Today's Woman May 2012

MAY 2012

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Women Who Serve

Weight Loss Challengers: Final Results PAIN-Free ~ How to get there

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May 2012 articles

Contents 26 24 Volume 22 8 Number 5 Celebrating 20 Years

Read more about our cover girl, Stephanie Sullivan on page 30

Power

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I am Today’s Woman

By Lucy M. Pritchett

Survival Skills: Karen Crook

By Marie Bradby

20 Things

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By ANITA OLDHAM

Looking Back 20 Years

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By Kim Kerby

Celebrating 20 Years of Impacting Women 18

By Cathy Zion

STYLE

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Wonder Women

By Tiffany White and ANITA OLDHAM

Garden Thoughts

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By Lucy M. Pritchett

Making Your Dreams Come True 38

BY ABIGAIL MUELLER Arts Insider: Kathy Griffin

BY Gioia Patton

WELLNESS Arthritis Section

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BY Ruby Thomas Arthritis & OrthOpedic sectiOn

Light Bite: Blueberry Smoothie With Greens 58

By Melissa Donald

It’s a Pain “I was in pain for 10 years.”

Read about how Charlene found relief

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By Cheryl StucK

Ready to Change Your Life?

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By Melissa Donald and tiffany white

Arthritis and Orthopedic Special Section 44

Reprints are available!

Call (502) 327-8855, ext. 10, or email us at reprints@todayspublications.com with details and specifics.

For advertising information in Today’s Woman, call (502) 327-8855.

Today’s Woman

BBB Rating of

is published monthly by:

Zion Publications, LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307, Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: (502) 327-8855 • Fax: (502) 327-8861 www.iamtodayswoman.com

Subscriptions are available by sending $18 to the above address for 12 monthly issues.

Today’s Woman magazine is published monthly by Zion Publications LLC and distributed free to the people of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Circulation 50,000 guaranteed. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Woman magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service.

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Copyright 2012 by Zion Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.

Today’s Woman

“

I am Today’s Woman ~ A dedicated worker and a dreamer

AGE: 28

Neighborhood: Okolona/Highview

Christie Wendlegast – Major with Civil Air Patrol, Kentucky National Guard Composite Squadron 123; department manager at Sears, Jefferson Mall

Household: grandmother, Opal Wendlegast

by Lucy M. Pritchett / Photo: Melissa donald / Makeup: Holly Oyler

In uniform:

What she does:

What Civil Air Patrol does:

I am the only female senior in the squadron. Right now we have two female cadets out of 15 in the squadron.

I am the third generation in my family as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol. My grandfather, Kenneth Wendlegast, was one of the founders of CAP in the Louisville area in 1943. My father, Michael, is also a volunteer. He has served as director of cadet programs for Kentucky and just recently became inspector general. I joined in July 1999 as a cadet. I was 14.

We are a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP has three missions: 1) air and ground search and rescue/disaster relief operations; 2) aerospace education for young people and the general public; and 3) cadet programs.

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I serve as squadron leader for the cadet program. The cadet program is open to anyone between the ages of 12 and 21.

We meet once a week at the Air National Guard facility on Grade Lane. Meetings cover the history and fundamentals of CAP, weather and flight, leadership, and physical training.

The appeal:

What I want to do is help people.

I originally thought I would like a career in the medical field and thought with its first aid training, CAP would be a stepping stone to medicine, but I didn’t go that way.

I have a bachelor’s degree with a minor in psychology from Indiana University Southeast.

Role model:

My grandmother. She is always helping people. I grew up in a household that included my grandmother and grandfather, my great-grandmother, a great aunt, my father, and me. My grandmother took care of all of us. And worked as a real estate agent at the same time. She instilled the idea of hard work and caring for others in me.

On her playlist:

Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, Black Eyed Peas, Celine Dion, Jordin Sparks. I listen to soft rock, pop, and country.

What she has learned:

Leadership skills. My training in the CAP has shown me how to take responsibility, to step up. It has helped me gain my position as department manager at Sears.

It has taught me to be dedicated to what I am doing.

This summer:

I will be the commander at the encampment in June, which will be held at the Wendall Ford Training Center in Greenville. It is a one-week basic training for cadets.

About 60 cadets will come from all over Kentucky and other states as well. Days will run from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cadets will have to meet certain criteria in order to graduate.

On her bookshelf:

Books by Nora Roberts and Debbie Macomber.

Awards and decorations:

Charles E. “Chuck” Yaeger Aerospace Education Achievement Award; National Cadet Color Guard Ribbon (her squadron came in fourth in the national competition in 2009); red service ribbon for more than 10 years duty; Commander Commendation’s Award and Meritorious Service Award.

Today’s Woman

Survival Skills: Military Skills in a New Business

Karen Crook

by Marie Bradby

K

aren Crook is known as “the lotion lady,” the woman with the body creams and the bath products that she sells at arts and crafts fairs and farmer’s markets as well as out of her store, Lexie’s Trading Post on Frankfort Avenue.

“I love being a business owner, the flexibility of being in control of your own schedule, not having to ask somebody, ‘can I do this, can I do that?’” said Karen.

But this 40-year-old mother of two school-aged children has taken a circuitous route to becoming a business owner with her husband Gary, a graphic designer. After receiving a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Texas Women’s University, she began her career as a compounding chemist.

Then she joined the Air Force in order to see more of the U.S. There she earned top secret clearance as a nuclear missile launch officer, or a “key turner,” the person with a finger poised to launch an intercontinental nuclear missile after receiving a secret command.

Working 24-hour shifts at a time, Karen helped staff a post 100 feet underground in Wyoming.

“We have missiles on alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Karen said. “The U.S. (defense system) is built on deterrents, to ward off awful things that could happen. I was the one who sat under the ground. I was a key turner. You have your finger on the button at all given times.

“It’s boring and stressful at the same time,” Karen said. “You’re doing stuff all the time, but you can’t tell anybody what you are doing, not even your spouse.

While in Wyoming, she had her two children and, using her background as a chemist, whipped up a cream in 2002 to alleviate the dry itchiness of her belly while pregnant.

“There is zero percent humidity up there,” Karen said. “It is unbelievably dry, and I could not find anything to stop the itching.”

For years, she gave the cream away to family and friends, who began making requests. “I’d make a little bit extra or give it to a friend who was pregnant who was having dry skin issues.”

After her stint as a nuclear missile launch officer, she was transferred back to California where she lived for another two years, training others to do the job. “Only the best of the best get to go back and be the instructor,” Karen said.

She decided to leave the military in 2007, using her skin care line as her “exit strategy,” and relocate. Karen said she and her husband

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looked at 10 different cities and though they “didn’t know a soul” here, chose Louisville based on three criteria: affordable “cost of living, four seasons, and an eastern time zone.”

Drawing on her experience as a chemist and her military training, Karen set up her business of manufacturing skin-care products, opening kiosks at the Mall St. Matthews and Jefferson Mall for the Christmas holiday shopping season. The malls “were great, but too expensive,” she said. By February, they had found a place to rent on Bardstown Road where they sold her “Lexie’s of Louisville Family Skin Care” line, plus gifts. Though they had to close that store in 2009 because their bank closed their line of credit, they kept selling their products. They re-opened in a new location on Frankfort Avenue in 2010.

Karen uses strategies she gained in military training in her business:

Rule #1: Integrity. “Be true

to your word. Your word is your reputation and your reputation is everything in business. If you have one bad word out there, 50 people hear it. If you have one good word out there, three people hear it.

Rule #2: Excellence in All You Do. “Have a vision

and be inspired by your competitors, but don’t be swayed by what you see.

Everybody has a nice pretty face on, but you don’t know what’s behind the scenes. Look at our planet. Even the earth from space looks like a peaceable place.”

Rule #3: Attention to Details.

“Details equal money. If you’re having a lack of sales, if you pay attention to details, your sales will improve. Maybe it’s just a little detail, like rearranging your store to focus on a different item.”

Rule #4: Resourcefulness.

“Make use of what you have. Just look around and be creative. The goal is to keep your costs down.”

Rule #5: Communication.

“Talk to others. Know what is going on around you, even if you don’t like what you’re hearing. Your goal is to minimize misunderstanding, which in business, is a loss of business or sales. Once everyone is on the same page, that’s when progress happens.”

Rule #6: Leadership.

“You can’t be the leader every time. It’s impossible to do everything and please everyone. Sometimes you can’t be the leader; sometimes you’re just the worker ant.”

Today’s Woman

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Happenings, news, celebrations, and tidbits that caught Today’s Woman’s eye this month.

1Happy 3 4 MEN! Derby ye ars old !

To You!

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by ANITA Oldham

Congrats to Ingrid Hernández, president of InGrid Design, who was named the 2012 EPIC Award winner by the Louisville chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

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Sign Up Today

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Bachelors and Great Husbands Nominate them at www.iamtodayswoman.com

Your Kids Will Want This!

Do you have unrealized dreams? Abigail Mueller has been coaching three women with vision boards and goal setting (see page 36). She will host an event for Today’s Woman readers on May 17 at the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, 2115 Lexington Road, from 5:30-7:30p.m.

The cost is free but reservations are required. Sign up online at www.iamtodayswoman.com or call 502.594.6331.

Looking for Men:

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This month, you could win a family 4-pack of tickets for Day Out with Thomas the Tank Train: www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine.

June 26, 5:30p.m. at Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center. Buy tickets at www.iamtodayswoman.com

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Today’s Woman

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BEFORE

after

— By Tiffany White

Mehrotra, Lof opa founder and CEO TestToob, Inc., is

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one of the honorees this year for the MOSAIC Awards.

The MOSAIC Awards honors immigrants and refugees who have made a significant contribution in their profession and in our community. The awards are scheduled for May 17 at the Henry Clay. Call Beverly Bromley, 502.452.6341

Some Wisdom from Bob:

Do you Allow Yourself to Feel?

Sometimes, there is nothing we can do to help someone else. We live too far away, have other pressing obligations, or there is nothing we can do, anyway. Often, if it is a problem of overwhelming proportions, we end up feeling hopeless. We see reports, for example, of tornados, typhoons, and mass death throughout the world. We send money, or perhaps collect clothes and blankets, but that is such a small drop in the bucket, compared to the suffering being experienced.

Most of us in such situations shut down and close off our hearts so that we don’t have to feel the pain of others. We ignore it and put it out of our minds. When we shut down to others’ or our own pain, we also shut down to the possibility of joy. It’s all or nothing — either we feel both abundance and loss, both the majesty of life and the truth of death, or we don’t fully feel either of them. A priest friend of mine once said, “To touch the ten thousand joys, you must be willing to face the ten thousand sorrows.”

— Read Bob Mueller’s entire article online at www.iamtodayswoman.com 12

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2012

Q: I’m six months pregnant, and my husband has decided he’s not ready to be a father.

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When we got married, we decided we would wait five years before becoming parents. When our friends began having children, he thought it would be a good idea to begin our family, even though we had only been married for two years. We discussed it at great length. Now, he’s messing with my mind. I don’t want my pregnancy to be overshadowed by uncertainty. I am trying to move forward with preparations for the baby, but he is uncooperative and disinterested. He is confusing me, and the tension in our marriage is on the rise. What do I do?

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(Go to www.iamtodayswoman.com for the answer to this question.)

Just Ask Joyce

Go Vintage

Slip into your finest vintage attire for a dressup party at Gilda’s Club,

633 Baxter Ave., from 4-7 p.m. on May 20 during A Silver Swank Affair — celebrating the 25th anniversary of Elizabeth’s Timeless Attire. Appetizers, wine, and desserts will be served to the tune of French café music by Non Chalante.’ Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door — and all proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club Louisville. For tickets, www.gildasclublouisville.org or 502.583.0075.

Come and celebrate with owner Elizabeth Schaaf on May 20.

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Win Holiday World Tickets!

Look for details at www.facebook.com/ todayswomanmagazine.

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Go and Congratulate Lopa!

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rissy Giles, master stylist, from New Attitude Hair Salon, gave Kalyn Reed cheekbones instantly. Starting from the inner part of her eye on both sides of the face, she drew a line extending down to the side of her nose. Krissy used a powder that was one shade darker than Kalyn’s skin tone to draw the lines; then she blended it with a larger powder brush using a powder closer to her skin tone. She applied highlighter underneath her eyes to open them up. Krissy applied a darker bronzer under the cheekbones and placed blush on the apples of the cheeks. Her hair, says stylist Nickie Henderman, was “dragging around her face and wasn’t accentuating her cheekbones.”Nickie shortened Kalyn’s existing layers on top for more fullness, removed some length from the sides and styled her hair away from her face.

Photos: Melissa Donald

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Fix Your Flaws ~ Create Cheekbones

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atrick Dougherty has been at Bernheim Forest “growing” an outdoor natural sculpture. It was unveiled at the end of last month, so stop and see it.

Kentucky Book Festival

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Tori Murden McClure kicks off The Kentucky Women’s Book Festival, May 19, at Ekstrom Library at the University of Louisville. Check out the novelists, columnists, and writers who will be part of the sessions at www.louisville.edu/ womenscenter/kwbf. Or call 502.852.8976.

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Maryhurst, a local children’s home and foster care agency, is having its Annual Journey of Hope Luncheon at noon on May 23, at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Louisville. Sadiqa Reynolds, Chief for Community Building, Louisville Metro Government, is the keynote speaker. Alumna of the Year for 2012 is Marilyn Edwards, who arrived at Maryhurst in the 1960s at age 15. Individual tickets are $60; call 502.271.4523 or email amanda.shumate@ maryhurst.org.

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Louisvillian Mary Peabody Camp, 14, represented The United States Pony Clubs in a Mounted Games competition in Australia.

20 19 18 Under The Brim!

Don’t miss Today’s Woman Stylist Wendy Anguiano on WAVE3’s Oaks and Derby television coverage. She will be looking for fashionable women to tell her about your hats — Stop by and see her!

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Mother’s Day – May 13

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.

They have clung to me all my life.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Louisville artist Gail Corso dressed a Diva in pink for A Taste of Kentucky, creating the Oaks Diva wine glass named Hope with the mission to help raise awareness and funds for the families and individuals touched by cancer.

Available at A Taste of Kentucky.

How is she raising her 3 Kids?

Miranda Popp, Today’s Family Every Day Editor

Stop by www.TodaysFamilyEveryDay.com to talk about parenting and having fun doing it. Plus great prizes to win for family fun.

Today’s Woman

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Celebrating

Years/looking back

By Kim Kerby

1991 — 2011

S

ince the first golf game, Today’s Woman has been a partner to the Women 4 Women organization. Women 4 Women is a non-profit organization, with the mission to improve the economic self-sufficiency of women and families.

In 1993, Elaine “Cissy” Musselman, founder of Women 4 Women, gathered together a group of women to celebrate her 50 th birthday and she shared with them a dream she had for years. She wanted to raise awareness and money for the issues and needs affecting women and girls in our community.

That group of women dedicated themselves and their corporations to raise money throughout the year for women’s causes. That first year, $40,000 was raised to benefit organizations serving women victims of violence and Women 4 Women was founded.

Now, $8 million later, Women 4 Women has much to celebrate and still more to do.

Perhaps you can help and also let your admiration show for a special woman in your life.

Women 4 Women is creating a tribute book which will have photos and tributes to local women. These listings can be purchased and the proceeds from A Celebration of Women will be donated to the Women 4 Women Fund 4 Women and Girls Endowment at the Community Foundations of Louisville.

Go to www.w4w.org or go to page 35.

Congratulations on 20 Years

September 1995 These four women — Madeline Abramson, Carol Armstrong, Kirby Adams, and Tandy Patrick — featured on this cover were the honorary chairs of the Run for Life, part of the third annual Women 4 Women festival. The theme for the festival was Women Conquering Cancer, and each one of these ladies chose to be a part of the event because they had all been touched by cancer in some way.

Upcoming W4W Events ~ June 16 Women 4 Women’s Repair Affair August 27 Women 4 Women’s 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament Cardinal Club — Simpsonville, KY September 13 Women 4 Women’s Annual Luncheon Speaker — Jean Chatzky Galt House East — Grand Ballroom

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August 1996 This cover represented the four agencies that Women 4 Women chose to raise money for in 1996. Each of these agencies helped girls during their formative years. The four agencies represented were Kentuckiana Girl Scouts, Maryhurst, National Center for Family Literacy, and CASA, The Family Place, Family & Children’s Agency.

MEDIA SPONSORS:

WAVE 3 and The Max 102.3 Contributing Sponsor:

Blades

Today’s Woman

Celebrating 20 Years of Impacting Women

by Cathy Zion, Publisher

We were thrilled when so many of you joined us to celebrate the 20th birthday of Today’s Woman magazine earlier this year at our amazing Eve*olution fashion show. In every issue throughout this year, we are continuing to rejoice 20 years of inspiring, informing, and encouraging women in our Looking Back feature.

There are other local women’s organizations celebrating their 20 th birthday this year, too!

Women 4 Women and the Louisville chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) are also 20 this year. Yes, we’re nearly triplets with similar DNA — to raise awareness about women’s issues and empower them to excel.

In the midst of a plethora of women’s issues ranging from reproductive freedom and sexual harassment to affirmative action and dual career marriages, 1992 marked an epiphany for women who struggled for and sought equality.

That mindset led Women 4 Women founder Elaine “Cissy” Musselman to mark her 50 th birthday by gathering a group of close friends and sharing her dream to raise money and awareness about the issues affecting women and children. Before she could blow

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out the candles, $17,000 was raised which became the seed money for Women 4 Women.

To further its goal, Women 4 Women has hosted an annual women-only golf scramble as well as a luncheon attended by over 500 women and men who share Cissy’s dream that the lives of women and girls must improve.

And in 2000, it undertook a comprehensive two-year study on the health and well-being of women and girls. Entitled Benchmark 2000, it set out the priorities and goals for improving the lives of women and girls in our community.

Programs such as Fit 4 Me and Finance 4 Her have been launched to meet these needs and help improve the well-being of women and their families.

Now to commemorate their 20 th birthday, Women 4 Women is compiling a book of tributes entitled A Celebration of Women.

These memorials or honorariums are a heartfelt way to recognize women who have impacted each of us. (Yes…a terrific Mother’s Day gift with no worry of size or color!).

See page 35 for more information or go to www.women-4-women.org.

While women were hammering away at that elusive glass ceiling, many opted out of the corporate catacombs to start their own businesses. According to the Small Business Administration, the number of female-owned businesses increased a whopping 89 percent between 1987 and 1997. With this enormous growth came the need for groups to foster and mentor these aspiring women business owners.

Women’s advocate Betty Griffin rose to the challenge and, together with a handful of others who shared her vision, worked tirelessly to charter the Louisville Chapter of NAWBO here. Since then, membership has grown to more than 100 women who are owners of large and small businesses, as well as those who are transitioning to entrepreneurism.

Louisvillian Evelyn Strange, CEO of Advanced Electrical Systems, is this year’s National Board Chair and is bringing the 7,000-member organization’s national convention here October 4-5. This is a huge coup for Louisville. To learn more, go to www.nawbolouisville.org So go kick up your heels to congratulate and celebrate the many contributions these organizations have made in our community over the past 20 years. Women helping women, women inspiring women, women empowering women. Yaaa-hoo!

Today’s Woman

www.iamtodayswoman.com / www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine / @todayswomannow

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— This is an Advertisement —

our yProfessional Connections Calendar www.stites.com • 502.587.3400 • Fax 502.387.6391

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Location Varies – See Website for Details. www.iaap-louisville.org

Legal Secretaries of Louisville Every 3rd Tuesday • 11:30 a.m.

Bristol Bar & Grille 614 West Main Street Alice Harris 502.595.2310 #339 aharris@louisvilleprosecutor.com www.legalseclou-ky.org MLWPC- Metropolitan Louisville Women’s Political Caucus Every 4th Monday • 5:30 p.m.

Olmsted Bistro at Masonic Homes 3701 Frankfort Avenue Sherry Conner 502.776.2051 mayorconner@insightbb.com NAWBO- National Association of Women Business Owners Every 3rd Tuesday info@nawbolouisville.org www.nawbolouisville.org National Association of Women in Construction Every 2nd Monday • 5:30 p.m.

Call for meeting location Patty Stewart 812.288.4208 #121 Network Now Every 2nd Friday • 11:30 a.m.

Hurstbourne Country Club 9000 Hurstbourne Club Lane Lee Ann Lyle 502.836.1422 lee@lalcomputers.com

All listings are on a per month basis. To list your meeting free of charge in the calendar, email us your meeting date, time, location, a contact phone number, and website to advertising@todayspublications.com, call 502.327.8855 ext. 14 or fax to 502.327.8861. Deadline for inclusion is five weeks prior to issue date (example: June 25 for August issue). We will confirm receipt of your changes.

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NIA Women’s Roundtable Every 4th Friday • 8:30 a.m.

NIA Center 2900 West Broadway – 3rd floor Suzanne Carter 502-775-2548 suzannec@morethanconsultants.org Southern Indiana Women’s Networking Group Every 3rd Wednesday • 11:30 a.m.

Holiday Inn-Lakeview 505 Marriott Drive * Clarksville Email Lisa Stinnett for RSVP: lisa.stinnett@elwoodstaffing.com WIN- Women in Networking Every 2nd Wednesday • 11:15 a.m.

Oxmoor Country Club 9000 Limehouse Lane WIN- Women in Networking II Every 3rd Wednesday • 11:30 a.m.

Fern Valley Conference Center 2715 Fern Valley Road Kim Fusting 502.267.7066 kimins@bellsouth.net www.win3louisville.com WIN- Women in Networking III Every 2nd Tuesday • 11:30 a.m.

Hurstbourne Country Club 9000 Hurstbourne Club Lane Charlaine Reynolds 502.742.5802 charlaine.reynolds@gmail.com OR Stephanie Riggle 502.554.4753 stephanie.riggle@ grannynannies-ky.com www.win3louisville.com WIN- Women in Networking IV Every 3rd Tuesday • 11:30 a.m.

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Buca di Beppo 2051 S. Hurstbourne Parkway Lee Ann Lyle 502-836-1422 info@win5networking.com www.win5networking.com WOAMTEC-Women On A Mission To Earn Commission Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 11:30 a.m.

Limestone Restaurant 10001 Forest Green Blvd.

Charlene Burke 812.951.3177 www.woamtec.com Women’s Business Center of KY –

funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the SBA

Every 1st Friday Roundtable * 8:30 a.m.

Location – TBA Sharron Johnson 502.566.6076 #104 sjohnson@cvcky.org www.cvcky.org/womensbusiness center.html Women’s Council of Realtors Every 3rd Thursday • 11:30 a.m.

Wildwood Country Club 5000 Bardstown Rd. Lynda Minzenberger 502.552.8768 lynda@catalystrealty.net ZONTA- Advancing The Status of Women Every 1st Thursday • 6:00 p.m.

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Today’s WoMAn Woman TodAY’s

Sponsored by:

www.iamtodayswoman.com / www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine / @todayswomannow

2012 2012 MAY MAY

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Wonder

Women

By Tiffany White and WENDY ANGUIANO Photos: James Moses Styling: Wendy Anguiano Makeup: Lorie Karnes, Blades Salon & Spa Hair: Rachel Hagan, Blades Salon & Spa

They’re brave and ready to take on the next big mission.

Whether they’re saving us from imminent danger or stopping a criminal in the act.

Linda is wearing: Shoes, $60, available at Off Broadway, 4600 Shelbyville Road, 502.897.5232;Anna & Ava necklace, $38, Jessica Simpson earrings, $38, available at Dillard’s, Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road, 502.893.4400.

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Today’s Woman

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ailing down the details to catch a criminal came easy for FBI special agent Linda Carrithers Angel who once investigated a staged automobile accident ring in Dallas which led to the indictment of 18 people. Putting away the bad guys is rewarding for Linda — and fun. “It’s like working a puzzle. You receive allegations that a crime has been committed but you have to prove it first.” Gathering sufficient proof to prosecute a case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she says, has been one of the toughest parts of her job. Linda started her 20-year career in Texas where she was assigned to the FBI Dallas Field Office to work White Collar Crime investigations which included financial institution fraud, telemarketing fraud, insurance fraud, money laundering, health care fraud, public corruption, and civil rights investigations. Later, she began working in Health Care Fraud investigations and helped establish the Metroplex Health Care Fraud Task Force in Dallas. The job of an FBI agent is unpredictable, but Linda has always been ready for whatever came her way. “There really is no such thing as a typical day for an FBI agent. Agents in our field offices could be testifying in a federal court one day, and executing a search warrant and gathering evidence the next.” In some instances, Linda would pose as an undercover patient in a clinic to determine whether the clinic was properly billing patients for services rendered. In 2005, Linda became the applicant coordinator for FBI Louisville and recruits Special Agent applicants. She plans to retire this year and says her job has been the foundation for how she lives her life. “I am held to a higher standard, being an FBI agent. FBI stands for Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.”

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Wonder

Women

“

The military has taught me how to deal with people…

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more on page 30

Amy Scucci, Yeoman, United States Coast Guard 24

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Today’s Woman

www.iamtodayswoman.com / www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine / @todayswomannow

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Wonder

Women

“

It felt like a calling.

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more on page 30

Christine Kesten Wagner, former dental hygenist, United States Air Force Christine is wearing: Antonio

Melani jacket, $199, Antonio Melani pants, $119, Antonio Melani top, $89, Gianni Bini hat, $16, Kenneth Cole earrings, $35, Natasha bangles, $24, available at Dillard’s, Mall St. Matthews 5000 Shelbyville Road, 502.893.4400.

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Today’s Woman

www.iamtodayswoman.com / www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine / @todayswomannow

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Wonder

Women

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You are more likely to tell your family you love them.

”

more on page 30

Andrea Belden, Firefighter, Lafayette Twp Fire Department

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www.iamtodayswoman.com / www.facebook.com/todayswomanmagazine / @todayswomannow

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Wonder

Women

“

Our job was to react…

”

more on page 30

Stephanie Sullivan, Information Technology Specialist, Kentucky Army National Guard 30

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A

my Scucci realized she wanted to follow a different path

when she attempted to answer a question on a college application about her best life experience. “I couldn’t come up with an answer.” The Florida native grew up on a farm in the small town of Keystone Heights where there were only two stoplights. Amy, who was 18 at the time, thought it was time for her to start creating some memorable life experiences she could talk about. She ditched the college application to head for the seas. “I love boats, swimming, and fishing. I looked at all of the branches…it was between the Navy and the Coast Guard.”

Amy has been in the Coast Guard for four years and says she “loves it,” but wasn’t sure if she’d be able to survive boot camp. “I thought about breaking down, but knowing that it would last for eight weeks, and receiving letters from my family and friends helped.” Your physical and emotional strength is tested, says Amy, but she quickly learned how to keep her head above water.

Amy says the military has turned her into a better person. “The military has taught me how to deal with people. I used to put myself before others, but now it is the other way around.”

C

hristine Kesten Wagner went to the recruitment center to

join the Air Force without her parents’ knowledge after her first year in college as an accounting major. But aside from patriotism, Christine’s father was one of the main reasons she enlisted. “My dad, Lou Kesten, wanted to join the Air Force, but couldn’t due to health reasons at the time. It felt like a calling.” When she entered the military in 1987, Christine continued her college education while in active duty but changed her major from accounting to science, to become a dental hygienist. She also had been trained as a medic in forensic dentistry in the event of war. After 14 weeks of boot camp and dental technician training in Texas, she was transferred to a communications intelligence base in the region of Puglia in Italy during the Cold War. Christine had been granted a secret clearance due to the nature of their mission. One of the most exciting moments, she says, was when she marched in a parade to celebrate former President George H. W. Bush’s arrival in Italy. Christine spent two years in Italy then transferred to Bolling Air Force base in Washington, D.C., where she remained for two more years before being honorably discharged in 1991. “I learned that you really don’t know your limits. You realize that you have capacity that you are not aware of.”

S

T

here’s not much time for rest when your job involves rescuing people from burning buildings, but for Andrea Belden, firefighter for the Lafayette Twp Fire Department, saving a life is more valuable than getting sleep.

Andrea, who has been a firefighter for 13 years, works a 24-hour shift starting at 6a.m. and sleeps in the bunkers of the firehouse. “There are times when we may not sleep at all. I try to drink a lot of water and caffeine to keep my energy up.” Andrea comes from a family of firefighters starting with her great-great uncle who was the first fire chief of fire department she works for now. Andrea’s fascination with firefighting began when she was a child, which blossomed into a career. “My parents knew one of the guys that worked at that fire department located by my grandparents’ house.

My brother and I would go up there at times while at my grandparents to hang out and look at the trucks.” On a typical day, Andrea deals with medical runs, house fires, woodland fires, and car wrecks. Although she has never been in a significantly dangerous situation, Andrea faces challenges that can be difficult emotionally. “The worst is when you deal with a kid or baby that you can’t save.” Knowing someone has lost their life is tough, but Andrea says her job has made her humble. “You are more aware of your surroundings and you are more likely to tell your kids and family members how much you love them, because you never know what will happen.”

tephanie Sullivan, who had been working as a C.N.A., was looking for some adventure when she joined the

Kentucky Army National Guard three years ago — and it had been her lifelong dream. “I had always thought about joining, but then I became a mom.” Eventually, Stephanie decided she was ready to make the transition, although her husband — a former marine — had concerns about her safety in the military. However, Stephanie felt confident about her ability and says she “enjoys a challenge.” The Kentucky Army National Guard, says Stephanie, is also family-friendly, which is ideal for her since she has three children. “I drill in Kentucky and we do leave for trainings monthly, but I can stay at home most of the time unless something major happens.” Stephanie’s “major” moment came after learning she would be working with Base Operations on Camp Taii in Iraq where she had to deal with occasional missile launches aimed at her base. The situation was somewhat unsettling but Stephanie wasn’t easily rattled. “We didn’t have time to be emotional; our job was to react by making sure everyone on base was accounted for.” While in Iraq, Stephanie’s unit took classes on Iraqi culture to learn how to interact and build a rapport with the Iraqi soldiers and civilians. Stephanie’s unit stayed in Iraq for three months then pulled out before the New Year. Returning home, says Stephanie, was a surprise to her and some in her unit. “Some of us were expecting to be there longer…we felt like we were not quite done with our jobs, but I was definitely excited to come home and see my kids.” Being in the military, she says, has increased her awareness of world events. She admits that prior to joining, she never voted. “I always intended to, but I never did it. Now, I really want to have a say in who I vote for, because it affects me.”

Since she has been home, Stephanie has been doing everything she didn’t have time to do before, but still looks forward to her monthly adventures in the National Guard.

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While some spend time leading up to the Kentucky Derby thinking about horses and bloodlines, outfits and hats, menus and mint juleps, my thoughts turn to the garden.

I like to revel in the roses of the Run for the Roses.

I love the lilies for the fillies of the Oaks.

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Illustration: Silvia Cabib

o

By Lucy M. Pritchett

This turn of the year reminds me of my father putting out his tomato plants on Derby Day so that we would have ripe ones to eat for the Fourth of July. And, I can see my mom fussing over bouquets for the centerpiece of a Derby lunch. She could name the flowers in almost any garden, and I still have the blue ribbons she won for her first place entries in garden club competitions when I was young.

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In 1875, when the Derby was first run, America was still reeling from the Civil War. I imagine many of the garden flowers in those 10 years since Appomattox found their way to mark the graves of the dead soldiers — fathers, sons, brothers, and husbands.

Aristides was the first horse to enter the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs on May 17, 1875. There were no roses draped over the withers of the colt that day as that tradition didn’t begin until 1896.

Who knows what flowers, if any, the 10,000 visitors of that first Derby enjoyed?

Perhaps the only posies to be seen were sprigs of lavender (worn for luck) on the ladies’ hats or Sweet William (representing gallantry) in the gentlemen’s lapels.

In England, Queen Victoria was on her throne and ruling her vast empire. To the Victorians, flowers played an important role in communication. Certain flowers had certain meanings.

For example, people of this era used roses to symbolize love, but each variety and color of rose had its own meaning. The lily was a symbol of beauty, but again each variety conveyed a different meaning.

A small bouquet, called a tussy mussy, often held some of the secret meanings that the language of flowers might convey. In this day of instant communication,it is difficult to imagine the care and concern given to creating a tussy mussy for a friend or lover to express gratitude (pink carnations), friendship (pink roses), or caring (pink tulips).

A bouquet of blue violets indicated faithfulness; a bundle of bluebells promised constancy; while a gift of geraniums tattled “you are childish.”

Kentucky’s state flower is the goldenrod. It finally won out, in a contentious battle, over the dogwood blossom. Legend has it that goldenrod, growing near a house, will bring the occupants good fortune. Another legend holds that where goldenrod grows ‘there be buried treasure.’

For those born in the merry month of May, according to Farmers’ Almanac, your official flower is the lily of the valley, a lovely plant consisting of a stem covered in delicate little “bells” hanging downward. Their unique shape led them to be called “fairy bells” in Celtic cultures. It was believed that only fairies could hear them ring.

Also, with a blossom shaped like a crown, it is called the Crown Imperial and represents majesty and power. Apparently, lily of the valley has been incorporated into every royal bouquet since Queen Victoria.

For those who like a bit of socializing with their sweet peas (associated with tender memory), there is the garden club. In Louisville, there are clubs dedicated to flowers in general or specific ones such as the rose, peony, or iris. Club members gather from Glenview to Crescent Hill, Audubon Park to Jeffersontown.

These like-minded gardeners meet to discuss the latest techniques in getting their plants and seeds to grow and flourish; to encourage the beautification of home and community by begonia, butterfly bush, and bachelor’s button; and, to learn about and appreciate the wealth of wildflowers to be found in forests, along streams and creeks, and along the blue highways of our area.

The symbol of our city, adopted in 1780, is the fleur de lis, a stylized lily or iris. Walk up and down the streets and you will see this emblem everywhere: on menus, on signs and flags, earrings, necklaces, and lapel pins, tee shirts, tennis shoes, and tank tops.

I would be remiss on this stroll down the garden path, not to mention the flowers blooming on my bookshelves. There are the always entertaining books written in the 1950s by Beverley Nichols regaling the reader with his attempts to renovate a Georgian manor house and its gardens: Merry Hall, Laughter on the Stairs, and Sunlight on the Lawn. Nearby is For a Flower Album (1959) by Collette with water colors by Manet, and just over there is the 1928 edition of The Burgess Flower Book for Children with its “one hundred and three illustrations in color and black and white.” It comes from the bookshelf of my family home.

As you can see, I am not one to try and keep up with modern gardening methods. I enjoy the philosophy of flower gardening and can understand how, for some, it would be therapeutic. For me, it would simply be taxing.

So, although you would never find me actually touching dirt, I would have to agree with Hans Christian Anderson that “Just living is not enough; one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

Today’s Woman

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Making Your Dreams Come True

Attend the workshop May 17 ~ see below

By Abigail Mueller photos By melissa donald

I

f we do not consciously decide on the direction of our lives, we end up with an okay life, when an amazing life is available. The ladies in the Vision Board Dream group are phenomenal proof of the immediate changes available to willing and open individuals.

These ladies are soulful, beautiful, and passionate women who are working hard to achieve their goals in life.

When we started the group, they were stumped with speed bumps, fractured hearts, confusion and fear in careers, and overwhelmed with areas of their lives. What they have learned is that today can be easy if they let it. Today can be joyful if we invite joy into our day, and goals can be accomplished with a sense of harmony and gentleness, if we expect and receive the guidance from our spirits.

The three members of the team have created their visions, changed their beliefs, recited affirmations, and taken action.

The coolest thing about these ladies feeling and seeing the results from our steps together is that they have been able to watch each other transform. As a coach, I believe having a team amplifies and encourages our accountability to personal action, and allows constructive feedback, which they have given and received over the past couple of months.

Holly, Jennifer, and Heather are collecting wins and celebrating monumental mini-milestones throughout their days, sharing them as gratitudes each week that we meet, and letting their authentic voices be heard, loved, and supported as a team.

The women of Team Vision have begun receiving radical results due to changes in their thoughts, words, and attitude. One big change comes from approaching life using the phrase “I get to.” Not “I have to,” not “I should,” but “I get to” spoken with confidence when making decisions about the life they want to have.

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Jennifer has seen God work in her life since day one. After allowing Team Vision to personally tweak her positive affirmation into, “I am a loving servant filled with joy being lead by God.” Jennifer has courageously taken heartfelt steps in her life.

Holly remains excited about her Capture Creativity Design project, and has reconnected and newly connected with many people, places, and institutions that are supporting her vision, making it closer to a reality. Holly says she is getting more and more intentional (one of her new favorite words) with every action she takes.

Heather has come out of her shell in so many ways.

She reports: “I am now less afraid to ask for what I want. I am fearless with how I dream, and optimistic about living more boldly. When I focus on other people, places, and things, I devalue myself and my own life. I am beginning to see possibilities instead of the what-ifs, the impossibilities. I treasure my uniqueness instead of overanalyzing and comparing myself to others.”

The Vision Team spent many a night writing and re-writing their life stories, their life perspectives, cleaning out what wasn’t serving them, and bringing in the newness of positive words. The positive words have turned into positive thoughts, and now positive results in life.

Attend this ~ SET YOUR OWN VISION Join us on May 17 at Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. to talk about the why and what of Vision Boards with your own vision boards, and to meet the Vision Team. Free, but reservations are required. We will raffle one free spot in our autumn Abigail Academy Vision Team group.

Reserve your spot at www.iamtodayswoman.com or 502.327.8855.

Today’s Woman

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Arts Insider Must-See

By Gioia Patton

Kathy Griffin

From D-List to the A-List

WHEN: May 19 @ 7:30pm WHERE: the Showroom @ Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino Tickets: $45-$85 Contact: the box office or all Ticketmaster

outlets. *Must be 21 or older to attend.

‘A

photo by:Mike Ruiz

I will say there is something about being 51, where it’s kinda cool where certain celebrities like David Letterman are not scared of me the way they used to be. And the one thing I like about getting older is that (people) are finally getting that it’s a big friggin’ joke!

— comedienne Kathy Griffin talking about her humor

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hhhh Kathy….’ I utter in a somewhat urgent, albeit friendly tone, to Kathy Griffin, seconds after the comedienne/actress and New York Times Best Selling author has said “hello!” by phone from her Los Angeles home. ‘Before we go any further,’ I continue, ‘I’ve just got to have your reaction to that ridiculous remark made by Slade Smiley of the reality series The Real Housewives of Orange County. The moment I refer to took place in Smiley’s car on his way home from a local comedy club after he’d performed a standup comedy act for the…very…first…time.

I cringe when recalling Smiley’s spontaneous ‘I think I’ll become a comedienne’ matter-of-fact declaration directed to his girlfriend (Housewives of O.C. star Gretchen Rossi,) who was sitting besides him and her hysterically funny, knee jerk reaction.’

Griffin, who’s a big reality television series fan, begins chuckling half-way through my rant, having seen the episode. “It’s a bad sign when your own girlfriend can’t hide the look of disbelief on her face after hearing that remark,” Griffin deadpans, before mimicking Rossi’s high-pitched ‘Reeeeally…you think you can just do that!’ slack-jawed response.

“But honestly, (laughs) I’ve learned that when I hear remarks like that to just let (people) go ahead and do it,” the very friendly Griffin continues. “I’ll always have these friends who have a friend of a friend who moved out to Los Angeles at the age of 46 to pursue a career as a comic after having received big laughs at the last office party,” she says, sounding amused. “But if I was to run into Slade tomorrow I’d say ‘well…go ahead and have at it!’ and then walk away. Because you can’t even describe the feeling of bombing (laughs)…and I even know the feeling of beginner’s luck, when you have maybe a good three minutes of a good set and you think you’re off and running. And in my case (sighs) I then bombed on stage for the next two years in a row!”

By the time this article is released Griffin will have debuted her talk show on the Bravo network (Thursdays at 10pm EST). Griffin mentions that there’s a Los Angeles billboard advertising the show that shows a photo of her with yellow ‘caution’ tape wrapped around her mouth.

Gioia Patton is an arts & entertainment celebrity profiler. Read her entire interview online at www.iamtodayswoman.com.

Today’s Woman

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S M A R T

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MAY

41

Arthritis & Orthopedic section

“I was in pain for 10 years.�

Read about how Charlene found relief

COVER STORY

I Thought I Had to Live With Knee Pain

By Ruby Thomas / photos By Melissa donald

C

harlene Bush describes her two new knees as fantastic. She says double-knee replacement surgery changed her life completely. “Before my two new knees, I had difficulty walking across the room.”

She’d suffered knee pain for years, but says it never occurred to her she needed knee replacement. “I just knew my knees were like my grandmother’s and that I had arthritis in them.” It was during a trip to China in 2006 that her friend Dr. Don McAllister, an orthopedic physician, noticed how much she was suffering and suggested surgery. “The trip required lots of walking. I carried a folded seat and would sit on it every chance I got,” she says. Bush says painful knees had rendered her “semi-disabled” forcing her to retreat from activities like trips to the mall. In 2009 she underwent surgery to have her left knee replaced. Six months later she was back in the operating room to have her right knee replaced. Surgery was followed by a week of physical rehabilitation at home and later at Frazier Rehab Institute Springhurst. “Recovery was a joy. Everyone at Frazier Rehab changed my life.” she says. Life after knee replacement surgery has indeed proven to be a real life changer for Bush, who says she’s lost 65 pounds following her return to an active lifestyle. “I can do anything I want. I have no pain whatsoever,” she says. “I can even wear heels,” she laughs.

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Doctor Shopping Charlene Bush says faith and divine intervention guided her in making the life-changing decision to have double-knee replacement surgery. But before she chose Dr. Arthur Malkani, an orthopaedic surgeon with Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Healthcare Shea Orthopaedic Group to perform her double knee replacement surgery, she interviewed four other local doctors. She said all the doctors were pleasant and very receptive to the questions.

Here is what she thought were important questions to ask before undergoing surgery.

• How many knee replacement surgeries they’d performed?

• What was the percentage of their patients who’d suffered blood clots following surgery versus the national average?

• What was the average number of patients who had to have the implant re-done after a year?

Today’s Woman

7 Things You Should Know About Arthritis

By Sandra Gordon

O

steoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage that provides a cushion between bones wears away, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain in joints. Here are seven facts that can help you stay healthier.

Weight gain makes osteoarthritis worse.

Because of body mechanics, every pound you gain over your ideal body weight can cause a force on your hips and knees that’s four times greater. But even just a little weight loss goes a long way to reduce the wear and tear on those major weight-bearing joints. By losing just 10 pounds, for example, you’ll decrease the force on them with each step by 40 pounds. To reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, minimize pain and help prevent the disease from progressing, keep your weight in check or lose weight if you need to by watching portion sizes and being as physically active as you can.

Age increases risk.

Although you can get osteoarthritis at any age, the older you become, the greater your chances of developing the disease. The majority of osteoarthritis sufferers are over age 45. If you’re overweight, you’re at risk of developing the disease even earlier. You’re also more likely to get osteoarthritis if you injured a joint at some point in your life or if the disease runs in your family.

Exercise reduces arthritis joint pain.

Over time, physical activity actually reduces the pain of osteoarthritis surrounding an ailing joint and can be just as effective as taking pain medication.

That’s because stronger muscles protect joints by absorbing the force placed upon them. They also help hold joints in a better position so they don’t wear out as quickly. Moreover, exercise helps keep your joints flexible. Focus on activities that strengthen the muscles surrounding an ailing joint, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, including using a stationary bike.

Dr. Klippel recommends starting by walking for 30 minutes every day; you can break it up into three 10-minute increments.

Too much exercise can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms.

Don’t overdo it. Just like too little exercise, too much physical activity can make the disease worse. To

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prevent overuse or further injury, monitor your pain level to make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard.

If it hurts to walk the day after taking a long hike, for example, take a break from walking that day but not from exercise. Try swimming or cycling on a regular or a stationary bike. Both types of activity are joint friendly and can help you stay active consistently. If you need help developing or sticking with an exercise program, consider working with a certified personal trainer or a physical therapist.

Osteoarthritis drugs won’t make diabetes worse.

To manage joint pain, ask your doctor about taking medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). It relieves pain and the side effects are minimal. If that doesn’t help, your doctor may recommend taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Advil or Aleve. Over half of the Americans with diabetes also have osteoarthritis. One disease affects the other.

None of these common pain relievers will affect your blood sugar, but be sure to take them as directed in the correct dosage to minimize or avoid side effects.

Taking glucosamine/chondroitin may help relieve arthritis pain.

“This popular over-the-counter nutritional supplement for osteoarthritis suffers may help relieve pain and keep the cartilage you have left healthier,” says Mary I. O’Connor, M.D., chair of the department of orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Still, she admits that the studies are mixed about whether it actually helps relieve pain. If you want to try glucosamine/chondroitin, Dr. O’Connor recommends taking it for two months to see if you notice a difference.

Also if you have diabetes, play it safe by monitoring your blood sugar level closely to make sure the supplement isn’t affecting your blood sugar. And ask your doctor for a glucosamine/chondroitin brand she recommends.

Nutritional supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like prescription medication is so it’s tough to know what you’re really buying.

Worn-out joints can be replaced, but you’ll need to be fit for surgery.

If your X-rays show there’s little to no cartilage cushioning your joints and everyday activities such as walking around the block, driving your car, or taking the stairs are extremely painful even with medication, you’re a contender for joint replacement (arthroplasty). The surgery, which can replace worn-out hips, knees, and shoulders with a prosthetic, can make walking and more rigorous physical activity possible again and pain-free.

Exercise before surgery is also important. Strong muscles can speed recovery from the operation so you can get back on your feet faster.

Today’s Woman

watch their STORY on video

I have Arthritis, BUT IT WILL NEVER HAVE ME!

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any suffer from pain and some seem to rise above and find a way to cope that is beyond simple pain medications. Meet and be inspired by five local women and hear their stories by watching a video at www.iamtodayswoman.com. the Fromdeo vi

Julie Faulds, 45, says she has learned that concentrating on the pain of her rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia detracts from the quality of her life. “I truly believe that our state of mind can make a real difference in the hold that our illness has over us.” She says her level of arthritis pain hasn’t changed, but getting plenty of rest and staying optimistic has been her coping strategy. Julie began Orencia selfinjections last year which requires less time to administer than the Orencia infusions she had been receiving previously.

Susie Roberts — rheumatoid arthritis; recently had a baby.

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Karen Taylor, 59, still struggles with the pain of arthritis and has tried new medications to calm the discomfort but without success.

“I am currently taking more overthe-counter medications like Advil just to cope some days.” Though managing her arthritis has been problematic, Karen maintains a positive attitude and stays active.

She also keeps her mind off of the pain by writing a personal blog.

“It has been great therapy! I don’t even mind that my hands get painful if I type too long.”

Donna Fox, 46, had been dealing with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis since age 4, but when her doctor prescribed Embrel last year, Donna says she has more freedom to do as she pleases without experiencing the limitations of the disease.

For the past six months, Donna’s pain and mobility has consistently improved, and she started a full-time job. “The last full-time job I had was 16 years ago. Feeling better is the key factor for me even wanting to take the challenge of going back to work. If this had been a year ago, I wouldn’t have wanted to take the step.”

Stacy State, who has had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since age 10, said that her recent pregnancy alleviated her arthritis pain, but after she had her child last October, she began taking the arthritis medication again.

“As long as I am taking the medication, I am usually okay.”

The 33-year-old says she can exercise and lead a normal life but still has occasional flair ups.

In addition to the medication, Stacy says exercising four to five days a week for 30 minutes has been the best strategy for coping with the pain and it helps her mood.

Go to www.iamtodayswoman.com to see the video.

Today’s Woman

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Joint Decisions

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By Ruby Thomas

ixty-three-year-old Don Wasko has a brand new stainless steel knee and a new lease on life. “I am doing super! It’s fantastic!” he exclaimed. “I am so happy with it. I think I can do just about anything.” On January 4 he underwent surgery at Clark Memorial Hospital to have his left knee replaced ending the crippling pain that had brought his active lifestyle to a halt.“ I couldn’t do virtually anything other than hobble from here to there. I was not going to live that way; we had to do something different,” he said. Wasko says his knee started bothering him in July of 2011. “I woke up one morning and my knee locked up and I could barely hobble down the hallway,” he said. One visit to the doctor and an MRI exam revealed he had a torn meniscus, the disc of cartilage, which cushions the knee. He made the decision to have it repaired right away thinking his troubles were over. Wasko says he followed all his doctors orders after surgery including wearing a knee brace for over 100 days, but the pain returned. “As soon as I started using and bending my knee, it locked up again and I knew then I had a serious problem,” he said. “Words cannot describe the pain. It almost brought tears to my eyes. I was limping and walking with a crutch,” recalls Wasko. He says old age and kneeling on concrete to repair machinery over the course of his 39-year career in maintenance wore his knee out. The knee replacement surgery took care of the pain and today Wasko is back to his normal self doing the things he enjoys. “I am an active person, and I am back to doing everything I used to do before. It’s worked great for me,” he said.

Complete Joint Replacement “Knee replacement is the most effective thing to help pain in patients who are the right age and have failed all management and continue to have severe pain,” says Dr. William Sligar, an orthopaedic surgeon at Clark Memorial Hospital. During a knee replacement surgery the damaged and painful joint is removed and replaced with one made of metal or plastic using a cement type fixation to adhere the implant to the bone. “More commonly we make the implant slightly bigger than the bone, so the bone grabs on to it and then will grow into the surface on the metal. Soft tissues don’t adhere to the metal and that’s why you are allowed to have motion,” says Dr. Kris Abeln, a surgeon with the Loeb Orthopaedic Group at Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare.

A hip replacement surgery is just as effective in treating pain in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis in that part of the body. Sixty-five-year-old Pat Moss, who underwent an anterior hip replacement surgery at Floyd Memorial Hospital earlier this year, would agree. Moss walked out of the hospital without the aid of a walker days following surgery and was back at work two weeks later. “It went very well for me. I am very fortunate,” Moss says. His hip had been bothering him for about a year, but it was subtle. “I wasn’t aware that I had much of a problem. I just had a little pain once in a while if I was very active, so I didn’t think too much about it. One day, the pain level went over the top, and I thought I’d better check it out.” He found out that day he needed a new hip. Dr. Anie Uyoe, the Floyd Memorial Hospital orthopaedic surgeon who performed Moss’ surgery says that for the most part people recover very well especially from an anterior hip replacement. “This is a procedure where the hip is replaced from the front of the body and can be completed without cutting muscle.

The recovery in theory should be quicker and the patient should have less pain,” he explains. As with a knee replacement surgery, the old painful arthritic hip is removed and a new one made of plastic or metal is put in its place. “There are many advances in the world of hip replacement which makes having one not quite as big a deal as it used to be. We have better pain control

hough joint pain may be caused by injuries such as torn ligaments or cartilage, degenerative joint disease known as osteoarthritis is the most common cause. According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans. There are two types of osteoarthritis– primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is generally associated with aging.

The older you are, the more likely you are to have some degree of primary osteoarthritis, because of wear and tear. Secondary osteoarthritis differs in that it tends to develop relatively early in life, typically 10 or more years after a specific cause, such as an injury. “Arthritis is characterized by the smooth surface of the bone where one bone glides against another deteriorating and getting rough. It can happen because of genetics, injury or disease. When that happens the body has no way to regenerate that smooth surface. Once it’s damaged it’s like having a cavity in your tooth. It’s damaged forever,” explains Dr. Sligar. The result is painful swollen joints which makes it difficult for a person to walk and do simple everyday activities. “Typically people who are at the stage where they need replacement have lost the muscular lining they are born with. In the last stages the cartilage, which covers the ends of the bone in the joints, is almost completely gone. Most of the time they have a condition called boneon-bone arthritis which causes pain, swelling, loss of range of motion, and even some deformities,” says Dr. Abeln.

Helen Haury, 64, had been getting physical therapy and cortisone shots to manage the pain of osteoarthritis in her right hip for six years but continued to experience prolonged discomfort. “It (the pain) made walking and sleeping difficult.” The pain, she says, had become progressively worse and she realized hip replacement surgery would be the best option. Her nephew, who had hip replacement, referred Helen to his surgeon Dr. Yerasimides and she had the surgery in February. Helen’s doctor used a less invasive procedure referred to as an anterior approach which doesn’t require severing the muscles. He inserted the apparatus by making an incision in the front of her thigh. Helen stayed in the hospital for two days, received physical therapy, and began driving within two weeks. Though surgery wasn’t her preferred choice, Helen says it was the best decision she made. “I wish I had done this much sooner. The pain from the diseased joint completely disappeared after the surgery which was such a relief. It really improved my life.”

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Continued from page 52

protocols, we have better technology, and we have better implants,” says Dr. Uyoe.

“People hear hip replacement, and they think they will be in the hospital for two weeks, they’ll be in horrible pain, and that they’ll never walk again. It’s not really like that,” he adds.

A Partial Joint Replacement A partial joint replacement surgery pertains to the knee and is a procedure done when only one of the three compartments of a patient’s knee has been affected by arthritis. During a partial knee replacement surgery, also referred to as a unicompartmental knee replacement surgery, only the affected portion of the joint is removed and replaced with metal or plastic. According to Dr. Uyoe this surgery is not for every patient and there are some very strict restrictions on who qualifies. In order for a patient to be considered a good candidate for this type of surgery, she should only have arthritis in one area of the knee, she should be under a certain weight limit, her activity level should be at a certain limit, she cannot have any deformity of the knee, she needs to have a certain amount of range of motion in the knee, and she can’t have ligament damage. “One of the theoretical advantages of getting this type of surgery is that it offers a more natural healing in the knee and quicker recovery because the knee is not quite as invaded as with a complete knee replacement.

However, there are some studies that challenge those ideas that a partial is quite as good as a complete,” says Dr. Uyoe. According to Dr. Sligar, patients over the age of 55 and 60 will seldom qualify for a partial surgery, because in most cases their entire knee has been affected by arthritis.

After the Surgery: Physical Therapy for Recovery Dr. Sligar says that 50 percent of a knee replacement is what the doctor does and the other 50 percent is how the patient rehabilitates himself. “There are lots of people we see who are not happy about doing the exercises after surgery. If they don’t do those exercises and get their knee moving, it will be painful because the scar tissue forms and gives them a stiff sore knee,” he explains.

Dr. Robert Thompson, physiatrist and medical director of The Orthopedic Center of Excellence at Golden Living Hill Creek, agrees that physical rehabilitation

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is critical to the success of a joint replacement surgery. Dr. Thompson says that patients will progress even better following surgery if they do some physical therapy before their procedure.

There’s not a whole lot they can do, so low impact exercise like walking on a treadmill to strengthen the muscles around the hip is recommended.

“It’s important that the patient have a game plan. It is important for them to know that they will not walk out of that operating room following hip or knee replacement surgery; that they’ll have to convalesce and that there will be some pain with the therapy. The ones who are aware of this and are geared up for it do really well,” says Dr. Thompson.

Following joint replacement surgery, a patient who decides to recover at a facility like The Orthopedic Center of Excellence at Golden Living Hill Creek will undergo weeks of physical and occupational therapy, so that they can regain normal functioning of their new joints and bodies. Dr. Thompson says he usually orders therapy twice a day for six to eight weeks. “We work on strengthening the muscles in their lower extremity and transfer training from bed to chair and back into the bed. We have occupational therapists who help patients with daily living activities like toilet transfer, transfer from bed to chair, grooming, hygiene, and dressing.

We try to get the patient as independent as possible before they go home,” says Dr. Thompson.

The specialists at The Orthopedic Center of Excellence also work with patients on pain management and preventing common post operative complications such as blood clotting. “That’s one of

the big issues we have to address when a patient comes in following surgery.

To prevent blood clots, we do deep vein thrombosis. I help monitor patients in terms of things like the pantyhose they wear, increase mobility, and the use of blood thinner,” says Dr. Thompson.

Everyone differs in how quickly they recover, but Dr. Sligar advises patients that it may take about 12 weeks for them to get comfortable with the new joint and get it moving. It may take three to four months for a patient to recover fully. “Prosthetic joints are getting closer to how human joints work as far as ligaments. But it’s not like a normal knee because of the material used,” cautions Dr. Abeln.

In 2009, Meta Hill’s doctor had inserted a Spinal Cord Stimulator into her hip to alleviate lower back pain, but managing her pain became more difficult last year. After meeting with her doctor, Meta 62, learned that arthritis in her hips was causing chronic back pain. “I was bone on bone and didn’t know it. My doctor told me that when your joints no longer work, it affects your back.” The pain was unbearable, but Meta says she wasn’t going to let it control her. She had a bilateral total hip replacement via anterior approach last year and says her life has changed dramatically. “After two weeks, I was up. I could do things now that I couldn’t do three years ago.” Meta says she turned off her Spinal Cord Stimulator four weeks ago and no longer uses narcotic pain medicine or muscle relaxers.

Today’s Woman

Living With — and Treating — The Pain

By Ruby Thomas

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Kim Kennell, who has inflammatory arthritis, says she “doesn’t want to manage pain, she wants it to go away.”

Instead of taking medication, Kim, 40, exercises regularly and eats healthy food. “It has been two years since I’ve taken medications.” She does strength training twice a week and is training for the Big Sur International Marathon being held in Monteray, Calif. “The more you move, the better off you are.”

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The second type of injection is hyaluronic acid joint injection also known as viscosupplementation. This treatment helps to replenish the supply of hyaluronan, a thick liquid found in the synovial fluid surrounding the knee. In a healthy knee, hyaluronan helps to keep the joint lubricated and thus moving more smoothly. Hyaluronan also acts as a shock absorber, but becomes thin and watery in osteoarthritis patients making it less effective in cushioning the bones. During the procedure, hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the joint. A patient will usually get an injection per week for a period of three to five weeks. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,

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When oral pain medication does not provide relief, some patients turn to injection therapy where an anesthetic steroid like cortisone is injected directly into the joint. “Cortisone injection makes a painful swollen knee feel better quickly but it does not last very long and there’s some evidence that cortisone will cause some damage to the knee,” says Dr. Sligar. “The studies on steroid injections and joints are not very well done and the results are not very good,” adds Dr. Dunbar. Moreover, not every joint pain

Joint Injection

hyaluronic acid injections do not have an immediate pain-relieving effect, but over the course of treatment have proven to have some anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Studies also show that this treatment may spur the body to produce more of its natural hyaluronic acid. Some topical medications such as Voltaren gel which is an anti-inflammatory agent and Lidoderm patches which release lidocaine directly into the joint, have been found to alleviate pain as well. Doctors at the Baptist Center for Pain Control have started using the anti-depressant medication Cymbalta to treat pain.

Dr. Dunbar says many patients do not understand how an antidepressant can relieve pain, but in reality Cymbalta can sometimes reduce arthritis pain by up to 50 percent.

“I think you have to pull out all the stops when dealing with arthritis in our aging population. It is challenging, but if you try to treat it with narcotics only you won’t be successful,” he says.

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Cortisone Injections

patient will find relief in this treatment.

This is one of the options Wasko tried prior to surgery and he claims it did not provide any long-term relief. “It helped from the time I left the doctor’s office to the time I got to the car, so I knew that wasn’t the way to go,” he says.

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hough replacement surgery is the most effective way to get rid of pain once a joint has gone bad, many patients try a variety of other pain control methods prior to deciding on surgery.

Dr. Silgar says it’s important to realize that there is no treatment for arthritis.

“There’s nothing you can buy or do or take to make the surface of joints smooth again. It’s only possible to treat the pain caused by arthritis,” he says. Dr. Abeln says that lifestyle modification is one of the most effective first steps. “Getting patients exercising to lose weight is very helpful. Getting the muscle around the joint stronger is very helpful, so physical therapy, stretching, and certain exercises will help,” he says. Dr Sligar agrees saying “even though your knee hurts from arthritis, it’s important to exercise to keep the knee loose and strong. The less exercise you do, the worst arthritis will get.” The best exercises recommended for joint pain patients are low impact activities like swimming, biking, gentle walking, and elliptical training.

As far as treating joint pain with medication, anti-inflammatory pills like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Aleve are commonly used as well as prescription narcotics. Dr. Elmer Dunbar, an anesthesiology specialist at the Baptist Center for Pain Control, cautions against the use of narcotics to control joint pain. “I would recommend low dose narcotic. If you try to control joint pain, especially in the major joints, with narcotics only you find patients will increase their dosage and become very dependent both psychologically and physically on the narcotic medication, but you are not really altering the underlying issue,” he says.

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Today’s Woman

LIGHT BITE

Blueberry Smoothie with Greens Story, Food Styling, and Photography By Melissa Donald

INGREDIENTS

/ cup orange juice 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp of Flax Oil or Flaxseed Meal (optional) 1 frozen banana 1 c packed baby leaf spinach 1 c frozen blueberries ½ block of silken/soft tofu (optional) 1 Tbsp honey — if needed

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In this order, place in a blender the orange juice, lemon juice, flax oil or meal, banana, spinach, tofu, blueberries, and honey.

I like to use very ripe bananas, when the skins start to over ripen. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter it will be.

I like to freeze these whole in their peels and then remove them once I am ready to make my smoothie. I don’t like to use dairy or cubes of ice in my smoothies. Therefore I like to use frozen fruit for a cold smoothie without the chunks of ice. I sometimes like to use tofu for a creamy texture without the dairy and orange juice clashing.

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am extremely regimented about making sure I eat greens at some point during my day — mainly leafy greens, such as kale, chard, a leafy spring mix, and spinach. Spinach and kale are probably the greens I eat most. If you have a hard time squeezing these into your diet, then I have a nice solution that is delicious, quick, and easy to make: my blueberry smoothie.

Why not incorporate some greens into a smoothie either in the morning or as a mid-afternoon snack? It’s a great way to get in your greens without really knowing they are there. This drink is high in fiber and antioxidants and is a great way to start the day or re-energize you in the afternoon. Try it for yourself. This may be the start of your next food routine.

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Once all the ingredients are in the blender, pulse until all the ingredients are starting to come together, then on a puree or liquefy setting, blend until a desired consistency. Taste to see if honey is needed to sweeten.

This is a great way to sneak in greens if you have a hard time incorporating them into your or a loved one’s diet.

Today’s Woman

It’s a Pain

By Cheryl Stuck

Our Today’s Woman of Wellness health advisory group talks about pain.

Is pain a part of your daily routine? If so, you’re not alone.

Approximately 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain according to the Institute of Medicine, an independent, non-profit organization.

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hronic pain is different from ordinary pain in that it persists for months or years. To be considered chronic, the pain has lasted for at least three months. Sometimes it begins as a result of an accident, infection, or disease (like cancer or arthritis). But other times, the patient can’t pinpoint an incident or cause of the pain. Some patients even suffer from more than one type of chronic pain, which can vary from mildly uncomfortable to disabling. The pain can feel like a dull muscular ache, a burning sensation, or sharp and knife-like.

According to surveys by the National Institute of Health, back pain is the most common complaint and the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old. But there are many types of chronic pain, including: headache, neck pain, facial ache or pain, pain as a result of cancer, arthritis, neurogenic pain (resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves or the central nervous system), psychogenic pain (no apparent cause), endometriosis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and vulvodynia which affects the vulva, the external female genital organs. This includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

Clinical researchers have found that chronic pain patients often have lower-than-normal levels of endorphins in their spinal fluid.

So how can you treat chronic pain?

Medications, acupuncture, local electrical stimulation, brain stimulation, and surgery are among the treatments for chronic pain. But if you want to try less drastic measures first, sometimes psychotherapy, relaxation and medical therapies, biofeedback and behavior modification methods may help and can be used in combination with other therapies.

After you have exhausted the routine fixes, you can try a pain control clinic. Elmer Dunbar, M.D. at Baptist Center for Pain Control at Baptist Eastpoint said, “You don’t come to see me if you broke your ankle two hours or two weeks ago. You get to see me if you broke your ankle, had surgery, physical therapy, and went on narcotic medications, had holy water sprinkled on it (joking), and you still didn’t get better. You tried everything. You might get to see me if you had cancer and had chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and you still have pain, and narcotics aren’t helping, and your family doctor is saying he can’t prescribe what you’re asking for. I get to see those who other people can’t fix.”

Mainly, this is because of limitations by insurance companies. But you can speed up the process. Dr. Dunbar suggests initially going to your family physician to try to manage the pain, but if it isn’t working after three or four visits, ask for a referral to a pain clinic.

Dr. Dunbar uses a combination of medications, spinal injections, implantable pain pumps (an electronic way to deliver medication into the spinal fluid to block the pain from going to the brain), spinal cord stimulators, “and everything at once to see if I can modulate the pain,” he said.

But Dr. Dunbar is especially excited about a new method of managing spinal pain, or pain of the arms or legs called the AdaptiveStim with the RestoreSensor. Like a pacemaker, it is implanted under the skin in an outpatient procedure and works with the same type of technology that the Wii game uses, by sending electrical currents that adapt to your body and change the way you feel pain. For example, the Wii bowling game follows the ball toward the pins as you move your arm in a swinging motion. The AdaptiveStim moves electrical impulses toward your pain as you change positions.

Dr. Dunbar said the AdaptiveStim is intuitive and actually learns what your body needs over time. It’s kind of like a smart phone — when you turn the phone from a vertical to horizontal position, the screen adapts to the new orientation. So if you are moving, sitting, walking, or whatever, the AdaptiveStim adjusts the voltage to the appropriate level to alleviate the pain.

And you won’t develop a tolerance to the device, he said. “The great thing is, it’s drugless, so if it works, it always works.”

Some pain frustrates doctors as well as patients. Dr. Dunbar said, “Sometimes we’re successful and sometimes we’re not. We don’t have all the answers. Nobody does.”

I went to see my general doctor who sent me to a physical therapist. I went to see her three times a week for two months. I now have to do exercises each day to help prevent my lower back pain, but it still hurts. When you are in constant pain, you cannot help but be grouchy. My mom has back pain and understands.

Kim Broecker, Public school teacher

I sought multiple potential solutions from my primary care MD, a physical therapist, and a holistic therapist. When you are in a situation that is new where there is not a clear treatment plan, it’s difficult.

Mary Haynes, CEO of Nazareth Home

I’ve tried rest and pain meds but they don’t always work. My activities and my help to others decline when the pain occurs. I seldom share my feelings and pain with others.

Margie Beeler , Retired business owner I am lucky that I do not suffer from chronic pain but know someone who does.

As a nurse, it is important to respect pain complaints and make every effort to put personal judgments aside and help patients manage pain — especially during acute illness in the hospital setting where I work. That is not the time to “try to get them off their chronic meds” or to worry that they “might be or might get addicted.” Pain is what the patient says it is. Denying, ignoring, or inadequately treating their perceived pain will destroy the patient-nurse or patient-physician relationship. Pain prolongs hospitalizations and affects overall outcome and well-being. It also is the number one cause of patient dissatisfaction with a hospital and their care. Governing bodies overseeing hospitals are now targeting pain and insisting that it be prioritized, measured with validated pain scales, and treated appropriately...Finally!

Deborah Tuggle, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Central Baptist Hospital

I am suffering with this type of pain right now. I injured my neck and the pain is so intense it goes up into the back of my head. I have a hard time moving my head from right to left.

Right now I am seeing my family doctor and taking strong pain medication. I’m looking at other alternatives to see how we can relieve this.

My husband and daughter have been very supportive and they see the pain on my face. My husband always asks if there is something he can do to make it better, but at this point I don’t want anyone touching my neck. Very painful!

Dee Jay Kelly, Public Educator Harrods Creek Fire Department and Lifetouch

Advisory group members are: Margie Beeler • Susan Boddy • Christie Bollinger, RN • Sherrice Bond • Kim Broecker • Jennifer Brown • Linda Burry • Kimberly Carpenter, DC • Tamella Buss Cassis, MD • Holly Clark • Stacy Cohen, RN • Diane Collins, RN • Pat Cooke • Funmilayo Dixon • Laurie Duesing • Kelly Davis Fleenor • Tanya Franklin, MD • Julie Garrison, MBA • Carol Graham, MD • Dawn Hayden • Pam Hayden, RN • Mary Haynes • Gretchen Houchin • Mary Jennings • Alexis Karageorge, MD • Dee Jay Kelly • Tomiko Coates Kiefer • Diane Kissel • Kristi Jedlicki Levenhagen • Melissa Little • Sean Maguire, MD • Geri Manning • Lisa Mattingly • David McArthur • Anne McReynolds • Tara Morris • Maria Munoz • Tina Nuttall, MBA, FACHE • Denise Orwick, RPh • Betsy Paulley • Mae Pike • Leesa Richardson, MD • Ticonna Roberts • Cheryl Scanlon • Rhonda Sigler • Burke Stephens • Rebecca Terry, MD • Myrdin Thompson • Deborah Tuggle • Lannette VanderToll • Jessica Walker • Marine Walls • Janie Biagi Watts • Cenia L. Wedekind • Anthony Westmoreland, RPh • Cathi Wiley • Kathy Wilkinson • Debbie Williams • Allison Young, LMT

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Ready to ChangeYour Life?

Weight Loss Challenge 2012 The Final Results

By Melissa Donald and Tiffany White / Photos by Melissa Donald Hair and Makeup by Joseph’s Salon & Spa

The results are in — and the four women have made great improvements in their lives. Congratulations to them all!

Lindsay Rost — Client Invoice Management Intern

AFTER

Age: 23 • Current Weight: 165 lbs/Lost 18 lbs. • Height: 5’3” • Goal: 60 lbs • Trainer: Bruce Salazar with Louisville Athletic Club, Westport Rd. • www.louisvilleathleticclub.com/westport/ Lindsay had already joined a gym before we chose her for our weight loss challenge Look at her now after pairing with a trainer! She is down three clothing sizes clothing sizes and is wearing clothes she has not worn in several years. Lindsay is confident that she can effectively (thanks to her trainer) put together workouts that work all her muscle groups. Because of her prominent strength training, Lindsay hasn’t been on a steady decline with her weight, but she, her trainer, and other LAC trainers are seeing results elsewhere and are always commenting on how noticeably her body has changed. Home Cuisine has taught Lindsay healthy portion sizes and wise food choices. Now Lindsay is on her own both working out and making healthy food choices and has the confidence to continue making wise choices towards a permanent healthy lifestyle. “Right now I am also playing with the idea of boxing and/or crossfit.” Great outlook for Lindsay!

Her Hair: Whitney Smith stylist used the ombré hair color technique on Lindsay which darkens the roots and lightens the ends, then she added texture to her hair to make it flowy.

Her Makeup: Whitney darkened her eyelid color using a charcoal shadow and lined her eyes with black eyeliner that she smudged to soften the eyes. She finished her look by applying lipstick in a coral shade.

Lindsay is wearing: Dress, $159; shoes, $159; bracelet, $139; necklace, $79.

Available at Talbots, 9407 Shelbyville Road, 502.426.2226

AFTER

Tina Blankenship — 10th Grade History Teacher Age: 36 • Current Weight: 164/Lost 21 lbs. • Height: 5’2” • Goal: 50 lbs • Trainer: Kevin Shellman with Southwest YMCA in Louisville • www.ymcalouisville.org/southwest/ Tina says she will continue to run and will also continue with strength training. Tina has completed the Triple Crown Series and the Mini Marathon and will be running in the 5K Throo the Zoo race later this month. “Home Cuisine has done some great things for me. I have found that a good protein in the morning makes all the difference for me. I have also learned a lot about portion control. I am half way to reaching my weight loss goal. Now that I have seen success, it’s easier for me to maintain.” We applaud Tina for running all her races and she is sure to have success reaching her weight loss goals.

BEFORE

Lost 18 pounds

Her Hair: To brighten Tina’s brown hair, stylist Jessica Jones added highlights and lowlights, but specifically focused on integrating the lighter pieces into the hair while maintaining the overall dark color. She shaped up Tina’s hair, trimmed her bangs and finished her style with curls for volume.

Her Makeup: Katy Gardner used earth tones on Tina’s eyes, a shade of rose on her cheeks and applied a highlighter above her cheekbones. “Highlighter makes them (the cheekbones) stand out more and gives you a fresh look.” For a bold pop of color, Katy used a fuchsia pink shade on her lips.

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Tina is wearing: Dress, $190; $149; necklace, $69; earrings, $29. Available at Talbots, 9407 Shelbyville Road, 502.426.2226

Lost 21 pounds

BEFORE

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AFTER

Melissa Cora — Stay-at-home Mother of Four; Nurse Age: 42 • Current Weight: 140 lbs/Lost 19 lbs, and 29 inches • Height: 5’3” • Goal: 30 lbs • Trainer: Susan Jamison — Anytime Fitness in Floyds Knobs, IN • 812.923.2438 One of the reasons Melissa had a hard time with exercise is because of lower back pain throughout the years. Knowing this, her trainer has modified several exercises. “Susan has really personalized a plan just for me. We have focused a lot on increasing my core strength. I really don’t think I would be where I am today without her.” Before Melissa started the program, she had already started easing into a plant-based diet.

“With Home Cuisine I really enjoyed getting exposed to other foods, I probably wouldn’t have ever liked brown rice, grilled vegetables, roasted red pepper dip, bulger, taboullie and many different salad dressings.

My family is trying the plant-based diet as well.” Melissa looks fantastic, and has inspired her family to get involved in working out and eating healthier as well.

Her Hair: Melissa was looking for an easy, low maintenance style to fit with her busy lifestyle. Stylist Paula Riggleman took off three inches of Melissa’s hair to give more volume and created a longer bob with layers.

The cut, says Paula is ideal because it requires less effort to look good.

Her Makeup: Aesthetician Katy Gardner kept Melissa’s makeup simple by using neutral tones on her eyes, an apricot shade on her cheeks and a very light lip color. Using bronzer, she contoured Melissa’s cheeks to define her facial features and bone structure.

Melissa is wearing: Antonio Melani blouse, $109; Antonio Melani jacket, $199; Antonio Melani skirt, $119; Jessica Simpson $89; Anne Klein bracelets, $36 and $45; Anne Klein earrings, $20. Available at Dillard’s, Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road 502.893.4400 (Styling by Wendy Anguiano).

AFTER

Lost 19 pounds

BEFORE

Marcia Hampton — Hospital Scheduler Age: 59 • Current Weight: 169 lbs/Lost 10 lbs. • Height: 5’4” • Goal: 30+ lbs • Trainer: Regina DeCaro with Clark Memorial Fitness in Jeffersonville, Ind. • www.clarkmemorial.org/lois-a-kratz-health-and-wellness-center/ “I am doing GREAT! I have come to enjoy exercising and hate it when I can’t exercise.”

Marcia had already lost close to 70 lbs before she started our weight loss program. Now she really enjoys exercising. “It’s a great motivator, and when someone tells you that you look good that makes you want to continue working out even more!” Two years ago Marcia was a size 22; her goal is to get into a size 10 by her wedding next year. Right now she is pretty close to her goal. Marcia found a spinning class that she really likes and wants to continue with this type of workout. “I know that I haven’t lost that much weight, but the toning and firming was very much needed. I liked the meals from Home Cuisine, and I would recommend their food to anyone. Mae has also been very helpful. This has been such a wonderful adventure, and I am going to continue this to the end!”

BEFORE

Her Hair: Carla Howard, stylist, changed Marcia’s hair color to dark blond and worked in lighter highlights for more definition. Marcia already had short hair, but Carla shaped it into more of a stylish cut with a tapered back and shortened sides for added volume and texture.

Her Makeup: To accentuate her blue eyes, Carla used golden browns and chose neutral shades for her cheeks and lips for a natural look.

Marcia is wearing: Blouse, $109; pants, $79; sandals, $59; earrings, $24. Available at Talbots 9407 Shelbyville Road, 502.426.2226.

Lost 10 pounds

Their Future Plans

Melissa is joining Anytime Fitness continuing with her trainer Susan for group strength training classes, Marcia joined a spinning class, Lindsay has a two-year membership at LAC, and Tina will continue with her year-long membership at the YMCA, has completed already five competitive running races and will continue running as a workout regime.

Home Cuisine has taught these women all about portion size and healthy alternatives.

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How Much Did They Lose?

Our Weight Loss Challenge participants are feeling great. See results on pages 60 and 62.

BEFORE

Collectively, they’ve lost a total of 68 lbs!

Lindsay Rost — Client Invoice

Management Intern

Tina Blankenship — 10th Grade History Teacher

Food Provided by:

Marcia Hampton — Melissa Cora — Hospital Scheduler Stay-at-home Mother of Four; Nurse

TRAINING by:

Food by Home Cuisine www.homecuisineonline.com • 502.288.6363 Wallace Avenue in Louisville Home Cuisine is now providing dinners only for our weight-loss participants. Next month check out what we learned in our culinary session with Mae — exclusive to our weight-loss challengers. Mae will be giving advice on how to prepare low calorie, delicious, and easy-to-make meals. She will also share some of her recipes, as well as websites that offer low calorie recipes. All our participants have been enjoying Home Cuisine’s meals thus far, and are excited to learn some new meal ideas.

Kevin Shellman Southwest YMCA Louisville 502.933.9622

Susan Jamison Anytime Fitness Floyds Knobs, IN 812.923.2348

Kevin is the fitness director of the Southwest Y, and has 15 years of experience as a group fitness instructor, and 5 years as a certified personal trainer.

This personal fitness trainer transitioned from being director of Marketing for a physicians group.

Susan’s transition into the field of health and fitness was due to a prediabetic diagnosis from her doctor.

Bruce salazar Louisville Athletic Club Westport Road Louisville 502.412.4522 Bruce is the director of Personal Training. He was inspired to become a personal trainer after going through his own weight loss experience.

He now trains others to lose weight and make it a part of their lifestyle.

Regina DeCaro Lois A. Kratz Health and Wellness Center at Clark Memorial Hospital Jeffersonville, IN 812.283.2600 Regina is the manager of Wellness Services at Clark Memorial, and is an Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist.

She was a Respiratory Therapist who shifted her career focus on teaching prevention and wellness.

Home Cuisine Are you considering Home Cuisine during your weight loss venture? They have been effective for our women and their weight loss journey. Home Cuisine provides delicious, nutritious, and healthy portion-controlled meals at a reasonable price. There are a few different calorie plans to choose from. The menu changes from week to week, and there is always that wonderful dish that everyone ends up talking about. For our weight loss challengers some of their favorite dishes were the breakfast egg dishes, various salads, and Home Cuisine’s berry crisp dessert. I talked to Mae Pike from Home Cuisine about some of their customer’s favorite dishes, and the healthy ingredients that goes into them.

“People love our lasagna. Instead of pasta noodles, we use thinly sliced yellow and zucchini squash. We also substitute low fat cottage cheese for ricotta cheese in this dish. It’s really good. Some other favorite dishes are the oven fried Parmesan chicken, whole-wheat waffles with a fruit sauce, and Asian chicken salad with our sesameginger-soy-orange dressing.” Hungry yet? Well, you can also find some of Home Cuisine’s food items at Rainbow Blossom stores in their deli section and at their salad bar. All the homemade soups found at Rainbow Blossom’s salad bar are made by Home Cuisine.

This year, exclusively for our weight loss participants, Home Cuisine held several healthy eating classes held after hours. We learned about using agave nectar as an alternative sweetener, Uncle Sam Cereal for a fruit cobbler topping (a great cereal that is low in calories and high in fiber), new red potatoes are lower in calories then other potatoes, black beans are higher in calories (which is why you don’t see them much in Home Cuisine meals), and during the late spring and throughout the summer months, Home Cuisine utilizes as much local and organic produce as they can. The salad you see here with the beef slices and grape tomatoes uses organic greens.

Rainbow Blossom stores not only carry some of Home Cuisine’s food items, but they are also a convenient pick up location for Home Cuisine’s customers. Once you have signed up with a particular Home Cuisine program, you can pick up your food at the closest Rainbow Blossom to you. For more information go to www.homecuisineonline.com or 502.896.0666.

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Today’s Woman