable, nonporous, knife-friendly, and dishwasher safe.

Chef’n Salad Shears:

Chopping lettuce leaves for a dinner salad is easy and efficient thanks to the Chef'n Salad Chopper Shears. A one-handed design allows you to cut lettuce in a bowl or on a cutting board in no time.

The scissor-like architecture cuts and shears lettuce while the nylon blades put an end to nasty wilting.

Wusthof 7” Santoku Knife:

This multi-purpose knife of Japanese design is perfect for slicing, dicing and mincing vegetables. Can be used as an alternative to the chef’s knife and is popular for those with small hands or anyone who finds a chef’s knife overly heavy. The Santoku knife is great for thinly slicing fish and for that dreaded task of chopping onions.

Mortar and Pestle:

Having a mortar and pestle in your kitchen will definitely encourage you to grind up more fresh spices. If you have ever cooked with freshly ground spices, then you know just how much better your food will taste. Moreover, spices have a tendency to naturally lose some of their taste when they have been processed. Yet, when you grind them fresh, yourself, this is simply not an issue. If you like the way your food tastes, then you are more likely to cook more nutritious food on a consistent basis.

Vegetable Spiralizer:

Transform vegetables into spaghetti-or fettuccine-style noodles within seconds for pasta-like dishes, salads, curly fries, frittatas and more. Make quick work of slicing onions or shredding cabbage, or make ribbon cuts of fruits like apples and pears for delicious desserts.

24 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

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All of these

HEALTHY, COOL TOOLS

& more available at

Escali Digital Scales:

The Escali Arti Digital Scale is capable of weighing both liquid and dry ingredients up to an astounding 15 pounds with 0.1 ounce or 1 gram increments.

Why weigh food?

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, increased portion size has contributed directly to American obesity epedemic. In its review of research about portion size, the NCCDPHP found that most Americans do not understand the difference between portion size and serving size. Learning how to use a food scale will help you recognize the correct serving size for the foods you eat, helping you to naturally cut back on calories and lose weight.

518.226.4477 46 Marion Ave #3 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 SaratogaChef.com

Thermometers (ThermoWorks and Escali):

Many people associate food thermometers with checking the temperature and doneness of an Easter ham, Thanksgiving turkey, or Christmas roast. However the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises using meat thermometers for everyday cooking as well as for professional restaurant cooking, whether you are preparing poultry, red meat, or pork. Regardless of the size or cut of meat you are preparing, the only truly steadfast method to ensure that the food is at a safe temperature for consumption is by using meat thermometers.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 25

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FALL PRODUCE FOR HEALTH

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTA CAIMANO

It’s that wonderful time of year once again with the crisp scent of Fall in the air. Autumn would be incomplete without one of its biggest icons, the apple. The Fall harvest also brings other favorites, such as pumpkins, butternut squash and cabbage.

Apple picking is not only a seasonal favorite, but a past time, a tradition, and a major part of the state’s economy… there’s a reason the apple is our state fruit here in New York.

Fall conjures up memories of spending time with family apple picking, eating apple cider donuts, and a trip to a local cider mill. Apple cider, hot or cold is a seasonal favorite as well. Baking apple pie, making apple crisp and homemade apple sauce are traditions of Fall held by many families. The apple, of course, plays the starring role in all of these activities. They are rich in antioxidants and high in fiber. Apples are travel friendly 26 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

which makes them an ideal snack.

With Fall in full swing finding local orchards for apple picking can be easy using the NY Apple Country website. NY Apple Country provides local orchards and farmers’ markets by simply putting in a zip code. Instantly dozens of places appear. In the Saratoga area there are many different options for apple orchards and farmers’ markets, from Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens and Saratoga Apple, to Bowman Orchards in Clifton Park. It’s always a good idea to call ahead for hours of operation and varieties available for U-Pick.

In addition to orchards, the Saratoga area has numerous pumpkin patches and fall farm stands. Visit www.saratogafarms.com for the recently updated Saratoga County Farm & Forest Map. A list of pumpkin patches includes Ellms’ Family Farm, Hanehan Family

Farmstead, Maple Hill Farm and Schuyler Farm just to name a few. For a full array of fall fruit visit a farm stand or farmers’ market.

Imagine coming home from a local apple orchard with dozens of Red Delicious, Gala and Granny Smith apples, now what?

Making a pie can be a good way to savor fresh apples but canning or freezing apple slices or applesauce will let you enjoy the apples much longer. We have some recipes here for you to try, but for more information regarding canning, freezing, or other forms of food preservation visit Cornell Cooperative Extension’s website, http://ccesaratoga.org/ nutrition-food/food-preservation, or call Diane Whitten at 518- 885-8995.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, an educational outreach of Cornell University Cooperative Extension’s USDA saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

research, offers food and nutrition education, as well as educational support for the number one industry of Saratoga County, agriculture. As a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension, Diane Whitten has tried to marry the two by encouraging people to eat healthy food from local farms. All the recipes in her Favorite Farmers’ Market Recipes cookbook feature locally available foods as the main ingredient. (Some of her recipes are highlighted in this section.)

Diane is also a local resource for food preservation questions and offers workshops on topics including canning applesauce, drying apple fruit leather, pressure canning vegetables and meats, fermenting cabbage, freezing foods and storing root vegetables.

If you are new to canning, fermenting or freezing, the safety of your food is of the upmost importance. To prevent foodborne illnesses and retain optimal taste, contact the National Center for Home Food Preservation at www.homefoodpreservation.com Making fruit leather is another innovative way of enjoying fresh fall produce. Fruit leathers, also commonly known as “fruit rolls”, are made from pureed fruit. Instead of buying commercially made fruit rolls, making fruit leather is a great way to ingest less sugar, save money and have some fun.

Fermenting vegetables, such as cabbage, is becoming a popular method of preservation especially during the fall harvest. The vegetables are fully submerged in a brine of water and salt, usually in a ceramic crock, but glass or food grade plastic is also acceptable. Depending on the temperature, it can take up to 6 weeks until fermentation is complete, then it can be stored for 4-6 months in the refrigerator. Most Americans are familiar with fermented sauerkraut, but Kimchi, a Korean dish made by fermenting cabbage with other vegetables and seasonings, has become very popular in recent years. Kimchi is traditionally served as a side to fried rice. Kimchi recipes vary depending on its origin and can be made to your specific tastes.

APPLE-FILLED SQUASH •1 Acorn Squash •1 large apple, peeled, cored and sliced •2 tablespoons brown sugar •2 tablespoons melted butter •1/4 teaspoon cinnamon •1/8 teaspoon nutmeg •Dash of ground cloves (or substitute ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves)

LEATHERS FROM FRESH FRUIT • Select ripe or slightly overripe fruit.

• Wash fresh fruit or berries in cool water. Remove peel, seeds and stem.

• Cut fruit into chunks. Use 2 cups of fruit for each 13" x 15" inch fruit leather. Pureé fruit until smooth.

• Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or 1/8 teaspoon ascorbic acid (375 mg) for each 2 cups light colored fruit to prevent darkening.

• Optional: To sweeten, add corn syrup, honey or sugar. Corn syrup or honey is best for longer storage because it prevents crystals. Sugar is fine for immediate use or short storage. Use ¼ to ½ cup sugar, corn syrup or honey for each 2 cups of fruit.

Saccharin-based sweeteners could also be used to reduce tartness without adding calories. Aspartame sweeteners may lose sweetness during drying.

PREPARING THE TRAYS For drying in the oven, a 13" X 15" cookie pan with edges works well. Line pan with plastic wrap being careful to smooth out wrinkles. Do not use waxed paper or aluminum foil.

POURING THE LEATHER Spread pureé evenly, about 1/8-inch thick, onto drying tray.

Approximate drying times are 6 to 8 hours in a dehydrator, up to 18 hours in an oven and 1 to 2 days in the sun.

DRYING THE LEATHER Dry fruit leathers at 140ºF. Leather dries from the outside edge toward the center. Test for dryness by touching center of leather; no indentation should be evident. While warm, peel from plastic and roll, allow to cool and rewrap the roll in plastic. Cookie cutters can be used to cut out shapes. Roll, and wrap in plastic.

Chances are the fruit leather will not last long enough for storage. If it does, it will keep up to 1 month at room temperature. For storage up to 1 year, place tightly wrapped rolls in the freezer.

For a well-balanced diet, eating 2-2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables is recommended. Fruits and vegetables significantly reduce the risks for heart attacks, heart disease and stroke. They provide essential nutrients to the body like potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber and help prevent certain types of cancer.

PREPARATION Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Place in microwave, cut side up, cook on high for 6-8 minutes.

Rotate halfway through cooking time. While squash is cooking, mix apple with other ingredients. Remove squash, top with apple mixture. Cover with wax paper and cook on high for an additional 6-8 minutes. Rotate halfway through cooking time. Squash should be fork tender, if not, cook longer. Serve individual squash halves or quarters on plates or scoop squash away from skin, and place in a serving bowl.

Squash is another of the bountiful vegetables of the Fall harvest, and is high in Vitamin A, Magnesium and Potassium. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 27

PUMPKIN-CRANBERRY COOKIES This makes a soft, cake-like cookie.

•½ cup softened butter •1 cup sugar •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •1 egg* •1 cup pureed cooked pumpkin* •2 ¼ cups flour •2 teaspoons baking powder •1 teaspoon baking soda •½ teaspoon salt •1 teaspoon cinnamon •1 cup cranberries •Grated peel from one orange •½ cup chopped walnuts

PREPARATION Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, egg and pumpkin. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Beat flour mixture into pumpkin mixture. Stir cranberries into mixture along with orange peel, and nuts. Drop by a rounded teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Pumpkins not only serve as an iconic symbol for Autumn and Halloween, they offer many health benefits. Like squash, pumpkin is high in fiber, as well as minerals that are heart healthy. When picking up a pumpkin at your local orchard, choose one for carving and another to eat!

APPLE CHEDDAR PIZZA WITH TOASTED PECANS •3 large apples, thinly sliced •1 cup apple juice •1 (12 oz. can) refrigerated, ready-made pizza dough •Vegetable oil cooking spray •1 Tbsp. cornstarch •1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon •2 Tbsp. honey •1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans •1 cup grated white cheddar cheese

PREPARATION Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly coat 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Press dough into pizza pan. Cook apples in apple juice until tender. (This won’t take long, only a few minutes. Don’t allow apples to get mushy.) Drain off juice and reserve. Place apple slices on dough. Dissolve cornstarch in apple juice, cinnamon, and honey. Cook over medium heat until clear. Spread sauce over apples. Sprinkle pecans on top. Top with cheese. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

SOURCE: U.S. Apple Association Who would have ever thought pizza and apples would come together so effortlessly. This creative recipe will have you wanting to try apples on everything! The apples and pecans make this pizza a healthier option than a traditional pizza.

Pecans are high in unsaturated fats and can lower cholesterol. They also contain vitamins A, B, and E.

28 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

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HOT APPLE CINNAMON WRAP (A great after-school snack) •3 tablespoons sugar •1 teaspoon cinnamon •1 tablespoon vegetable oil •2 apples (2 cups chopped) •1/3 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt •4 6-inch flour tortillas

PREPARATION Combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush vegetable oil on one side of each tortilla, sprinkle on a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl stir together apples and yogurt.

Place tortilla on plate with sugared side down. Put a ¼ of apple mixture on half of tortilla, fold other half over mixture. In a frying pan on medium heat, cook tortilla for about 1 minute or until lightly browned. Flip to cook second side. Repeat with remaining apple filled tortillas.

This simple yet mouthwatering recipe is a Mothers dream because of the simplicity. It is quick and easy to prepare and kids will love it. Cinnamon has been around for decades as an alternative to medicine, but we know it as a sweet and savory spice that makes any dish instantly taste like Fall. It can help treat type 2 diabetes and contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Not to mention it adds the perfect favor to just about any dish.

APPLE AND CHEDDAR PANINI •2 crisp apples*, thinly sliced •8 slices whole-grain bread •1/4 cup low-fat honey mustard •8 ounces low-fat Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

PREPARATION Preheat Panini press on medium heat. Lightly spread honey mustard evenly over each slice of bread. Layer apple slices and cheese over 4 slices of bread, using about ½ apple and 2 ounces of cheese for each sandwich. Top each with remaining bread slices.

Lightly coat Panini press with cooking spray. Grill each sandwich for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese has melted and bread has toasted. Remove from pan and allow to cool slightly before serving. Makes 4 servings.

SOURCE: U.S. APPLE ASSOCIATION, NYAPPLECOUNTRY.COM/RECIPE This unique panini is the perfect meal after a day outside in the cool Fall air. The creamy cheddar cheese pairs flawlessly with the crisp apple taste to create a recipe even your kids will love!

The Cornell Cooperative Extension holds classes every Summer on fruit preservation, check out their website for upcoming events and classes.

CCE.CORNELL.EDU If you are new to canning, fermenting or freezing the safety of your food is of the upmost importance.

To prevent foodborne illnesses and for optimal taste contact The National Center for Home Food NCHFP.UGA.EDU saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 29

Taco Burgers

Serves Serves4 4

With so many options in Saratoga County...

it's Time to Get 30 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

Moving!

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

EDDIE FYVIE

See how he lives a healthy lifestyle...

Into the Mind of an ULTRAmarathon Man

By Megin Potter

RUN. BREATHE. …IT HURTS. IT REALLY HURTS. THIS IS SEVERE PAIN...

KEEP GOING. I’M O.K…

photo by MarkBolles.com

I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THIS IS OVER.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 31

FIGHTING AGAINST PHYSICAL PAIN IS NOT FUN. Normally, Eddie Fyvie would run for fun, but that wasn’t what he was doing this year when he participated in The Vermont 50 Mile ultramarathon. Instead, he was battling against the toughest of opponents. He went to war - with his mind.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Unable to run until the age of four because of a club foot, Fyvie learned early on that determination can push the body past physical obstacles. Learning to run however, didn’t solve the problems he faced as a small kid growing up in a rough neighborhood. He was bullied, picked on, and getting beaten up at school.

He was a kid who walked around with no hope and no answers.

When he was 10 years old, all that changed. Fyvie saw a Jiu-Jitsu competition on television and learned that a smaller person can defend themselves against a larger person. In practice, he gained the confidence to make goals and the ability to surpass them.

“I’m always reaching for something more.”

ON THE ROAD First, he earned a black belt in the martial art, became a champion, and a professional fighter. Next, he became the owner and head instructor of the Eddie Fyvie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Malta. He developed a community there of men, women and children of all skill levels who were learning from one another and focused on living positive, healthy lifestyles. Then, he read Ultramarathon Man by endurance runner Dean Karnazes and was fascinated by the discipline and mental depths needed to run in an ultramarathon.

“I try to be healthy already, so when I decided to do something like this, I didn’t have to make too many changes,” said Fyvie. Finding the time to train, running nearly 10-20 miles daily (sometimes even maxing at 25 miles a day!), takes more than three hours a day, six days a week. That was the hardest thing, he said. He ran a 50K race in August, but then it was the big day.

32 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

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GOING TO THE MAX It was 40 degrees on that fall morning as Fyvie started running in the Vermont 50 Mile. The gravel roads led into trails climbing and ascending heights topping out at 9,000 feet. Excruciating pain grew in his ankles as he ran, and several falls left him fearful that he had fractured his forearm adding to the agony that lasted a total of 11 hours and 5 minutes… until he crossed the finish line.

a ch i n g “I’m a lwa y s re m o re.” fo r s o m et hi n g

“The big picture was overwhelming. I was just putting one foot in front of the other,” he said.

ak

rB oll es

.com

In the end, he conquered his body and his thoughts, which left him feeling invincible. It’s something he’ll need as he prepares for what may be his biggest challenge yet: becoming a father.

His first child, a boy, is expected in March.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EDDIE FYVIE JIU JITSU ACADEMY AT www.efjja.com

Courtesy of S. Doherty, MD

Courtesy of S. Doherty, MD

M by o t pho

12 weeks after 2 treatments, love handles and abdomen

12 weeks after 2 treatments, love handles and abdomen

Now booking into November 2 MOUNTAIN LEDGE DRIVE | WILTON NY 12831 MEDSPASARATOGA.COM | 518.587.6610

SculpSure is a breakthrough non-invasive body contouring treatment designed to reduce stubborn fat in problem areas in just 25 minutes.

No surgery. No downtime.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 33

Deb CZECH

See how she lives a healthy lifestyle...

There are two things that have improved my health and fitness in the past several years. The first was switching to a whole-food, plant-based (vegan) diet in 2012. The second was joining a Fleet Feet Sports running group in 2014, to prepare for my first half-marathon. I’m still running with a group and I haven’t run out of protein-plentiful, plant-based recipes yet. My other favorite outdoor activities: hiking, walking, cross-country and downhill skiing.

Deb’s Healthy Habits •

Eat whole (unprocessed), plant-based food

•

Limit sugar and added fat

•

Drink lots of water

•

Exercise before work or at lunch

(before excuses creep in…)

r i li a fam

Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night

looks

•

,d

oe

sn’t she.

..?

Plant-based Menu Ideas BREAKFAST: Whole wheat English muffin, peanut butter, banana Steel cut oatmeal, almond milk, cinnamon, dried fruit

LUNCH: Roasted vegetable and quinoa salad, apple Black bean-sweet potato chili, orange

DINNER: Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce, peas, spinach salad Mixed vegetable and tofu stir-fry, brown rice, fruit salad

SNACKS AND TREATS: Photos by MarkBolles.com

34 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

Rice cake with almond butter Pumpkin seeds or walnuts Whole grain crackers or popcorn Hummus and vegetables Fruit Dark chocolate Sorbet saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

STAY PRIMED

WITH MARCIE FRASER

C

WRITTEN BY MARCIE FRASER, PHOTOS BY MARKBOLLES.COM

older nights and fewer hours of daylight can trip us up and cause our fitness routines to Fall backwards. The Fall & Winter season can be the perfect time to tone up and take some weight off, just in time for Spring!

Sticking with your usual exercise routine is one of the best ways to boost your chances of starting the New Year without adding a few pounds. If you’ve been exercising outdoors all summer, switching gears to work out in the cooler months can be difficult.

Cold weather can be the biggest obstacle in starting or maintaining a fitness program. If cooler temperatures are keeping you from outdoor exercise and you don’t plan on joining a gym, set yourself up with a few strategies to keep you moving forward. Prevent your fitness program from falling backwards by setting yourself up for success.

INTERVAL TRAINING Interval Training Programs include active workout time (interval), rest time, repetition intervals, and speed. Interval training is a method of exercise that combines short, high intensity bursts of speed with short recovery phases that are repeated throughout a single workout. Interval workouts for beginners are done at your level of fitness and they can be fun and fast. Before you know it - your workout is over! This type of training works your muscles at a high rate of intensity for a period of time. During high speed interval exercises you increase your heart rate for a short period of time, then you go into the recovery phase and your heart rate lowers back to the resting heart rate. In the recovery phase (resting phase) the body works hard at bringing the heart rate back down… and just as it recovers, you jump start it again and speed things up. These cycles keep the body ‘on its toes’! This process keeps the body in a mode of up and down intensity and forces the body to work at its best to keep up. The intervals rev up your metabolism and turns up your fat burning engine. Keep in mind you will feel out of breath and your muscles will fatigue, but that’s good news!

Why? Because it’s your body transferring fat from your thighs (or belly, arms, butt) into fuel (energy).

It’s all a part of the Kreb cycle!

The Kreb cycle simplified; During exercise you deplete the glucose that’s stored in your muscle (your last meal). When you interval train you are doing aerobic exercise (requires oxygen) and once you delete the energy (glucose) in your muscle the body goes after your fat. To make the transfer, oxygen is needed and that requires you to breath more (huffing and puffing). Bottom line, when you begin to tire - don’t stop, your body is burning your fat!

When doing any exercise remember to use caution. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 35

WALKING/BIKING INTERVALS: Our interval training program starts with the most common and preferred exercise… walking. If you’re a beginner and you’re ready to start melting your fat away, begin with a total of a five-minute workout. Your high level interval should last for 10 seconds with a rest period of 30 seconds. If you’re walking outside, elongate your stride or pick up your pace. Really push it! Feel the muscles in your butt move you forward.

When I walk, I often pick a landmark. I look ahead for a lamp post or mailbox several yards away. I push it for 10 seconds and rest for 30 (or until my breathing returns to a normal rate).

If you are on a treadmill, speed it up or increase the degree of incline. Push the intensity for the same timed intervals as walking outside.

If you need more of a break, shorten the duration or increase the rest time.

If you are unable to walk, a bike is a super alternative.

Biking can easily heat the body up and melt that fat.

Begin with little resistance on the bike and pick up the pace for 10 seconds, rest for 30. As you become more fit, increase the resistance and pedal faster. Your goal is to get a bit out of breath, if you can carry on a conversation …push it a little harder. Ultimately you want to walk (or bike) for 40 minutes with several intervals throughout.

For each interval, shoot for five sets. As you get stronger, increase the duration of the intervals.

For the ultimate challenge shoot for 2 to 3 minutes an interval, you will practically feel the fat fall off. Perform the exercises every other day. Interval training is a superb way to bump up that metabolic rate and burn the fat fast…just in time for a fit body for the beach.

Good luck!

STAIR CLIMBING (BOX STEP)INTERVALS: If you’re ready for more of a challenge, let’s stair climb!

Find a set of stairs (bleachers) or a step box.

Climbing stairs can burn up to 900 calories per hour.

Stair walking (or running stairs for an advanced exercise) is one of the highest caloric FAT burners.

Beginners can use a step box (height at 6 inches).

Start with the right leg up, return down with right leg first, continue for 10 seconds and rest for 30 seconds.

FOR A MORE ADVANCED MOVE

find a set of bleachers, step carefully up the stairs, placing your entire foot on the step above, push through your heel and feel the burn in your butt and thighs. Once you hit the top of the stairs, return to the bottom (going down is not counted) and go right back up the stairs until you completed your timed interval (for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds). *Need more recovery time? Increase rest time.

FEEL THE BURN 36 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

PUSH THROUGH HEEL saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

30 SECONDS, REST FOR 30 SECONDS

JUMP ROPE INTERVALS: The ultimate challenge is jumping rope, which can burn up

to 1000 calories per hour. You will sweat! Jumping rope is not new to anyone, but doing it right with intervals can make the difference in obtaining and can slim the body fast. Beginners start by just stepping over the rope one leg at a time. Be sure to extend your arms out in a full arc, pull the rope over your head, shoot for a 30 second interval, rest for 30.

MOVING UP TO A MORE DIFFICULT LEVEL FOR JUMPING ROPE?

Try single leg hops. Begin with hopping over the rope one leg at a time; right leg hops over, rope follows around your body and then the left leg hops over. Elevating your hands, increases the heart rate, which in turn forces the body to work harder.

Hop over the rope for over 30 seconds, rest for 30. Need a super challenge? Go for it like a boxer! Full speed with both legs at one time. It will be very difficult to maintain more than one minute intervals, start with 30 seconds and increase time from there. * Caution: jumping rope may cause shin splints, be careful on how hard you hit the ground. Concrete is the worst offender, look for pavement or better yet, head to a park or high school that has a rubberized track.

Tips: • Get your physician’s clearance and know your limits.

• Always warm up well before performing intervals. Start slowly with simple walk / jog intervals.

• Bring your heart rate below 90 bpm during the recovery intervals.

• Increase either interval intensity, or duration, but not both in one workout.

• Stop at the first sign of pain.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 37

Riding with the Pack

By Megin Potter

I

n a car, the doors lock automatically, the windows are likely rolled up, the music’s playing and drivers try to avoid contact with each other while on the road. On a motorcycle, riders salute each other with that “biker wave”, or the occasional head nod. On a bicycle however, easy conversations with other riders are frequently part of the fun.

It’s a community and a comradery that develops, which is even more prevalent in group rides, happening throughout the region, where individuals are getting together to challenge each other and enjoy the sense of safety that comes with being part of a group.

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Road Rides As many as 30 people, with an average hovering around 20, gather for the group road rides organized by the staff at Blue Sky Bicycles, taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays until October, said shop employee Andy Larson.

“It’s you versus elevation in these rides, with different degrees of difficulty,” said Larson. With beginner level rides starting at approximately 15 miles in length and taking a little over an hour to complete, they also offer longer advanced rides with distances up to 100 miles.

For a pleasant fall ride, Larson recommends the 38-mile Saratoga Battlefield loop that they call “The History Lesson”, or US Route 9, a 345-mile stretch of shared roadway that travels from New York City up to the Canadian border.

Mountain Biking “I like mountain biking more in the fall-the colors you see are awesome!” said Blue Sky Bicycles’ Dave Giokas. The roots, rocks, ups and downs that vary with terrain are what excite the dozen or so mountain bikers that gather on Wednesday evenings. They can be found riding the network of trails at The Luther Forest Technology Campus or at The Stables, an intertwining system of trails behind Skidmore College maintained with help from the Saratoga Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) since 2000.

Country Rides For those looking for shorter family rides, Battenkill Valley Outdoors, located adjacent to the Battenkill State Forest, has customized self-guided routes leaving from their Cambridge location. They rent comfortable hybrid bicycles, tandem bicycles and attachable child trailers to visitors wanting to cruise around the stomping grounds of Norman Rockwell, tour historic landmarks, travel through covered bridges to local farms and dine at nearby eateries.

Bike-Packing Adventure Tours If you’re ready to plunge into a full-on two-week excursion, you can join the folks from Spa City Bicycle Works into the glorious wilderness of the Adirondack Park.

“We don’t so much ‘get lost’ as discover other routes to get there along the way,” said owner Tony Ferrabino, who’s been bicycling almost as long as he’s been able to walk.

“We’ll be here waiting for you and cheering you on,” he said. His experience comes through in his great tips for fall riders including his 4-month ‘countback’ method to always being prepared. A cold night in September is like one in April, so pack for that, he advises.

“It’s super fun to just get out and share our experience. Come hang out with us and see why!” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 39

Explore Your Inner World at

GypsYoga

e

GypsYoga Center founder and instructor Carol Dimopoulos, at right, and daughter and teacher Charlotte Dimopoulos, both of whom were trained at Yoga Vedanta in Rishikesh, India.

Exploring your inner world, giving back, and building a community connection are at the vision core of the newly opened GypsYoga center, located in historic downtown Schuylerville.

The Center features classes for students of all levels, workshops, community events, performances, and Yoga Alliance RYT Yoga Teacher Trainings with a slate of instructors fluent in Hatha, Kundalini, pre-natal and gentle yoga, Bhakti, and yoga for kids.

For those interested in teaching, GypsYoga will host RYT200 and RYT300 yoga teacher trainings with lead trainers from India visiting next summer. GypsYoga is a collaborative partner with Yoga Vedanta in Rishikesh, India.

“Our mission is to bring people inside, to explore their inner world through the holistic teachings of yoga, meditation, pranayama, creative arts and lifestyle,” says Carol Dimopoulos, founder of the GypsYoga center. Dimopoulos is a RYT-200 Kundalini Yoga instructor with additional certifications in Yoga 4 Cancer. She is also a Yoga Journal Live presenter and has taught at workshops and conferences across the U.S. as well as globally in Italy, Malta and Costa Rica.

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“Giving back is at the CORE of OUR MISSION, supporting local and global NGO communities through investment, reinvestment and social entrepreneurship SUPPORT.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“By settling the inner world, the outer world thrives through a connection with one’s authentic self, and community,” Dimopoulos explains.

With a combined passion for teaching, knowledge and understanding of the foundations of yoga philosophy, meditation and holistic lifestyle, GypsYoga encourages the beginner in a loving and welcoming environment, as well as challenging the most advanced student to use the body, breath and mantra.

Dimopoulos is also president of Learning Journeys, powered by Perillo, where she brings her passion for yoga and travel into health, wellness and community service-based travel programs to global destinations in Europe, Latin and South America, Africa and India. In bringing these principles to the world of travel, there is a commitment in every trip to servicing communities by incorporating giving-back through service projects. Her company has been featured in Travel and Leisure, and Spirituality and Health magazines.

Explore your inner world in at GypsYoga 120 Broad Street in Schuylerville.

For more information visit GYPSYOGA.COM EMAIL GYPSYOGACENTER@GMAIL.COM CALL: 518.260.9305

“ By settling THE INNER WORLD, the outer world thrives through a connection with one’s authentic self and community.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 41

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON CUPPING

WRITTEN BY Carrie Rowlands Johnson PHOTOS BY Alice Corey Photography

M

y eyes closed, I imagine dozens of tiny kisses from a little dog’s tongue running across my face. The low whirring of a machine lulls me, while reminding me the sensation on my face is actually the suction of tiny glass cups, their task to not only relax me and my facial muscles but to provide therapeutic benefits as well.

Lesley Waters Dobis of Wellness with Lesley maneuvers the miniature cups along the skin on my face, practicing what is called Massage Cupping, a technique which draws the skin into the cups with suction. Her machine is one of three methods of performing cupping. Another uses fire to create the suction. The third is done with a hand pump.

Cupping is used in conjunction with massage but works differently, creating more space in the body and removing “clutter” left behind by toxins.

“It lifts up instead of pushing down. It provides room so the body organs work efficiently,” says Dobis, who touts the benefits of cupping as extending far past pure relaxation.

“Cupping gives a boost with natural body processes, the lymphatic system and circulatory system, in addition to what it does to the muscles and calming nerves.”

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Benefits of cupping include softening tight muscles, increasing the range of motion after injury, reducing inflammation, restoring lymphatic flow, soothing the nervous system, loosening scar adhesions and relieving pain. Cupping done on the head and face will also reduce sinus congestion, relieve TMJ pain, ease expression lines, reduce puffiness and stimulate natural elasticity.

You might relate best to Cupping by remembering the bright red marks left on the shoulders of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. Dobis says they were the result of fire cupping and nothing more than old blood cells brought to the surface of the skin as it is sucked into the cups. When a cup is left in an area for a period of time, it draws anything out of the body that is not needed. This can include these old cells, along with things your body doesn’t recognize as natural, such as chemicals in lotions, food additives or pollutants from the air. The darker the spots, the more debris is being rid from the body. She says athletes are typically on the cutting edge of such therapies.

“Athletes take care of their bodies. They look for techniques that restore muscles. A relaxed muscle is easier to use. This is the next extension and makes massage more powerful… we are always looking for that in my field.”

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I’m enjoying the benefits of what is called a cupping massage facelift. The baby suction cups dance along my facial skin, ironing fine lines and relaxing muscles much like botox would. Dobis says using the machine prevents the red spots, which would obviously be a problem on a body part as visible as the face.

Using the machine is not a guarantee there will be no red spots. If the cups are left static for an extended period of time, they can cause marks, which typically last until the skin rejuvenates. These used red blood cells will fall off in a few days with old skin cells, along with any impurities. For this reason, she recommends scheduling your cupping with plenty of time before a public event.

While cupping may have been first introduced to many of us during the Summer Olympics, Dobis says she has been practicing this technique since 2011, after she trained in both North Carolina and France. She’s surprised at how many of her clients are unaware such a practice exists, and with how infrequently it is requested, even in light of the Olympics. She often offers it to clients after observing a need.

“For me, It’s an additional way I can help. I love that… it’s one of the few things that are (both) good for you and pleasant. I work on so many different body systems when people think I’m only working on muscles.”

Cupping is an ancient practice dating back to more than 35-hundred years ago when it was first documented in Egypt.

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Lesley doesn’t charge more to add cupping into a massage. Instead, she puts the cups to work in the areas they might perform better than her hands would.

Cupping is safe for the same population that might receive massage. The effects continue to work long after you leave the massage table. Results are best achieved if you avoid temperature extremes.

Showers, hot tubs, saunas or ice application are not recommended until after four to six hours have passed.

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SELECT LOCAL Road2016 Races SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23RD – 9:30AM

Lyme Away 5K 5K cross country course 30 Rocket Way, BALLSTON SPA, NY US 12020 runsignup.com/Race/NY/BallstonSpa/lymeaway5k

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23RD – 10:30 AM

The rUNDEAD Special Olympics - NOW A COLOR RUN! Zombies will throw color at runners as they go through the zombie zones on the course.

Saratoga Spa State Park www.facebook.com/TheRUNDEAD

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23RD – 9:30AM

Wandering Which Trail Run Held each year in October, this 5K and 10K race in Greenwich, NY benefits Greenwich running programs.

Christ The King Conference Center, 575 Burton Road, Greenwich, NY www.bkvr.net/wandering-witch-trail-run

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH – 9:00AM **TAR RACE** Goblin Gallop Goblin Gallop 5K & Halloween Hop Kids Run To Benefit, Adirondack Runners and Nepal Village School Project Abraham Wing School, Glens Falls, NY

www.adirondackrunners.org/event/show/371104950

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH – 10:00AM SuperHeroes 5K Race To Benefit, Blue Lives Matter 5K Mud Run Obstacle Course, and 5K Family Run. Join the fun for a great Sports and Family weekend with the Toughest 5K Mud Run Obstacle Course in the East. We have added the Wilderness Survivor 5K Mud Run Obstacle Course which will challenge every Mud Runner to the Max. In addition, we will be having our 1/2 marathon, and a new 2K Family Run Costume Themed run and our 5K SuperHero Run. Come visit our 2-day event with fun for the family.

678 Route 67 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 www.active.com/ballston-spa-ny/running/distancerunning-races/superheroes-5k-race-2016

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Your Capital Region source for running footwear, apparel, and accessories. We offer a free custom fit process and 11 leading brands of footwear.

Ask us about upcoming Good Form running classes, winter apparel clinics, and our Fleet Feet Distance Project training programs for runners of all

SATURDAY,OCTOBER29TH–12:00-3:00PM

Zombie Survivor 5K Mud Run Wilderness Survivor Games trials are hardcore 5 K Mud Run with 12 Obstacle course challenges designed to measure your multifaceted vigor, endurance, mind and ability to Survive. We have the best groundbreaking obstacles and Survivors worldwide.

Wilderness Survivor Games is the foremost Wilderness Survivor course in the US Benefits:www.BlueLivesMatter5K.com Double M Haunted Hayride 678 Rt. 67.

Ballston Spa, New York www.zombiesurvivorrun.com/home.html

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH – 10:00 AM

5th Annual Revolutionary Run for Veterans The Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection invites you to the 5th Annual Saratoga County Veterans Trust Fund 5K Race and children’s Nature Run. Proceeds benefit the Saratoga County Veterans Trust Fund. Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, NY 12871 runsignup.com/Race/NY/Schuylerville/ RevolutionaryRunForVeterans

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH – 10:00 AM

Operation Santa Run 5K/10K Run /Walk 5K course is very flat and fast. 10 K has one hill which is early in the race. Raises money to provide food and clothing to underprivileged children through a several county areas.

Hudson Falls Middle School, Notre Dame Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 www.active.com/hudson-falls-new-york-ny/ running/distance-running-races/operationsanta-run-5k-10k-run-walk-2016

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH – 10:00 AM Chris Dailey 5k Turkey Trot To benefit the Christopher Dailey Foundation and enrich the children of our community with a place to play, learn and enhance their lives through team and individual sports activities.

Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

abilities. Make new running friends in our year-round Running Club, hosting weekly runs throughout the region.

Fleet Feet Malta | Rte. 9 Shops of Malta | 400-1213 Fleet Feet Albany 155 Wolf Road | 459-3338 www.fleetfeetalbany.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, – 9:00 AM

2016 Capital Region Jingle Bell Run Be part of the largest holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere - and join the movement to conquer arthritis! The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get out, get moving and raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. In communities nationwide, this annual event brings together people from all walks of life to shout “Yes, we will live life to its fullest while searching for a cure!”

As a Champion of Yes, kick off your holidays by helping conquer arthritis once and for all! Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater.

Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members, spreading smiles, good cheer and a winning spirit…and be a Champion of Yes! Halfmoon Town Park, 162 Route 236, Halfmoon, NY 12065 www.jbr.org/faf/home

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, - 9:00 A.M.

4 Mile Reindeer Run & 1 Mile Jr. Reindeer Run To Benefit: Cindy’s Comfort Camp & Adirondack Runners SUNY Adirondack 640 Bay Road Queensbury, NY 12804 www.adirondackrunners.org/event/show/371579701

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, - 5:30 PM 19th Annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run Start and finish on the beautiful Skidmore campus. The first ¾ mile is a gradual uphill on the perimeter road. The course exits the campus at Clinton Avenue and continues to Greenfield Avenue, continuing up North Broadway and back to campus. This is a moderately challenging course, including both hills and downgrades. Limited to 1,500 Runners: Due to the overwhelming success of this run, and having to close-out registration several years in a row, there will be no day of race registration.

Benefits The Arts Center Skidmore College Athletic Complex, Saratoga Springs, NY www.saratoga-arts.org/firstnight/5krun

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Pocket Parks

BY MATTHEW E. VEITCH AERIAL PHOTOS BY JOE CAREY

AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 47

Waterfront Park

MATTHEW E. VEITCH Saratoga County Supervisor, covering the City of Saratoga Springs.

S

Saratoga Springs is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Our development over the past thirty years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prudent architectural preservation and development of our downtown area, while also implementing zoning policies that preserve the Greenbelt, has made our City an unqualified success among Upstate New York Cities. One facet of this success that has been in effect since 2002 is our Open Space Plan. The Saratoga Springs Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC,) and myself as its Chairman, have been hard at work looking at this plan and we agree that it needs some updating to reflect the current realities of development within our City.

The plan primarily focuses on preservation of critical parcels in our outer district, and the $5 million approved by the voters by referendum in 2002 has been used for land purchases in this

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area of the City. Parcels have been purchased in all parts of the outer district with this funding; and some, like the Waterfront Park, have been further developed into usable public spaces, while others, such as the Brust parcel near Lake Avenue, have been largely left intact as natural areas.

One of the largest expenditure of funding from the original bond referendum was the purchase of development rights at the Pitney Farm last year. All these acquisitions by the City contribute to the enhancement of the ‘City in the Country’; by preserving large open parcels for public use and aesthetic value. They have, though, depleted the original bond act, and there is very little funding left to make land acquisitions in the City.

The 2002 plan was developed at a time when the conventional wisdom was that our outer district was under threat of vast suburban sprawl, both of a residential and commercial nature. The last version of our comprehensive plan recognized this, and our City was presented with a development plan that focused on building in our

downtown area. Conservation zoning was implemented and has been largely successful in preserving the greenbelt from intensive sprawl development.

More recently, development has occurred on the ‘outer’ downtown area. The Hamlet at Saratoga, 2 West Avenue, Neumann at Saratoga, and other developments are complete or under construction.

Meanwhile, downtown has seen many formerly vacant parcels developed as well, with a more densely developed downtown area than we had in 2002.

The Open Space Plan does not address the needs of today’s City. While outer district land preservation needs to continue, it should not be the primary focus of the plan. With all the new development, we need some small open spaces closer to downtown to create breaks within and between zones. One continuous area of development will, I believe, detract from our City in the long run.

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So the OSAC is looking to have the City update the plan, and include a pocket park aspect to it, and to identify some key parcels that could be acquired to enhance our City. These parcels do not have to be large, just enough to provide respite to our residents that may be living in or walking though these neighborhoods. One parcel the committee has been looking at is the small parcel at the corner of Ballston Avenue and Broadway, which has become a vacant spot in the City that could be enhanced as a small pocket park.

The committee will present what it has been doing up to this point, and will then take suggestions on what the City should be doing with its Open Space program.

Once we hear from the public, we will solicit a professional to work with us to develop a new plan. There will be other opportunities for public input throughout the process.

This undertaking will take some work to accomplish, and the Open Space Advisory Committee is up to the task. The first step in any undertaking by the City should be public input.

The OSAC, along with the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, are constantly looking at ways to balance our City’s development with a reasonable and prudent program of land preservation. As we do this, we see pocket parks as a great opportunity to make our City a more attractive and pleasant place for those who live here, as well as for those who visit our City year-round.

So, we have scheduled a public information and Open forum on September 28th in the Arts Center in Congress Park.

Since the original bond act is almost depleted, we will look for suggestions on how to continue to fund what has been a very successful program of the City.

Pitney Farm

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HOW

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa, offers her expert advice on how to achieve younger, healthier looking skin today!

As an esthetician for more than 30 years, I’m often asked, “What can I do to take better care of my skin?” Especially after the summer season comes to a close and we have all spent hours outdoors enjoying all the season has to offer, people are looking to repair the damage that has been done over the last several months. The answer isn't that difficult. It truly is a partnership between your professional monthly treatments, and what you do at home every day. There is no such thing as a miracle treatment or a quick fix because even the most sought after procedure won't last, if you don't combine it with a good daily home skin care regime.

So what happens when our skin ages?

To keep it short and simple, as we age - healthy skin cell renewal slows down and we don't heal as quickly or replace new epidermal surface cells as fast as we did when we were younger. As time goes by, it slows more and more each year. This leaves our skin rough and dull.

Environmental stressors break down the collagen and elastin fibers, which lead to fine lines, wrinkles and even enlarged pores in the texture. Hormonal changes and sun exposure result in discoloration in the way of redness and brown spots. And finally, we lose the 50 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

TO GET

GREAT LOOKING SKIN plumpness of the underlying fatty layer and we no longer have those nice contours. This is what we call aging skin. The truth is, according to the Academy of Dermatology, approximately 90 percent of what we see on the surface of our skin is actually caused by extrinsic aging or what we did or did not do to take care of our skin.

So now what?

There are so many choices of what to do. What is the best option? I always start by saying persistence in your treatment is what makes a difference. We can't expect just one treatment to achieve the results.

Just like a fad diet doesn't work to lose weight. It is a lifelong lifestyle choice. You either eat right and exercise or you don't. The results of your efforts will speak for themselves.

Managing how our skin ages is also a choice and it begins with sun protection at a young age. On top of that, you will need constant, good skin care every day, morning and night. Daily care at home combined with professional spa treatments such as results driven facials, exfoliation treatments like peels and microdermabrasion, and in some cases resurfacing treatments, radio frequency saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Client Consultation with Visea Digital Imaging

High Frequency for Healing saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 51

treatments, micro-needling and light therapies for color corrections can help improve your skin drastically. It all depends on what your goals are and the condition you are starting with.

It is also important to mention that so many advances have been made with the approach to treating the skin due to lifestyle and the fact, people do not want to have treatments that cause so much down time that you have to go into hiding. You do not have to have treatments that are aggressive. In fact, causing too much irritation and inflammation can be counterproductive. That is why the persistent approach to good home skincare and results driven monthly treatments are so successful.

So what if you haven't practiced good skin care habits? The good news is, it’s never too late to start improving your skin.

Where do you begin?

In my professional opinion, I recommend starting with an in-depth analysis with a licensed professional where an imaging machine is used that can see below the skin's surface. With special digital imaging, you can see sun damage, vascular areas, measure the depth of wrinkles and texture imperfections. This analysis not only allows you to monitor results, it also helps the esthetician determine which procedures are going to be most effective for your personal skin condition. Often times we combine many different modalities for the optimal result. This has been documented in many medical journals in both dermatology as well as aesthetic plastic surgery, as reaping the most desirable outcome.

Microdermabrasion 52  |  HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

When we meet with a client at Complexions Spa, we offer a consultation using a medical imaging machine called Visia where we take images of your skin and go through a very in-depth analysis.

During this time, we also determine the most appropriate home care regimen and provide a starter kit to get you going in the right direction. We then customize a program by combining various procedures to achieve the desired results. Programs are available for all skin conditions and are customized accordingly from blemish control to restorative youthful skin programs. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO ACHIEVE BETTER SKIN NOW:

• Gently exfoliate your skin daily to loosen the bond of epidermal build up.

Esthetic Treatment Room

• Apply an antioxidant to help neutralize the assault from environmental damage we receive daily from air pollution, sunlight, stress, and more.

• Hydrate your skin with a daily moisturizer to restore lost hydration and plump cells.

• Apply plant stem cells, peptides and retinol to rebuild collagen and elastin and regenerate our skin.

• Apply sun protection daily! Even in the dreariest winter months. Did you know the skin can still burn on a cloudy, hazy winter day? Get into the habit of protecting your skin every day. It’s the daily assault that causes the most damage, not the day at the beach.

• Start a professional skin care program that includes a combination of monthly results oriented facial therapies selected by your skin care professional.

Relaxation Lounge Outside Relaxation Terrace

Denise Dubois is a professional esthetician with more than 30 years of experience. She is also the founder and owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness (www.complexions.com) located at 268 Broadway in Saratoga Springs and 221 Wolf Road in Albany. Denise works in conjunction with Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologist to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful skin. She can be reached by calling the spa at 518-306-5502. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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SEE THE LIGHT Tips

Good Eye Health FOR

BY: DR. CHAD A. VAUGHN O.D.

1.

Eat for Good Vision Many of my patients ask me about diet and how it relates to their eye health.

I advise them that adding certain nutrients to their diet every day – either through foods or supplements has proven beneficial. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamin C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, studies show. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health: • • • • •

Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices Oysters and pork

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses are extremely important part of preserving your eye health. More than 22 million Americans suffer from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Exposure to ultra-violet light increases your risk of both. You should know that the effects of UV radiation are cumulative, so it’s important to develop good protection habits early in life. Dermatologists have done a great job of educating us on the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It only makes sense that we should then also use sunglasses to protect our eyes from those same harmful rays. Essentially, sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes. Armed with the right information, you will be able to look cool and stylish and still protect your vision and overall eye health. For optimum protection sunglasses should:

•

• Block 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B • Block out 75-90 percent of visible light especially in the spectrum of blue light Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color, free of distortion and imperfection and be made of a durable light-weight impact resistant material like polycarbonate

Use Safety Eyewear

2.

Quit Smoking

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. The more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.

3.

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury Wear eye protection such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes.

54 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

5.

Look Away From the Computer Screen Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause: • Eyestrain • Blurry vision • Trouble focusing at a distance • Dry eyes • Headaches • Neck, back, and shoulder pain

6.

Taking the following steps will help protect your eyes: • • • • • • •

One Last Tip...

Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use.

Some people may need glasses to help with contrast, glare, and eye strain when using a computer.

Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down at the screen.

Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.

Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.

If your eyes are dry, blink more.

Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every 2 hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.

Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and see your best. Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to find these diseases early on, when they're easier to treat. A comprehensive eye exam might include: • •

• • •

Talking about your personal and family medical history Taking vision tests to see if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes) Tests to see how well your eyes work together Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to check if you have glaucoma External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation

Don’t let the end of the year sneak up on you with Flex Spending Dollars still in your account.

Eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, and vitamin supplements are all great places to spend those flex dollars.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 55

cross section of breast tissue in the microscopic view

Annual Breast Health Symposium

C

omplements

SARATOGA HOSPITAL’S Recently Opened Center for Breast Care

By Maureen Werther

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

When talking about women’s breast health, FOREWARNED is most definitely FOREARMED. Here are some facts from the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s website: • One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

• Every two minutes, one case of breast cancer is diagnosed in a woman in the U.S. • Currently there are more than 3 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. • New York is one of the states with the highest breast cancer incidence rates. Every year, about 15,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 2,700 die from the disease.

• Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. accounting for 29 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. • Every 13 minutes, one woman in the U.S. will lose her life to breast cancer.

• Early detection and effective treatment resulted in a 36 percent decline in breast cancer mortality (deaths) in the U.S. between 1989-2012.

For more than ten years, Saratoga Hospital has been working to arm women in the fight against breast cancer by offering an annual informational symposium on the important topic of breast health. What started as a small, informal gathering of physicians, health care professionals and members from the community has evolved into a half-day event, held on a Saturday in the Fall at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

This year’s event will take place on November 12th, from 8:00am to Noon, in the Orenda Ballroom, with a complimentary breakfast, followed by a morning of information, education and stories of inspiration and hope from physicians and health care professionals. This is a free event, but space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-580-2450.

• Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women.

DR. PATRICIA RAE KENNEDY, Director of the Center for Breast Care at Saratoga Hospital & LISA J. WOLF, Physician Assistant saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 57

Dimitri J. Koumanis, MD, Jessica Rounds, LPN, Jennifer K. Roe, RN, Lauren Davis, Patricia Rae Kennedy, MD, Lisa J. Wolf, PA-C, MMSc, Paula Gallagher, Leigh Manville, Diane Young, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator

Who Attends, and Why Is This an Important Event?

“There are so many people who are touched by this topic,” notes Dr. Patricia Rae Kennedy, Director of the Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care and the Center’s nationally recognized breast surgeon.

While more than 50 percent of the attendees are survivors, their family members, loved ones and friends also attend.

During the event, people get the opportunity to learn about important new findings and they hear from experts in the field, who are there to help alleviate confusion over the oftenchanging standards and recommendations on screening, treatment protocols and a host of other issues.

But the Breast Health Symposium is not just directed toward current patients and survivors; it is an event that every woman benefits from attending. Women who may be considered high risk; those who may not even know exactly what determines high risk; or, any woman who wants to be proactive and in charge of her health will take away something of value that she can use to steer the course of her own medical health and well-being.

Adding Value to an Already Invaluable Event.

The value of this year’s Symposium is further enhanced by the recent creation of the Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care, located on the hospital’s Wilton campus.

Dr. Kennedy was recruited to this area specifically to build a comprehensive program that would touch upon all aspects of women’s breast health. Working closely with physician assistant Lisa J. Wolf and a team of dedicated patient navigators and administrative and support staff, the Center for Breast Care offers detailed risk assessment, screening, surgical treatment, support and survivor services, and treatment for women throughout the region. The team includes Dr. Dimitri J. Koumanis, the Center’s plastic surgeon, committed to helping women recover from breast cancer treatment by restoring the shape and appearance of the breast after cancer treatment.

58 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a host of decisions they must grapple with, ranging from treatment options and medications, to choosing the best followup therapies, lifestyle changes and emotional support options.

Dr. Kennedy and Ms. Wolf work together as a team to ensure that all of their patients’ needs are identified and managed in a supportive, hands-on setting. Along with the patient navigators – who empower women by keeping them educated and informed about their diagnoses, treatment and recovery plans, as well as addressing any barriers to care – Ms. Wolf helps manage the survivorship phase During this time, women have usually been so focused on the immediate issues related to surgery and chemotherapy or radiation that they haven’t had time to consider their “survivorship” plan.

There is Life After Breast Cancer It is during this time that Ms. Wolf introduces patients to the resources that are available, both through Saratoga Hospital, as well as through community services, such as the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, Saratoga Hospital’s Breast Rehab Program, and free nutritional counselling.

“We provide the psycho-social support during what is most often a very tenuous emotional time for our patients,” says Ms. Wolf. “They are dealing with things like anxiety, depression and concern for their families.”

There are several different types of support groups that meet monthly, including groups geared specifically toward breast cancer survivors, survivors of all different types of cancer, and recently, a group dedicated to women ages 40 and under, who have undergone treatment for breast cancer and have their own unique issues and challenges.

Other services that patients can learn about and participate in include the Casting for Recovery retreat. The program offers a therapeutic weekend long fly-fishing experience, combined with education and peer support that most participants have found to be invaluable on their paths to recovery. Dr. Kennedy is a passionate proponent of the program and currently sits on its National Board.

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Patients who find themselves thrust into the complicated and emotionally-charged atmosphere of surgery and recovery don’t take the time until later to address other equally important physical challenges that they are grappling with.

Many post-operative patients are faced with addressing menopausal symptoms. “When you have just been cured, it may seem trivial to talk about issues like vaginal dryness,” says Dr. Kennedy, “but these are also very important quality-of-life issues.”

“Our role is to create a safe space for women to address these issues and they look to us for guidance and help in a caring and totally judgment-free atmosphere,” agrees Wolf.

“Our vision here at the Center is to develop a patient-centric program that focuses on personal care and attention,” say Dr. Kennedy.

The Center for Breast Care is, in effect, a hub where assessment, screening, prevention, treatment, and counselling are all available to women in one location. By having nearly everything consolidated and under one roof, the Center minimizes the steps that each and every woman should take to be forewarned and forearmed against breast cancer.

To register or for more information on the Breast Health Symposium, CALL 518-580-2450 For more information on the Saratoga Hospital Center for Breast Care, CALL 518.580.2170

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 59

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Can Be More Important Than You Think...

4AM

By Maureen Werther

“THE NIGHT IS THE HARDEST TIME TO BE ALIVE AND 4AM KNOWS ALL MY SECRETS.” -Poppy Z. Brite

THE NUMBER OF US READING THAT LINE, who fully understand what the author is speaking about, have probably spent more than a few sleepless nights, wrestling with our problems, and fighting back the parade of unwanted thoughts as they march relentlessly in front of our wide awake eyes. We are under so much stress in our daily lives that we often fail to get the amount of sleep we are told is required to be healthy and function at our best during the day.

That is why, in May, Saratoga Hospital opened a state-of-the-art Sleep Disorder Center, as a natural extension of its Pulmonary Medicine practice.

While stress plays a big role in our ability to get a solid and restful night’s sleep, there are many other physical issues that can intrude upon our sleep and, eventually, cause even more health issues if allowed to go unchecked.

Pulmonary medicine focuses on disorders of the lung and chest cavity, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia, and sleep disorders.

60 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

Dr. Hung Dinh Nguyen is the director of the hospital’s Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine practice, focusing on helping patients with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs, including pulmonary disease, pulmonary rehabilitation, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

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SLEEP DISORDE Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbance in the patient’s amount of sleep, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. There are about 70 different sleep disorders.

M

Dr. Nguyen received his training at Albany Medical College and has Board Certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialty certification in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, and Sleep Medicine.

He is a member of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, the hospital’s multispecialty practice.

I had a chance to chat with Dr. Nguyen and learn more about his interest in pulmonary medicine and exactly how it relates to the study, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. He explained that many different medical specialists practice sleep medicine, such as ENT’s and psychiatrists. Pulmonary medicine, however, focuses on oxygen.

“We all have a tendency to take sleep for granted,” says Dr. Nguyen. “We push ourselves as much as we can, for a variety of reasons.”

“But, we know that, if we don’t get enough sleep, our ability to function is compromised and our task completion suffers.”

According to Dr. Nguyen, patients whose sleep problems are a result of pulmonary ailments such as sleep apnea, for example, are not only losing out on the ability to have peaceful and restful sleep.

“That is just one piece of the puzzle. Patients with sleep apnea are running on a much higher stress level.”

He goes on to explain that apnea causes what he calls a “micro-strangulation episode,” which forces the person to gasp for air. In response to what the body is rightly perceiving as a crisis episode, both heart rate and blood pressure soar.

The purpose of sleep is to give the body and mind a chance to rest, restore and refresh. Dr. Nguyen likens it to turning off the engine of a car to let it cool down.

“Apnea patients are the complete opposite,” he points out.

“And, that nocturnal stress level carries over into the next day, with the same strangulation episodes repeating over again the next night, increasing the body’s adrenaline level and preventing restorative sleep.”

Over time, this chronic lack of oxygen and resulting interruption of sleep puts us at higher risk of stroke, heart attack, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and diminished ability to focus and perform tasks. Workplace accidents may also increase, as do auto accident rates.

MarkBolles.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 61

DR. NGUYEN N Dr. Nguyen notes that, in studies of patients suffering from lack of sleep due to oxygen deprivation, their chances of suffering from a negative cardiovascular event may be even higher than for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a combination of those conditions.

Of course, diagnosing and treating disorders such as sleep apnea is just a fraction of what they do at the Center for Sleep Disorders.

“When patients come into the practice, we perform a complete rundown of their medical history. We also have a conversation with the patient about their behavior, habits and lifestyle.”

Dr. Nguyen points out that, it is only when they ask questions that they can truly uncover what is at the root of the sleep problem. Does the person have adequate time for sleep? Do they go to bed and turn on the television, check their phones, play online games? Perhaps the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety, which is causing the lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep

“...FEELING FOGGY OR DROWSY THROUGHOUT THE DAY..THESE SYMPTOMS CAN BE CAUSED BY A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CONDITIONS.” If a person comes to the office complaining about not feeling rested in the morning, feeling foggy or drowsy throughout the day, or having difficulty functioning, these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. Once the medical reasons have been determined, patients can also be referred to the Sleep Center for observation. The results of those studies can then be incorporated into the patient’s treatment strategy.

Saratoga Photographer

Having the pulmonary and sleep medicine practice in conjunction with the sleep center offers the patient the most comprehensive diagnostic tools that will facilitate their treatment and recovery.

Saratoga Photographer

62 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

NOTES THAT, IN MarkBolles.com

LIVE VIEW SLEEP MONITOR

The sleep center includes eight, hotel-like rooms fully equipped with all the latest technology to help patients suffering from a range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

Dr. Nguyen feels that the practice and the new sleep center have “Elevated the level of care we can provide to our community.

Particularly with our new sleep center, the impact of sleep disorders on an individual’s health and quality of life is too often underestimated. We want to change that.”

Saratoga Hospital’s Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine practice, and the Center for Sleep Disorders are located at 19 WEST AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 518.693.4635.

Visit SARATOGAHOSPITAL.ORG for more information.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 63

Paying it Forward...

Family Vision Reaches Out to

SAVE A SISTER FROM BLINDNESS

By Susan Halstead

W

hen the historic Saratoga restaurant Lillian’s closed, employee Dilyana Bell didn’t know where her next job would be. Unbeknownst to her, Susan E Halstead, ABOC, FNAO, owner of Family Vision Care Center, reached out to Lillian’s saying she was looking to hire someone great, and Bell was at the top of the recommended list.

Bell joined Family Vision in February. It was a great match. In a recent statement, Halstead described Bell as a hard worker, honest, loyal and trainable. All that and more. So, when Bell found out her big sister was going blind, Halstead jumped all in to help without hesitation.

“In May, we learned that D’s [Dilyana’s] 29-year-old sister, Tatyana, was diagnosed with granular corneal dystrophy,” said Halstead. “She is extremely light sensitive and without obtaining corneal transplants, she will go completely blind.

Her vision now is comparable to having a handful of sand thrown into your eyes that you cannot get out.”

Tatyana Georgieva and her sister, Bell, grew up in Bulgaria, a country in Eastern Europe. Bell moved to the U.S. four years ago, but her sister remained.

Bell is deeply devoted to her family, and has many happy memories of her and her sister and parents spending weekends out on the farm, tending a huge vegetable garden and taking care of cows and pigs together. Back home in town, she remembers how they’d cuddle on the couch and watch television. It was very loving.

Then their father passed away.

“The moment I lost my father,” said Bell, “I said to my sister and my mother that I would do everything I can to make sure that they are healthy and fine. It’s very painful when I see my sister and her eyes.

She’s so young, and she could lose her vision and never be able to see again. It’s very hard to accept it, because she’s married and wants to have kids soon.”

Left to right: Dilyana Bell, Jen Grassi, co-worker at Family Vision, and Tatyana Georgieva in Bulgaria in September. Photo provided.

Georgieva lives with her husband in Bulgaria. According to Halstead, she and her husband are architects with a combined annual income of $3,000. Halstead said that in Bulgaria, organs are very rarely donated and transplants are rare due to religious beliefs.

“Granular corneal dystrophy is completely treatable with corneal transplants,” said Halstead. “We have been working for months at trying to secure the procedure for Tatyana in Albany with Dr. Schultz and Albany Medical Center Hospital.”

The good news is they recently learned that Dr. Shultz and the hospital are willing to help Georgieva and are offering an extraordinary discount on their expertise and services. But both the Bulgarian and U.S. governments need proof that the procedure is fully paid, before Georgieva can come here to have it done.

The clock is ticking - They need to raise $30,000.

The Lion’s Club has offered to provide $4,800 in fond remembrance of Bell’s friendly wait service at their weekly Lillian’s gatherings.

Halstead also said that John Baker, owner of Gaffney’s, has generously offered to host a fundraiser on Saturday, November 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. Gaffney’s will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres. There will be a $25 entrance fee and a silent auction.

“I know first hand that all of us are asked every day to provide financial assistance to numerous worthy organizations and charities,” said Halstead. “More importantly, I also know that we are an extremely generous community and I would like to personally ask you to consider assisting this young woman. Whether you believe in fate, Karma, God or simple acts of kindness, it is rather ironic that Dilyana ended up in my employ at precisely the same time her sister received this diagnosis of total blindness if her condition is left untreated. My staff and I feel compelled to do everything we possibly can to make this operation a reality.”

64 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

How to Help • Donate an auction item, especially one that would engender high bidding.

• Attend the Gaffney’s fundraiser NOVEMBER 5 and bring your friends.

• Donate cash or checks made payable to: Dilyana Bell, c/o Family Vision Care Center 205 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED BY NOVEMBER 15.

Saratoga Hospital Medical Group

“We really communicate well, we work together as a team, and we all have the best interests of our patients at heart. We do everything we can to provide the best quality of care to our patients.”

Joseph Bell, MD | surgeon president, saratoga hospital Medical Group

“The reason why this is important to me is because this is where I live.

This is the hospital where people I know go to, and where my family would go if they needed to. So it’s important to me that we do it right.”

J. RoBeRt hayes, JR. MD | hospitalist

The saratoga hospital Medical Group is a multi-specialty group practice offering our patients a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and behavioral health services.

For more information, visit saratogahospital.org

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2016 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 65

Paying it Forward...

Deborah Gerber Photography

GENTLEMEN’S RIDE

BY MARK JEWELL On the last Sunday morning of September, Saratoga’s downtown is brought to life by a group of motorcyclists. These aren’t your stereotypical bikers with either full leathers or high tech sport bikes, but a different breed... “The Distinguished Gentlemen.” Sporting three piece suits, bow ties and handle bar mustaches!

Why do they gather? A common goal, to bring awareness to Prostate cancer and men’s mental health.

These Gentlemen ride in a worldwide event with 60,000 riders known as the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, they

call it the DGR. It’s the second year for Saratoga’s ride, but the worldwide event started in 2012.

Only certain style motorcycles are permitted in the DGR… Cafe’ Racers, Bobbers, Choppers, Side car rigs, Retro customs, and even scooters.

Their riding equipment is also retro…

Goggles, open face vintage helmets, tall leather boots.

It’s a huge undertaking but well worth it.

The Gentlefolk - yes there are women riding too, collect money for sponsorships during the month of September, raising funds to aid in research for prostate cancer and men’s mental health issues.

Clayton Vargeson Photography

On October 2, 2016, I ran the Wineglass Marathon while pushing my buddy that I run for, Arianna Manning, in her chariot.

Will you join us next year, or donate to the cause?

Visit www.GentlemensRide.com for more info on your local ride.

If you are a male near or over the age of 40, please visit your doctor for a checkup, we want to see you next year cheering us on! Tally Ho!

ANGELMAN SYNDROME

BY JACKIE ORR What I do: I run for those who can’t.

Why I do this: I joined an online group about 4 years ago, IRun4, & was matched with Arianna Manning.

The sole purpose of joining this group is to offer support, virtually, to the buddy you are matched with & raise awareness for whatever disability they have - IRun4Ari! She is 12 years old & has Angelman Syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental disabilities & neurological obstacles such as difficulty walking & balancing, loss of speech & epilepsy. Last year, I was blessed with the opportunity to not only meet Ari, but to run the Wineglass Half Marathon with her! It only made sense to go the full distance this year!

I had never run a full marathon before & it wasn’t a personal goal of mine to achieve, but then the goal involved her.

To be able to give Ari the opportunity 66 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2016

There is a friendly competition among them to see who raises the most money.

This year the Saratoga ride collected over $6,000 toward the cause and ranked 133rd in the world.

Bringing awareness to Prostate cancer and men’s mental health issues is the goal, and these Gentlefolk, make huge sacrifices, without hesitation.

to participate in events that she could not do on her own made it a nobrainer decision to do this.

I am blessed with the gift of mobility so as long as I am physically able, I will continue to do this for her. It gives me purpose. It pushes me beyond limits that I never thought were even possible. It humbles me. It puts life into perspective. It is just what I do. It is what I will continue to do.

I am a mother of two and having Ari in my life has changed I parent my children. To see her parents do their unimaginably difficult daily routine with such ease, grace & love not only inspires me, it has changed me. I have more patience and I am thankful for all of the little things that my children are able to do every single day. I’ve realized that family & a strong community that surrounds you is everything!

LEARN MORE: CureAngelman.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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