Talk about local Dec. 2016

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 1

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

We’re Talking Local

Homes

Talk About

LOCAL! It's easy to keep it local with this many specialists!

We’re Talking

Local Jobs

September 2016 We’re Talking Local

Health

We’re Talking Local

Auto Care

We’re Talking Local

Home Services

Our Specialists Are Inside Auto 624 W Independence St., Suite 108 1 Block W. of Kickapoo • Shawnee, OK

273-2720 • www.mcicins.com

Home

Group Health

Life

Medicare Supplements

Give Us A Call!

2 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 3

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

HOME DECOR:

THE HOTTEST COLORS (BPT) - From furniture to walls, new homes to remodels, cool grays have dominated home design palettes for the last five years. Look to 2017 to gently shake things up with a focus on fresh neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create versatile color with timeless appeal.

One of the most notable trends of the year is the transition of neutrals from monochrome gray to warmer hues, including complex taupe, beige, khaki and brown colors. These warmer tones create an inviting feeling, and while grays will continue to be popular, look for hybrid hues that blend the best of gray with warmer undertones for colors that are unique, yet familiar.

The perfect example of this trend is Poised Taupe (SW 6039), the Sherwin-Williams 2017 Color of the Year.

Earthen brown combines with conservative gray resulting in a weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that fits well in virtually any room.

"Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe brings a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking."

If you're looking to refresh your space with this new color trend, there are countless opportunities.

Here are four stunning home decor themes using this up-and-coming color:

Cornflower hues

With its cool-yet-warm vibe, Poised Taupe is an ideal complement to cornflower hues. For example, when paired with the faded indigo of Stardew (SW 9138), it creates a charming palette ideal for French countryside aesthetics. This fun twist on a classic is sure to produce timeless results in the kitchen or living spaces.

fruits, dramatic wine colors and deep blues. Balance this mysterious palette with a neutral like Poised Taupe and you'll have a look that is unexpected and gorgeous.

Organic re-imagined

Create an updated nature-inspired palette in your home with citrus green, weathered bronze, mustard yellow and light, cool-toned blue paired with earthy neutrals like Poised Taupe. This contemporary organic look is perfectly re-imagined for the modern world with just the right amount of visual appeal.

Wine and taupe

Saturated color pairings that evoke deep moods are gaining popularity. Taking cues from baroque and romanticism designs, the Sherwin-Williams Noir palette is rich with colors that are reminiscent of vine-ripe

Yellow pop

Gray tones always provide a clean, modern base, but contrasting these hues with vivid colors allows you to transform any room into a contemporary paradise. Try using the deep teal of Marea Baja (SW 9185) and sunny hued Bee (SW 6683) alongside Poised Taupe to create a graphic look perfect for the office or kids rooms.

Ready to make this the year you update your house with fresh designs and stunning colors? To learn more about top trends for 2017, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.

Paul’s Place

STEAKHOUSE

Let Our Family Repair Your Family’s Vehicles.

Steak, Seafood & Grill Reservations Phone

(405) 275-5650

Hours: Tues.-Fri. Lunch 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Tues.-Thurs. Dinner 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Fri. Dinner 4:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Sat. Dinner 4:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday & Monday

120 W. MacArthur • Shawnee, OK 74804 http://paulsplacesteakhouse.com

E and J’s

NAPA AutoCare Center, LLC. Our business takes quality and customer service seriously.

As a NAPA AutoCare Center, we follow a strict Code of Ethics so customers will know up front what to expect.

1026 E. Highland • Shawnee, OK 74801 Tel. (405) 275-8016 • Fax. (405) 275-8022 www.eandjautocarecenter.com

4 • Friday, December 23, 2016

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

4 TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR HOME WARM, COMFORTABLE AND ENERGY EFFICIENT THIS WINTER (BPT) - With winter comes the holiday season, a time that's supposed to be associated with "comfort and joy." But how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable.

"Drafts and heat loss are common problems in the winter, and they affect homes of every age, size and construction," says Gary Parsons, fellow at The Dow Chemical Company. "Those factors can seriously affect your home's energy efficiency and how comfortable it feels. Fortunately, it's not difficult to deal with issues like air leaks and insulation, and doing so can significantly improve your home's function and livability."

Parsons suggests these steps to help ensure a draft-free, pest-free and comfy home this winter season:

Seal cracks and gaps Gaps and cracks throughout the home allow hot air to escape and cold air and pests to enter. Energy Star estimates that homes can have a half mile or more of cracks around doors, windows and sill plates alone, and those aren't the only places in a home where gaps can exist. Air duct joints, points where piping enters a home, and anywhere wood meets concrete (such as around the foundation) are locations where cracks and gaps can occur.

Sealing cracks can help prevent air leakage, improve a home's overall energy

Lonnell Alexander Agent

1328 N Harrison Ave, Suite 400 Shawnee, OK 74801 Bus 405-395-9680 Cell 405-808-2336 NMLS MLO#515528 MLO License #MLO13135

Providing Insurance and Financial Services We can help with your commercial dumpster and construction roll off projects.

24 Hour Nursing Care Cable T.V. Housekeeping Laundry Services

405-275-0900

www.centraldisposalok.com

Well-Balanced Meals Individualized by a Dietician

Our residents take pride in making their room their home.

The home has three living areas, and three dining areas.

Semi-private and private rooms, include:

24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care Social Service • Activities

Shawnee Colonial Estates (405) 273-7661 535 W. Federal • Shawnee

Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

efficiency and block out pests and insects. In fact, homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling by air sealing their homes and adding insulation, according to Energy Star.

Even do-it-yourself novices can easily and quickly seal cracks and gaps in their homes. Products like GREAT STUFF(R) Gaps & Cracks and GREAT STUFF(R) Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealants are specially formulated to seal gaps and cracks, blocking out air, moisture and even pests. The ready-to-use insulating foam sealants can fill gaps up to 1 inch. When using the product, be sure to follow safety guidelines, including covering all skin, using gloves and safety goggles, and keeping the work area well ventilated.

Check insulation Insulation is like a blanket that your home wears to help keep everyone inside warm and cozy. If your home doesn't have the right amount or type of insulation for your climate, it can lose heat, energy efficiency and comfort. About 90 percent of existing homes don't have enough insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

Follow Energy Star's guidelines for more information on how to check your insulation to see if your home could benefit from adding more.

Take care of the HVAC system If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system isn't working as well as it could, you're sacrificing

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 5

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

comfort and increasing your energy bills.

Make sure to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall to ensure they are operating efficiently.

Have the ducts inspected and seal any leaks. Be sure to change air filters regularly, per the system manufacturer's recommendation for filter type and frequency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dirty air filters restrict airflow, making HVAC systems work harder and consume more energy to heat your home.

Don't overlook little things Things as simple as a forgotten window left cracked in summer months or neglecting to close the flue in your wood-burning fireplace can all affect the amount of heat and comfort that escape your home in the winter.

Before the weather turns very cold, make a sweep through your home and check for these minor but important points: * Windows - Are all your windows closed? If you've recently sealed around windows, you probably opened them for ventilation. Double check to be sure you remembered to close them. * Thermostat - Is yours properly programmed to

optimize energy use by adjusting the temperature when you're out of the house? Proper use of a programmable thermostat can cut energy bills by nearly $200 per year, according to Energy Star. * Ceiling fans - you can use ceiling fans to supplement your furnace during the winter, but you have to remember to reverse the air flow. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the fan blades to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling during winter.

KIZZIA

Lic. # 2044

HEAT & AIR

Lobo’s

Car Wash & Detail Tires & Wheels

405-274-2525 405-816-1320 514 N. Harrison • Shawnee OK

Leader in Installation, Design & Service

Heating & Air Dealer

405

273-6617

624 Kickapoo Spur • Shawnee, OK Residential, Commercial, Heating & Air

6 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

HOMEWARD

BOUND Why quality time spent at home might be best for families

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

H

ow does your family like to spend time together? A new study shows that less may be more when it comes to having fun.

“Sometimes, it can seem like the only way to spend enjoyable time together as a family is to do something new and different — like taking a vacation and getting away from the routines of home life,” but staying home may be better for family happiness than finding fun outside the house, said Karen K. Melton, assistant professor of child and family studies at Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences in Waco, Texas.

Melton and Ramon Zabriskie,

professor of recreation management at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, explored family leisure activities in the study “In the Pursuit of Happiness All Family Leisure is Not Equal,” published in October in World Leisure Journal.

“The main finding from this study is, happiness with family life is strongest for families who spend quality time inside their home.

Quality time for our study was defined as satisfaction with the family activity,” Melton said.

Quality time spent in any location — at home, in the community and even in getaways and adventure activities — “were all significant contributors to happiness with family life, but

overwhelmingly the best and strongest predictor was quality time spent at home. Which may mean that ‘quality time at home’ is the best and most effective way to foster happiness with family life,” Melton said.

Not always happy Melton said that the catchy expression “The family that plays together, stays together” carries two misconceptions: That all family leisure brings positive results and that all family activities are equal.

The stereotype “is rudimentary advice often given to struggling families and even healthy families as premise for family stability, but relatively little is known about the

effect of family activities on individual and family well-being,” Melton said.

“The first misconception is that all family leisure produces positive outcomes. As a whole, the research tends to imply that family activities do increase family functioning; however, family members can also express stress and conflict

BIGSTOCK.COM

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

equal. This misconception assumes that by simply spending time together doing any activity, families will increase their stability. This would be similar to recommending watching television or dining together as equally beneficial options,” Melton said.

FREEPIK.COM

family time. Again, there is no onesize-fits-all, but these rules should minimize typical distractions,” said Melton, who acknowledged that both children and adults may dislike these rules at first.

Start a conversation

Make fun intentional “If you want a happy family life, it means you have to intentionally invest in quality time with your family,” Melton said. That doesn’t mean all time at home should be spent with the family or that all time at home is family time. “Just because you are under the same roof doesn’t mean you are spending quality time with family members,” she said.

Reclaim family time “Determine what activities constitute family time and make family time a weekly routine. For some families this is eating dinner together, but for others it is game night, walking the neighborhood, movie night or just hanging out on the back porch. For our family, last night, it was making ice cream together. Families should choose activities that they enjoy,” Melton said.

Financing Available W.A.C. See Store for Details

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 7

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

Protect family time “A second piece of advice is that families should set boundaries for family time. This can be a time frame like 30 minutes, and rules like such as no smart devices or no television on in the background. Some families throw everyone’s phone in a basket until the end of

“The last thing for families to consider is to pump up the conversation. Some families talk about their highs and lows during the day,” but another option is to choose a silly question such as “What would you do if you won a million dollars?” or “If you could be any cartoon character who would it be?” “These questions can add to the routine conversation about family members’ days and help family members learn something new and interesting about one another,” Melton said.

A change in the family routine can seem weird, but give it a try.

“I am going to be honest. This is going to feel really awkward for families who haven’t been doing this.

Families have to lean into the awkwardness and vulnerability of growing with their family. Hard work now pays off in happiness with family life later,” Melton said.

Tile • Carpet • Wood Medallion Inserts • Stone Laminate • Vinyl

SHOP LOCAL FIRST

(405) 273-2317 ReeceFlooring.com

9587 N. Harrison • Shawnee

8 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

AGOODFIT? 2 4 culture questions you should ask before taking a job

By Jon Simmons Monster.com

You eat with your coworkers, spend early mornings and late nights together, celebrate, gossip — even argue sometimes. If you’re not family, you’re basically roommates, right? And just like you wouldn’t want to share space with someone who cranks death metal until 2 a.m. when you’re a light sleeper, you don’t want to work with people who aren’t on your wavelength — if you can help it.

We spoke with career experts and hiring managers to find out some of the best questions you should ask during the interview process to get a sense of the work culture you’ll be walking into.

1

“Does the company or job description sound like me?”

Ask yourself this during your interview prep. As you do your research and find out as much about the company as possible, including reading employee reviews, read what the company has to say for itself, either on the company’s website or the company page on a review site like Kununu.

Check out the job description, too.

If you’re a bonafide introvert and the description says “Are you a dynamic go-getter who loves meeting hundreds of new people every day?” you might want to skip that one. Don’t just rely on your instincts, though, says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics, a provider of employee feedback and performance improvement solutions based in Exton, Pennsylvania. “Ask a friend or trusted partner, ‘Does this describe me?’”

“What do you like to do outside of work?”

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with the people you end up working with, even outside of normal work hours, at conferences, celebrations, networking. Getting a sense of what they do in their downtime could give you a sense of what they’re like while on the clock.

And remember: You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you, so it’s OK to ask a few things about their likes and dislikes, and some of their habits. By seeing how people like to spend their free time, you’ll get a sense of whether you’ll be working with likeminded people.

3

“What are your favorite things about working here?”

This question plays into people’s pride of their company, which can be strategic when interviewing. If someone can answer quickly with things they love, it shows they’ve got genuine love for their job (or at least strong like).

Similarly, it’s actually a good idea to ask the opposite of this question, too: “If you could change two things about

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

the company, what topics would you tackle?” recommends Leigh Steere, co-founder, Managing People Better in Boulder, Colorado.

But only ask this question if you’ve asked about that person’s favorite aspects of working at the company — that way it’s a natural counterpart and not taken out of context.

4

“What’s the busiest time of year like at the company?”

You might have the urge to ask about when people typically leave work, or if people are always stressed out at the company, but if you ask those questions you’re going to seem like you aren’t a hard worker. Instead, ask about the busiest time of year.

“Use a phrase like, ‘Tell me about your busiest times and how the team gets things done,’” says Marikaye DeTemple Kane, client relationship director at Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies based in Alexandria, Virginia. “This way, your interviewer can paint you a picture of how the company reacts when the workload gets heavier.”

NOW HIRING SHAWNEE MILLING CO.

Must be able to pass a Drug Screen & Background Check. Must have H.S. Diploma or GED. Must be able to work any shift.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

405-273-7000 ext. 240 Ask for Jane Lewis jane@primerecruiting.com

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 9

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

A NEW YEAR

A NEW YOU

By Dr. Brandon and Zoe Loeser Shawnee Dental

The New Year approaches. Soon we’ll be composing our New Years Resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, or get out of debt.

This year, before tackling the traditional resolutions, gain speed by capturing a smaller, perhaps more illusive habit: flossing.

Flossing is using a piece of floss between your teeth to disrupt plaque and bacteria that can irritate and damage your gums. Without flossing, the uninhibited bacteria causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed – a condition called gingivitis.

Do you notice blood on the floss after flossing?

Blood indicates the gums are already inflamed as a result of the bacteria.

Leaving the bacteria alone can lead to cavities that,

gone untreated, may require a root canal or tooth removal. Sometimes your immune system’s response to the infection can cause bone loss between your teeth.

Unfortunately, brushing or using mouthwash won’t fix the problem. Toothbrush bristles can’t get fully between the teeth, and the plaque clings to teeth as you swish and rinse.

In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg says habits have three parts: cue, routine, and reward. I get in my car (cue), drive to work (routine), and arrive at work (reward).

To introduce a new habit, we introduce a new cue. Try flossing before you brush, or set a reminder: an alarm on your phone or a trinket in the bathroom.

Once you finish the flossing routine, you need a reward. Run your tongue along your teeth right now.

Do you feel the plaque? Do the same thing after you floss. The plaque’s gone! It’s a tooth high-five!

As you consider the new you, think of your teeth.

Once you obtain the oh-so-illusive habit of flossing, who knows what you’ll accomplish next.

Dental Renalla K. Ellis, D.D.S

Facebook.com/ImpressionsDentalShawnee

273-2002 ŘśŗŖȱ ǯȱ ǰȱǛŜŖŖ ǯ ǯ

10 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE EAST SIDE -- A few years ago, Simon Ott and his wife Ada bought several

adjoining buildings in the 400 block of East Main in downtown Shawnee.

Simon, a local craftsman who specializes in historic renovation, had plans to renovate the buildings. The day after Simon and Ada signed the papers; however, a fire started by an arsonist almost destroyed the buildings. Ada recalls a bystander watching the fire say “good riddance” because the buildings had been such eyesores.

She thought at the time “no, this isn’t going to be the end of the story.”

She said “That’s where the whole thing started, from the conviction that it isn’t sufficient just to see the run-down parts of town torn down or burned out. The best thing for communities is always healing – not destruction.

And, it would seem, the heart of the city – downtown – is now steadily healing.”

Simon has also renovated several other buildings and facades downtown, including The Arts@317 and the Doggie Spot. He won the prestigious 'Citation of Merit' award from the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office for the restoration work he did on 419 and 421 East Main Street, shown below. These buildings currently host Ada’s Sweet Earth Studio and The Voice Studio, in addition to Simon’s carpentry shop.

Not long after Simon and his wife completed their work, others in the area began to follow suit. One by one, several buildings in various stages of disrepair began to take on a new look. One of these historic buildings located at 420 E Main was saved from demolition by Ed Bolt, owner of Main Street Photo Studio and Gallery (pictured on next page).

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

420 E MAIN – Before & After Renovation

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 11

painted.

When asked why he was investing in these buildings, Bill had this to say: “I wanted to do what I could to preserve the character and history of these old buildings and try to breathe some new life into them so they could serve Shawnee another 100 years. They needed repairs like repointing the mortar that was eroding and roof repair and replacement. Eventually they will get new plumbing, electric, heat & air and interior remodeling to suit the needs of the next businesses that occupy them. They could be commercial or some combination of commercial and residential – whatever meets the highest and best use.”

“In the 10 years I have been in Shawnee, I have seen a continuing trend of individuals, businesses, and the City of Shawnee investing in repairing, restoring and revitalizing the downtown district. It is exciting to see new generations discovering that downtown Shawnee is a good place to work, live, eat, and play.”

WEST SIDE - Bill Warmker, owner of Redbird Properties, is

making a substantial difference in the appearance of West Main.

His work began in 2015 when he agreed to participate with the Historic Shawnee Alliance (HSA) in a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) project at 144 W. Main. The project won second place in the KOB Paint Day contest out of over 40 entries.

Earlier this year, Bill received a $4,000 matching facade grant to continue restoration on the adjacent building at 110 W. Main and is making substantial progress. He removed metal covering from the facing of the building and several layers of old paint, exposing the original brick. The second story stucco was repaired and painted and three new windows that had been boarded up for years were replaced. The overhead door was also repaired and

SPARKS HEAT & AIR, INC. You work hard to make a comfortable home for your family.

Isn’t it time you had some help?

273-1521 Your Local LENNOX PREMIER Dealer HOME COMFORT SYSTEMS

Gallery & Studio A gathering venue for all the arts in central Oklahoma

Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Spoken Word and so much more

Innovation never felt so good™

OK LIC. #2492

Serving the Shawnee Area Since 1981

301.648.1709 405.695.1177 317 E. Main Street • Shawnee

12 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

CREATE A

CONNECTION BIGSTOCK.COM

‘Love flooding’ can make kids feel seen, understood work by relationship experts Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. It can help to aising a happy, “foster greater closeness, loving family is connection and cooperation a goal for most with your children,” Stiffelpeople, but life has man said. When children feel a way of making seen, enjoyed and liked by things difficult. Social their parents, they will natinteractions at home can urally want to cooperate and be stressful with parents connect, Stiffelman said. concerned about work and When parents encounter the family budget and kids problems with their chiloverwhelmed with school dren, their first tendency is and activities. Throw in to try and get control. everyone’s personal lives “When we’re having trouand it’s no wonder children ble with our kids, we often and parents sometimes butt try to use logic and explaheads. nations to convince them Taking time for small to do what we ask. If that parenting exercises can help doesn’t work, we may try to achieve a positive family figure out the more effective dynamic. One such strategy bribe, threat or punishment is called “love flooding,” said that will get them to do what marriage and family therawe want. Either approach pist Susan Stiffelman. doesn’t feel very good, and Love flooding is a “powcan cost us something in erful exercise that can make terms of goodwill and closea real difference in the rela- ness with our children,” tionship you have with your Stiffelman said. children,” said Stiffelman, Instead, Stiffelman offers who adapted its use from an alternative, a way to

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

R

“Parents are generally convinced that their child knows they’re loved, whether they say the words or not.

The issue is that oftentimes parents do say, ‘I love you,’ but children need more than words.”

Susan Stiffelman

lovingly and calmly take charge as what she calls “the captain of the ship. It’s a natural way to elicit a child to be cooperative and to connect with us,” she said.

Here’s how it works: • First write down 10 things you love about your child. “These 10 things should be based on who they are, not based on their accomplishments or achievements,” Stiffelman said. For example, “I love how gentle he is with the dog” or “I love her voice when she sings.”

• Once the list is made, take your child to a quiet place – just the two of you – and “read it to him or her with love and seeing them as the miracle they are. This might be awkward for your child. They might be uncomfortable or say, ‘This is weird,’ but just express your love and appreciation for who they are and let it wash over them,” Stiffelman said.

• Next, watch your child’s

reaction. “A shift may happen almost immediately because for a child it’s so powerful to feel really seen, cherished, understood and appreciated just for who they are, not because they scored a winning touchdown or got an A on a test,” Stiffelman said.

Because they love their children deeply, parents often assume a child feels loved.

“Parents are generally convinced that their child knows they’re loved, whether they say the words or not. The issue is that oftentimes parents do say, ‘I love you,’ but children need more than words. They need to feel our love, and this comes from acknowledging what it is about them that delights us, inspires us, lights up our hearts. It is the warmth in our voice when we say their name or the way our face lights up when they walk into the room,” Stiffelman said.

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A Whole New Look for Your Home

“Treating you like family.”

Plus School Therapy Services New full service out-patient office providing Speech Therapy SLP, Occupational Therapy OT, Athletic Training AT, and Physical Therapy PT. Physical Therapy Joe Whitt Lisa Estell Jackie Bulard

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 13

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

**New Occupational Therapy Rachel Quinones **New Speech Language Pathologist Celeste Price Brandi DeBruin Kristina Freebom

FREE ESTIMATES Enhance the beauty, value and energy efficiency of your house with expertly installed siding.

Vinyl • Steel • Aluminum

503 N. Broadway • Tecumseh

5" & 6" Seamless Gutters

405-598-2899 • www.tecumsehpt.com

Doors • Patios • Carports

(next door to Tecumseh Oxygen and Medical Supply)

Job Searching?

For nearly 30 years, the vision of Express Employment Professionals has been to help people find jobs and help businesses find the people and human resource services they need.

If you’re a job seeker Express will assess your skills, offer interview and résumé writing tips, and work with you to find a job that fits your needs and abilities. Applicants never pay a fee at Express, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn benefits such as medical insurance, holiday pay, vacation pay, referral bonuses, and much more.

Mike Peters Siding 275-8007

Quality • Stability • Dependability • • • •

Commercial Printing Quick Copy Service Digital Color Copies Layout and Design

SHAWNEE’S MOST COMPLETE COPY AND PRINTING FACILITY

226 N. Broadway • Shawnee, OK

405-273-8888

LOOK HERE

demcoprinting@gmail.com

3905 N Harrison Shawnee OK 405-275-7575

Visit Online Today!

Replacement Windows

www.expresspros.com

LEFT TO YOUR OWN

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

BIGSTOCK/PIXABAY

14 • Friday, December 23, 2016

DEVICES Tips to unplug as a family

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

“It’s much harder to toggle between mom or dad brain and other aspects of life because the boundaries have all blurred together. We wanted to understand how this was affecting parents emotionally.”

Dr. Jenny Radesky

T

he world is increasingly plugged in. Screens are not only in our hands and homes but also in schools, offices, restaurants, shops, airports — everywhere. A recent Harris Poll found that a majority of Americans are attempting to disconnect, and six in 10 wish their families would unplug more often.

Parenting in an always-connected world presents unique challenges for people who are never really “away” from work.

“Parents are constantly feeling like they are in more than one place at once while parenting. They’re still ‘at work.’

They’re keeping up socially. All while trying to cook dinner and attend to their kids,” said Dr. Jenny Radesky, a child behavior expert and pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, who conducted a study with colleagues from Boston Medical Center that shows parents are grappling with balancing it all.

“It’s much harder to toggle between mom or dad brain and other aspects of life because the boundaries have all blurred together. We wanted to understand how this was affecting parents emotionally,” Radesky said. “We found that parents are struggling to balance family time and the desire to be present at home with technology-based expectations like responding to work and other demands.”

The constant struggle to multitask mobile technology use, work and children leads to information overload and emotional tensions that disrupt family routines,

participants in the study said.

Some parents also reported a trickle-down effect, meaning that whatever they were reading — positive or negative — on their mobile device affected how they interacted with their children. However, at the same, caregivers said that mobile technology provided “an escape” from the boredom and stress of parenting and home life demands.

With all this in mind, Radesky recommends some ideas for families struggling to stay unplugged:

bedrooms.

Set boundaries

Think about which parts of your mobile device use are most stressful for you. If it’s reading the news or checking work email, for example, reserve these tasks for times when you know your kids are occupied. This way, you have your own time and space to process the information rather than interrupting time with kids, who may react to your negative emotions with their own negativity.

Create a family plan that includes unplugged spaces or times of day. For example, you may abolish tech use at dinnertime or bedtime. Or maybe it’s right when you get home and your kids are excited to see you. Maybe you plug in your device in a certain room and only use it there or agree not to use it in certain areas of the house, such as kids’

Track your mobile use Consider creating a filter or block on your device to avoid the temptation of tech use at home. Apps like Moment and Quality Time may help you track mobile use and see where you may be spending too much time. If 90 percent of your time is on Facebook or work email, for example, you can think of ways to cut down time for these purposes.

Identify top device stressors

r news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Friday, December 23, 2016 • 15

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

6 small steps to improve your health in a big way (BPT) - You want to be healthier, right?

But try as you might, it always seems like something's standing in your way. Time and money are two of the largest obstacles, and you may think it's impossible to improve your health without a significant time or financial investment.

The good news is, however, that's not true. Even the smallest changes can have a big impact on your health, and you can start improving your wellness today with these six simple steps.

1

Take a stand while so many others are having a seat. Did you know the average person sits about 13 hours a day?

Whether eating, working, driving or relaxing, that's a lot of sitting. Stand up for your health by resolving to get up at least once an hour. Walk to the bathroom, the water fountain or to ask your question in person instead of via email - you'll be healthier for it.

2

Run in place....any place. Effective exercise can happen without the gym membership. Blue Cross and Blue Shield surprised customers at one candy store

by asking them to pay for their sweets with physical activity. Running in place, burpees, jumping jacks and shadow boxing - you can watch customers do it all in an entertaining video. And remember that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can dramatically reduce your own risk of diabetes.

3

Floss for your heart. You brush your teeth twice a day, but how often do you floss? If you're like 80 percent of surveyed adults, you don't, and that can increase your risk of heart disease. A good oral hygiene habit includes flossing, so add this simple task to your regimen every day.

4

Don't underestimate the importance of a good nap. Getting a good night's sleep helps you function better during the day, but it can also reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. But what do you do on those days when getting a good night's sleep isn't possible? Take a nap - even a 30-minute nap can leave you feeling rested and ultimately support your health.

AIR FORCE also do

refrigeration.

SaleS • Service inStallation

214-5550

Smallersize your plates. Over the last 20 years the average portion size has doubled and, not surprisingly, 65 percent of Americans are now classified as obese.

Reversing this trend starts with reversing the portion size. To take smaller portions, start using smaller plates. Your brain will feel as though you have still taken a full plate of food but you'll consume fewer calories.

6

Show the world your most confident pose. Stress is often a part of daily life. Whether it's stress caused by work, home or financial reasons, this stress can also have a negative impact on your health by raising your blood pressure and weakening your immune system.

Combat stress by power posing to grow your confidence. Just two minutes of this technique can increase your confidence by 20 percent.

Managing your health takes commitment, but the job isn't too big for anyone.

It starts with making smart, healthy decisions every single day, including the tips above. To be inspired and see the benefit of taking small steps for your

health, check out more videos at livefearlessnation.com and share with those you love. And join the conversation with Blue Cross Blue Shield on Twitter and Facebook.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 106 million members – one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog for up-to-date information about BCBSA .

1

A/C & HTG., L.L.C. CommerCial & residential We

5

• Comprehensive Service • Dry Needling • Vertigo Treatment • Sprains/Strains • Post Surgical Rehabilitation • Total Joint Replacement Rehabilitation • Workers Compensation • Manual Therapy • Hand Therapy • IASTM (Hawk Grips)

KATIE LANDES, MPT/Owner 2506 N. Harrison • Shawnee • (405) 214-0300 2309 N. Milt Phillips • Seminole • (405) 303-2050 20926 C SE 29th • Harrah • (405) 391-2300

16 • Friday, December 23, 2016

THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • TALK ABOUT LOCAL

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Stability You Know and Trust A real estate company is like a home. The great ones have a strong foundation.

NEW TION LOCA

3601 N. Harrison Shawnee 405-275-8182

406 N. Broadway Tecumseh 405-598-2126

Our agents come with a network of experience and are backed by the most admired name in business.

Get to know us at: BHHSBenchmark.com