January 2014 Aventura Digest

January 2014 | Vol 10 Issue 9 | www.aventuradigest.com

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 2

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 3

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C ONTENTS

FRONT PAGE

Sol Perlman Zest For Life...............................................................PG 6 One-Of-A-Kind Specialty Shop Comes To Aventura.................PG 13

Healthy Living In 2014.................................................................PG 16

CITY NEWS 7 Things You Must Know Before

Putting Your Home Up For Sale.....................................................PG 9 Island Resort Living At... Azalea Gardens...................................PG 11

Community Calendar..................................................................PG 14

Understanding Home Health......................................................PG 15 Cyberbullying...............................................................................PG 17

LIFESTYLE

Broward Center Presents The Wizard Of Oz...............................PG 18 Deadly Disease For Pets..............................................................PG 18

10 Expert Tips For Your Destination Wedding............................PG 19 Stretching Your Ski Vacation Dollar............................................PG 19

Horoscopes...................................................................................PG 20 New Year New Skincare Routine.................................................PG 21 Igor Butman And Russian Jazz Orchestra At Miramar Center..PG 21

HEALTH

Eating Well At Any Age.................................................................PG 22 How Well Do You Know The Flu..................................................PG 22 Dr. Charlton Adler........................................................................PG 23

REAL ESTATE

Pg 24-27

What A Home Inspection Can Do For You.................................PG 24

Hot Decorating Trends................................................................PG 25 Planning A Home Improvement Project....................................PG 26 JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 4

305 NW 10th Terrace Hallandale Beach, 33009 Tel: 954-458-0635 www.aventuradigest.com

Coupon Code AD71

President Craig Farquhar Vice President Cecile Hiles Editor Larry Blustein

Sales Executive Marylynne Newmark, WRITERS Lisa Overing WRITERS Eleanor Hannan

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 5

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CITY NEWS

SOL PEARLMAN ZEST FOR LIFE

By Lynne Peterson - Aventura Digest

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 6

Friendly Sol Pearlman knows a good deal when he sees it whether buying and restoring antique Indian motorcycles, getting tickets for the theater or spending time with his family traveling to Cape Cod. Now, Sol can enjoy life even more after having successful eye surgery done by Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Stanley Braverman of Hallandale Beach.

When Sol was a youngster growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he was playing in the street with a ball that bounced into a storm drain on the curb. Eagerly, he tried to retrieve the ball with a wire hanger. Regrettably, the hanger poked the child in the left eye which affected the pupil, cornea and optic nerve. His mother took the child immediately to the hospital where a doctor patched him up, but the eye, to his family’s dismay, would not work normally.

“From the age of six, my left eye was partially closed and I only saw shadows. As a result, I became bored reading, cut classes and had trouble paying attention.

I did not excel in school as my brothers and sister did and I turned out to be the black sheep of my family. As I became older, I did my best and worked in management and eventually found satisfying work as a caregiver,” Sol said.

During an annual eye exam with optometrist Dr. Norman Hershkovich in Fort Lauderdale, Sol asked the doctor about his eye trauma from childhood.

“The doctor said he knows of an ophthalmologist who might who will be able to help me. At first, I thought the doctor was kidding because fifteen doctors previously said nothing could be done with my one eye and to just leave it alone.”

Sol followed up and made an appointment with Dr. Stanley Braverman. After a thorough eye examination and evaluation, Dr. Braverman determined that the injury had caused a corneal laceration and Sol had severe corneal astigmatism because of the injury. Sol also had cataracts in both eyes. Dr Braverman explained that by removing the cataract and by implanting a Toric Lens for astigmatism in his left eye, as well as by doing

additional astigmatism correcting incisions in the cornea, this would be able to improve the vision in his eye as well as correct the severe astigmatism from the childhood injury. “When I heard this, it was an emotional moment for me because I’ve been looking at life through one eye since I was six years old.”

“It’s been almost a year since I had the successful cataract operation in both eyes. My left eye has the Toric Lens implant for my astigmatism and sees 20/ 30 without any corrective lenses and 20/20 with a mild prescription; and my right eye has the Tecnis Multifocal lens implant and sees 20/20 without any corrective lenses. I can read the smallest print on anything with no reading glasses and now have 20/20 vision even at night.

Now when I pick up a book, I can read and enjoy reading and don’t have to use glasses.”

Sol said, “I saw fifteen doctors and Dr. Braverman was the only one to say ‘yes.’ He is a real people person without an attitude. Having the surgery was definitely worth the money and I would do it again!

Dr. Braverman made the comment that “it is the best feeling in the entire world to be able to help people to this degree. Over the last twenty years, I have seen incredible changes in all of our surgical procedures.

Our surgical technology has moved forward by leaps and bounds. We can do things today that I would not have dreamt that we would have been able to do twenty years ago.”

WHAT ARE CATARACTS A cataract is formed when the natural lens of the eye, responsible for focusing light and producing sharp images, becomes cloudy and hardens, resulting in a loss of visual function. The lens of the eye is clear at birth but is one of the first parts of the body to show the effects of aging. A cataract is painless and usually develops gradually over several months or years. The onset of a cataract in one or both eyes may cause decreased night vision, impaired depth perception, and increased color distortion.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. In fact,

poor vision from cataracts affects 60 percent of all adults over age 60. However, cataracts also can result from injury, heredity, or medications, so they can affect people of all ages.

Understanding that no two conditions or patients are the same, Dr. Braverman analyzes the patient’s symptoms, performs a comprehensive eye exam, and may test for glare disability and contrast sensitivity before making a diagnosis. The final decision to proceed with the surgery belongs to the patient.

Your optometrist or Dr. Braverman may prescribe glasses, medication or surgery depending on your symptoms, complaints and age. Usually surgery will not be recommended until glasses no longer work to make you visually happy. In the case of lensectomy surgery, the patient cosmetically wants to get rid of their glasses.

CATARACT SURGERY: What to expect Cataract surgery is the removal of your cloudy natural lens, which is usually dissolved using high frequency ultrasound through a small (less than 3 millimeter) opening.

An artificial lens is then placed inside the eye where the cloudy lens used to be.

After the surgery, eye drops are given to the patient to aid in the healing of the eye, which takes a few months, but the patient is able to return to normal activity almost immediately after surgery and usually sees well within just days. If the eye is otherwise healthy, cataract surgery is successful in more than 98% of patients and they enjoy improved vision after the procedure.

Cataract surgery continues to improve. Recent developments include no-stitch surgery, topical anesthesia, surgical correction of astigmatism, new upgraded premium lens designs, and Dr. Braverman’s newly trademarked LACE™ procedure.

Laser Assisted Cataract Extraction (LACE™ ) surgery, if you are deemed a candidate, can nearly always guarantee that the patient will need no glasses for distance vision, and no glasses

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

CITY NEWS BRAVERMAN Continued From Pg 6 for distance or near vision if a multifocal lens implant is used.

ABOUT DR. STANLEY BRAVERMAN Dr. Stanley Braverman is a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine and the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is also an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor at the Nova Southeastern School of Optometry. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Braverman, a board-certified ophthalmologist, has been a medical researcher, and is the inventor of several eye surgical instruments, and author of many articles for medical journals. Dr. Braverman’s newly trademarked LACE™ procedure provides the best possible cataract surgical results. He has lectured at professional meetings about upgraded lens implants, advanced cataract surgery and LASIK, both

nationally and internationally.

He has recently been recognized

by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Fifteen Leaders in Laser Eye Surgery in 2011, and recently co-authored a book on Z-Lasik that is being distributed internationally. You can find it on Amazon.com.

An initial cataract consultation can be scheduled by calling the Braverman Eye Center at: (954) 458-2112 or (305) 374-8694 . For additional information please contact Regina Vasquez, Surgery Coordinator, or visit the Braverman Eye Center website at www.bravermaneyecenter.com where you can watch a video of cataract surgery and learn more about all of the latest advances in cataract surgery and upgraded lens implants.

In addition to Dr. Stanley Braverman, a Refractive Cataract and LASIK Laser Vision Correction surgeon, your other sub-specialty eye care needs can also be evaluated and treated.

On staff at the Braverman Eye Center are Rashid Taher MD

The Braverman Eye Center is located at: 1935 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. www.bravermaneyecenter.com FACS and Tirso Lara MD FACS, Vitreo-Retinal surgeons; David Tenzel MD FACS, Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon; Aarup Kubal

MD FACS, Complex Glaucoma Specialist; Jesse Pelletier MD, FACS, Corneal Surgeon; and, Eric Ciliberti MD, NeuroOphthalmologist; Ryan Y.

Hargreaves OD and Danielle Benosa OD. All sub-specialist surgeons at the Braverman Eye Center are Board Certified Ophthalmologists.

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 7

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CITY NEWS

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up For Sale - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse financially disadvantaged when AVENTURA

they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System To Get Your Home Sold Fast And For Top Dollar.”

To order a FREE Special Report, visit: www.Aventura HomeSellerMistakes.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE

copy of this report, call toll-free: 1-800-689-2716 and enter 1000.

You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of Hollywood Homes Realty 954-924-5454. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Copyright © 2013

WANTED TO BUY PLEASE CALL 305-546-7395

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 9

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 10

BRAVERMAN EYE CENTER “Where Your Vision is Our Vision” 1935 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Tel: (954) 458-2112

A Trusted Name in South Florida Eye Care for Over 40 Years & the First To Offer Near-Far PresbyLASIK *Visit our website for more information including side effects and complications http://www.bravermaneyecenter.com/

CITY NEWS

Island Resort Living at... Azalea Gardens Discover a hidden gem in Hollywood that offers seniors a wonderful lifestyle, peace of mind, and compassionate care; all within a serene, tropical environment. Since fresh air and outdoor living can have a beneficial effect on residents and their health, Azalea Gardens, a Timeless Life Care community, was designed and is meticulously maintained to produce an atmosphere that is an oasis for the senses.

The gorgeous botanical garden is a sight to behold, with rainbow-hued colors and lovely fragrances that fill the air. A walking path winds through a lush landscape with a variety of fruit trees, inviting a peaceful stroll. Magnificently spacious gazebos with benches offer shade and comfort, as an

overhead fan creates a refreshing breeze. Residents and visitors can enjoy the serenity of a duck pond, as well as the beautiful Japanese Koi displaying amazing shades of gold, orange and black as they gently swim through the pristine waters.

Nearby fountains, featuring gently trickling water, create a soothing ambiance, as a myriad of butterflies adds to the beautiful atmosphere.

The earth-friendly environment extends to the residences, which creates a lovely sense of flow connecting each suite to the stunning gardens. Just outside their doors, residents, their friends and family can take in views of the extraordinary surroundings from their own porches. Fully furnished rooms are available or

individuals may personalize their space with their own possessions.

As Director of Community Relations Chris Snider explains, “The goal of Azalea Gardens is to provide Timeless Life Care in an aging-in-place facility. We are dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of each resident and helping them to maintain their independence in a safe, secure environment.”

Providing a pleasurable dining experience is an important part of that commitment. Deliciously fresh ingredients are used in preparing the meals, with the menu carefully crafted by a licensed dietician. To ensure that residents’ individual dietary needs are satisfied, personalized meal plans are easily accommodated.

Since a key objective of Azalea Gardens is to empower its residents, a comprehensive personal enrichment program is offered, as are opportunities to form meaningful social connections.

Regularly scheduled events, activities and outings include daily exercise in the gazebo, aromatherapy, barbecues every Saturday with family and friends, live music, and other excursions. A shuttle bus takes adventures to local attractions such as Lion Country Safari, the movies and the beach for lunch.

Maintaining communication between residents and their family members can provide greater peace of mind. By logging on to a private, secured website, out-of-town and local family members can access

cameras positioned around the property so they may discover what their loved ones are doing each day. Onsite, a state-of-theart computer and video camera allows residents the ability to connect with family and friends through Skype sessions.

At Azalea Gardens, you will find excellent quality of care, a rich social environment, and a compassionate, caring staff, all in a beautifully serene community.

For more information, call Mary Howard at 954-921-5990 to arrange a tour or visit www.Azaleagardens.net.

Azalea Gardens Assisted Living Resort is located at 1701 Mayo Street in Hollywood.

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 11

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 12

For More Info, Please Call: (954) 454-8666 Always Accepting Quality Vendors “Thank You For Your Loyal Patronage. Your Faithful Support Inspires Us To Be The Best!”

PEMBROKE ROAD AND US-1 IN HALLANDALE BEACH 1 mile east of I-95 at the Pembroke Road exit.

CITY NEWS

AVENTURA OLIVE OIL CO. Once you try this premium shop, you’ll be back for more AVENTURA - The moment you walk into Aventura Olive Oil Company, you are immediately transformed into another world.

It’s a world that husband and wife, Bradley & Natalia Harrison, have embraced since discovering a void in specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

The concept was born out of being able to offer fresh, premium olive oils -

and a selection of balsamic vinegars - that you couldn’t find at one destination.

Aventura Olive Oil features the largest, freshest selection of single varietal Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamic Vinegars on tap. All of their products are natural, many are organic, and all of their oils are Kosher.

“This wasn’t something that was done without a

lot of research and understanding what the buying public wanted,” Bradley said. “We have traveled across the country and brought back a little of what other areas of the nation have to offer. We have something unique and special.”

Having worked as consultants in the hotel and casino industry, the business part of starting a business was in the Harrison’s comfort zone.

As they became more familiar with their product and the way they presented their new shop, a loyal following was not far behind.

A TOUCH OF EUROPE Aventura Olive Oil is truly a unique business.

With tastings that remind many of the finest European specialty shops it has become a destination since opening right before the holidays.

The tasting gave the many

customers a chance to see what the oils and vinegars pair with when it comes to food.

“Whether it is a Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil from South Africa for your salad or a bread dip with Aged Dark Chocolate and Espresso Balsamic, our freshness and natural flavors are sure to WOW you,” Bradley explained. “It’s that kind of fun atmosphere - where the customers get to taste the different products that makes all the

difference.”

The Harrisons strongly believe that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is like fruit juice:

CONTINUED PG 17

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 13

CITY NEWS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

If you would like to submit an announcement for our Community Calendar in the paper – or online, where you are guaranteed placement weekly, please send it to: Larry Blustein, Community Calendar Editor, 305 N.W. 10th Terrace, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009; Fax: 954 458-0765 or via e-mail to: AventuraDigest@Hotmail.com. For a complete listing of all Community Calendar items, please check our website at: www.southfloridasuntimes.com. Also follow us on Twitter @sfsuntimes.

• Every third Thursday of the month at VK Dance Studios (3363 N.E. 163rd St.) in North Miami Beach, there is a Latin Party at 10 p.m. Free Alcoholic Drinks will be served along with other refreshments. Call 305-944-4725 for more information.

Mention You Saw This In The Aventura Digest And Receive A Discount.

• Aventura Hospital Volunteer Program Opportunities. If you are looking for a challenging volunteer position, Aventura Hospital has many to offer. Patient Escort, Surgical Waiting Room, Human Resources, Mail Room, Front Desk and Dietary. Please contact Sandy Cohn, Volunteer Services (305) 682-7395.

• Prostate Cancer Free Support group: Meets the fourth Sunday of every month at Biscayne Medical Arts Plaza, 21110 Biscayne Boulevard, Ground Floor, Aventura. The Biscayne Medical Arts Plaza is located directly across from the Best Buy store on Biscayne Boulevard on 211th Street. Parking is FREE in front of the building. There are highly informative presentations by professionals in this field and are held monthly. Tasty treats and fresh coffee are provided. Guests and spouses are always welcome.

• The Aventura/North Miami Beach Lions Club meets every Tuesday at 12 noon at: “Brio Restaurant in Hallandale Beach Village at Gulfstream Park, 600 Silk Run, Suite 1205, Hallandale Beach, 33009. Join us for food, fun, friendship and service to others. For information, please call Carmen Gomez at: (954) 850-1407.

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 14

• Duplicate bridge $3.00. Mondays & Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at the North Miami Beach Community Center, 17051 Northeast 19th Avenue. Please call Ruth Norton, for more infor at: (305) 931-2286.

• Jewish War Veterans Post and Auxilary #682 of North Miami Beach meets the 4th Sunday of every month. Everyone is invited to attend. Free breakfast is provided. For more information, please call: (954) 457-9178 Or: (305) 945-4875.

• Join us for Torah Study Monday & Thurs. evenings, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (no charge) with Rabbi Goldsmith at Temple Shuva Israel, which is located at the Publix Shopping Center, next to the HSBC Bank, for more info, call: (305) 933-1177.

• George Gershwin Lodge 196: Knights of Pythias has a new home in North Miami.

We are a non-profit fraternal organization and need new members. We now offer, free of charge, a grave site at a Miami Cemetery. All you have to do is join our Fraternal organization. We are wellknown for all the charity work we do.

Contact us at George Gershwin Lodge 196 Knights of Pythias: (954) 680-3412 or: (954) 326-6362.

• Amateur Jai Alai – free lessons: You’ve seen it, bet on it, now you can play it!

Amateur Jai-Alai has come to Florida!

FREE lessons given at Hallandale Beach handball courts and American Amateur Jai-Alai Fronton in North Miami. (A NotFor-Profit Organization) from ex-Dania pros Raul and Luis. Cestas & rubber balls supplied, 100% safe. Ages 12-72 welcome.

Call: (786) 629-5428 Or e-mail: admanUSA@aol.com.

• Jewelry Design classes are being held every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday at 11:30 AM at the Griffing Center in North Miami.

Learn how to design and make necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. Class projects teach various skills needed to make any style of strung jewelry. The 8-class session is $32 plus an annual membership center fee. Students will provide their own beads and supplies to suit their personal preference. The Griffing Center is located at 12220 NE 3rd Ave (Griffing Blvd) in North Miami. For more information, contact Amy at: (305) 788-0484.

• Poets & writers forum: Monthly forum in which poets & writers can share the joy of words. 1 p.m. first Sat. of each month at North Miami Beach Public Library, 1601 Northeast 164th Street, North Miami Beach. Free admission, call: (305) 9320907.

CITY NEWS

UNDERSTANDING HOME HEALTH

By Terry Adler, CEO, Always Classic Care

Thank you for your great response to this column.

These are a few of some recent questions: I’m not able to manage my apartment or drive my car anymore. Will my long term care insurance cover someone to help me?

Your long term care insurance covers personal care needed at home only. That means that your policy states that it will cover a home health aide who can help the insured person shower, dress, prepare light meals, do laundry, and straighten up bathroom and kitchen after using them for the care of the patient. The aide can also shop for the insured. Aides are professionals who have been trained with a required amount of state-approved hours in a legitimate training school to provide safe and efficient care with a degree of ethics. They are aware of the services they are allowed to provide under insurance coverage. Services requested other than the aforementioned needs to be agreed upon via a private arrangement between you and your aide. As an agency, we cannot and do not get involved in these arrangements when insurance is involved.

But I don’t need anyone to help me with my shower or getting dressed. I also can put light meals together or pop frozen dinners or restaurant leftovers in the microwave. What I

need is someone to drive me shopping, for errands and to doctor appointments. I also need someone to clean my apartment, because I can’t really do it anymore. So, what can I do?

Those are considered private services. At Always Classic Care, we can provide them for you at a reasonable out-of-pocket cost, much as you arranged before you qualified for coverage from your long term care insurance. If you explain your needs to me, I can make wonderful recommendations for you. We can provide housecleaners and drivers who provide those services for a living, but are screened as well as our aides prior to our recommending them.

Why should I go through an agency if I have to hire someone? I can use someone my neighbor uses.

You definitely can hire whomever you like. However, you should consider the following items: • How well do you know this person? Can you trust him or her? Are you sure the aide does not have a police record? All of our recommendations have had to be subjected to an FBI investigative screening.

• Is the aide insured to cover any liability if you should become injured while in their care? Are you sure?

• Will you be paying your share of their Federal taxes?

We do. Many people are unaware of their responsibility

to IRS when hiring a household employee, or the aide’s legitimate status to work in this country. If you hire privately you are responsible for taxes, checking legal status and overtime pay. They are now your employee and you are legally an employer.

REMEMBER… it’s always better to book services through a professional agency. You get top people and avoid a lot of trouble.

Hope this has been helpful. With my 20+ years of experience as a cardiac and home health nurse, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding home health. Please feel free to email me at terry@alwaysclassiccare.com or call me at 305-403-2622. I am here for you.

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 15

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CITY NEWS

Dr Oz Issues Advice For Healthy Living In 2014

by Marylynne Newmark, RN - Aventura Digest

His credentials are enough to make us reel. His advice to keep us young and healthy is even more breathtaking. Along with Dr. Roizen of YouBeauty.com, Dr. Oz offers 11 pleasure tips to keep you at your prime. Are you ready? #1 MORE SEX, #2 a GLASS OF WINE OR A LOWSUGAR COCKTAIL every night, (3) Take long walks, (4) Have a date or special friend night every week, ( 5) Get massages, (6) Eat dark chocolate for dessert, (7) Repaint your room, (8) Buy new clothes, (9) Play up your best features, (10) Sleep more and take naps, and (11) Jump up and down, wiggle around, dance and shake.

We all know him and love him. His advice is quoted and followed doggedly. He has accomplished a fabulous job of educating the public as to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle via his guest appearances on shows like Oprah Winfrey and The View, and now star of his own daily television program. Of course, he is none other than Dr Mehmet Oz, graduate of Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Wharton Business College, now cardiovascular surgeon, author and professor in the Department of Surgery at Columbia University.

Hey! I think I do most of that.

Dr Oz also has some serious notes about diet and exercise.

For weight loss and stress control, the amazing Dr. Oz recommends the following: start your day with hot water and lemon, have something probiotic in the morning (Greek yogurt, Kefir, etc.), drink a cup of dark tea a day, eat all the low glycemic vegetables you want, get your high soluble fiber with chia seeds, fill your diet with fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants, have 1/2 multivitamin in the morning, 1/2 at night,

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 16

CARPET & LAMINATE

From

exception of green tea, dairy (except for Greek yogurt), excessive exercise, all meals between 6am and 8pm must include, 1/2 lemon in hot water first thing upon rising, breakfast smoothie, green tea, preferably organic, only one 6-oz serving of chicken, turkey or fish per day, 1/2 cup cooked brown rice per day (no other carbs), good fats like olive oil or avocado in moderation, 1 cup of Greek plain yogurt per day (no other dairy), unlimited amounts of low-glycemic vegetables and detox broth, and snacks like a couple of handful of nuts, hummus or pickles.

In the plan Dr. Oz also spoke about his breakfast smoothie and his detox broth, these are some great low calorie nutritious drinks that will help shed the pounds. DR. OZ’s BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE RECIPE: 2 Tbsp rice protein powder, 2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds, 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1/2 banana, and Blend.

VEGETABLE BROTH (makes 8 cups): recipe: 3 qts water, 1 large onion, chopped, 2 carrots, sliced, 1 cup winter squash, cut into large cubes, 1 cup root vegetables (turnips, rutabaga or parsnips), 2 cup chopped greens (kale, parsley, beet greens, collard greens, shard, dandelion, 2 celery stalks, 1/2 cup cabbage, 4 1/2 inch slices fresh ginger, 2 cloves whole garlic (not crushed or chopped), Sea salt (to taste), Low boil for 60 minutes or to taste. Cool. Strain. Remove vegetables. Pour broth in a tightlysealed glass jar and store in refrigerator. Heat gently or drink cold up to 3-4 cups a day.

If you are looking for some great health advice for 2014 you can read more about Dr. Oz and his suggestions at www.doctoroz.com.

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exercise your mind with challenging games and projects, and your body with solid workouts.

For weight loss specifically, Dr. Oz suggests that you cut down on carbs and dairy while you stock up on low glycemic veggies and small portions of protein. Dr. Oz says that by starting your day with a breakfast smoothie loaded with berries, bananas, flaxseed , rice protein powder and unsweetened vanilla almond milk instead of sugary cereals, fried eggs and meats, you will cut your bloat and boost your energy. Add spicy items like pickled peppers of Tabasco sauce, as well as green tea and ginger, to kick-start your metabolism. Skip the salty foods and sweet snacks. Head instead for raw nuts and fresh fruit. He assures you that they will create new patterns of cravings for you.

Plan all your meals in advance, he advises, from the recipes to the shopping. Cut portions in half. If this is difficult, eat snack-size nutritious meals more frequently to prevent hunger. This also keeps your blood sugar levels under better control.

Hope you feel more empowered now. You can do it. You know that today is the first day of the rest of your life. Start living!

Recently on his show DR. OZ’s discussed the 2-WEEK RAPID WEIGHT LOSS PLAN. Here are some items we must eliminate to be effective: All wheat except for 1/2 C brown rice daily, Artificial sweeteners (including diet soda), White sugar, Alcohol, All caffeine, with

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CITY NEWS

Growing number of parents turn to police to report cyberbullying

OLIVE OIL CO. Continued From Pg 13

highly perishable healthier and more flavorful when consumed fresh.

This is the reason they are a certified Ultra Premium retailer and post the harvest date on every Extra Virgin Olive Oil they offer.

In addition to the harvest date, Aventura Olive Oil posts the “chemistry “ of their olive oils, so the customer can learn the polyphenol count (antioxidant value), the oleic acid, the monounsaturated fat, and the flavor profile.

“We work hard to deliver FRESH, high quality products from both hemispheres,” Bradley said. “We invite you to come in and TASTE THE DIFFERENCE! We have over 50 Amazing products on tap, and are confident that we can assist you in selecting an oil or vinegar that you will never forget!”

There is so much waiting for you at Aventura Olive Oil. From eight Single Cultivar Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils to Fused and Infused Olive Oils, the list is endless.

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through text messages, email or through the Internet.

The issue has become a priority for parents surveyed, of which 50 percent indicated that they are very concerned about the rise in cyber bullying.

Today, more than 80 percent of teens use a cellphone regularly, making it the most common tool among cyber bullies, according to dosomething.org. The presence of teens on social media sites has only compounded the issue, blurring the lines between a schoolyard problem and a law enforcement concern.

In a related survey of U.S. law enforcement professionals conducted by Thomson Reuters in conjunction with PoliceOne.com, 48 percent of law enforcement agencies report that time spent investigating cyber bullying, bullying and school violence has dramatically increased over the past two years. Yet, most law enforcement agencies feel illequipped to effectively investigate these cases, with 76 percent reporting that training to handle cyber bullying complaints has been insufficient.

While parents may trust law enforcement officials more than school officials with handling cyber bullying incidents involving their children, 68 percent of the law enforcement professionals surveyed said that they work to foster stronger relationships with school officials and/or principals to prevent or deter cyber bullying.

“Though cyber bullying is a challenging issue for students, parents, school officials and law enforcement, these statistics suggest that people want to work together to understand the issue, protect kids from cyber bullying, and help kids understand the serious consequences of participating in cyber bullying,” says Jason Thomas, manager of Innovation for Thomson Reuters.

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 17

wake the palate instantly: Fused Olive Oils: Blood Orange & Eureka Lemon.

Infused Olive Oils: California Garlic, Basil, Tuscan Herb, Tarragon, Cilantro, Roasted Onion, Chipotle, Mushroom & Sage, Dairy-free Butter and Persian Lime.

Wine Vinegars: Aged Red Wine, Champagne, and Artisan Serrano and Honey.

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Specialty Oils: Black Truffle, White Truffle, Roasted Sesame, Roasted Almond and Roasted Walnut.

“We also carry pasta and sauce mixes and dipping herb mixes, dipping and bread plates,” Bradley said. “We also carry soaps and lotions with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.”

(BPT) - As more people become aware of the harmful consequences of cyber bullying, parents are more likely to report cyber bullying incidents directly to their local police than local school officials.

That’s the finding of a new national survey of 642 American parents conducted by the Fraud Prevention and Investigations business unit of Thomson Reuters.

According to the survey, 36 percent of parents would turn to law enforcement first if they learned that their child was the victim of cyber bullying threats and attacks versus 29 percent of parents who said they would go to their local school officials.

One reason that parents may hesitate going to their local school officials is that 30 percent of parents surveyed didn’t know if their child’s school has a policy to address cyber bullying.

Cyber bullying is defined as bullying-that takes place using electronic technology, according to stopbullying.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cyber bullying can take many forms - hurtful messages or embarrassing photos posted on social media sites, harassing text messages and e-mails, and private information purposefully shared

LIFESTYLES

Is the protein in your pet’s food causing a deadly disease?

Broward Center Presents The Enchanting Revival Of The Wizard Of Oz

By Eleanor Hannan -Aventura Digest

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 18

Follow the yellow brick road to the Broward Center as the Wizard of Oz opens the 2014 season with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of “The Wizard of Oz,” an adaptation of the all time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the awardwinning team that recently delighted London and Toronto audiences with the revival of “The Sound of Music.”

This new production of “The Wizard,” developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, contains all the beloved songs by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg as “Were Off to See the Wizard,” “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and more, from the Oscar - Winning movie score, along with the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In this new production of L. Frank Baum’s all-time classic tale, join Dorothy and Toto as they journey to the Emerald City with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion to see the famed wizard of the Land of Oz and obtain their hearts’ desires. Find out what lies over the rainbow while they must watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you discover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the entire family, playing in the Au-Rene Theatre, from January 7 through 19, 2014. Performances vary from evenings at 8 p.m. and Matinees on different days at 1, 2 or 6:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $34.50 to $89.50.

Club Level seats are $119.50, available at the box office located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

For more information call 9545-4620222.

(BPT) - You’ve seen the commercials and print ads: It seems like every pet food maker is touting meat as a top ingredient. Some even go so far as to eliminate grain completely, advertising superhigh levels of protein for dogs or cats. But when it comes to pet food and protein, can there be too much of a good thing? According to the experts: yes.

“There’s no arguing that quality meat is important in dog and cat foods, but too much of commonly-used protein-rich ingredients for long periods of time can have devastating consequences for pets with subclinical kidney disease,” says Dr. Daniel Aja, DVM and director of U.S. professional and veterinary affairs for Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

“Just like our diet must be balanced, this is especially important for our pets which rely on us for 100 percent of their nutritional needs.”

Dr. Aja explains that every dog and cat needs the amino acids that are present in proteins. While those amino acids may come from meat, many can also come from vegetables and grains in the diet. Protein is important and necessary to build muscles, organs, vital hormones and enzymes, but excessive levels derived from the animal protein ingredients commonly used in pet foods can lead to elevated phosphorus levels.

“Research shows that excess phosphorous beyond the nutritional requirements of your pet can place unnecessary and harmful stress on your pet’s kidneys,” says Dr. Aja. “Over time, this can accelerate the progression of chronic kidney disease.”

Pet owners feeding their cats and dogs too much phosphorous from common animal protein ingredients may unknowingly contribute to the progression of chronic

kidney disease. Considering kidney disease is the No. 1 killer of cats and the No. 2 killer of dogs, it’s an important message for all pet parents.

“The importance of controlled phosphorus levels for pets parallels the importance in human health care and disease prevention,” explains Dr. Aja. “Health care professionals apply the same reasoning to human diets in regard to foods high in cholesterol, fat and sodium.”

Research shows that controlling and moderating levels of dietary phosphorus is important in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats. To maintain healthy phosphorus levels, Hill’s - maker of Science Diet, Ideal Balance and Prescription Diet brand pet foods - uses multiple protein sources, both animal and

plant-based, in their foods.

“Since signs of kidney disease are often not evident until the disease is very progressed, keeping dietary protein and phosphorus levels in check is a good preventive step every pet owner should take,” advises Dr. Aja. Since seemingly normal pets can have undetected kidney disease, it’s important to discuss your pet’s diet with your veterinarian. Dr. Aja says if you see these warning signs of kidney disease, call your veterinarian right away: 1. Increased thirst and urine production 2. Decreased appetite 3. Weight loss 4. Bad breath 5. Vomiting and diarrhea 6. Sore mouth 7. Muscle weakness 8. Lack of energy 9. Decreased grooming habits

in cats When it comes to the pet food you give your pet, a balanced approach is best.

Always purchase food from companies with certified veterinary nutritionists on staff.

You can call the 1-800 number on a bag of pet food to confirm this information and to ensure your pet food maker is controlling the level of dietary phosphorus in its products.

“Balancing protein and controlling the level of phosphorus in the diet throughout an animal’s adult life is key to optimal nutrition and will benefit pets that have undiagnosed kidney disease,” Dr. Aja says. “Ask your veterinarian for a dietary recommendation based on your pet’s needs.

Proper, balanced nutrition is the best form of preventative medicine for your pet.”

LIFESTYLES

10 expert tips for an affordable and memorable destination wedding (BPT) - A flurry of congratulatory phone calls, social media announcements and sparkling ring pictures all mean one thing: engagement season has arrived.

With approximately 39 percent of marriage proposals taking place between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, engaged couples are taking note of one of the fastest-growing nuptial trends destination weddings.

These days, one in four weddings is a destination wedding, giving couples - and their guests - a reason to blend the joy of a marriage celebration with a fun and memorable vacation.

Planning a destination wedding suitable for all your attendees is easier than you think, thanks to some key insights from Myrtle

Beach-based expert wedding planner, Cheryl Cox. 1. Plan ahead Cox says nine to 12 months is the optimum planning time, especially for a destination wedding. Many couples start planning a destination wedding as soon as they get engaged. While the summer months are typically most popular for couples, when choosing a date, Cox recommends considering a Friday or weekday wedding, or planning the big day during the lesscrowded but still desirable shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

2. Select a destination that caters to all guests Consider a location with something for everyone. Myrtle

Beach, S.C., is the perfect example. The destination offers pristine greens for golf enthusiasts, museums and historic plantations for cultural buffs, delicious Coastal Carolina cuisine for the foodies, fun in the sun with a day at the beach or one of the many water parks, and for brides looking for some quality time with the girls, numerous spas for a day of pampering.

Plus, there are plenty of lodging options for your guests including oceanfront resorts, beach home rentals and quaint bed and breakfasts.

3. Research ceremony locations Beautiful and unique ceremony locations are one of the perks of having a destination wedding. “Research wedding venues, travel and accommodation options, and rates, then rank the venues you like best,” suggests Cox. As a Myrtle Beach wedding planner, she notes that the area’s 60 miles of stunning coastline make the perfect romantic backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a beachside wedding outside a charming beach home or at the Myrtle Beach State Park, or a historic location like Litchfield Plantation or Pine Lakes Country Club, there are countless ceremony locations to choose from. You can even tie

the knot 200 feet above the ground on the Myrtle Beach Skywheel.

Visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com for more information.

5. Help guests plan activities Travel is the foundation for long-lasting memories. In fact, a recent Harris Interactive survey found 62 percent of adults said their earliest memories were of family vacations taken when they were between ages 5 and 10. Help your guests - particularly families with young ones get the most out of their trip by suggesting activities or even making reservations for dinners, tee times, theme parks, museums, etc., before arrival.

6. Hire a wedding planner Planning a destination wedding doesn’t need to be stressful - hire a wedding planner.

“Wedding planners know the local wedding professionals and venues including the city regulations for beach weddings,” says Cox. The perfect beach wedding can be accomplished with the help of a wedding planner as they know the ins and outs of planning a beautiful beach wedding so couples and their guests can enjoy the true beauty of a beachside wedding.

7. Consider a pre-wedding visit “If possible, attend a local

wedding show to meet wedding professionals one-on-one or plan a ‘wedding planning trip’ to visit venues and meet with wedding vendors,” Cox suggests.

“Remember to take notes so you can recall all the details when you’re back home.”

8. Get wedding insurance Give yourself peace of mind by purchasing the appropriate wedding insurance. And, Cox notes, “Research to find the best coverage for your wedding - I highly recommend it.”

9. Be mindful of budget Start your marriage off on the right financial foot by keeping your wedding on-budget. Many couples planning destination weddings find them to be similar or even more affordable than traditional weddings back home. Myrtle Beach offers a variety of wedding venue options at various price points, so you can have your dream beach wedding and still stay on a budget.

10. Enjoy!

This is perhaps the most important step of all. Don’t forget to enjoy the experience of planning this memorable day and enjoying the company of your guests. Take pictures, sample cakes, pick out flowers and remember these moments and the beautiful destination you selected.

Stretching your ski vacation dollar or shuttle ride from Denver International Airport.

• Stay in a vacation rental. Large ski areas have plenty of lodging options aside from hotels. From condos, cabins and private homes, vacation rentals are a great alternative, especially for large groups and families. Vacation rentals typically go for a flat daily or weekly fee, so the more people you invite, the less it will cost per person.

• Location, location, location. While slopeside hotels let you walk out your door and hop on the lift, opting for lodging a little farther from the mountain can save you cash. And most ski resorts offer free shuttle services with stops throughout town, so getting to the lifts is not a hassle.

• Discount lift tickets. If you’re a student or a senior, be sure to bring identification to take advantage of any discounts available. And for those who enjoy sleeping in, you can opt for half-day or evening lift tickets that are discounted compared to full-day passes.

• Timing is everything. Many travelers end up paying too much for a ski vacation simply because they choose to vacation when everyone else does. In general, lift tickets and lodging will be most expensive over Christmas and New Year’s, MLK weekend, the President’s Day holi-

day and spring break during the month of March. Prices are relatively low in the early season, which occurs November through mid-December. They will often drop again in April, after spring break. The month of January is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets to skiing on a budget. After the December holidays, you’ll find plenty of snow without the crowds, typically resulting in lower lodging rates.

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 19

(BPT) - With the Olympics right around the corner, skiing is on a lot of people’s minds. While ski trips can get pricey quickly, there are ways to give your budget a lift.

“It’s not unusual for ‘ski vacation’ to be synonymous with ‘expensive getaway,’” says Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor for the travel booking website Orbitz.com. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. These seven simple tips and tricks can stretch your dollar and get you slopeside for a fraction of the price.”

• Borrow your ski equipment. One of the big expenses of a ski vacation - especially for new skiers - can be gearing up. Tap friends and family to borrow ski gear for your trip - from coats and ski pants to ski boots and snowboards.

• Travel’s new rule: Pack light. Most airlines let you travel with a ski bag as one of your checked bags. Just be conscious of the weight allowance and take as much as you can in a carry-on bag to avoid extra fees.

• Choose an easily reachable resort. Flying into to smaller airports can mean heftier prices and inconvenient connections. Look for ski resorts that are within close proximity of major airports where there is more airline competition. Ski destinations like Keystone and Breckenridge are both family-friendly and an easy drive

LIFESTYLES

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 19) As you begin January, you mean business about getting the job of your dreams. A new moon will appear directly in Capricorn 11 degrees, and will help you get ahead professionally within the ten days that follow that moon. This new moon will be the only one of 2014 that will light your area of fame, honors, awards, and achievement (tenth house).

TAURUS (April 20- May 20) A new moon will light your house of travel, so at this moment, you may be reading your January forecast from your hotel balcony, sipping your coffee as you look out upon a beautiful mountainous view.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) This January will have some very odd similarities to last January, a year ago.

Again many planets will be stacking up in Capricorn in your eighth house of other people’s money. You will be very much focused on money, but not the money that you receive as salary, but rather, on what I call “other people’s money” that is often parsed out in one-time lumps (or several one-time parcels).

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) This month will be about your closest relationships. With many planets stacking up in your seventh house of marriage and commitment, it is clear you may be thinking about whether you are ready to tie the knot. If you are, it appears your partner will be, too.

LEO (July 23- August 22) The New Year began with a new moon, January 1, in Capricorn, and with that new moon comes her

entourage: the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Pluto. These little planets are bouncing up and down, like little kids, in your area of work assignments.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) As a Virgo, you work very hard, so when the holidays come round, unlike other people, it takes you much longer to learn to relax and let go.

This has happened again this year, but that’s fine what will matter is that you enter January in a very relaxed state of mind, and it seems like you are very ready for love.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The last pine needles have been swept up, you’ve disposed of the empty champagne bottles, and now are rolling up your sleeves to start a home-related project. The new moon arrived immediately - on January 1 in

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 20

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Capricorn (11 degrees).

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) You will be very busy once you return to the office after the holidays, with lots of phone calls and emails to answer. You will need to be ultraorganized to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. All this is due to an important new moon that will appear the moment the month dawns, on January 1, in Capricorn, 11 degrees, in your third house of communication.

If you want to launch a new advertising or publicity campaign, this is the time to get started. If you need a logo designed, or a new website, start now.

This same sector rules manuscripts and writing projects, so if you need to start a thesis or marketing report, do it now SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) As the month opened, were very determined to

make money. Five heavenly bodies crowded into your second house of earned income, including Pluto, Venus, Mercury, Sun, and new moon, on January 1.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) The star configuration in the heavens for Capricorn is impressive.

In one little slice of the pizza pie (as I refer to in the horoscope chart), you have Venus, Mercury, Pluto, the Sun, and new moon, January 1 at 11 degrees. Because all these planets are in your first house of the horoscope, ruling your personality, vitality, and internal drive, it is clear that your passion and determination to succeed in any area will be the engine that runs your life during the first half of Jan.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) January started out as beautiful, thick snow fal-

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ling in a beautiful mountainous landscape. The environment will be peaceful - even silent - as you move away from the usual cacophony of voices around you. Early January will be perfect for reflection. It may be a matter as simple as taking time to enjoy walking through a museum exhibit on a Sunday morning before other attendees show up, or to travel to a nearby retreat in a natural setting to think about spiritual, philosophical questions.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) December may have been festive for most people, but for you, happiness and joy comes in January. You seem to have had to work hard through the holidays, but January offers sweet relief. You appear to be surrounded by many happy faces in January, thanks to the new moon in Capricorn 11 degrees that arrived on January 1.

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LIFESTYLES

Igor Butman And Russian Jazz Orchestra Plus Guest Artist Fantine To Perform At Miramar Cultural Center

By Eleanor Hannan -Aventura Digest

New year, new holistic skincare routine Expert fitness and lifestyle skincare tips for a healthy and beautiful 2014 skin. She shares her tips on easy ways to incorporate fitness - 365 days a year: Consider (quick) cardio Even on the busiest of days, find 15 minutes to squeeze in a quick cardio session.-Heart-pumping cardio will not only burn calories, but can also boost energy and improve moods. Aim for high-intensity interval workouts that alternate periods of short, intense activity with quick recovery periods.

Burpees are a great full body, high intensity exercise that can be done in any time crunch.

Think “outside the gym” Whether it’s a power walk in the park, sledding with the kids or other non-gym activities, a good amount of everyday movement promotes better blood flow and circulation. An active lifestyle also helps flush out cellular debris, which helps skin achieve a natural, healthy glow.

Pack accordingly Keeping a packed workout bag at home or at the office increases the

likelihood of a trip to the gym. In addition to a change of clothes, athletic shoes and a water bottle, be sure to include Simple Oil Balancing Facial Wipes to cleanse and refresh skin postworkout. These convenient wipes, which also help control shine, work in just one step - so there is no rinsing required.

Be balanced Simple encourages women to adopt a holistic approach to skincare and to look beyond their typical skincare routine.

One can do this by pairing exercise with smart lifestyle choices, including a healthy diet and stress management techniques. This trio of activities not only impacts fitness goals, but also the look and feel of skin. For an energy boost, almonds are a great snack as they are rich in skin-loving vitamin E. To destress, try to sneak in five minutes of meditation a day. Many people find that a holistic and balanced approach to fitness is easier to sustain - ultimately ensuring that results and healthy habits are maintained throughout the year.

For more tips on how to stay fit and maintain beautiful skin into the new year, as well as additional advice from Kacy Duke and other Simple Advisory Board members, visit- www.simpleskincare.com.

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 21

(BPT) - The new year is an ideal time to set goals surrounding personal health, fitness and wellness. As many goalsetters know, setting realistic resolutions that one can keep is a challenge, but taking a holistic approach to health which includes everything from skincare and diet to working out and maintaining a balanced lifestyle - ensures that resolutions turn into results.

Trainer-to-the-stars, Kacy Duke, is one of the noted lifestyle and wellness experts on the Simple Advisory Board.

Simple Skincare, a range of facial skincare products sensitive to skin needs, has the board to help women everywhere discover the benefits of a holistic approach to skincare. Duke and other boardmembers offer advice to help women care for their skin from the inside out.

In many cases, what is left out is as important as what is put in when it comes to skincare products. All Simple products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals that can upset skin.

Duke touts the importance of living a holistic lifestyle and revving up one’s workout routine to promote healthly

A Virtuoso saxophonist and skilled bandleader, jazz superstar Butman, is the leader of the Igor Butman Big band and the Igor Butman Quartet, comprised of four of Russia’s topmost jazz soloists. Splitting his time between Moscow and New York, over years Butman has built an impressive resume of work, performing with top international artists. He and his band are so highly regarded that they were invited by the legendary Wynton Marsalis to share the stage with the Lincoln Center Jazz orchestra.

For this performance Butman welcomes guest vocalist Fantine, whose musical style is described as a fusion of indie and electro soul.

Fantine has performed with Butman and his 16 piece big band jazz orchestra throughout Russia, Europe and the United States. For an extraordinary evening of big band jazz, on January 18, 2014, at 8 p.m. purchase tickets now ranging from $30 to $40 at the box office, located at 2400 Civic Center Place on Red Road, in Miramar.

Special $100 VIP tickets include a meet and greet with the artists, preshow and intermission hospitality room with open bar and light hors d’oeuvres. $1,000 benefits educational and cultural programs plus a theatre seat engraved with the patron’s name, concert, preshow and all of everything else. For information call 954-602-4500.

HEALTH

EATING WELL AT ANY AGE: How to fuel your mind, body and soul (BPT) - It’s common knowledge that children should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, consuming all the nutrients needed to grow up strong. Many adults don’t know that it’s just as crucial to continue those healthy habits throughout adulthood and well into the “golden years.” Regardless of age, we should all make nutritious and sensible choices to promote peak physical and mental performance.

Build strong bones Experts say the human body begins to lose bone mass at about age 30. That’s why it’s important to get plenty of calcium to keep bones strong, along with vitamin D, to help your body absorb calcium. Good sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, okra and collard greens. A convenient and delicious way to take in more calcium is to incorporate an Emerald Smoothie into your daily routine. Simply blend pineapple, celery and spinach with soy milk and ice in a Vitamix 7500. This quick and easy concoction will give your diet an extra boost of essential nutrients.

Sharpen the mind Making wholesome choices helps keep

your brain fit. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like sardines and salmon, as well as flaxseed and walnuts, have been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced risk for certain diseases. Eating fish regularly is one way to get enough omega-3s. If you’re not a seafood fan, numerous types of fish oil capsules are available at drug stores. Avocados also boast omega-3s, as well as monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol and improve circulation. Avocado provides a rich flavor and texture perfect for nearly any sandwich, as well as dips, smoothies and even desserts.

Antioxidant-rich blueberries are another mind-boosting addition to any diet. Considered a “super food,” these berries contain properties that have been linked to better brain health, improved motor skills and a sharper memory. To increase your berry intake, try a fruit salad for lunch or whip up a fresh berry sorbet for dessert.

Nourish your nervous system Vitamin B12 is vital to your well-being.

It can aid your body in producing red blood cells, properly developing nerve cells and preventing anemia. This vitamin

can be found naturally in animal products, such as fish, meat and eggs. Steamed clams and lean beef are some of the best sources of Vitamin B12. Those maintaining a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle should consider a supplement or foods specially fortified with B12, including certain breakfast cereals or soy products.

Stay hydrated Water is essential for your body. It keeps you hydrated, regulates body temperature and flushes waste. As we age, our sense of thirst may not be as effective, causing some older adults to be dehydrated but not feel thirsty. The average adult requires six to eight glasses of water each day, so a good rule of thumb is to have one glass at each meal and at least one glass in between meals.

Almond milk, soy milk and wholefood juices, made by blending whole fruits and vegetables in a highperformance blender like a Vitamix, can also keep you hydrated and satiated.

When reaching for a thirst quencher, try to avoid sugary drinks such as soda and processed fruit juice, which add calories without much nutritional value.

Aging is inevitable, however, you can build a stronger body, mind and soul at any phase in life. All it takes is knowledge, motivation and follow-through to keep yourself healthy and full of energy for years to come.

How Well Do You Know the Flu? (BPT) - About half of US adults incorrectly believe that antibiotics or flu vaccines will treat the flu, according to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). The good

news is that two-thirds of those surveyed know that people should be vaccinated against the flu each year.

“It is reassuring that individuals recognize the importance of receiving an

annual vaccination but that’s not enough,” says Dr. Susan J. Rehm, NFID medical director. “To help keep influenza out of homes, schools, and workplaces, everyone six months and older should

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 22

The way we process stress can have a direct impact on our physical and mental health.

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get vaccinated and contact their doctor when experiencing flu symptoms.

Remember Flu F.A.C.T.S.: Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden onset, to help determine if your symptoms are flu related.”

According to the CDC, the most important step in protecting against the flu is getting an annual flu vaccine.

Also, when viruses are circulating, everyday preventative actions (like washing your hands and covering your cough) can stop the spread of viruses.

Once you are infected with the flu virus, vaccination and hand washing will not stop the virus from rep-

licating. Antibiotics won’t help either, as they fight against bacterial infections. If you get the flu, a doctor can prescribe medicines to help treat the flu.

Flu spreads quickly and

public service announcement from NFID. Protect yourself this flu season, get vaccinated. To help your children learn flu-fighting habits, download a free “Freddie the Flu

“It is reassuring that individuals recognize the importance of receiving an annual vaccination but that’s not enough,” easily from one person to the next. Anyone can become sick and experience serious complications. Watch “Freddie the Flu Detective” identify flu symptoms in a new

Fighter” coloring book at FluFACTS.com or nfid.org.

The Flu Behaviors and Treatments survey is supported by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

HEALTH

Dr. Charlton Adler Heel Pain From Plantar Faciitis Affects 10% Of US Population

By Marylynne Newmark, Medical Writer

NORTH MIAMI BEACH - The most common cause of heel pain here in the United States is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Athletes are affected, as well as soldiers, sales people on their feet over long periods of time and those who are overweight. It can affect one foot or both.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fascia is the flat band of ligament that connects our heel bones to our toes. The plantar fasciia supports the arches of our feet. If it becomes strained by walking, running or standing for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces, it can become weak, swollen and irritated, resulting in severe heel pain.

People with flat feet or high arches are prone to this condition. Pronation (rolling of the feet inward when walking) is also a predictor of plantar fasciitis. Those with tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles are at risk for this, as well as people who are

overweight, or wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.

Pain is usually felt in the heel and foot with the first step out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. It is also likely to be felt after standing for a long period of time or when climbing stairs.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

After an indepth assessment of your medical history that would include past injuries and illnesses as well as current conditions under treatment, your podiatrist will assess how you stand and walk, where the pain is, what time of day you experience the most pain, and your level of physical activity. He or she may even xray your foot to rule out a stress fracture.

on activities that are associated with the pain. NSAIDS like Advil or other antiinflammatories such as Tylenol or Aspirin may be prescribed to reduce the painful inflammation, or ice applications may help. We may prescribe toe and calf stretches with a towel several times a day.

Shoes with a good arch support and/or cushioned soles are definitely recommended. If pain continues after these conservative approaches are employed, splints may be customized for the patient, and in extreme conditions where pain continues for more than six months, surgery may be recommended.

A visit to your podiatrist after several weeks of pain would definitely be in order to alleviate your discomfort and avoid long-term damage. Don’t delay. Early intervention can save you a lot of pain.

Treatment Treatment for plantar fasciitis begins with getting off your feet or cutting back

For further information, feel free to view his website at www.miamifootankle.com, or call the office directly at 305-935-3999 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Charlton Adler has been recognized for his patient and thorough podiatric care for all ankle and foot problems, as well as his limbsaving successes as a team with vascular specialists at Jackson North, the Aventura Wound Center and Kindred Hospital in Hollywood He has the rare honor of being certified by three prestigious clinical boards: The American Board of Podiatric Surgery, The American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine, and he is a Certified Wound Care Specialist. Dr. Adler’s main office is located at 2390 NE 186th St., North Miami Beach.

JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 23

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REAL ESTATE What a home inspection can do for you (BPT) - While giving a new $900,000 home a thorough going-over, Salt Lake City home inspector Kurt Salomon found a problem under the deck. The builder had cut corners, using the wrong kind of fasteners to secure the deck to the house. Yet, the municipal building official had approved the work.

“In some cases, a building inspector is not going to crawl underneath the deck looking at the hardware. A good home inspector will,” says Salomon, past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Because it uncovers aspects of the home that are unsafe or not in working condition, an inspection is a must when buying a home, says J.J. Montanaro, a certified financial planner with USAA. “You want surprises

that come with homeownership to be happy surprises, not bad ones,” Montanaro says. “A thorough home inspection by a certified professional can help ensure that’s the case.” Salomon says an inspection of the house you want to buy helps identify not only safety concerns and failing structural elements but faulty mechanical systems and areas that soon may need maintenance.

You’ll pay around $300 to $500 for an inspection, which can take two to three hours. The cost can vary based on your geographic region, and the size and age of the home.

Requesting other services, such as septic and radon testing, will add to the fee.

“An inspection is money and time wellspent,” Montanaro says.

“If your inspector finds things that should be repaired, you can use that report as leverage to have them fixed or negotiate a lower price.”

To help get the most from a home inspection, Salomon and Montanaro advice you to follow these steps: • Do your homework: Many contracts include a

home-inspection deadline, so start shopping for an inspector when you qualify for a mortgage. This gives you time to find a qualified, professional inspector.

• Look for the inspection clause: Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes a clause that makes your purchase contingent on the findings of an inspection with the inspector you choose. This can provide a way out of the contract if the inspector finds a major problem the homeowner won’t address.

Make sure the clause is included even if the contract specifies an as-is sale, meaning the seller does not agree to make repairs.

“If a seller’s not willing to let you inspect the house, that’s a big red flag,” Montanaro says.

• Hire a pro: Shop around. Ask friends, neighbors and real estate agents for recommendations. For help online, the American Society of Home Inspectors has a database of its certified inspectors.

And the Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a list of 10 questions to ask inspectors.

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REAL ESTATE

Five hot decorating trends to make your home interiors pop - Looking for ways to switch up your style this year? From the right patterns and colors to impressive accents, the latest home design trends will keep your space looking fresh and fabulous in 2014.

“Now more than ever, homeowners are willing to experiment with design,” (BPT)

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JANUARY • AVENTURA DIGEST • PG 25

says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality. “The start of the new year is the perfect time to add character and personality with unique details, patterns and pops of color.”

Here are the top five home decor trends Nayak predicts will make a big impact in 2014: • Painted detail on furniture pieces A hot trend in 2014 is to bring fleamarket furniture back to life with painted patterns and details. “Refurbishing old furniture pieces is a popular - and easy look to achieve,” says Nayak. “All you need is a little bit of paint and a lot of creativity.”

New pre-cut, patterned painter’s tape makes this simple project much easier.

FrogTape Shape Tape is available in three of the most on-trend patterns: chevron, wave and scallop. Before painting, simply apply the tape in the desired pattern on a hand-me-down or thrift store find to create a custom piece for your home.

Plus, since Shape Tape is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, you’ll create super-sharp lines and help prevent paint bleed.

• White hot White is a mainstay in home design.

It’s timeless, classic and extremely versatile. In 2014, try pairing white with different textures, like natural wood.

You’ll create a unique focal point while highlighting other warm features in the room, as well. “Another method is to create contrast with white. Use a single, bold accent color, like yellow, fuchsia or navy, to move your eye across the space,” Nayak recommends. By simply rethinking how to use white, your home will be a warm and inviting haven all year long.

• What’s old is new again: vintage details You can create a home filled with

vintage details, regardless of the age of your house. In 2014, try using muted color palettes, like gray, taupe or certain shades of green or rose, and industrial accents to transform its appearance.

“Incorporating pieces of distressed wood will also add to the overall vintage effect,” adds Nayak. “You can create this look even with pristine lumber - by adding nicks and scrapes to the surface with a heavy metal chain and a hammer. Once you’ve added the desired amount of distress, cover the wood with a dark stain.

Quickly wipe away, allowing the color to settle into the imperfections.”

Whether it’s displayed prominently as a focal point, or used sparingly on accent pieces, distressed wood elements will help tie the vintage trend together.

• Masculine meets feminine “Merging styles to make the entire family happy is not always easy,” says Nayak. Instead of looking too rugged or too girly, a key trend in 2014 is to blend both masculine and feminine components into your home design.

“Combining two styles doesn’t mean the end result will be safe or boring. There are a number of creative solutions that will satisfy everyone’s tastes while making an impressive design statement.” Try painting a design on a wood floor. This technique allows the raw, masculine features of the wood to show through, while introducing a feminine overlay of patterns or colors. Popular patterns include quatrefoil, herringbone and modern floral designs.

• Metallic finishes and accents Using metallic accents creates the perfect finishing touch in any room of the house. “The right accessories, like eyecatching metallic, make any space look and feel complete,” says Nayak. In 2014, the hottest finishes include brass and antiqued mirrors: both add depth, light and just enough sheen to make accents feel extra special. Best of all, there are a number of quick and easy DIY projects you can complete to bring this trend into your home. One is to spray paint branches silver or gold and then pop them in a vase - it will add instant glamour and help your home design shine well into in the new year.

“Don’t be afraid to mix and match the latest trends to reflect your personal style,” adds Nayak. “With the right ontrend elements and a dose of character, you’ll transform your house into a home fit for the new year.”

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Planning a home improvement project?

How to hire a quality contractor (BPT) - Dreaming of home improvement projects in the New Year?

You’re not alone - many homeowners are deciding what improvement project to tackle next. As the housing market continues to strengthen, homeowners buying or selling homes are focused on curb appeal or updating new spaces, which makes now a perfect time for remodeling. In fact, a majority of U.S. Homeowners (75.5 percent) are planning one or more home improvement projects by early 2014, according to a recent HIRI Sentiment Tracking Study.

“Home improvement projects were on the rise in 2013 and I believe the numbers will continue to increase in 2014,” says Dennis Stemmle, president of ServiceLive, a free online home improvement service that connects people to quality contractors. “Hiring an experienced contractor

helps homeowners get the job done right the first time, giving them peace of mind and avoiding additional costs associated with mistakes.”

Stemmle says hiring a contractor can be nervewracking for homeowners, who have heard too many horror stories of contractors abandoning halfcompleted projects, doing inferior work, or grossly misjudging costs. To avoid contractor trouble and to find a reputable contractor who will save you time and money, Stemmle suggests you ask these six questions before you make a hiring decision: 1. What is your business history?

A contractor needs to have the proper licenses and permits, so be sure to verify the person entering your home is legally able to complete the project.

Also ask how long the company has been in business and where it is located. If a company is

inexperienced or located far away, you might find the service inadequate. To save time and make it more convenient for consumers, ServiceLive offers a six-point background check on each of its contractors so customers can feel confident about who they hire.

2. How much is this going to cost?

Get an itemized budget containing all costs associated with the project up front. You might eliminate the highest bid to save money, but don’t necessarily go with the lowest one. If the estimate is too low, you may find the project was completed with shoddy workmanship or cheap materials.

3. Do you have references?

Always ask for references. Make phone calls and visit past projects that are similar to the one you are planning. This is a great way to learn if there have been any past issues

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with the contractor.

4. Who will be working at my house?

When it comes to hiring a professional for their project, 67 percent of homeowners surveyed by Houzz & Home rated a “personality I can work with” as being very important.-Many homeowners are surprised that the contractor they interviewed and hired isn’t the person actually doing the work.

Ask who will be working at the house and if jobs are subcontracted.

Service Live, for example, vets contractors down to the individual worker so that there are no surprises.

5. What is the timeline for completion?

A timeline is more than just a guideline; it should be a legal and binding agreement. Make sure the timeline has a specific start and end date, including checkpoints along the way.

6. How am I protected?

Warranties are a huge benefit of hiring a contractor over doing the work yourself. A one-year warranty is standard. Find out what guarantees and warranties the contractor offers before signing the agreement. Also, verify that the contractor is licensed and insured to work and get proof before starting a project.

“ServiceLive only recommends experienced, honest and efficient contractors who have passed a rigorous background check and are bonded.

The service takes the guesswork out of hiring a contractor - consumers can trust that we’ve already asked all of the important questions so they don’t have to,” says Stemmle. “With the right contractor you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.”

To start a free search for quality contractors in your area, visit www.

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