Women's Edition Lincoln - December 2020

THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

December 2020

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Happy Holidays!

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Publisher’s Notes

Let There be Peace on Earth...

Points of Interest

Happy holidays, everyone! My wish is that everyone

is able to celebrate their holiday exactly as they choose.

2020 has been a learning year for me, and I believe that is true for most of us. What I have gained from this time is the realization that it is important to offer true respect to each and every person I come into contact with. So many people have...and are...facing challenges that I am not aware of. What I feel I can do is to respect them, love them, and wish them the best. Putting out positive vibes to others, whether the vibes are spoken or simply felt, will help them and will help us.

Manny and I will celebrate our second Christmas together as a married couple. Manny is very much a “Christmas Elf,” and he is quickly converting me! I will never forget last December 17th, when I had to be out of town for the day. Manny had sent me a text message asking me to come through the front door when I got home. My normal entrance is through the garage, so I thought he was in the middle of a “project” that was blocking my entrance.

Lo and behold, when I walked through the front door, I heard Christmas music coming over our sound system. I walked into the living room to discover that Manny had decorated the entire living room and family room. Our Christmas tree was glistening and lit, and the dining room table was set with holiday linens and two beautiful holiday centerpieces. The fireplace was on, and scattered throughout the room were lit candles. It was absolutely spectacular. I cried! I think that was when I began to really appreciate this wonderful holiday.

I think this year, more than ever, it would help every single one us to make it a point to take some extra time to relish in the peace and joy of this holiday season. Gratitude and appreciation will consistently help raise our spirits, put smiles on our faces, and make us all a lot easier to be around! We may not be able to do much about the challenges that are out there. What we can do is make a decision to seek our own peace and joy.

My dear mother used to say, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” This is great advice that I am taking to heart.

Here’s my wish for everyone to have a great holiday. Relax, enjoy, appreciate.

See you next year!

Remember to shop local this holiday season! Support the community business owners who are the heart and soul of Nebraska. As you flip through this issue, keep an eye out for the holiday specials offered by many of our advertisers.

The holiday spirit is at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer! Join them as they celebrate 20 Days of Christmas with the Fantasy of Trees, workshops, and so much more. Find their contact information in their ad on page 9.

Hypnosis today for a better tomorrow.

Lincoln Hypnosis Center can help you with a multitude of challenging issues, including weight loss, low self-esteem, smoking cessation, sleep difficulties, stress relief, eliminating bad habits, and achieving peak performance. Flip back to page 1 to see their ad.

The holiday season is here, and Partners ’N Hair is ready to help you sparkle with a new hairstyle. Great hair doesn’t happen by chance! Make your appointment today.

Learn how on page 30.

ALLO Communications has great options for you and your family to stay better connected all year. See more in the ad on page 29.

The Vickeridge has clothing and accessory gifts for every woman on your list! See their ad on page 10. In the article on page 12, shop owner Tammy lets us in on what makes this shop so special and what she loves about her community.

Nebraska Pain Institute is here to help ease suffering and restore and improve the health and lives of each one of their patients. Learn more in their ad on page 14.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher On the Cover: Elan More information at www.shopelan.com

Positive Thought of the Month “Don’t forget a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.”

—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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Inside This Edition 2 Publisher’s Notes

26

Healthy Living

6 Fashion Worthy

28

Home Works

10

We’ve all spent a lot of thought on cleaning this year, but something that hasn’t really come up is cleaning water.

9 Zodiac Forecast 10 Weekend Gourmet 12 Business Style

30

The Market Place

14 Seasons of Life

32

Income Outcome

16 Good Looks

33

Kids Comments

34

Auto Wise

December is definitely the most joyful time of the year, but it can also be the most fatiguing time...especially this year.

We all love giving the perfect gift. For some of us, the gift list includes people who simply love their car...

18 Interiors By Design 20 Fresh Concept

35

Cuddly Critters

22 Out and About

36

Positive Perspective

34

24 To Your Good Health

National Publisher/Editor Janet Van deWalle

Operations Manager Roxy Orr

Customer Service Coordinator Tiffanie Gregory

35

Copy Editor Liz Huett

Women’s Edition Lincoln 1232 Hi g h St reet, S u ite 1 • Lin coln , NE 68502 • (402) 466-2677 National Publisher: Women’s Edition, Inc. 888-892-4076 Women’s Edition® The Magazine For Metropolitan Women is a registered trademark of Women’s Edition, Inc. (Reg. No. 2,501,858).

All rights reserved. Women’s Edition has no affiliation with any other publication.

Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine. © Copyright 2020, Women’s Edition, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only.

Republication and redissemination in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Women’s Edition, Inc.

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December 2020

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Fashion Worthy

By Holly Bell

Holiday Style Inspirations Comfy, Casual Looks The holidays are upon us! Though our priorities and routines may be a little different this year, we still want to look special. The fashion landscape has changed during our stay-more-at-home days.

Our looks are more casual, even around the holidays, as we probably do not plan to attend many dressy events. We will likely be more comfortable and casual this year, but we can still bring holiday cheer to our outfits.

We can make the most basic outfit holiday-ready by just keeping it simple. Bring out those newly purchased high-waisted stretch jeans or pants in fashion’s favorite color—black— and top them off with a festive, sparkly shirt. All-over sequins are quite the rage this year and are sure to put you (and everyone around you) in a party mood. Choosing a neutral color keeps this sparkly look firmly within the realm of good taste. Try silver, white, copper, or beige for a chic look. To accessorize this look, keep the jewelry understated. Add a boot with a small heel if you are going out or ballet flats for a comfy, at-home casual vibe.

Another simple, casual way to say “holiday” with black pants is to pair them with a white blouse made of a fabric that has a bit of shine. To this, you can add more glamorous dangly earrings. If your style is normally very tailored, you can wear that smart white blouse you have been wearing to work, just unbutton the first few buttons and add a pretty camisole to peek out. It’s a little sexy and a fun way to bring a party vibe to the simplest of outfits.

This time of year, it is also fun to break out some of the statement jewelry we have hidden away. A statement necklace with a simple, solid color shirt looks chic and sophisticated.

Another party-ready touch to add during the holidays is red lipstick. It adds a bit of glamour. There is a red for everyone; you just need to find it!

One way to look special and be ultra-comfortable is a midi-length sweater dress. Nothing looks more elegant and slimming than a long column of black. Make sure the fit is correct—it should skim over your curves, not cling. Go ahead and size up to create a body-skimming fit. Make sure it is a super soft fabric that stretches, and you’ll feel as comfortable as if you were curling up in your robe. You will want to wear this dress everywhere! Simple to dress up with great jewelry or a big belt, the sweater dress is a good addition to every wardrobe.

In the winter, we often want to choose the simple jeansand-sweater outfit. This is the year to invest in a couple of new fashion-forward sweaters. I love the new puffy shoulder; it adds femininity, looks modern, and is flattering. Keep the design simple, with a basic crew or mock turtleneck, letting the puff shoulder be the star. To this simple outfit, add some holiday earrings—how about some dangly stars? Stars are a fun motif for the holidays and are on trend this year.

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I adore the classic neutral fashions this year—nothing looks classier or more elegant. The holidays, however, sometimes just call for color, especially red! If you don’t like wearing red, choose any of the beautiful jewel tones of blue, emerald, or purple.

These colors will shout “Happy holidays!”

If you are not used to wearing bold color, this is the time to dip your toe in the water. A sweater, blouse, jacket, or dress would be a smashing addition in any of the jewel tones. Remember to keep the rest of the outfit simple so the brilliant color is the focus.

One way to stand out at a holiday party is to wear winter white! An elegant, all-white outfit will stand out in a sea of black. You can make it casual with jeans and a sweater or dress it up a bit with a white wool blazer. Even when dressing casually, winter white looks chic and elegant.

Let’s enjoy the wonderful world around us as we welcome the holiday season.

Don’t forget to relax and enjoy those special moments rather than rushing about until you’re exhausted. Take some time to make yourself feel special! We can still enjoy each other even if the situation this year is not ideal. Let’s take this opportunity to have a more relaxed, less formal holiday season than usual. Though there are many things we can’t control, we know we are happiest when we look good and feel confident.

Happy holidays!

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Zodiac Forecast

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22–Dec 21) Happy birthday, Sagittarius, and happy holidays!

Your thoughts are bright and clear this December. If you find yourself wanting to try something new or thinking about starting a new relationship, make it happen! Things will go very well.You may notice significant change toward the middle of the month, but there’s no need for concern—it is all good change. Remember, this is the season for love and joy!

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) Holiday time is hectic! Do take time to relax. Remember to treat yourself while buying gifts for others! A massage or spa treatment may be just what you need to re-balance.

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) Settle down and enjoy this holiday season. After the 15th of the month, your life will feel as sparkly as the season itself!

Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) Challenge yourself to really enjoy life. This has been a difficult year, but December is a month for celebration!

Once you start celebrating, you will thank yourself for letting go.

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) The planets positively insist that you have an adventure this holiday season. Whatever it is, you will see results that very seldom come your way. This will make your holidays unforgettable!

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) Are you allowing the season’s joy to run away with your finances? You are a generous soul! Let yourself enjoy giving gifts this season. It’s worth it to see happiness on others’ faces!

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) Holidays come with many temptations

regarding fine dining, spirits, gifts, and romance! Which one of these delights will entice you this month…and how much will you give in?

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22) This time of year, you often find yourself thinking about things that have happened in your life. Revel in the season and give yourself a few peaceful hours to reflect on how grateful you are for the people who surround you.

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22) This holiday season, you find yourself loving life, and it is loving you right back! Hold on to that feeling and spread it around—extra holiday cheer makes life that much more enjoyable!

Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) You find it difficult to unwind, especially this time of year. Give yourself the gift of relaxation this month. Schedule a massage or a float treatment and feel your stress melt away!

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) You are feeling positive and outgoing this month. What a wonderful way to settle in to the holiday season and enjoy the festivities!

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) This is the season for giving, but save time for a little self-indulgence. When you find yourself reaching for an extra sugar cookie or peppermint mocha, let yourself enjoy it!

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Weekend Gourmet

Holiday Cheers and Celebrations! Let’s Eat! Gingerbread Pancakes Whisk together 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of fresh hot coffee with 1 cup of sugar (stir a bit to dissolve the sugar), 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of molasses, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to blend. The batter will be thin. Let rest for 10 minutes, then make pancakes as usual. Top with powdered sugar, crystallized ginger, whipped cream, and/or fruits.You can also make this gingerbread batter into a cake. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Hot Sugar Bacon Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Place strips of bacon on the sheet. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle the mixture over each slice of bacon, turn slices over, and repeat. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 20–25 minutes or until crisp.

Beef Tenderloin Bake with Merlot Sauce Trim and tie (if necessary) a 3-pound beef tenderloin. Rub 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over the beef and sprinkle with cracked black pepper and kosher salt (to your liking). Sear the beef on all sides in a heavy skillet with 1 Tablespoon of oil (3 minutes on each side). Place the beef in a lightly oiled pan on a bed of sliced

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Easy Slow Cooker Ham In a saucepan, combine 1 can of cola, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil and stir for about 1 minute to dissolve the sugar. Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the cola mixture over the ham. Cook on low for 5–6 hours (baste a few times). Serve with cheesy potatoes.

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GINGERBREAD PANCAKES

onions and diced garlic. Bake at 425 degrees for 25–35 minutes, until the beef is the temperature you desire (135–145 degrees).

Remove and cover with foil for 10 minutes.

While the beef is roasting, make the merlot sauce. In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of currant jelly with 1/2 cup of merlot and 1/4 cup of beef stock or broth. Simmer for 25 minutes until syrupy.

Stir in 1 Tablespoon of butter.

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Broccoli Mash Wash and trim 1 or 2 heads of broccoli. Cut into pieces. Place in a large stock pot and add 4–5 cups of water. Add salt and pepper and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Simmer uncovered for 15–25 minutes until soft. Drain the broccoli and coarsely mash it. Add the juice of a lemon, some butter, a bit of sour cream, and salt and pepper as desired. Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Marinated Olives Rinse 1–2 cups of assorted olives. Place the olives in a large jar. Add several slices of fresh garlic cloves, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, a small stalk of fresh rosemary, and 1/2 of a lemon, thinly sliced. Pour olive oil over the olives to cover. Shake the jar to mix. Refrigerate for a day or two before serving.

Green Beans with Toasted Hazelnuts Trim, wash, and cut 2 pounds of fresh green beans. Cook beans in a pot of boiling salted water for 5–8 minutes. While beans are cooking, toast 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped hazelnuts in 2 Tablespoons of butter for 5 minutes until toasty brown. Drain the beans. Pour the hazelnut mixture over the beans and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies Cream 1 cup of soft butter with 1 cup of sugar. Add 2 eggs, 2 Tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat well. Mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Roll out the dough. Use a holiday-shaped or round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Sprinkle sugar or seasonal sprinkles on top or leave plain to frost and decorate later. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or until edges are brown.

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Caramel Crisp Mix Melt 2 cups of butter in a large saucepan. Add 2 cups of brown sugar and bring to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of light Karo syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook for another 2 minutes. Put 2 cups of cereal into a large bowl (along with mixed nuts, if desired). Pour the sugar mixture over the cereal. Toss to coat. Pour out onto wax paper or parchment paper to cool.

Buon Natale Cookies Mix together 2 cups of sugar, 2 sticks of soft butter, one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract. Stir until smooth. Sift 4 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Gradually stir the flour into the wet ingredients. Spoon onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 11–13 minutes, until bottoms are golden brown.

Frost with plain vanilla buttercream frosting (canned is easy!) and top with seasonal sprinkles.

Not Your Grandma’s Fruitcake Whisk or sift together 2 and 1/2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 eggs with one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, one 28-ounce jar of ready-to-use mincemeat, 2 cups of mixed candied fruit (chop, if necessary), and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Generously grease and flour a fluted tube pan or an angel food cake pan. Put the mixture into the pan and bake in a 300-degree oven for 50 minutes.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes and remove from the pan to cool completely. Place in a covered container and store in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks. Once a week, pour one ounce of bourbon over the top of the cake, then cover and refrigerate until serving time. Drizzle white frosting over the cake, if desired.

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Business Style

The Vickeridge

Success With Community Support

By Mia Azizah

Nestled in Lincoln’s historic Havelock neighborhood,

a lovely clothing shop tells the story of how family and community support are the keys to success. The Vickeridge is a locally owned business specializing in women’s fashions, first started by Bob and Vicki Rokeby about 50 years ago.

While many things have changed over the decades, their family’s dedication to customer service and high-quality products has not. The Vickeridge continues to value customers, family, and community.

Rosemary Junker and Tammie Spence, owners

Today, the store is operated by Tammie and Gayle. The store offers women’s clothing, and accessories for all occasions, from work to weekend outings to dinner dates. The Vickeridge carries sizes six to 24, so women of all sizes will be able to find something special. Brands at the store include Tribal, specialty lines from Canadian clothes artist FDJ French Dressing, Ali Miles and Charlie B. Tammie handpicks an exceptional selection of jewelry to offer at affordable prices at The Vickeridge. These jewelry items are handmade designs from artists as close by as Lincoln and Omaha or as far away as Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

If you can’t find what to wear for that special day, The Vickeridge is the place you need to check out!

Tammie works closely with many vendors so that she can provide different styles of clothing for customers with varying tastes. The clothes in the store are conveniently displayed according to the season. The layout of the store is carefully considered and very easy to navigate. Tammie encourages first-time customers to walk around the store, feel the merchandise, and try out different colors and fabrics. What makes the in-store clothes shopping experience so valuable is the interaction that customers can have with the clothing items and with Tammie herself. She loves to see the joy on her customers’ faces when they find the perfect outfit.

One of the things Tammie values most about The Vickeridge is the opportunity it provides her to build personal relationships with her many returning customers. “I think of the people who come to my store as friends. I don’t think of them as customers, ”Tammie shares. “I have families with two and three generations who are coming back. It’s because they know we’re here to help them. ”When you enter The Vickeridge, as these loyal customers can attest, you’re sure to be greeted with a smile and you will more than likely be leaving with a great outfit at a great price.

The Vickeridge has been a favorite in Lincoln for years, and one of the reasons for that is the consistently afford12

December 2020

able prices. In November and December, The Vickeridge has even better prices during their sales for the holiday season.

They offer gift cards, complimentary gift wrapping, and an easy return policy of exchange for any in-store item or store credit. This year, The Vickeridge will also provide free delivery.

Tammie encourages customers to call the store or check their Facebook page for more details and updates.

The store’s years of success are because of the community support, Tammie says. Many of her returning customers tell their family and friends about the store’s fashionable items, affordable prices, and excellent customer service. This local word-of-mouth advertising is how Tammie makes new connections with new customers…who soon become new friends. Carrie, for example, has shopped at The Vickeridge for 20 years. “They always try to make you feel at home,” she says. This friendly experience is what keeps her coming back for more.

During unpredictable times, Tammie and her siblings continue to make their family proud at The Vickeridge. Small businesses in Lincoln, around the nation, and around the world have been hit hard by the challenges of the pandemic. Long ago, Tammie learned from her parents that local businesses are the backbone of a community, and now she has seen firsthand how the businesses in the Havelock area have been coming together and supporting each other. She’s grateful for the support and for the opportunity to support her fellow business owners. “With the way things are right now in the world, we need all the help we can get,” she notes.

“We all need to shop at local stores. There are wonderful little businesses where you can find great things that you don’t find in major stores.”

This holiday season, and all year, support local businesses like The Vickeridge. The Vickeridge is located with convenient parking at 6140 Havelock Avenue, Suite A, in Lincoln. For more information, please call 402-466-6763 or find them on Facebook.

www.womensedition.com

Wishing you and your family

Joy, Love, and Peace.

Our afternoon dance party As a mom, we know your family is why. Why you work so hard

SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION

to make healthy choices every day so you can experience

LONG TERM CARE

more of life’s precious moments together. We’ve got your back; to make sure more of those moments happen. But we can’t do it without you. While you’re serving more fruits and veggies at home, we’re impacting laws that help shape

Creating environments where moments of joy, independent, and wellness are the focus each and every day.

healthier communities — and it doesn’t stop there. You see, together we can make an extraordinary impact. Because when moms unite, real change happens.

Join other moms and together let’s create a healthier generation of families. Life is Why.

Unite for change at LifeIsWhy.org/Moms

Come visit and take a tour today.

(402) 441-7101 1001 South St. | Lincoln, NE 68502 www.lancasterrc.com

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December 2020

13 9:51 AM 11/12/20

Seasons of Life

All-Encompassing 24-Hour Care Long-Term Nursing Facilities

By Linda Barnes

Long-term nursing care has come a long way since one of my favorite aunts suffered a stroke many years ago. In those days, people dreaded going into a nursing home. When I visited her, there were no rehab services, social activities, or dietitian-planned meals. Now, we have superior standards of care.

Today’s long-term nursing facility is a godsend for those needing extensive, around-the-clock care. Residents receive medical care, assistance with personal care, nutritious meals, and medications dispensed by trained health professionals. Social and spiritual needs are met, as are physical, occupational, and speech therapy needs.

Skilled nursing care may be needed on a short-term basis, such as after an injury or surgery, for people of any age. For elderly people, it is often a long-term proposition. If only a little assistance is needed, then home care or assisted living may suffice. When that is no longer feasible, long-term nursing care is a positive choice.

Finding a facility takes time but often must be done on short notice. Ideally, family members can consult with trusted physicians, colleagues, or friends about local options. One online resource that is quite helpful in evaluating facilities is Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare. Providing your city and state brings up local options (or you can search for a particular nursing home by name). You’ll see ratings for different categories such as overall

rating, health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. A star rating system helps you see, at a glance, how different facilities compare. Choose two or three to look at more closely in a detailed, side-by-side format.

Once you’ve narrowed the choices, visit in person. Consider what is most important. Nursing care, physical therapy, a special unit for memory care, religious services, social activities, amenities?

Location is crucial, too, so friends and family can easily visit. Is there a room available for family gatherings such as birthday parties?

Look for good accessibility for people with disabilities. While you’re visiting, take notice of the people who live and work there.

Do residents appear happy and well cared for? Are staff members thoughtful in their interactions with residents? Verify Medicare and Medicaid certification and other credentials.

Each state works to make sure healthcare providers meet standards of safety and cost effectiveness and are compliant with all laws. Nursing homes must meet licensure requirements in order to operate. In addition, the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid enforces quality standards. Nursing

Getting you back to the good life.

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homes must be certified by this agency to receive reimbursement from Medicare or Medicaid. The state must also certify a nursing home’s compliance with the Nursing Home Reform Act. Paying for long-term nursing care can be a major concern. Costs have risen considerably in recent years. In my area, the typical monthly charge is more than $7,000. For seniors, Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term nursing care, except under certain circumstances. Medicare will pay for a limited stay if one’s doctor attests to the need following a qualifying hospital stay.

A patient may need specialized nursing care and rehabilitation after such things as stroke or surgery. Medicare may pay the cost for 20 days and then a portion of the cost for days 21–100.

If a longer stay is needed, patients may be eligible for Medicaid, if strict income and asset requirements are met. Typically, residents spend down their own resources for care and subsequently qualify for Medicaid.

Medicare Advantage plans may have different terms. In addition, veterans may have access from the Veterans Administration. The options can be a bit complicated.

You can do some research online, but it might be helpful to work with a Medicare advisor who can explain the details.

It is difficult to plan in advance for longterm nursing care. The federal government estimates that seven in 10 people will need some kind of long-term care, including in-home care or assisted living as well as nursing home care. The average stay is more than two years. My mother never needed skilled nursing care, while my father spent three months in long-term nursing care. I also know those who have spent years in long-term nursing facilities.

Some legal arrangements may be necessary, such as a will, trust, financial power of attorney, guardianship, or advanced directives, when entering long-term care.

An attorney can assist with these legal documents and review any contracts with the nursing home.

Comprehensive care, along with safety features such as access control, grab bars and emergency pulls in restrooms, railings in hallways, call buttons, and alarms to prevent falls, are reassuring to residents and family. It is heartening to know that excellent long-term nursing care is readily available. The improved quality of life, health, and safety provide peace of mind for residents and for their loved ones.

Sources for this article included: aarp.org, nia.nih.gov, ltcombudsman.org, and health.usnews.com.

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Good Looks

Reduce Holiday Stress Give the Gift of Massage

By Loretta McCollum

December is definitely the most joyful time of the year, but it can also be the most fatiguing time... especially this year. Many of us run ourselves ragged in our quest to provide the perfect holiday for our family and friends. We need to take time out from all of the festivities, food, and frolic to relax and rejuvenate!

Getting a massage is a great way to ease the stress and strain of this busy season. This is an ideal time to treat yourself as a reward for all that you do for others. It can also be the perfect gift for the person on your list who seems to have everything. A massage has many benefits, including muscle relaxation, stress relief, improving sleep quality, and easing chronic pain.

There are multiple types of massage, each producing different results. Swedish massage utilizes soft, broad strokes up and down the entire body, focusing on specific regions. The muscles are rubbed in the same direction that blood returns to the heart. Tapping motions on the top layer of muscles, combined with manipulated joint movement, is both relaxing and energizing. A Swedish massage also increases oxygen levels in the blood, improving circulation and relieving tension.

Hot stone massages help relax tight muscles by placing warm stones that have been heated in water on specific areas of the body, such as the back, stomach, and face. The stones warm and relax the

muscles. The massage therapist is then able to utilize deeper pressure on those areas without discomfort for the client. A hot stone massage can decrease stress, increase flexibility, and decrease muscle spasms.

A deep tissue massage is an intense massage that targets muscle knots. The massage therapist applies warm oils and direct pressure to relax the top muscle layers, allowing for penetration to the deeper muscle tissues. This type of massage helps relieve chronic aches and pains. It’s also beneficial for pain caused by sciatica and fibromyalgia. Deep tissue massage is used in combination with stretching for sports massages. A pre-sport massage includes techniques to increase range of motion, while a post-sport massage focuses more on reducing inflammation.

Thai massage combines acupressure and yoga poses to relax the body. The therapist guides the client through various stretches, manipulating the body into different positions. Benefits may include boosting energy, reducing stress, and stimulating circulation.

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Expectant mothers can benefit from a prenatal massage. Benefits include lowering anxiety, decreasing leg and back pain, improving sleep, and reducing levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine. Prenatal massages are typically performed after the first trimester. Deep tissue massage should be avoided because of the increase in the risk of blood clots during pregnancy.

Look for a certified massage therapist with specific training and experience in pregnancy massage. Your doctor or midwife may have some recommendations.

There’s also shiatsu, a traditional Japanese technique in which the therapist applies finger pressure to multiple areas, holding each one for several seconds. Stretching and joint rotation is also employed. This massage method is based on acupuncture techniques and can help ease headache pain, muscle pain, and stiffness, promoting overall well-being. It can also increase blood flow and improve overall mood.

Trigger point massages and reflexology target specific areas. If you have ever had what feels like a knot in your back or shoulders, a trigger point massage may help. A trigger point is a tight, tender area of muscle tissue that can cause a great deal of pain. Trigger point massage therapy targets the specific muscle tissue with pressure and deep breathing. One or multiple sessions may be needed, depending on the area being treated.

Reflexology is a type of massage that applies pressure to reflex areas of the feet, relieving pain and stress while promoting relaxation and a good night’s sleep. It can be especially wonderful for someone who stands for long periods of time. It’s believed that the regions targeted by reflexology are connected to the nervous system and the brain, further promoting stress relief.

Couples massages and chair massages make great gifts. Couples receive side-byside massages. Luxurious extras like champagne, roses, and relaxing in a hot tub are sometimes included in couples massages. A chair massage utilizes a specially designed chair for a great massage of the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands.

Give yourself or a friend or family member the gift of relaxation this year.

When your body feels strong and relaxed, it’s easier to let the stress of the season roll off your back. Your local spa, salon, or massage therapy studio can help you choose the best option for your needs.

Sources for this article included: healthline.com, webmd.com, medicalnewstoday. com, and amcollege.edu.

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Interiors

by Design

The Most Decorative Time of the Year Call in the Pros!

By Robyn V. Powell

With all the challenges we’ve faced in 2020, everyone is looking to the holidays to lift our spirits.

While nothing quite welcomes the holiday season like decking the halls, the work and worry of getting all the decorations and lights up safely can seriously dampen the mood. If you’re dreaming of holiday magic in your home this season, why not leave it to a pro? Imagine the joy of having an interior design team skillfully design a beautiful concept that flows cohesively throughout your home and is all within your budget! Hiring a professional so you can enjoy a low-stress holiday might just be the best gift you can give your family...and yourself.

Professional holiday decorating companies generally offer a free in-home consultation to discuss holiday concepts that will work with your space and your style. Most companies will incorporate your personal decorations with theirs to create a stunning display that will give you the effect you’re looking for.

Services typically include fully decorating indoor and outdoor trees and hanging wreaths, garlands, and swags on doors, stairways, and windows.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just keeping it to family this holiday, tablescapes adorned with beautiful fresh florals and garlands with glowing candles set the stage for any festive gathering. Local florists can design and deliver everything you need. Designers have refined the art of making the most of

each client’s budget, with access to quality materials at discounted prices unavailable to everyday homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sleek design or a more classic holiday feel, the right designer can bring your vision to life by adding those touches you see in magazines, all tailored to your personality and budget.

When it comes to holiday trends, 2020 has inspired feelings of nostalgia for a year when things felt easier. There is a yearning for tradition this holiday season more than ever before. We’re seeing trends that reflect traditional holiday spirit—from the Christmas tree to the Christmas dinner. Themes of Christmas past will be celebrated with bold hues of red and green as well as with vintage ornaments that evoke childhood memories. Whether it’s heirloom china or crystal, people love something that has a story

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to tell. Rustic notes of plaid and wood add warmth to this holiday season while color trends include dreamy layers of winter white, gray, and beige, adorned with silver metallic accents for a subtle hint of glam.

In the spirit of Hanukkah, add a little sparkle to the traditional white, blue, and silver theme and light up the nights with a modern shiny gold or brass menorah.

Take advantage of 2020’s navy blue trend and celebrate Hanukkah with an array of beautiful blue accents in hues from sapphire to indigo.

Decorating outdoors completes your winter wonderland. The joy of returning to a beautifully lit home will add to your holiday spirit. What’s more, a professional installation is easy, safe, and stress-free. No more spending hours on the roof attaching light after light or wasting time detangling wires. Working with a professional installer allows you to try new design trends and the latest technologies for energy savings and convenience. Professional designers use LED lights as the basis of their holiday displays. For seamless operation, the whole show can be designed to run on a tablet or cell phone.

If you think the stress you saved yourself before the holidays was worth the cost of hiring professionals, just wait until the holidays are over! When it’s time for the lights and decorations to come down, you just sit back and watch while the pros take everything down and pack it all up. As you let the professionals store all those lights and bulky decorations for you in optimal conditions, you’ll appreciate all the space it frees up in your garage or basement.

Because hiring professionals has become so popular over the last few years, it’s a good idea to book early. Check your local listings for holiday decorating companies as well as landscapers or outdoor lighting specialists. Get several bids and vet each one carefully; ask what type of lighting will be used, what happens if equipment is damaged or doesn’t work, if they are properly insured, and if they can put you in touch with satisfied homeowners who have used their services. If you truly want to relax and enjoy your holiday, hiring a professional decorating crew is an investment you should consider. It’s a great way to keep the ho-ho-ho in your holidays!

Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, goodhousekeeping.com, and bhg.com.

Brighten

YOUR

Month

December 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Sock Day December 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Cotton Candy Day December 8 . . . . . . . . . . Pre tend To Be A Time Traveler Day December 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dewey Decimal System Day December 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gingerbread House Day December 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Cocoa Day December 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monkey Day December 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Cupcake Day December 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wright Brothers Day December 18 . . . . . National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day December 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Oatmeal Muffin Day December 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crossword Puzzle Day December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Candy Cane Day December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Card Playing Day December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Hero Day December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Universal Hour of Peace

December!

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Fresh Concepts

Stress Less During the Holidays!

Relax, Shop, Entertain

By Janette Calabro

Christmas is coming! The holidays can be fun and relaxing, but often times stressful. This year, fight the urge to do everything, and hold onto the vision of a perfect holiday. Dreams can come true, especially with a little help. Let’s look at some ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday with some ideas on how to organize your time, enjoy family and friends, avoid conflicts, shop, entertain, and take a little time just for you.

Start your stress-less journey by creating intentions for the outcome you desire. A little balance during the holidays begins with clear intentions, and organized time.

Intention isn’t really a resolution, it’s more like a goal.

Visualize what you want, and let the magic unfold. For example, if you want less stress, set that goal, but don’t leave it there. Get specific in the different ways you can achieve it. Brainstorm on what your version of less stress looks like.

If your focus is on family harmony, one of your goals might be better communication. Effective communication can make or break a holiday gathering. One good rule is avoiding criticism by staying positive and avoiding blame.

Another good rule is to listen before sharing your own feelings. Though this is difficult, it is usually worth it. Listen to understand, not to judge. When conversation gets too heated, cortisol levels increase, and reactions are emotionally charged. When that happens, it might be time to politely explain that you appreciate sharing opinions, but you’d like to change the subject. Get your family on board with the idea by emphasizing the advantages of good communication. The effort to understand each other and be respectful can help develop everyone’s social skills—not to mention the great example you’re setting for the kids.

If one of your intentions is to balance work with the non-stop demands of the holiday bustle, consider hiring some help. We all endure less stress when we live in a clean, organized home. Create a list of what you’d like to get done before the celebrations start, and then get busy.

Everyone’s time is valuable! Use yours wisely by hiring the right professionals to move you toward a happy, low-stress holiday.

If cooking the holiday feast is what ties you up in knots, hire a caterer. Lots of people have adjusted their dining habits during the pandemic, and caterers are really the experts in take-out food! Many people love a traditional holiday dinner, but if you’ve been looking for an excuse to shake it up a little, this might be the year to try something new. Either way, you can work out the menu in advance and leave the cooking, serving, and cleanup to the pros.

For all gatherings, and especially if you’re hosting one, you can also rent all the items you need for that grand holiday party. Make sure your guests are comfortable with 20

December 2020

proper tables. After all, tables are the focal point of Christmas dinner. Rent several round tables so everyone can interact and make room for a kid’s table and chairs. Comfortable chairs are pivotal for a successful dinner. Your guests will be sitting for several hours, so consider cushioned chairs.

Add cloth napkins and tablecloths that fits your theme, and don’t worry about enough matching china. Rent the china, wash them when dinner is over, and stack them back up for the rental company to take away. Same with the flatware and serve ware—just be sure you know what’s on the menu, and plan accordingly. There’s a glass for every drink you can think of—you’re covered if you communicate the menu with the rental company.

If your guest list is simply too long, consider renting a space so that everyone will have plenty of room to spread out. Some venues provide their own catering and bartending services. They might even provide the decorations!

Another option is an open house-style party, so you don’t have too many people there at the same time. A friend has done her holiday entertaining this way for years—she hosts all day, and we get a beautifully printed invitation that tells us what time to come. If you’re planning a staggered party and need the table linens and dishes changed in between guests, ask your caterer if they provide wait staff to clean in between.

Speaking of decorations, there’s still time to book a professional holiday decorator. You can read about them in more detail in our Interiors by Design article on page 18, but the basic idea is that they can do it all, inside and out—and they’ll take it all down after the holidays, so you don’t have to store a thing!

Now, let’s get to the gifts. During times of isolation this year, many of us have relied on large online retailers to get the things we needed without having to leave our homes.

Now is the time to support our small businesses! Local shop owners are our friends and neighbors, and their businesses give our communities their unique charm as well as keep our tax revenues local. Most stores are open, reconfigured for a safer in-store shopping experience. If you have any questions, just call ahead. They are ready to greet you!

If you’re not able to browse in person, the relationships you may have built with the owners of small boutiques are about to pay off in a major way. With some information from you about the people on your list, they may be able to help

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you find unique gifts over the phone. (Be sure that the loved ones who are shopping for you have the boutique’s contact information, too—with one quick call from them, you may end up with a gift recommended just for you by a pro who knows your style!)

Staff recommendations are also great for gifts like toys, books, or games. Just give them the name of a book or game your loved one enjoys, and they’ll be happy to recommend a gift! Many local stores also have online shopping and curbside pickup available, as well as free delivery in the local area.

When you’re done shopping, treat yourself to something just for you. A massage will relax those tired, knotted muscles. Schedule time at a day spa for those things that pamper and destress you. When you feel good, everyone around you feels good. Schedule a manicure, a pedicure, or a body treatment to exfoliate for smooth bare skin—a must for when you slip on that little black dress. Don’t forget to add aromatherapy at the spa (and at home) for a grounding, back-to-yourself balance that everyone needs during the holidays. Use Jasmine or peppermint to boost your mood, lavender to take the edge off, and chamomile to sleep better, just to name a few.

Meditation isn’t just for the wise man at the top of the mountain, and it doesn’t have to be “airy-fairy.” Find a comfortable place to sit and breathe. Even beginners can benefit from this quiet time to overcome difficulties, and balance emotions. Sometimes our minds are hard to quiet, and that’s okay. We’re all human. Some meditate better

while moving, or walking. You can boost blood flow, improve digestion, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality after a walking meditation. This could be a slow walk around the block (bundle up if it’s cold), a yoga meditation class from home, or any mindful movement that helps you feel more grounded, serene, and aids toward developing awareness of your mind, body, and breath. While you’re re-calibrating during your mindful meditation, recognize any shortcomings you think you may have. Shortcomings can be defined as a “weakness” or inability. Of course, all of us have some personal weaknesses, but during the holidays, we seem to stress over them more. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, and then list out ways to improve them. Acceptance without fear is key, and talking with a trusted friend or counselor is healthy. Expressing your feelings on paper builds confidence too. Once you address your shortcomings, set a goal to make improvements—the path to improvement is different for each of us. Don’t worry about what others think, and don’t shrink away from something you may think is wrong. This alone will help you through the holidays, and beyond.

Now, time to sit back in your clean, well-organized house, take a sip of hot chocolate, and dream of dancing sugar plum fairies, with the clear intentions of a perfect holiday.

Sources for this article included: helpguide.org, healthline.com, hgtv.com, and bhg.com.

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Out and About

CBD American Shaman:

Giving Customers Alternatives for Symptom Relief

By Jodi Fuson

Though located right next to Yogurtini at 48th and O streets, CBD American Shaman does not cater to customers looking to boost their mood with food—they’re here to offer a different kind of relief.

Instead of coming in to sample yogurt flavors, customers sample CBD products to discover their health benefits.

Free sampling is offered daily in each of CBD American Shaman’s three Lincoln stores, “so customers can see how it may help them,” says Nicole McCoy, manager of the store at 2662 Cornhusker Highway. CBD (cannabidiol) is a good alternative, because it can help support several health and wellness issues, notes franchise owner Lance Schroeder. “Most people can tell some differences before they even walk out the door.”

Lance has been taking the CBD American Shaman oil for three years and hasn’t been sick with even a cold. CBD is one of the primary active compounds found in cannabis plants, such as marijuana and

industrial hemp. The products that Lance sells are certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, Lance Schroeder, owner which oversees proper manufacturing. CBD does not have psychoactive properties, so there’s no high associated with it.

Lance’s three Lincoln stores (the third is located at 16th and Old Cheney) are among 400 CBD American Shaman franchise locations across the nation. When you walk into these shops, “it’s like walking into your living room,” Lance shares. “It’s very relaxing.” The welcoming staff members are knowledgeable about the products, too. The biggest seller at

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CBD American Shaman is a water-soluble oil that clients add (by the dropper) to 4–8 ounces of liquid, twice a day. A 30-day supply costs $59.99.

A daily CBD regimen has helped Lance find relief from arthritis pain in his knees, Colits and from anxiety. “If you do what the label says, your life will change,” he says.

Getting the right absorption rate is critical, Lance explains.

He says that CBD American Shaman offers a higher quality product than other CBD companies because of their proprietary nanotechnology. This technology allows CBD American Shaman to produce the oil in just the right molecular size to allow the body to absorb 90 to 100 percent of the CBD. Other companies’ oils have absorption rates that can range from 10–30 percent. CBD American Shaman has three of their own farms, in Montana, Kansas, and Kentucky, so from seed to sale it is all American Shaman. Quality is closely monitored, from the seed to the bottle. “We’re testing it before it’s harvested to make sure it’s perfect.”

Our body has an endocannabinoid system with receptors through out the body. All cannabinoids (some naturally produced in the human body), including CBD, attach to certain receptors. When the endocannabinoid system isn’t working properly, receptors are closed. “CBD connects with the receptors to help everything work right,” explains Lance. It brings the body back to homeostasis.

Finding the right amount for you, is key to the effectiveness of CBD American Shaman oil. Too much or too little of the oil can impact results, Lance says. There is a recommended amount, but customers may need to play with it a little to find their own ideal amount.

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For Nicole, it was a night-and-day difference when she started using CBD oil. Nicole suffered from anxiety, and menopausal symptoms , “I didn’t realize how much it was helping me until I ran out,” she says. She is so convinced of the benefits of CBD that she helped a friend open a CBD American Shaman store in Washington state. She managed that store until May 2019, when she moved to the mid-west to work with Lance in Lincoln.

The CBD products available at CBD American Shaman extend beyond the water-soluble oil that Lance and Nicole take regularly. They also offer a cloud tincture, which has the same benefits of the water-soluble oil but can be vaped or go under the tongue. They also offer edibles like hard candy, honey sticks, and gummy bears. They sell probiotics, a “CBD with omega 3” packet, and CBD in capsule form, topical creams and serums. They also offer a skin care line, eye serum, and bath bombs. They even have food and treats for dogs and cats to help your furry friends with their health and wellness.

Positive customer referrals have helped Lance’s business grow over the past two years, so he decided to branch out. “I’m trying to reach out to the whole city and make it more convenient,” he says.

All three locations of CBD American Shaman in Lincoln are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, and offer curbside delivery! The Lincoln locations are at 2662 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 7C (531-500-3672); 233 North 48th Street, Suite I (402-817-2697); and 1600 Normandy Court, Suite 102 (402-840-0393). You can also see their web site at www.cbdoflincoln.com. Customers must be 18 years or older to make a purchase.

December 2020

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To Your Good Health

Let’s Talk About Sex A Sexual Health Update

By Leslie Byrne

When Helen Gurley Brown’s book “Sex and the Single Girl” came out in 1964, it kicked off a sexual revolution. Her book asserted that women had as much right to non-marital sexual pleasure as men, and that was revolutionary thinking. Fifty-six years later, sexual health is discussed much more openly. Sexual health is important for all women! Whether a woman has been in a monogamous relationship for years or is a single adult, she needs to know the latest in sexual health and what options are available.

The term “sexual health” covers a pretty broad range of topics, including choices that help prevent sexuality transmitted diseases (STDs) and preventative measures regarding disease, cancer, and pregnancy. When it comes to sexuality, there is something that applies to every stage of an adult’s life.

When people consider what it takes to stay healthy sexually, many of them cite the prevention of STDs. Although the age group with the highest infection rates continues to be ages 15 to 24, would you be surprised to learn that the STD infection rate in adults older than age 45 has increased every year since 2012? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016, more than 80,000 of the recorded cases of STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV were in adults older than 45. Many STDs can be cured with antibiotics. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious health problems.

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In recent years, researchers have identified a link between a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cancer of the cervix, vagina, anus, throat, or penis. An HPV vaccine for young adults has been developed. Vaccination is recommended starting at age 11, before children have been exposed to HPV. It can prevent cancers caused by HPV later in life. Talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Choosing the right contraception is another way that adults can be sexually healthy. The type of contraception you started using decades ago may no longer be the best option for you. Talk to your healthcare provider about the choices available now. These include hormonal methods such as an implant, an injection, oral contraception (the pill), the patch, or a vaginal ring. Barrier methods include diaphragms, sponges, and condoms. For women (and men) who are certain they don’t want any more children, surgical procedures like tubal ligation (or vasectomy for men) can end the chance of pregnancy permanently.

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When considering contraceptive methods, it’s important to recall that condoms are the only method of birth control that also protects users against STDs. Vaginal rejuvenation is a general term covering several different procedures that can help resolve genital problems caused by childbirth, age, or menopause. These problems can include urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity, and excessive vaginal dryness.

Surgical procedures can include things like labiaplasty (to reduce the size of the uncomfortable labia) and vaginoplasty (to improve vaginal laxity). Non-surgical procedures include laser therapy or radiofrequency therapy, both of which heat the tissues in the genital area to jump-start collagen production. This can help with age-related and childbirth-related vaginal symptoms.

Don’t forget that sexual health applies to men as much as it does to women. The most common sex problem men report to the doctor is erectile dysfunction (ED)—it affects approximately 30 million men (and their partners). You may be surprised to learn that treatment can often start with heart and vascular health, since ED is often linked to problems with blood flow throughout the body. The doctor may uncover some risks that, once addressed, can decrease problems with ED. These may include changes in diet, increasing exercise, or giving up smoking, some drugs, or alcohol. Sometimes, treatment can include therapy for emotional problems caused by relationship conflicts, stress, depression, or anxiety. Treatment can include oral medication, testosterone therapy, injections, a penile implant, or surgery.

Some couples want to enjoy a healthier sex life together but find it extremely difficult to talk openly and honestly with each other about sex. In that case, it may be time to see a sex therapist. These trained professionals help couples talk openly about sex. A therapist can identify the root of a couple’s difficulty and give them tools to resolve those problems. They can also address the psychological side of problems like erectile dysfunction or low sexual desire. Therapists focus on the future instead of what has not worked for a couple in the past.

Whatever stage of life you’re in, give your sexual health the priority it deserves! Talk to your doctor or therapist about any struggles you’re facing or symptoms you’re experiencing. If you feel hesitant about starting the conversation—don’t! These professionals have heard it all, and they’re here to help.

Sources for this article included: cdc.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, aarp.org, and mayoclinic.org.

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Healthy Living

Alivation Health

Bring on the Next Level You

By Lindsey Tederman

Alive + Innovation = Alivation. That combination is the goal of Alivation Health—to help you be your best self. Their slogan,“Next Level You,”focuses on integrated care to take you to the next level with their branded affiliate divisons, Alivation Health (Primary Care and Behavioral Health, Alivation Research, Alivation Pharmacy, and Alivation Aesthetics.

Kylie Ensrud Ed.D, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPCO

Alivation Aesthetics combines cutting-edge treatments and advanced technology with skin care and medical expertise. “Your skin is your biggest organ,” points out Kylie Ensrud, Chief People and Compliance Officer and Director of Aesthetics. “Why not keep it the best it can be?” The medical team at Alivation is led by aesthetic provider Jamie Draper, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC. They provide customized plans to give their patients confidence, peace with themselves, and a belief that happiness is worth pursuing. Jamie states.

Jamie shared, “I was introduced to Aesthetics in 2006 when I headed all over the country for training to become staff at Lincoln’s First Medical Spa. I continued to be in the aesthetic world until 2011 when I delivered at 25 weeks gestation, my baby and had to take a break for her health. With Covid-19 hitting, I needed to get out of the hot zone of taking care of Covid-19 patients to protect the health of my little girl.

I am currently taking a hiatus from my 18 year career as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by returning back to a passion and skill set that I have.”

Alivation Aesthetics opened successfully in the summer of 2019. When the pandemic arrived, its opening slowed down. In late October, Alivation pushed to increase the aesthetics side, and they’re pleased with the results. Sitting on the garden level, surrounded by windows and natural light, patients who come in for counseling can now go down the hall for help with migraines, scar repair, or tattoo removal. All areas of the clinic are to be intertwined. “We want people to feel beautiful on the inside and out that we just want to help build confidence in a comfortable environment.”

Alivation Aesthetics brings expertise from a medical expert. “It’s important to have a person with a clinical background to get the best results,” Kylie says.

“They know what you are looking for and know what you want to accomplish, so they can set realistic expectations for results. They customize treatment for your unique skin.”

The team at Alivation wants its patients to know that their staff will partner with them to attain the results they want. “The proper degree of medical expertise can just make all the difference in the results and comfort.”

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Alivation Aesthetics offers many common treatments and aesthetic procedures as well as some that aren’t so common.

Some popular non-invasive treatments require little to no downtime.

TruSculpt treatments help show results by replicating intensified crunch, squat, and twisting actions. They deliver an average of 24 percent fat reduction in just one treatment.

The PICO Genesis laser procedure uses pulses of laser light on areas of the skin with unwanted pigment. The laser remodels the upper layers of the skin, rejuvenating the skin to a natural glow. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and requires no downtime.

The Juliet laser can be used on different parts of the body to improve form and function. On the face, its heat combats fine lines, wrinkles, scars, active acne, and signs of aging. This versatile procedure also helps women restore their vaginal health by improving vaginal tone and flexibility to alleviate symptoms often associated with childbirth, aging, breast cancer therapies, and menopause.

In addition to these procedures, “Alivation Aesthetics houses the most advanced lasers in Nebraska in one location” says Jamie. “We offer a wide range of laser services that treat medical conditions of melasma, Rosacea, spider veins, skin rejuvenation, acne, age spots and urinary stress incontinence.”

Alivation’s move into the aesthetics arena comes from the foundation of mental health. Founded in 1998 as Premiere Psychiatric by Dr. Walt Duffy, the clinic changed its name to Alivation to provide more services that stretched into research and a pharmacy on site. Research is paramount at Alivation. Kylie asserts that it is one of the top institutes in the country in TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) research, conducting studies into how to use the magnetic treatment for a number of issues from smoking cessation to pain control.

Patients at Alivation greatly appreciate the easy accessibility of practitioners through telehealth. While some companies took weeks or months to restructure and get their online services up and running, Alivation was ready to work remotely in just days.

They are prepared to meet our mental health needs, as well as our physical and aesthetic needs, during these challenging times.

To learn more or schedule an appointment for Behavioral Health (402-476-6060), Primary Care (402-466-3355), or Alivation Aesthetic (402-817-2246), call Alivation or visit alivation. com. The clinic is located at 8550 Cuthills Circle, near 84th Street and Old Cheney Road, in Lincoln.

Home Works

Water Filtration Systems The Key to Clean, Healthy Water

By Anne Yankus

We’ve all spent a lot of thought on cleaning this year, but something that hasn’t really come up is cleaning water.You may be lucky enough to live in an area without any obvious water contamination, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider cleaning up the water in your home! Installing a water cleaning or filtration system in your home has many benefits, from keeping your drinking water free of unhealthy bacteria to helping your appliances run more efficiently.

Before rushing out to buy a water system, you need a condenser and leaving contaminants behind. Distillers do to identify exactly what you want it to do. There are many remove a broad range of contaminants and are reusable, different kinds of water systems that do any number of difbut some contaminants (like herbicides and pesticides) ferent jobs. Do you have hard water? Does your water look can be carried into the condensate. Distilled water is also dirty? Maybe your water just tastes slimy and gross? There not particularly tasty, as the process removes most of the are systems and filters for all those problems and more; you oxygen and leaves the water tasting flat and slightly acidic. just need to find the right one for you and your home.

Distillers also have the disadvantage of consuming large For issues that only affect drinking water, you can amounts of energy to function. probably get away with a simple carbon-based water filter.

One of the newest types of filtration is called kinetic Most new refrigerators come with a water filtration unit degradation fluxion (KDF) media. KDF uses high-purity built in. These are great for filtering out things like chlorine, alloys and electrochemical oxidation reduction to kill algae radon, man-made chemicals, volatile organic chemicals, and fungi and control bacteria growth, as well as removing and benzene. They’re also at contaminants like pesticides, least partially effective when heavy metals, and unpleasant Do you have hard water? Does removing other contaminants, taste. Like sediment filters, KDF like lead, rust, and sediment. is often used in conjunction your water look dirty? Maybe However, carbon-based filters with other filtration systems. offer little protection when it One of the most effective your water just tastes slimy and comes to filtering out heavier types of water filtration sysmetals or inorganic compounds. tems on the market is the regross? There are systems and Fortunately, not everywhere has verse osmosis system. Reverse filters for all those problems and such hardy contaminants in the osmosis uses a combination of water supply. For places that do, sediment pre-filtration and a more; you just need to find the you’ll want to look into somesemi-permeable membrane to thing a little more robust than remove all chemical contamiright one for you and your home. just your fridge filter. nants. Reverse osmosis systems When it comes to drinking will remove everything that water, bottled water may seem like a cheap alternative to sediment and carbon-based filters miss. Unfortunately, buying a filtration system. Bottled water does afford you they cannot remove microorganisms. the benefits of clean and healthy drinking water at a lower Last, but not least, many homes have problems with upfront cost than buying most filtration systems. However, mineral contamination, otherwise known as hard water. For constantly buying bottled water may end up costing you that, you’ll want to look into a water softener. There are two more than a simple water filter in the long run, and it main kinds of water softeners on the market: salt-based won’t do anything to extend the life of your appliances the and salt-free. Salt-based water softeners are most effective way that larger in-home filtration systems can. (Plus, all at completely removing all minerals like calcium and magthose bottles!) nesium from your water supply, which will eliminate any If the water coming out of your faucet is visibly dirty, new hard water staining and lengthen the life of all your you may want to look into a sediment filter. Sediment water-based appliances. Salt-free softeners are cheaper filters use mechanical filtration to remove dirt and debris than salt-based, and they have the benefit of not having to that are usually due to rust or copper from corroded pipes use a chemical softener. Rather than eliminating your minor things like silt from rainwater. Since sediment filters only eral contaminants, salt-free softeners neutralize them so remove visible dirt and debris (and do nothing to protect that they no longer adhere to surfaces around your house. your water from chemicals or other contaminants), they’re Getting cleaner, healthier water for you and your family often used in conjunction with other filtration systems. could be just one filter away! Call your local water filtration Another type of filtration is distillation. Distillers are store to find out what system would work best for you. one of the oldest types of filtration systems around. EssenSources for this article include: wqa.org, bestproductspro. tially, they boil the water, collecting the cleaner water using com, bobvila.com, and softwaterfiltration.com.

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The Market Place Partners ’N Hair The holiday season is quickly coming upon us, and this is the busiest time of the year for Partners N Hair. Make sure you pre book your appointment ahead of time for the the best day and time that works for you and all of your holiday events .

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The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. We’ve been working in Nebraska to do just that.

The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest Conservancy preserves in the U.S., and a model for grassland management using bison, cattle and fire. It encompasses majestic pine-clad canyons, extensive grasslands, and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the preserve year-round, and of special interest is the bison herd grazing in the vast open prairie.

Visitors are welcome to walk the new hiking trail west of the Preserve mailbox (foot traffic only, please). The trailhead includes a small parking area and information kiosk. You have your choice of the long loop or the short loop, both with grand views of the Niobrara River. You may enjoy the Norden chute at the Norden Bridge, as well. Fishing is allowed with a Nebraska fishing permit. Please, no diving, camping, or campfires.

The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program identified the Niobrara Valley Preserve as the biological crossroads of the Great Plains. To date, 581 plant, 213 bird, 86 lichen, 70 butterfly, 44 mammal, 25 fish, 17 reptile, and 8 amphibian species have been recorded at the Preserve.

Explore the mosaic of prairies, forests, canyons, springs, and riverfront that you’ve helped protect. Plan your visit: email the Preserve at amanda.hefner@tnc.org or call 402-722-4440.

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Hunger in America Millions of children and families living in America face hunger and food insecurity every day. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020, including a potential 18 million children.

It doesn’t take a big commitment to make a big impact. Together, with other food bank volunteers, your time makes a difference in the lives of your neighbors struggling with hunger. Help the Feeding America nationwide network get food in the hands of those who need it most.

For more information go to feedingamerica.org/take-action.

Rotary International Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to: promote peace; fight disease; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education; and grow local economies.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. Visit www.rotary.org/donate to find out a variety of secure ways to donate.

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December 2020

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Income Outcome

Blanket the World With Kindness Make Someone Smile Today!

Tell me about the last time that you met a

complete stranger who was kind to you. You know the feeling. You meet someone at the store, the restaurant, on the job, or on the phone. When you finish the interaction, you have a smile on your face and your step is a little lighter. The memory feels good, right?

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” —Bob Kerry

It is amazing to me to realize that one person can change another person’s day in just a few minutes. My husband, Manny, taught me how it’s done. Years ago, we went to a restaurant for breakfast. Our server was, shall we say, not going to win any smiling contests. I began to grumble about how rude she was. I found myself going down the path of negativity.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

—Dalai Lama XIV

Manny stopped me and asked me to watch what he was going to do. When the server returned to our table, Manny engaged with her, asked her questions about her and her life, smiled, and—before I knew what had happened—she seemed a whole lot happier than when we walked in. Guess what? So was I!

By Janet Van deWalle

“Spread the love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” —Mother Teresa

That was a terrific lesson for me. It really didn’t take much effort. It didn’t cost us anything extra. What it did do was make our breakfast a whole lot more enjoyable. I know that it touched our server, as well, and helped her have a better day.

“Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers.”

—Kahil Gibran

I have an idea. Let’s all begin a campaign to put a smile on a complete stranger’s face…every day, at least once. The great thing about this campaign is that it is contagious to the giver.

When we make a decision to be kind to others, the great feeling very quickly envelops us, as well. If we practice this for 21 days in a row, it will become a habit. A great habit! It will make us have more fun and be happy. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m all for that. I’m all for smiling, spreading some joy, and making a positive impact on the people we meet. I think we could all use more of that!

“It’s time to just be happy. Being angry, sad, and overthinking isn’t worth it anymore. Just let things flow.

Be positive.”—Anonymous

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Kid’s Comments

Building Blocks for Life What a Gift!

I’m writing this in October, just a few days prior to the election, and my thinking is bouncing around a number of topics: the campaigns, the continuing pandemic and accompanying restrictions, and holiday plans.

I’ve already voted, so that’s not a problem. There are still those annoying, uncivil campaign ads. I recently read an essay regarding the preponderance of incivility and the model it provides our children. A light bulb turned on—what a great topic for this column! My mind quickly bounced to holiday gift ideas. What better gift to give the kids than building blocks to help them succeed?

I came up with BLOCKS: Bravery, Learning, Optimism, Courtesy, Kindness, and Sociability. (If I haven’t mentioned it before, I love word play and linguistic games! One of my favorite pastimes when traveling is figuring out the messages on vanity license plates, such as an expensive auto with the plate CYISEL—see why I sell.)

BRAVERY is important for kids. They shouldn’t be afraid to take chances. As parents, it’s our responsibility to give the kids every chance to spread their wings and try new things…to expand their interests. They don’t know if they like it if they don’t try it.

LEARNING includes indulging curiosity and investigating the unknown. There’s more to learning than school work! On road trips, my kids always directed my attention to something in the distance, hoping I wouldn’t see a historical marker and want to stop. (It didn’t

Lincoln Orthopaedic Center.indd 1

By Marge Shoemaker always work.) Listening to the opinions of others and discussing issues is also a way to expand knowledge. Think how boring it would be if we all thought alike.

OPTIMISM and hope aren’t always easy to maintain—it takes practice to see the bright side. My mother-in-law looked for the silver lining. When storms came, she would comment,“Well, the farmers need the rain.”Teach kids to think “I can” or “I’ll try” rather than “I can’t.” If we’re positive, they will be, too.

COURTESY should be taught while the kids are young. We’re never too old (and rarely too young) to say please and thank you. One time, a young man (he was about six) held a door for me. I thanked him for being a gentleman…and told his dad he was doing a good job. Praise and courtesy go a long way with people.

KINDNESS means being helpful, not hurtful. There are lots of ways to hurt others...most can be avoided. It’s the “do unto others” mindset.

SOCIABILITY is important with everyone…not just with friends, but with everybody, young and old, singles or groups. The arts of conversation and communication are learned. There are times we all need to put down our phones.

As adults, it’s important that we give the kids a favorable model to follow, but I think these BLOCKS are good for all of us. What are your thoughts?

December 2020

11/4/20 9:5733 AM

Auto Wise

Racing Toward the Holidays Great Gifts for Car Lovers

By Linda Sutherland

We all love giving the perfect gift. For some of us, the gift list includes people who simply love their car...people who pay extra attention to their vehicle and take meticulous care of it...people who have something of a love affair going on with their car. No gift would make them happier than a creative gift for their vehicle. If you are a car lover yourself, you no doubt have many ideas for fascinating gifts, but how do you approach gift shopping for an auto enthusiast when your own enthusiasm for autos is…a little lacking? Search no more! Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting and trendy ideas (and some practical ones, too).

For the SUV lover who needs more storage for a rugged trip, the Thule Motion XT XXL cargo box would be well received. It has an easy-mount hard-shell roof rack and dual side openings, making it easy to access the gear inside. Its sleek design looks great going down the road.

For people who love their cars but hate picking up the kids’ things from the back seat, the PALMOO car seat back organizer is both a luxury and a must. This beauty has nine separate pockets, fits over the seat backs, and can easily accommodate all the accessories needed for long and short trips. Another gift idea for a family vehicle is adding an amplifier to improve the sound system. This is great for long road trips when the kids watch movies or for when the family jam comes on and you want to crank it up.

For people who work on the road, the WheelMate Extreme Vehicle Desk has a brilliant design that attaches to the steering wheel—while the vehicle is in park, of course! It can easily support a tablet or laptop and is great for writing or even eating on the go.

Now that winter is here, heated seats are the add-on that we all want! Luckily, almost any vehicle can have heated seats installed. While we’re talking about help with chilly winter mornings, a remote car starter should be on everyone’s gift list. These can also easily be added on to most vehicles.

The remotes are convenient to carry, some have ranges of up to one mile, and some even come complete with a security system.

There are devices out now that can read, interpret, and clear computer codes that are associated with dashboard warning lights in cars and trucks. This dandy tool is powered via the car’s own electrical system, so no batteries are required. It will look for trouble codes, recalls, and maintenance specifications. It can also generate a report with potential ways to resolve issues that are identified during the scan.

Winter is no time to be stuck somewhere, needing a jumpstart. If no one is around to help, it’s inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Luckily, there are nifty portable jump starters now that make it much less of a headache and safely start on a single charge for gasoline engines. Some offer a portable battery bank to charge your USB devices. Some even include an LED flashlight!

Even the most ardent car lovers can be counted on to misplace their car keys occasionally. A car key finder would be the perfect gift for any kind of vehicle owner. These 34

December 2020

Bluetooth-enabled trackers go on the key chain, and users can find their lost keys through the associated app on their phone. As a premium bonus, you can also use the car keys to find the phone, if that’s the item that’s been misplaced!

Popular brands include Tile, Chipolo, and Orbit.

Car lovers who are frequent travelers will get a ton of use out of an Uber Appliance Chill Mini Fridge. This personal mini fridge is sized to hold six cans or four bottles of your recipient’s favorite beverage. It could also hold sandwiches, fruit, or other perishables that need to be kept cool on the go.

It plugs into the cigarette lighter in the vehicle, so there’s no need to worry about ice. This mini fridge can also plug in to a standard wall outlet. It’s great for desktops in the office or dorm—what a versatile gift!

Those on your list who love their Amazon Alexa can now bring it out to the car. Access news, music, and navigation with voice control. Alexa can even check calendars and the weather. No need to pull over to write something down— drivers can keep both hands on the wheel while setting reminders or creating to-do lists.

Jump on your gift shopping list with these ideas for car lovers. Your gifts are sure to be well received!

Sources for this article included: crutchfield.com, thegrommet. com, bosca.com, and innova.com.

Cuddly Critters

Pet Concierge Services

Professionals Offer Extraordinary Care

By Brie Hellbusch

It goes without saying that most pet owners want the very best for their animals—even if that means spoiling their four-legged friends from time to time.

Going the extra mile by using professional pet concierge services is one way that many pet parents show their love for their pet.

As much as pet owners would like to be able to care for their pet at all times, certain circumstances can prevent that from happening. For example, work obligations, physical injuries, vacations, and emergency situations can make it hard for pet owners to be the sole caregiver for their pet.

Luckily, pet concierge services are ready and waiting to step in. The options are vast and can range from pet transportation to in-home pet sitting and everything in between. Some pet owners will enlist a service provider to care for pets while they’re away from home on a trip; others choose to use these services regularly throughout the year.

When owners are away from home for an extended period of time, there’s really no option but to have someone supervise the animals staying behind. In many cases, owners choose in-home pet sitting. This service allows animals to remain in their safe, secure home environment, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds. This eliminates the stress of travel or an unfamiliar environment and ensures that the pet is not exposed to other animals' illness or parasites.

It also means pets can follow their regular diet and exercise routines while also receiving ample play time and personal attention. Some pet concierge services can even administer medication and specialized meals as instructed by the pet owner. Even better, these pet professionals are often trained to handle emergency situations and can administer medical treatment when needed.

These are just the perks for the animal—there are a lot of benefits for pet owners, too. First and foremost, knowing that their pet is in caring and capable hands alleviates a lot of stress for pet parents. It also means pet owners no longer have to ask friends, family, or neighbors to swing by to care for their pet when they’re away. Professional pet sitters are likely to be bonded and insured for the safety of your pet and your home. Be sure to ask!

In addition to pet sitting services, many pet owners are choosing pet walking or hiking services, which provide socialization and leash training throughout each scheduled session. Some providers send updates and photos so that pet owners can witness their furry friend in action on the trail.

The length of the walk depends on the preference of the owner, making it a very accommodating option. This service is especially popular with elderly pet owners and those who have physical limitations that make it hard to keep up with an energetic dog. They are also popular with owners who

work long hours and might not be able to take their dogs for sufficient walks. Dog walking services can ensure that pets get the appropriate amount of exercise and time with other animals. Plus, dogs love a new adventure and new smells!

Many pet concierge providers offer services that can assist with transporting pets to things like grooming appointments and vet visits. A pet taxi alleviates the stress of making the proper preparations for traveling with a pet. In addition to driving pets to appointments, some service providers also offer emergency transportation (including supportive medical treatment en route) and even transportation to the airport.

Many pet owners are unfamiliar with pet traveling regulations; a pet taxi pro alleviates worry of making the wrong move or breaking a rule. By choosing a transport company, pet owners are receiving expert care by trained professionals who know the ins and outs of the pet travel industry.

It’s important to research options and various businesses before choosing the pet concierge service that’s right for you and your pet. Ask others for recommendations and interview potential candidates before inviting them to care for a beloved furry friend. Pet care is similar to child care in that young children and pets are unable to speak up if something negative occurs, which is why the interview process should be taken very seriously to avoid any harmful consequences.

As with humans, caring for an animal can require help from others. This is especially true when pet owners are physically unable to be there for their animal. For this reason, entrusting professionals who are trained and know exactly how to care for animals is the smartest move to make. Plus, a little extra love and attention never hurts!

Sources for this article included: petsitters.org, petstovets.com, and nytimes.com.

December 2020

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Positive Perspectives

More Cheese?

Listen to Your Heart

My husband, Manny, and I had my daughter,

Carissa, and her family over a couple of weeks ago to watch the Husker football game. I was busy making chicken enchiladas for us. Savannah, my 15-year-old granddaughter, was helping me. I had assembled the enchiladas in the pan and it was time to put the shredded cheese on top. I carefully measured out the required cup, looked at Savannah, and asked, “Is that enough?” Her reply: “You don’t measure cheese with a cup, you measure it with your heart…just like chocolate chips!” —Savannah Rosa What a terrific response! We then proceeded to pile on more than the recipe called for—a lot more—and the enchiladas turned out terrific.

This interaction got me thinking about how important it is for us to listen to our hearts…really listen…to ensure that we are taking the right path for us. As I look around, I have been observing how many of us are reacting to situations, instead of taking a moment and refraining from acting upon our knee-jerk responses.

We have forgotten to be kind. We have forgotten to listen to our hearts.

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By Janet Van deWalle

“The most useful asset of a person is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, with ears open to listen, and hands willing to help.”—Anonymous I feel as if, over the last year, many of us have allowed our souls to be inundated with so much information that it has put us on edge.

Drivers seem to be driving faster, people in stores are more irritated (or irritating), and many close relationships are becoming…shall we say…strained.

“Just when you feel you have no time to relax, know that this is the moment you most need to make time to relax.”

—Matt Haig Slowing down, taking a break, and allowing ourselves to listen to our hearts will make for a happier day, week, month, and year.

Making the decision to listen to our hearts will ensure that we don’t go in the wrong direction.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.” —Carl Jung

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