Women's Edition Omaha - July 2025

Blood treated with the Hemealumen facilitates the following:

• Renders viruses and bacteria unable to replicate

• Increases capabilities for oxygenation into the tissues

• Enhances cell energy

• Stimulates lymphatic detoxification

• Activates NAD+ & immune cells. This activation aids in the destruction of various microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

• Dismantles nagalase, which is a protein produced principally by cancer, viruses and some bacteria.

Sarah A. Kracht, APRN, BC-FNP Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Happy Accident

Here comes the second half of 2025. Hmmm. Are we ready? I’m not sure! The first part of the year has whizzed by in the blink of an eye. What happened? Oh, well…onward!

Even though I have been in first gear since I broke my femur at the end of last year, I am moving ahead. I am doing some walking with my cane around the house. I will soon be moving to the next step, which is kicking my walker to the curb!

Manny and I have talked a lot about this injury experience. Initially, I was at a loss as to what this was all about. I do believe that I create my own reality…why in the world would I have done this? As the months have passed, and I am gaining some hindsight, I realize that everything truly is in Divine Order. I will admit that it has been quite painful. (Those words are coming from a woman who gave birth to two babies with absolutely NO medication!) But hey— I survived!

Manny has been absolutely terrific. And I have…shall we say… had my moments! Manny has been incredibly patient and supportive. I am so much better now. And we are so much better. This challenge has taught us both so much. It solidified our love for one another. We agree that it has made us both better, and it has made our relationship that much better.

This experience has also taught me a new way of doing my job at Women’s Edition. I have been working from home and doing my contacts via the phone. Years ago, Manny created an office in our home that is just perfect. I get to look out a window into our backyard. Everything is set up just the way I need it.

Roxy Orr, my Operations Manager for the last 37 years, and I have had to learn how to communicate differently. Telephone calls, emails, and texts. The best part? Having lunch together once or twice a week. We could not do that in the beginning, but it is now part of our routine.

I hope all of you are having a great summer so far. Let’s just breathe, chill, and be in the moment. We will talk next month.

Points of Interest

Heartland Family Service is hosting their “Safe Haven Golf Tournament” on Friday, August 15th, at Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion. See their ad on page 17 for details about registration and sponsorship.

It is that time of year when the kids need their annual school or sports physicals. Midwest Urgent Care, with two convenient locations, offers sport physicals for only $35. Another plus? No appointment needed! Find details in their ad on page 49.

The Paw Spa Pet Resort is taking reservations for vacation stays. While you are away, book a “staycation” for your four-legged family member. See their ad on page 44.

Need a new roof, siding, or home remodeling? Contact Kim at Jill of All Trades for all your home improvement projects. See her ad on page 34.

Pedodontics would like to welcome Dr. Katherine Higgins to their practice. Dr. Katherine specializes in orthodontic care and craniofacial anomalies. Their ads are located on pages 1 and 9.

STATUS boutique specializes in authentic preloved luxury handbags. They are offering a 15% discount on your first purchase. They are now located inside Label Omaha Boutique at Rockbrook Village. See their ad on page 29 for details.

Wanting to get your house painted this season? Five Star Painting is offering FREE paint for jobs scheduled in the month of July. Their ad can be found on page 29.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher

Positive Thought of the Month

On the Cover

Clara

More information at www.clarasunwoo.com

“Happy accidents are real gifts, and they can open the door to a future that didn’t even exist. It’s kind of nice sometimes to set up something to encourage or allow happy accidents to happen.” —David Lynch

Sunwoo

Red, White, and Blues—Let’s Eat!

Creamed Eggs on Peppered Toast

By Kate Beiting

Peel and slice 6 hard boiled eggs. Set aside. Next, make a roux (that is, a 1:1 mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces). In a large saucepan, melt 3 Tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 3 Tablespoons of flour, then cook and stir for several minutes. Lightly salt and pepper the roux and whisk in 2 and 1/4 cups of whole milk. Stir and boil for 1 minute, until the mixture starts to thicken. Add the eggs and stir gently. Butter and lightly pepper the amount of toasted bread or English muffins that you need, then spoon on the hot, creamy eggs. Serve. Sprinkled cheese and hot sauce are optional but delicious.

Slow Cooker Calico Beans

Brown, drain, and crumble 1/2 pound of hamburger and put it in a slow cooker. Add 2 cans of your favorite pork and beans, 1 can of butter beans, 1 can of kidney beans, and 1/2 of an onion (chopped). Add 1 Tablespoon of mustard, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and several dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Add 6 strips of crispy, crumbled bacon. Cook on low for 4 hours. You could also bake this in a large baking dish at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Weenie Appetizers

Put 2 packages of all-beef petite weenies into a slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup each of grape jelly and barbecue sauce, along with 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Cook on low until heated through, stirring several times.

Homestyle

Potato Salad

Boil 1 pound of russet potatoes (or baby creamer tri-color potatoes) until just tender—do not over-boil. Cool. Peel them, if

you’re using russets; there’s no need to peel petite potatoes. Cube or slice the potatoes and place them in a large serving bowl. Add 2 chopped celery stalks and 1 or 2 thinly sliced radishes.

In another large bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of vinegar (or a bit more), 1 Tablespoon of mustard, 1 Tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds. Adjust amounts according to your taste buds. Mix well. Add the mayo mixture to the potato mixture. Mix in 2 Tablespoons of sweet relish or a few chopped sweet pickles (add a bit of juice, if desired). Mix until coated. You may need to add more mayonnaise. Add a few hard-boiled, peeled, chopped eggs. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Chill overnight before serving.

Cukes and Onions

Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 sliced red or sweet onion, 2 Tablespoons of vinegar, and salt and pepper as desired. Add 2 peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers. Add a bit of dried or fresh dill and garlic powder to taste. Mix well. Refrigerate for several hours. Mix again and serve.

At Home Innovations, we have chosen a wide variety of brands that will offer anything you want in an in-home luxury swim spa or hot tub, and our experts will help you find the spa or hot tub that fits your lifestyle. Our delivery and set up service allows you to relax and enjoy your new spa or hot tub, making this experience easy and hassle-free for you and your family.

“The team at Home Innovations Spa did a fantastic job leading us through the selection, purchase, installation, and the training for our new Master Swim Spa. Our Spa has been used every day for the last 30 days including some 0 degree mornings! We are so glad we chose Home Innovations and we recommend them and Master Spa completely!”—D. Buchanan

Southwest Corn Bake

Stir together 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, 2/3 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper as desired. Pour a large bag of frozen corn into a casserole dish. Top with the mayo mixture and mix together. Cube an 8-ounce brick of cream cheese and dot over the corn (or use 6 ounces of queso fresco). Add chopped chilies or peppers for some heat, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Deviled Eggs

Hard boil, cool, and peel 6–12 eggs. Cut them in half and put the yolks in a bowl or a large zip-top bag. Add enough mayonnaise to mash or knead the mixture and allow the yolks to get a bit creamy. Add salt, pepper, sweet pickle juice, and garlic powder. Keep mashing or massaging the yolks until you get the consistency you prefer. Taste test for seasoning. Put the mixture into a zip-top bag, if you haven’t already. Snip a corner of the bag to pipe the yolk mixture back into the halved egg whites. Top with a shake of paprika, a small slice of sweet pickle or banana pepper, sliced scallions or jalapeño—use your imagination. Chill until serving.

Crocked Simmered Italians

Grill 2 pounds of Italian sausages for 5–6 minutes to get some color and grill marks. Do not overcook. Place them into a slow cooker and top with 1 sliced onion and 1 large can of roasted sweet red peppers. Add a bit of black pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours. Cut into slices or serve whole on toasted rolls.

Baked Fruit Crisp

Assemble 6–8 cups of chopped fruit (frozen or fresh) that your family enjoys: rhubarb, apples, mixed berries, peaches, etc. Place the fruit into a large cast iron skillet or a big baking dish. Pour 1–2 cups of sugar over the fruit, add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, and mix to coat. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of light brown sugar, 3/4 cup of old fashioned oats, 3/4 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1 stick of cubed soft butter. Mix up and crumble. Pour on top of the fruit mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40–50 minutes. Top with ice cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Mrs. P’s Flag Cake

For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. In a smaller bowl, blend 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. In a small saucepan, bring 2 sticks of butter and 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture, then add the egg mixture and stir well. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan (15x10x1) and bake at 375 degrees for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick tests clean. Cool for 20 minutes.

For the frosting: Combine 1 stick of cubed butter with 1/4 cup of milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 4 and 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Spread over the warm cake. When completely cooled, decorate with fruits to create a red, white, and blue flag—raspberries, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.

Elevate your Travel Wardrobe

Easy Packing Tips

By Holly Bell

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there is nothing more important than being comfortably stylish while you’re away from home. Simplicity is the key, along with choosing fabrics that don’t wrinkle and work for all weather.

When choosing clothing for travel, do the wrinkle-resistant test: Wad up the fabric for a few seconds and then lay it flat to see if there are any wrinkles that stay. If you wouldn’t want to wear it in that condition, it’s not a great choice for packing.

Softness is also important. You want fabrics that feel like butter against your skin, especially for long flights. A good idea is to wear a twopiece matching comfy leisure set on the way to and from your destination. These pieces can then be mixed and matched with other travel wear to either dress up or dress down once you arrive.

Another fantastic item to include on the plane ride is a cashmere travel wrap. It seems like it is always chilly on an airplane! You can also fold it up for a cozy pillow. A large tote is an all-important accessory for travel. Include a small cross-body bag inside the tote to use once you’re out and about at your destination.

Keep it simple by packing a color story! Black and white works exceptionally well. You can add a pop of color with accessories or choose to pack all neutrals. Beige, tan, white, gray, and brown all work together easily. Go ahead and add some fashion jewelry to jazz it up a bit.

Bringing a jacket is a must. If you are on a business trip, a blazer is a great piece that can elevate any outfit. If you are on a trip for pleasure, a jacket is still a necessity. A soft cardigan in black, white, or beige is the perfect piece to throw on in air-conditioned restaurants. It’s easy to tie around your waist or shoulders when shopping or sightseeing.

Comfortable shoes are essential for a great trip. Crisp white sneakers are timeless, whether you prefer sporty cool kicks, retro-inspired trainers, or more minimal styles. Wearing your sneakers on the plane is a good idea since they take up a lot of space in your luggage. Flip-flops are versatile, whether for pool fun or just walking around the hotel room. A trendy pair of flats is easy to pack and easy to wear. Flats can work for both business and pleasure.

With carry-on restrictions to consider, it’s important to learn how to pack in a single suitcase. For any destination, basic items should be included first. Your capsule travel wardrobe should include a pair of universal pants. I suggest a loose-fitting, linen-blend, wrinkle-resistant pant or a simple, stretchy, black straightleg trouser. A white tee, a dressy top, and a simple black or neutral dress in a flattering, easy-fit shape are versatile choices, along with the essential all-purpose jacket.

Depending on where you are going, shorts and swimwear, along with a cover-up, could be included. Choose a cover-up with this in mind: Can I belt or accessorize this and wear it as a dress? If you can think of multiple uses for an item, that item is a travel wardrobe winner! If you are going to a sunny location, a hat is a necessity. Choose one of those clever sun hats that folds up in your suitcase! Don’t forget your sunglasses and reusable water bottle. Consider the 3-3-3 method for cap sule packing. This technique involves choosing 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes. Add a couple of well-chosen accessories, and you can make a pleth ora of outfits out of this. It is important to wear a neutral skin-toned undergar ment that will not show through your outfit. Put these essential items in your bag first. If space remains, add fun ac cessories and fun pieces. Each carefully chosen piece should be multifunctional and be able to withstand long days of adventure or be elevated to a night out with a few accessories.

Packing is not the best part of a vacation, but it can be fun to imagine the possibilities! Making a list of everything you need is helpful. Start your list ahead of time. Try creating the list as you go through your morning or bedtime routine to make sure you don’t miss something important.

Using packing cubes, rolling your clothing, or layering plastic dry-cleaning bags between clothes helps to keep them organized and ready to wear. Don’t forget to purchase travel-sized toiletries. Another helpful item is a cloth laundry bag. This keeps your need-to-wash items separate from your clean items as you go about your trip. Stop dreaming about your trip and start planning!

Chastain-Otis Insurance

Personalize Your Protection!

In the complex world of insurance, Chastain-Otis Insurance helps consumers find the best options for home, auto, health, and other needs. This locally owned independent insurance agency specializes in insurance of all types, including commercial, life, and even cyber liability insurance.

Shannon Norman, a licensed independent agent at Chastain-Otis, has been in the insurance business for more than a decade. Her mission is to live life with meaning and purpose, making every day count.

This Nebraska native spent the first half of her career in business development and finance but dove into the insurance industry when she was looking to get out of her comfort zone. She became keenly aware that, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all. In 2019, she transitioned to independent insurance, which allows her the flexibility to offer clients more options and more choices for their individual insurance needs.

Shannon will graduate in August from the accelerated Master’s program at the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business, and she serves on the Sweetheart Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association. She works hard to help others and is grateful for every opportunity to do so.

Now a seasoned insurance agent, Shannon enjoys taking care of her longtime clients and fostering great relationships with new clients. She works to empower her clients to take positive action in their lives, and she protects their best interests whether their insurance needs are personal or for business.

“Chastain-Otis has been in business for 70 years,” says Shannon. “It’s a family-owned agency, which is not a common thing these days. We are a full-service independent insurance agency. We offer personalized service with competitive pricing, long-term support, and one-stop shopping for life and health insurance.” She believes strongly that integrity must be the foundation of any successful business. “That means doing the right thing,” she says, “even when no one is watching!”

“Shannon Norman is one of those people who makes you feel instantly at ease,” says client Shawn G. “As an insurance agent, she goes above and beyond for her clients, not just answering their questions but truly listening and caring about their lives and businesses. Her warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail set her apart. But what makes Shannon even more inspiring is the way she juggles it all. She’s a strong, driven, working mom; a student chasing her goals; and a teammate who brings positivity and support into every room she’s in. Anyone who knows Shannon knows how lucky they are to work with her!”

One of the ways Chastain-Otis keeps their clients satisfied is by providing local, personalized service, Shannon

notes. “You’ll never get filtered to a call center with us,” she says.

By Janette Calabro

“Customer service agents are dedicated to answering your questions, and in-house claims representatives strive to settle your claim quickly. We want to understand our clients’ needs and provide solutions based on their specific circumstances.”

Chastain-Otis describes their insurance and financial services as the best coverage with competitive prices—the kind of coverage that helps clients sleep soundly, knowing their family and business are covered safely. Personalized protection packages meet individual needs.

Shannon’s advice to those seeking success in business (and in life!) is to stay disciplined and to pay attention to the needs of others. “How you lay your foundation is key,” she advises. “You have to put in the time—no shortcuts! If your groundwork is strong before you build your business, you can be certain that the roadblocks will only be setbacks as opportunities grow.” When it comes to helping others, Shannon says, you have to understand your own value first. “Never give up on your dreams! Give yourself every opportunity to be happy, healthy, and successful. Know your value, your worth, and what you can offer others that can help them.”

Shannon is a solution seeker, ready to tackle the challenges that are impacting the current insurance market. For example, the increased frequency of natural disasters, combined with economic and social factors, means that homeowner’s insurance premiums are higher and coverage may be limited. “Loss assessments are significantly driving rates, along with inflation, shortages, and the cost of materials,” she says. But that’s no reason to give in or give up! “The market is changing, and we are embracing it.”

Despite any challenges, Shannon remains steadfast in navigating a complex industry and getting the best answers for her clients. If it’s been a while since you reviewed your personal or business insurance needs, check in with Shannon Norman at Chastain-Otis Insurance. You can reach her by sending a message to snorman@chastainotis.com or calling 402-384-2524. The offices of Chastain-Otis Insurance are at 10822 Old Mill Road, Suite 2, in Omaha.

Shannon Norman, Independent Agent

Downtown Omaha’s Classic Venue For

Weddings, Conferences or Special Events

• Accommodates up to 250 guests in the ballroom

• Beautiful hardwood dance floor

• The Lounge is second to none with its marble-topped bar & fireplace

• Dimmable lighting, audio and video capabilities

• You can use your own caterer

• Easy accessible service areas

Ample attached garage parking

Scottish Rite Masonic Center is truly an impressive venue to host any personal or corporate event. Whether you use the ballroom, lounge or take advantage of the 400 seat auditorium, this is a special place for receptions or events. Let us help you make your event extraordinary.

Oral Surgery Specialist

Passionate About Providing Excellent Care and Results

technology to ensure the best surgical outcome.

“Dr Shnayder is amazing! I was sent to him originally for oral surgery and was pleasantly surprised to find that he does much more than dental. I had many questions and he took the time to answer every single one of them. He was so considerate as I was nervous for the procedure. He made sure I was comfortable and pain free. All the staff front and back office did the same. I felt very welcomed and well taken care of. I highly recommend!” — Angela D.

Michael I. Shnayder, DDS, MD

CANCER

(June 21 – July 22)

This is the heart of your astrological season, and you will feel its energy. It’s always wise to do some private processing before you undertake bold initiatives, but then it will be time for you to step into the spotlight and shine! Your love life promises excitement and some potential game-changing twists. Work will follow the path of creative pursuits.

Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22) Trust your instincts and let your natural leadership skills guide your personal journey. Let go of old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you. Your inner fire will act as your compass.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22) Inner reflection will be a theme this month. Take time to explore and release old wounds or limiting beliefs. It is a time of emotional intimacy, vulnerability, and spiritual connection.

Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22) Batter up! It’s time to make significant strides in your chosen field. Your hard work and dedication will be noticed. Examine your professional path to make sure it aligns with your long-term vision.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) At the peak of summer, you’ll experience a sense of fire that will move your journey of self-discovery. Prepare to face your fears and emerge on the other side with a sense of power and purpose.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) This is a great time to explore new horizons. Be open to unexpected opportunities that may be gone in a flash. They can lead to fulfilling your highest potential.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) You have the resilience to create a life of purpose. Have honest conversations with your partner

and find ways to deepen your trust. At work, you will reach a milestone that may require an important decision.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 19) Don’t be afraid of taking risks and trying new things. This is a time to set intentions. Explore taking a relationship to the next level or pursuing a collaboration with a new partner.

Pisces (Feb. 20 – March 21) The cosmic energies support your journey of self-discovery. You will experience a burst of energy to take bold action and prioritize your own well-being. You have a chance to make significant progress in your career.

Aries (Mar. 22 – Apr. 19) This month, you will feel a strong desire to take risks and express yourself with authenticity and joy. You may be called upon to explore family history or cultural heritage in a special way.

Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) Take the bull by the horns this month. You are focused on self-expression in your personal life; this may inspire you to make positive changes in your living space or family dynamics.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun. 20) You will experience high levels of energy, confidence, and assertiveness. Finding a place for quiet restoration and introspection may be a challenge. Stay open to inspiration around you.

Shaking Hands, Crossing Fingers

The History of Common Gestures

By Deborah Daley

I have spent 50 years in the communications field. One of my areas of expertise has been public speaking, and I have often received compliments on my skillful use of hand gestures. That got me thinking about the importance of gestures as a form of communication.

When was the last time you responded to someone’s text with a thumbs-up or clapping emoji? Or maybe you crossed your fingers while waiting to hear some big news? We might not think twice about why or how these common hand gestures came to be, but each of them has its own unique history. Whether you’re greeting someone for the first time, closing a deal, or making amends, shaking hands is usually the go-to gesture. Handshakes are so important that some people base their entire first impression of you on how firm, lengthy, and strong your handshake is. How did we come to put so much stake in this gesture?

The handshake has been around for thousands of years— one of its earliest depictions in art is from the 9th century BC, and Homer mentioned it in The Odyssey a century or two later. One theory of its purpose suggests that showing someone your empty, weapon-free palm conveys peaceful intentions, while the shaking motion would dislodge any weapons that might be hidden up a sleeve. Another theory has to do with the clasping motion when two hands meet, which symbolizes good faith and a sacred bond.

How many times have you crossed your fingers when hoping for something to happen (or not happen)? People have been doing this for centuries. According to the BBC, the original gesture was an ancient pagan custom that required two people to cross fingers. The idea was that the wishes would be kept safe at the point where their fingers crossed until they came true. In addition, early Christians would often cross their fingers when faced with persecution to invoke the power of Christ’s crucifixion or to absolve themselves from sin.

We’ve come to know and love a thumbs-up or thumbsdown emoji, but these hand gestures haven’t always been so innocent. As Time has reported, referees used the gestures in Ancient Rome to determine whether a gladiator should live or die—but pointing your thumb up meant death and pressing your thumb down on your fist meant life. Eventually, the gestures’ implications largely swapped meanings, which is why we now know a thumbs-up to be positive and a thumbsdown to be negative.

The first recorded positive association with the thumbsup gesture wasn’t until 1917, in a book titled Over the Top

by Arthur Guy Empey. Empey was an American who served in the British Army during World War I and explained that British soldiers used the phrase “thumbs-up” to indicate that everything was well.

Whether you got a promotion at work, won a sports match, or scored an awesome discount while shopping, you’ve probably given or received a high five before. The gesture requires two people to reach up and slap each other’s palms in an act of celebration. Historians believe it was the creation of an athlete in the late 1970s.

The first theory claims that the high five was created on October 2, 1977, when Los Angeles Dodger Glenn Burke thrust his hand over his head to greet another Dodger, Dusty Baker, and Baker smacked it with his own hand. The second theory attributes the origin of the high five to Derek Smith, a University of Louisville basketball player, who supposedly invented it at practice during the 1978–79 season. As the story goes, another player, Wiley Brown, tried to give Smith a low five, but Smith asked for one “up high” instead—and the high five was born.

Although the exact origin of clapping isn’t known, the approval of applause dates to ancient times—it’s even referenced in the Bible. In Western culture, its popularization is thought to have originated in the ancient Roman theater. From there, applause made its way into politics, where Roman politicians gauged their popularity and approval based on how much applause they received when entering the arena.

These days, holding up your index and middle finger to form a V (as in American Sign Language) is generally understood to mean “peace.” This meaning was perhaps influenced by Winston Churchill’s popular use of the V for “victory” in World War II. Use the gesture with this caveat: The palm of the hand should always face away from the gesturer. If the palm is turned around to face toward the gesturer, the gesture may be considered an insult akin to raising just the middle finger. And the middle finger? Well, we probably all know what that means.

Health Problems?

David & Teddi Remer, Your Water Specialists

Simple Senior Solutions

Aging Advocacy at its Finest

These days, many of us find ourselves serving as caregiver for a family member…or, at least, realizing that it is time to get information on how to best care for aging parents. Sometimes we cannot tell for sure if a loved one needs help because it is not always clear. When you spend time at the person’s home, you might keep an eye out for possible trouble spots. Can your loved one still prepare meals safely? Is clutter kept under control? Do they have any trouble sorting out their daily medications? Every family has different needs. What is the first step toward finding available options for aging loved ones? The answer is simple: Call Simple Senior Solutions. They will help you identify the right living situation for your loved one’s specific and individual needs.

The owners of Simple Senior Solutions, Hannah and Andrew Diediker, are both Nebraska natives who served in the U.S Army Reserves. They have educational backgrounds in geriatric recreational therapy and physical therapy, Andrew has a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and Hannah is a certified senior advisor. They have the expertise and experience to significantly relieve the emotional and physical challenges of aging and of finding care for aging loved ones. When you speak to Hannah or Andrew, it’s easy to understand why they chose this profession. They are passionate advocates for aging veterans and feel intensely about our responsibility to them. Hannah’s skill at explaining all the options for seniors is exceeded only by her empathy for families and the decisions that they are facing.

One of the most remarkable things about Simple Senior Solutions is the fact that this service is provided at no cost to their clients (that is, the seniors and families who seek their help). This company is not a franchise. Hannah refers to it as their “local labor of love.” I can’t think of better advocates for our aging seniors!

Life transitions are challenging for all parties involved. Complicated family dynamics can easily come into play, and Hannah and Andrew are experts at navigating those dynamics. They help you start the journey with a consultation to understand your unique family situation and to determine the needs of your loved one(s). During every interaction, they strive to honor the wishes of the family and their seniors while relieving the stress of making these difficult decisions.

Hannah and Andrew are extremely well connected to the senior living options in our community. They have the network available to meet just about every situation and circumstance. They can guide you in the right direction by determining wants, needs, and benefits in order to make things easier for everyone.

As senior advisors, Hannah and Andrew can help seniors

By Linda Sutherland

live well no matter what living situation they choose. They can arrange to bring extra assistance into the home so that the senior may stay in their own home and live as independently and safely as possible. They can help seniors who wish to simply downsize their present living condition. And they can guide seniors who wish to transition to a senior living community but don’t know how to choose one. There are many choices for senior living in the Omaha area! The Diedikers’ job is to consider each client’s lifestyle, medical needs, and financial situation before recommending a path forward.

Simple Senior Solutions will set up interviews and tours of different communities, but remember—they are only here to educate and advocate. You decide which facility is right for your family. The only goal that Simple Senior Solutions has is to achieve the best arrangements possible for everyone involved.

As life would have it, sometimes there is an immediate need for assistance, when a senior finds themselves in the hospital or rehab and is unable to return to their home at present. The Diedikers are able to work alongside social workers in rehab facilities and hospitals to provide specialized guidance during the transition time.

In their work helping seniors navigate housing options, Hannah and Andrew identified a related need in the community—the need for affordable, compassionate moving services for seniors. To meet this need, they created a moving division within their company. They offer very competitive prices for movers, and veterans receive a 10 percent discount.

Let Simple Senior Solutions be your family’s guiding light in the sea of information and decision-making. The passion that Hannah and Andrew have for seniors and their independence is truly remarkable. If you find yourself in a situation with a loved one that requires some thoughtful decision guidance, this is who you need to call.

You can reach Hannah and Andrew Diediker at 402-9900341 or online at sssomaha.com.

Andrew and Hannah Diediker, owners

Exterior Home Facelifts

Explore the Options!

By Janette Calabro

Your home’s exterior is like the cover of your favorite book—it sets the tone, makes a first impression, and tells the world a little something about what’s inside. But unlike a well-worn novel, your house doesn’t get better with age unless you give it some TLC and a few thoughtful updates. It’s not just about looking good (although curb appeal is huge). It’s also about increasing value, enjoying new styles, and protecting your investment. And you can even save money along the way. Whether you want to be the envy of the neighborhood (the house everyone slows down to stare at) or are planning to sell soon, it’s time to color outside the box…or, rather, outside the house.

You might wonder: Why fix it if it ain’t broke? Start with the knowledge that you will boost your home’s value. Exterior updates generally increase a home’s value, with returns on investment (ROI) ranging from 40 percent to 150 percent. Specific upgrades, like well-maintained landscaping, new garage doors, and entry door replacements, can see a return on investment of 95 percent to 100 percent or more, according to a study from the National Association of Realtors. Siding upgrades also tend to recoup costs effectively, depending on the material and the project. A new roof, siding, or a fresh coat of exterior paint gives a makeover that will make you smile every time you drive up.

Another reason to update your exterior is for curb appeal. A dated or neglected exterior can cast an uninviting vibe. An updated front door, sleek new siding, and modern outdoor lighting add ambiance that transforms drab to stunning. Your house might turn a few heads!

If you marry beauty and function, updating your home’s exterior is more than just cosmetic—it’s also protective armor. A new roof and hardy siding should stand up to nature. Harsh weather, pests, mold, and decay all need robust materials to keep out everything risky. In addition, proper insulation not only protects your home but can also help lower utility bills. Read on for ideas on stylish suits of armor for your home!

Start by making an initial plan that outlines your style and budget, and then book your contractors. Think long term when it comes to the materials you choose. It’s best to invest in materials that will stand the tests of time and weather! Don’t be afraid to combine materials for visual interest or to get a second opinion. Ask a friend or neighbor, as well as your contractor, for their take on your ideas. Another set of eyes might help you avoid design regrets.

Finally, immerse yourself in the details. A designer or remodeler can be a great help here. The big things matter, but so do the smaller facelifts. For example, light fixtures and mailbox upgrades can make a big impact.

New exterior paint is a great way to start your update, but how often you paint depends on what your home’s exterior is made of. Wood siding needs paint every five to seven years, while aluminum siding can last up to 10 years. Stucco is best

with fresh paint every five to six years, while fiber cement siding can last up to 15 years before a repaint. (Hello, low maintenance!) Keep in mind that harsh weather, sun exposure, and wear and tear can speed up the need for paint. If your exterior is peeling, fading, or just plain tired, it’s time to hire a painting contractor to get the perfect coat.

What colors and designs are trending this year? Nature-inspired hues are popular in 2025. Earthy greens and warm taupes blend with your landscaping for a grounded look. Bold contrasts are showing up, too, mostly in the form of charcoal and black accents for exterior trim, garage doors, and full facades. Classic warm whites and soft creams never go out of style. These timeless neutrals are still admired this year, blending with a modern aesthetic.

A fun fact—updating your home can actually change the style. Mixed materials that combine wood, stone, and metals add dimension and lots of character for design. Look around on your next drive around town and notice all the bold front doors. Vibrant blues, rusty reds, and sunny yellows make for a cheerful entrance, and they are all the rage!

Vertical siding updates your home’s style, too, invoking a taller, sleeker vision, sort of like modern Scandinavian-style homes. Of course, eco-conscious exteriors have gained popularity over the years, with green roofs, solar panels, and sustainable materials. Brick trim is still a popular choice in 2025, using earthy tones and mixed materials for a warm, inviting look.

What about siding options? What’s in style, and why does it matter? Favorites in 2025 include fiber cement, which mimics the look of wood or stucco with a clean, sophisticated finish. Fiber cement is fire-resistant, insect-proof, and incredibly durable. It holds paint well and requires very little maintenance. Engineered wood siding is not only warm and authentic, with natural wood texture, but also more moisture-resistant than traditional wood, and it’s less prone to warping. Ask your contractor for eco-friendly options.

Vinyl siding is still going strong this year. Colors are usually customizable, and newer versions mimic real wood. Vinyl is easier on the budget while still being low-maintenance and weather-resistant. In comparison, metal siding maintains a modern sleek look and is incredibly durable (especially when

it comes to hail damage). It’s fire-resistant and is even recyclable! Metal siding is great for contemporary and minimalist homes.

If you’re having trouble deciding, check in with a siding company or home remodeler and ask which is best for your home. These professionals can help you clarify the pros and cons of each material and identify your personal taste.

Let’s move on to roofing. The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense. The good news is that roofs are more stylish and storm-savvy than ever. For maximum hail resistance, metal roofs with a class 4 impact rating and composite roof tiles are excellent choices. Class 4 asphalt shingles do the job well, too, but metal boasts a thicker gauge and better protection.

Major insurance companies say the extra cost of a metal roof is worth it because the roof may last 50 or more years and may save you from having to file a claim after a devastating hailstorm. Metal roofs can match your home’s exterior with either a sleek or rustic look, depending on the finish. If you’re averse to heavy snow covering your roof all winter, you’ll be happy to know that snow usually slides right off, and your new steel roof is also resistant to high winds and harsh rain.

Composite roof tiles are engineered to show off a durable yet pleasing alternative to traditional options like clay, slate, or wood shakes. The composite is usually made from recycled plastics and other sustainable materials, providing a light -

weight yet strong roof for withstanding hail, wind, and rain. Synthetic slate or shake, on the other hand, mimics high-end slate or cedar but is less expensive and more durable. And yes, it’s weatherproof!

Traditional asphalt shingles are upscale these days, boasting textured finishes and different colors. Asphalt is affordable and more durable than other traditional “threetab” shingles. Not only is it easier on the savings account, but most are rated for wind, rain, and even hail.

Believe it or not, choosing certain exterior materials can lower your home insurance premiums. Whether you choose weather-resistant windows and doors to security enhancements like motion-sensor lighting, smart locks, and video doorbells, you’ll witness your premium drop. Basically, any materials that reduce the risk of damage (and, therefore, insurance claims) will benefit both your home and your budget!

Your home’s exterior is far more than just a pretty face. It’s a blend of beauty and brawn, showing off your personal style while protecting what is likely your biggest investment. Whether you’re updating for curb appeal, resale value, or just to fall in love with your home all over again, the benefits are well worth the cost. Go ahead and paint that front door a sassy red or swap out tired siding for new. Splurge on that new metal roof and allow your home to shine from the outside in!

Sources for this article included: nar.realtor, bhg.com, and familyhandyman.com.

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The Market

Dunning Acupuncture and Massage

We strive to provide individualized, whole-person treatments in a comfortable, professional setting. Classic Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis and treatment gives the best treatment available for each person. This month, we are featuring the Covid Kit, which includes the high-quality Chinese herbal formula “Jade Wind Screen.”This formula has been used for centuries to strengthen the protective capacity of the immune system against cold and flu. Also included is the “Cold Killer” formula, which is used for the early onset (days 1-3) of cold/flu symptoms. Detailed instructions included. Kit cost is $100. Call today: 402-650-7715

Cake Expressions, Inc.

Creating happy memories...that is what Cake Expressions is all about! Let us make your special event, wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary, or neighborhood get-together the best ever. We create extraordinary and delicious cakes, 3-D cakes, cupcake pull-a-parts, delightful pies, and cookies. Follow us on Facebook to see our delicious creations. Whatever you’re planning, make sure to call Debbie at Cake Expressions 402-933-4158. Located at 3503 Samson Way, Suite 100, in Bellevue.

VENUS VEIN CLINIC

Vein disease isn’t about appearance as much as it is about your health. Do you suffer from leg pain, swelling, restlessness, and skin discoloration? These are very common symptoms of vein disease. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues. At VENUS, you may be surprised at how easily and comfortably you can improve your daily life. There is no downtime to recover, there’s no sedation or heavy medicines needed, and treatments are covered by medical insurance. You can go right back to work or exercise, and you will feel better and look better, too.

VENUS Vein Clinic—Your Go-To Vein Clinic. Don’t wait a day longer, call today at 402-979-VEIN (8346) or visit VenusVeinClinic.com.

Mayer Wellness & Myofascial Release

As your local myofascial release experts, we offer both appointments and workshops to help you take charge of your healing. Our hands-on, guided workshops teach gentle yet effective myofascial self-treatment techniques to reduce pain, release tension, and increase resiliency using soft tools, which you get to take home! Join us to learn how to gently release fascial restrictions, improving your quality of life. Great for ages 12 and up. Use code WOMEN10% for 10% off your first workshop. Visit www.MayerWellness.com and click WORKSHOPS to learn more.

Roeder Mortuaries

“Our Family Helping Yours” is more than just our slogan, it’s how we do business. Roeder Mortuary has been family-owned since 1912. Roeder serves you from three locations in the Omaha metro area. We offer funeral services of all kinds, including traditional, memorial, graveside, cremation, and more. Our caring staff is dedicated to assisting families through the difficulties of losing a loved one. Let us help you create the most personal, respectful, and meaningful service possible. For more information, visit our website at roedermortuary.com or call 402-332-0090.

Patti Wiggins NP Dodge Real Estate (aka The Furniture Girl)

Patti has a experienced background in real estate and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. If you are downsizing or have an estate property to sell, Patti is the one to call! The Furniture Girl can help take the burden off the entire process of holding an estate sale. The Furniture Girl will operate and organize all aspects of selling an estate. This includes the preparation and pricing, marketing, and managing the entire sale. We take the time to research and make sure all items are priced at fair market value, helping you to have a successful outcome for your sale! Call 402-707-8066.

Their knowledge, expertise, and techniques have become an indispensable component of my healthcare. Myofascial care has changed the way I move, feel, and recover from the many physical activities I enjoy. I am thrilled to know that as I enter my 60s I can continue to pursue nearly any adventure safely and confidently. -Cheryl S. Register for a self-treatment workshop and make your appointment today! Two convenient locations!

Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology

Comprehensive Care for All Ages

It’s not surprising that issues related to urology and pelvic health can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Still, reluctance to discuss the topic means that many patients are hesitant to seek help. There’s no need to hesitate! Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology offers compassionate, comprehensive care in adult and pediatric urology and urogynecology. Their team provides nonsurgical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.

Administrator Tim Fischer has been an integral part of the medical practice for 12 years, but his healthcare journey began when he was still in college. “While working at a large clinic, I had a mentor who encouraged me to pursue the business side of health care, and I found my passion,” he says. Tim started his career in rural Iowa, where he gained valuable experience in community-based health care before returning to his hometown of Omaha to be closer to his family and continue his work in healthcare administration.

Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology was founded in 1994 by Dr. Euclid DeSouza. Since then, the medical practice has grown to include 10 physicians. That growth continues: On July 1, 2025, the practice will merge with Urology Center, P.C., expanding its team to 20 physicians. “The merger will allow us to offer expanded diagnostic services and advanced treatments for complex oncologic conditions,” Tim explains. “We will have six locations, stretching from Columbus, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa.”

The practice offers a full spectrum of care for patients with health issues related to the urinary tract, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The team is equipped to handle everything from preventative care to advanced treatment for complex conditions.

Bladder health care includes care for urinary retention, infections, blood in the urine, and urinary diversion procedures. Men’s health services range from managing enlarged prostates and erectile dysfunction to vasectomies and low testosterone treatment.

The practice offers specialized urogynecological care for women, including bladder prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and interstitial cystitis. Minimally invasive treatment options include Axonics therapy and Medtronic InterStim therapy. Pediatric care includes treatment for urinary infections and bedwetting, as well as circumcision.

The team also specializes in diagnosing and treating urologic cancers, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. Kidney care services range from managing kidney stones and cysts to addressing chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

The practice has its own surgical center, allowing patients to receive a full continuum of care all in one place. Their medical team works with primary care physicians and other oncologists in the community to ensure patients receive continuity of care. Additionally, their physicians maintain privileges at all major hospitals throughout the greater Omaha area, meaning patients receive seamless care coordination no matter where they are treated.

By Angella Arndt

Tim notes that advancements in prostate cancer treatment continue to evolve. “New therapies and medications are extending patients’ lives, and we are proud to offer the latest options, including immunotherapies, oncologic drugs, and nuclear medicine,” he says. He also shares that the practice is expanding to include a cancer center for patients with prostate and urologic cancers. “The center will allow us to deliver a more comprehensive scope of care, from imaging and diagnosis to personalized treatment.”

The practice’s approach to patient care is simple and straightforward. “Our mission is to provide innovative, high-quality patient care,”Tim emphasizes. “Our physicians take the time to listen, educate patients and their families, and ensure they understand their condition and treatment options.”The team remains actively involved in research to stay on the cutting edge of medical advancements and treatment options.

Before a patient’s first visit, the physician reviews a patient’s medical history and records to ensure an informed approach from the beginning. During the initial visit, the physician meets with the patient to better understand their symptoms and concerns. If necessary, diagnostic tests are ordered to obtain additional insight. The physician also discusses the diagnosis, reviews treatment plan options, and works with patients to create an individualized treatment plan to meet their goals and needs.

Tim plays an important role in shaping each patient’s experience. “I help set the stage for providing the services and tools that our patients need,” he explains. From overseeing operations to ensuring that the practice runs smoothly, he helps create an environment that focuses on high-quality care. “I am proud to be part of an organization that provides excellent care, that remains on the cutting edge of treatment, and that truly puts patients first.”

Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology is located at 10707 Pacific Street, Suite 101, in Omaha, with other locations in Nebraska and western Iowa. You can find them online at adultpediatricuro.com or reach them by phone at 402-397-7989.

Front row L-R: Brent Wakefield MD; Rebecca J. McCrery, MD, FACOG, FACS; Euclid J. DeSouza, MD, FACS; Emily R. Kean, MD, FACOG; Anrew F. Trainer,M.D., F.A.C.S, C.P.I.

Back row: L-R: Amandeep Mahal, MD, FACOG; Caleb Miller; Sida Niu, MD; John D. Horgan, MD, FACS; Andrew R. Arther, MD

Smoothing Out the Creases

Non-Surgical Wrinkle Prevention and Treatment

By Loretta McCollum

Be honest. Do you look in the mirror, press your fingers to your hairline, and lift, remembering what your face looked like before things started sagging? Do you pull back the skin around your mouth, trying to smooth out those deep jowl lines? Have turtlenecks and scarves become wardrobe staples? If you said yes to any of the above, keep reading. We’re going to talk about wrinkles!

First off, it’s important to recognize the causes of wrinkles so you can minimize their development. Sun exposure is a common culprit. The sun’s UV rays cause free radicals to form in our skin layers, damaging elastin fibers and promoting wrinkles. Always use a good sunscreen. Smoking also increases the number of free radicals, causing skin to age prematurely.

Diet is a factor. Consuming large amounts of processed foods prevents your skin from being as supple as it could be. Nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to help keep your skin soft. Drink lots of water. Collagen is the primary connective tissue in the skin, and it’s mostly made of water.

Feeling stressed or tired can make you look older than your years. When you’re stressed and fatigued, your body releases more of the hormone cortisol, which is known to cause premature aging. While you’re sleeping, your body produces HGH (human growth hormone), stimulating cell growth.

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging

process, so it’s impossible to completely avoid them. However, we all want to look our best, and there are many non-invasive ways to minimize their appearance.

One of the newest weapons in the fight against wrinkles is the NeurotriS Dynamic Intelligent microcurrent system. It’s a non-invasive, pain-free facial rejuvenation therapy that tones, lifts, and sculpts the face, jawline, and neck, while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production for a plumper, more youthful appearance. It improves blood flow and helps nourish skin cells while promoting cellular repair and regeneration, helping injured skin tissue heal faster. NeurotriS also reduces pore visibility, enhancing smoothness and clarity. It’s like a fitness session for the skin.

How does it work? Handheld probes emitting a mild electrical current are placed on the face. The current physically moves and manipulates the facial muscles, triggering muscle memory and retraining the muscles. It gives the muscles energy to maintain their new position. Results are visible after

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just one treatment, but a series of treatments is recommended to improve and maintain results. It is used on even the most challenging skin types. Talk to your dermatologist or aesthetician to see if NeurotriS is a good option for you.

Fillers such as Botox are tried-andtrue treatments for non-surgical wrinkle reduction. Botox has been around for a while. This non-invasive wrinkle treatment can diminish deep creases wherever they form—as frown lines, between the eyebrows, at the corners of the eyes, and in other areas of the face. The toxin is injected into underlying muscle, causing the muscle to relax and gradually smooth out the skin. The effects last three to four months, at which time the injections can be repeated. This procedure involves little down time.

Daxxify is a relatively new Botox alternative. It’s made from peptides or amino acids, as opposed to human or animal products. It can smooth out the deepest lines. Results last up to six months, reducing the frequency of treatments needed to maintain results.

Soft tissue fillers like Juvederm contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring body substance. These fillers are injected into the skin using a syringe. Results last between six and 24 months. Treatments are less likely to cause bruising or allergic reactions.

One of the newer forms of wrinkle treatment is called fat transfer. It uses fat cells from the patient’s own body, which are removed through liposuction, cleansed, processed, and injected into the wrinkled area. Since the patient’s own cells are used, there’s little chance of allergic reaction, and results are visible up to several years. Local anesthetic is used, and patients may experience some post-procedure swelling.

Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical anti-aging cream. Musely is one of the newest creams on the market. It helps to minimize wrinkles, brighten dull skin, improve skin texture, and accelerate skin cell turnover. It’s custom-compounded using ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and retinoids. Optimal results are visible in six to eight weeks.

You may not be able to recapture your youth, but your skin care professional can help you achieve healthier, younger-looking skin. Schedule a consultation and start smoothing out those creases!

Sources for this article included: neurotris. com, everydayhealth.com, and bodylabspa.com.

Helpful Painters

Marty Barnhart, Owner

Custom Cabinetry

Explore the Benefits

By Robyn V. Powell

Custom cabinets have undergone a major surge in popularity among discerning homeowners who seek to maximize their living spaces. They are more than just storage solutions! Custom cabinetry is a statement of style, a commitment to quality, and a significant boost to your home’s value. Bespoke cabinetry enables precise customization, from unique finishes to specialized hardware, allowing homeowners to tailor a space to their exact specifications. While the initial investment is higher than opting for stock cabinetry, the long-term benefits of uniquely designed and well-crafted custom cabinets far outweigh the costs.

When comparing custom cabinetry to stock cabinet options, it’s important to note that quality custom cabinetry is not just personalized—it is also built to a higher standard. Features such as solid hardwood drawer boxes, constructed with dovetail joints and heavy plywood bottoms, are standard in custom cabinetry, providing long-lasting durability and beauty. Handcrafted cabinets incorporate premium wood materials, ensuring that durability and longevity are built right in.

While any room in the home can benefit from custom cabinetry, kitchens are often the first choice. The kitchen is where we live, work, do homework, cook, entertain, and gather to experience some of life’s most special moments. We expect the modern kitchen to rise to the occasion! When it comes to achieving functionality and flow to meet these demands, organization is key. Cutlery, cookware, dry goods, small appliances, recycling

solutions—everything needs a place in the kitchen. Custom cabinetry solutions can create up to 30 percent more storage capacity and 100 percent more happiness!

A kitchen designer or interior designer is a great resource to help guide decisions on a project like this. A designer will work with you to assess which accessories best fit with your needs. Designers know how to optimize the available space! For example, if you’re looking to store large items, a heavy-duty pull-out pantry is your workhorse. With full storage utilization from top to bottom, a pull-out pantry maximizes storage and easy access by bringing everything into view.

Custom cabinetry is also popular in the bath. Bathrooms are our personal havens, offering privacy, serenity, and relaxation. Dreamy bathroom bliss begins with a beautiful and functional vanity. Whether it’s in a tiny powder room or a sweeping

Interior Design | Furniture | Art | Accessories

from the initial meeting with this group to the end of installation process.

Heather, Tim & Kevin

master bath, a well-designed vanity provides for storage needs while bathing your senses in style.

Custom closets and custom laundry cabinets increase functionality while adding personality to your home. Nothing quite compares to a custom closet. The stress of pulling together an outfit for the office or a special occasion melts away when everything is at hand. Features like a built-in valet, shoe racks, and vanity are game changers, inviting you to indulge your inner diva!

Other rooms in the home can benefit from custom cabinetry, too. Custom home office cabinets keep everything organized and help you stay on task. A custom bar and beverage center makes entertaining a breeze, while custom living room and library cabinets add classic beauty and a bespoke quality to your home.

Artistically Designed and Skillfully Crafted Custom Frames

Selecting wood species and finishes for custom cabinets deserves careful consideration. In terms of trends, rich tones are dominant in 2025, with mahogany and walnut leading the way. If you’re looking to add warmth to your home, incorporating dark wood is the perfect way to create a cozy and timeless atmosphere.

In the past, it was common to use the same color and finish on all cabinets. Today, many homeowners are embracing the creativity of mixing color and finishes for cabinets. For example, staining the kitchen cabinets to bring out the beauty of the wood grain while painting the island a deep color can create a more dynamic and visually engaging aesthetic. Combining different finishes allows for more customization, giving you a kitchen that reflects your unique style.

Last, but not least, cabinet hardware plays an important role in defining the function and aesthetic of cabinetry. It’s the detail that serves as the finishing touch to your home’s aesthetic and an opportunity to infuse personality into a space. Whether you opt for classic brass or a sleek and modern option, the hardware should harmonize with the space. Think of it as jewelry for the cabinets!

Investing in custom cabinetry transforms the way you enjoy your home. It’s not just a luxury but a strategic investment in your home’s value and your quality of life. With personalized solutions that meet your needs and craftsmanship that stands the test of time, custom cabinetry becomes an invaluable addition to your home. It enhances beauty and functionality, paying dividends in both value and daily enjoyment for years to come.

Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, houzz.com, and hgtv.com.

gingershangup.com

Ginger's Hang Up.indd 1

Soak Up the Sun—Not the Damage

Know Your UV Risk

By Leslie Bryne

July is UV Protection Month, and it’s a great time to remember that those golden rays can do serious damage if we are not careful. Whether we are lounging by the pool, gardening, enjoying a morning walk, or sitting outdoors with our coffee, UV exposure is something we should all be thinking about as it becomes a more significant health issue than ever before.

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it is essential to take it seriously. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and those rates are expected to keep climbing. It is estimated that around 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

The incidence of melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) has been rising steadily for the past few decades, especially among young women. Remember that gorgeous tan you chased in your 20s? It can, unfortunately, come back to haunt you later. You might not see any visible signs for years, but the damage is deep within your skin. Over time, it can lead to premature skin aging, sun spots, fine lines, and, in more serious cases, skin cancer.

If you are wondering what to watch for regarding skin cancer, the general rule is to keep an eye on anything new, changing, or unusual. That includes new moles, growths that

look different from the others on your body, or spots that itch, bleed, or do not heal. You can use the ABCDE method to assess your skin. If a mole is Asymmetrical, has uneven Borders, contains a variety of Colors, has a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or is otherwise Evolving, it needs attention.

Of course, even healthy skin changes over time, so how can you be sure that a change is cause for concern? That’s where the professionals come in.

Dermatologists recommend getting a full-body skin exam once a year if you are at average risk of developing skin cancer. However, if you have had a lot of sun exposure, have a family history of skin cancer, or have very fair skin, you may want to go more often. And if you have a growth that meets any of the ABCDEs, it’s time to make an appointment.

If you feel like you are protecting your skin too much from the sun, do not feel that way! Just five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma, and about 90 percent of skin aging

Omaha’s Premier Locally Owned Imaging Center

interpreted

make care simple with streamlined scheduling, pre-authorization, and billing— so you can focus on your health, not the paperwork.

is caused by the sun. Protecting your skin from the sun can save you from premature aging more effectively than any serum can turn back the clock after the damage has been done.

One of the smartest ways to use sunscreen (also called sunblock) is by choosing a product with an SPF of 15 or higher. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which rates how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate greater protection. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great options for sensitive skin. When used daily, sunscreen can decrease skin aging by 24 percent.

When you’re applying sunscreen, don’t forget easy-to-miss but often exposed areas like the tops of your ears, your neck, and your hands. Keep in mind that your hands get a lot of sun while they’re on the steering wheel, even when the rest of your body is in the shade of the vehicle. Consider incorporating a regular hand moisturizer that includes some UV protection. Clothing helps, too. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection can help keep your skin covered. More brands are now making stylish sun-protective clothing, so you do not have to choose between fashion and function. When planning your time outdoors, try to avoid the sun during its peak hours, typically between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The morning and evening hours are gentler on your skin.

We’ve been discussing how to protect your own skin from damage, but don’t forget to protect the kids! Their skin is much thinner than ours, making it even more vulnerable to damage. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether. Older infants and toddlers should be dressed in protective clothing and hats. Kid-friendly sunscreen can be used on any exposed skin.

Taking care of your skin does not mean hiding from the sun completely… it simply means being smart about it. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your skin healthy and safe. Make UV protection part of your year-round ritual. Your future self will thank you.

Sources for this article included: aad. org, skincancer.org, cdc.gov, and mayoclinic.org.

Welcomes midWest Pain Joseph A. Parks,

or

—Janet Van deWalle, Founder/National Publisher

MIC Imaging and Procedure Center Advanced Imaging •

Local Experts • Trusted Care

The benefits of choosing a local imaging center over a hospital imaging department are many. Imaging centers, in many instances, can offer lower costs than hospitals for the same procedures. That is because there is lower overhead and because imaging centers have the ability to spread equipment costs across a much larger patient base. Additionally, imaging centers are often more conveniently located (with easier parking!) and may have extended hours. They may also offer faster scheduling times and shorter wait times than hospitals. And a perhaps unexpected benefit is that imaging centers often create a much more relaxing environment for the patient.

MIC Imaging and Procedure Center in Omaha is just such a place. They offer high-quality but affordable diagnostic, screening, and procedural services that are performed by experts in the field. MIC uses state-of-the-art equipment and follows the practices of the highest medical standards. The team at MIC provides superior care and sets the bar for excellence in medical imaging. Their new home, located at 120th Street and West Center Road, is a beautiful facility that boasts some of the latest in technical advancements.

Some of the many procedures performed at MIC include MRI and CT scans, bone densitometry (DEXA), ultrasounds, mammography, x-rays, and biopsies of the breast, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They also offer pain management with joint injections, spinal injections, and nerve blocks. They provide interventional radiology, which includes minimally invasive procedures. The entire team at MIC is fully dedicated to accuracy and reliability.

One of the outstanding radiologists at MIC is Dr. Patricia Helke. Dr. Helke earned her BS, MD, and MBA all from Creighton University, and she has been in practice for more than 20 years. She has served as president of the Nebraska Radiological Society and is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR). Dr. Helke specializes in mammography, neuroradiology, and nuclear medicine. Dr. Helke was the first woman hired by this group, back in 1991.

When asked what she is most proud of in her work, she responds, “definitely the ‘Every Woman Matters’ program.” Every Woman Matters (EWM) is a federally funded program that pays for office visits associated with pap tests, pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms. Every Woman Matters provides screening and diagnostic tests, public education, professional education and training, surveillance, evaluation, and quality assurance activities.

“At one time, Nebraska was the lowest in the country as far as the rate of women getting mammograms,” Dr. Helke says. “Because of Every Woman Matters, Nebraska is now one of the top states.” Dr. Helke was instrumental in getting the program off the ground, and she is extremely proud of her part in this work for the community.

By Linda Sutherland

Dr. Helke was always interested in the medical field. Growing up in Chicago, she knew early on that she was destined to work in medicine. She credits her parents with being a positive influence in her life. “They instilled in me a work ethic and optimism that I carry with me always,” she says. “I always look for favorable outcomes, and my goal is to make lives better for people. My joy comes from helping people and relieving their worries and pain.”

The world-class experts at MIC make up the oldest and largest private radiology group in the Omaha area. The specialization of each radiologist and the experience they bring with them is exceptional. This outstanding group offers their patients abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, breast imaging, and vascular imaging. They also offer interventional radiology (IR), which treats patients using minimally invasive procedures that allow for quicker recovery times.

MIC has a team of over 40 board-certified radiologists, and they have become like a family. That seems to be one of the qualities that makes them different from other similar groups. They have painstakingly chosen the experts that make up this amazing team.

We have an aging demographic in our society, and each and every radiologist at MIC is prepared to treat that demographic and to stay fresh and in harmony with the newest methods of treatment. Each doctor at MIC takes great pride in the interpretations they provide their patients.

MIC Imaging & Procedure Center is centrally located at 11902 West Center Road. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday appointments are available upon request. Extended hours may be available—be sure to ask, if you need an appointment outside their regular hours.

Consider MIC if you need some diagnostic imaging. They adhere to the highest medical standards and bring so much knowledge and experience to every scan and every diagnosis. To learn more or make an appointment, call 402-592-0711 or find them online at micimagingcenter.com.

Dr. Patricia Helke

Challenges of Retirement

Top 10 Concerns for Seniors

By Linda Barnes

Most seniors look forward to retirement, as it often brings more leisure, travel, and time to spend with family. Like any stage of life, however, retirement can also bring significant concerns. Physical health issues arise, while inflation inflicts a blow to financial health. Seniors may face a number of new challenges.

What do researchers say are the top concerns for seniors?

Number one is the escalating cost of health care. While Medicare covers most seniors, not all services are included. Seniors are more likely to see medical specialists whose high degree of training helps push costs upward. The expense of research and development of new drugs contributes, as well. Seniors wonder, “Can I afford the health services I need?”

On a positive note, recent developments such as telemedicine and home testing may help slow down the rising costs. Legislators are looking for ways to lower prescription drug costs. Medicare was a huge help with my husband’s hip replacement, covering nearly all the hospital and doctor bills.

The second concern on the list is related to the first. Seniors are more prone to independence-draining conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, and age-related macular degeneration. Prompt treatment can slow the progression of many of the ills that seniors face, and new treatments are on the horizon! Regular visits to one’s family doctor and eye specialist can lead to early diagnosis.

Physical aging is number three among senior concerns.

And no wonder! With age, most people experience diminished strength, lower immunity, hearing and vision changes, and other health issues. Wear and tear take their toll on joints. Fortunately, healthy strategies like good nutrition and regular exercise are readily available. Take a walk or visit the local gym.

Seniors’ number four concern involves how they will manage if unable to handle their own activities of daily living. Things like bathing, dressing, keeping house, or driving the car may become difficult with age or diminished health. Never fear—a whole industry has arisen to provide high-quality home care. It might include non-medical assistance with daily tasks or health care when needed. Many seniors can now age in place with support from home care professionals.

Financial security is number five on the list of senior concerns. The future is mostly unknown, but we can be fairly certain it is going to cost a bundle! Women, especially, fear exhausting their financial resources in retirement. There are sound reasons for some of this fear! Pensions and Social Security are tied to earnings, and women earn less than men, on average. Women often have less opportunity to save. And the greater average

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life expectancy for women means their savings may have to stretch farther by several years.

People still in the workforce can help ensure a good retirement through effective money management, a solid plan, and the expertise of a financial planner. Some employers provide good opportunities to prepare for retirement. New retirees may need professional help to manage savings, a buy-out, or a confusing variety of distribution plans. Seniors may need advice regarding income-producing investments or tax strategies, as well. Some financial planners specialize in the needs of retirees.

Loneliness ranks sixth among senior concerns. When it comes to relationships, it is nearly inevitable that losses will occur as one ages. Active communities for seniors prioritize opportunities for interaction. Whether independent apartments or assisted living arrangements, these communities organize plenty of activities. For those aging in place, home care services can provide critical companionship. Senior centers and local colleges may provide educational or social opportunities.

Financial predators are seventh on the list. Seniors are vulnerable to both telephone scams and family members bent on taking advantage of an elder. The most important thing is to never give financial information to a stranger who asks for it by phone or online. You can easily look at your bank accounts online, and a bank employee told me to check every day to ensure that no one has accessed my account.

Number eight among senior concerns is that of abuse or neglect. Sadly, some seniors suffer mistreatment from family members or in care facilities, often due to understaffing. If you are suffering abuse or suspect someone is, start by reaching out to your physician.

A tough hurdle, number nine for seniors, involves transportation. Many dread losing the freedom and self-reliance that driving has provided for most of their life. Fortunately, many municipalities and care agencies provide transportation for seniors.

Our changing social climate ranks number ten, with technology presenting a challenge for today’s elders. Libraries and adult education classes can help seniors stay atop today’s tech culture. Retirement truly can be the reward it is meant to be.

Sources for this article included: seniorliving.org, aarp.org, and healthline.com.

Faith Powers, Dave Jahn, & Ally McCoy

Rolando Garcia

Tilting at Windmills

Blame It All on the Fed

By George Morgan

Don Quixote is a classic Spanish novel written by Miguel Cervantes in 1615. The plot revolves around the adventures of a low echelon nobleman named Alonso Quixano. Alonso reads so many romantic chivalry novels that he loses touch with reality. He does not see the world for what it is, believing instead that he is the living re-embodiment of the knightly code of ethics—that is, a knight named Don Quixote. It is from Cervante’s classic novel that we get the phrase“tilting at windmills”(from a passage in which Alonso mistakenly believes windmills to be enemy giants that he must vanquish). The phrase suggests that we should avoid conflicts that are unimportant or impossible to resolve.

For the past 18 months, Wall Street, in cahoots with their media lackies, has been treating the actions of the Federal Reserve and its chairman Jerome Powell in a quixotic fashion. Operating on the questionable premise that the Fed has the power to fine-tune the national economy, they verbally assaulted him for not lowering interest rates fast enough, then abruptly reversed course and assaulted him for lowering interest rates too fast. This begs the question: If the Fed is so omnipotent, how did we get into this sink hole and why have they not yanked us out of it?

The Federal Reserve System was formed in 1913 following decades of economic turmoil, which included a partial collapse of the US financial system and two significant recessions. The legislation creating the Fed gave it two mandates: (1) maintain full employment and (2) maintain stable prices. Just two things to do! Unfortunately, the conflict between them is impossible to resolve.

Requiring the Fed to regulate inflation and unemployment at the same time is analogous to a doctor telling an obese patient that they need to lose weight by consuming a dozen glazed donuts at every meal. When an economy grows at a rapid pace, it creates inflation. To reduce inflation requires the economy to slow down, resulting in increased unemployment. The technical term for this economic phenomenon is the business cycle. The business cycle has been a part of the human condition since Moses was a pup, and all efforts to eliminate it have gone bust.

The Fed’s business cycle–busting tool of choice is determined by the Fed chairman, who is appointed by the president, making it a perennial revolving door. Over the course of the past 75 years, the Fed has used a variety of tools in their effort to achieve their mandate, all of which have proven to be ineffective at best and counterproductive at worst.

During the 1980s and ’90s, raising or lowering the money supply was the tool du jour. This methodology involved the Fed’s manipulation of the amount of lending capital in the commercial banks’ vaults. Course grade for money supply manipulation? D-

During the first decade of the 21st century, the monetary tool of choice was called quantitative easing. This involves the Fed’s trading of US Treasury bonds in the open market. This policy resulted in a near collapse of the money center banks and culminated with a major recession. Course grade for quantitative easing? F-

Today’s Fed policy tool is the manipulation of the Fed funds rate. The Fed funds rate is the rate that the Fed charges commercial banks for short-term loans. Because the level of borrowing by commercial banks amounts to less than one tenth of a percent of the total bond market, this is akin to the Dutch boy with his thumb in the dike. Course grade for Fed funds rate manipulation? D-

Open any economics textbook to the chapter on the Federal Reserve System and its role in managing the business cycle, and you will find the words ceteris paribus , which is Latin for “all things being equal.” In plainer English, that means, “if you do this thing, this other thing will happen, as long as nothing else changes.” So, the theoretical powers of the Fed to maneuver the economy are based on the assumption that nothing else changes. What could go wrong?

We are in the throes of changes of epic proportions. A worldwide trade war, massive budget cuts, dramatic changes in energy production, and on and on. The right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing and, to add insult to injury, they refuse to even talk to each other. Any discussion of the Fed possessing mystical powers to maneuver the economy makes about as much sense as jousting with windmills.

There are some things you can know and some things you need to know. You don’t need to know all the gory details of how the Fed goes about executing its dual mandates. You do need to know that if you buy and hold index funds in your 401(k), you will be able to retire with enough money to spoil your grandkids. (Side note: If you don’t have grandkids to spoil, I will loan you one of mine.)

Editor’s Note: George Morgan has five decades’ experience in all phases of the investment process. He is currently the Founder and Principal of Morgan Investor Education. His website is morganinvestoreducation.com.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments July be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

Koley Jessen Guiding Families Through Estate Planning

Many of us are well aware that planning for a child’s education and saving for retirement are essential parts of life. Estate planning, though just as critical for safeguarding your family’s future, is more often overlooked. If you don’t have a clear plan in place for after your own passing or incapacity, your loved ones can face complex legal challenges during an already difficult time. When you want to protect what matters most, James Tews is ready to help. At Koley Jessen law firm, James helps his clients protect their assets and provide their loved ones with peace of mind.

A native Nebraskan, James received his bachelor’s degree from Mount Marty University, in South Dakota, and his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law. After working for a small law firm, he joined Koley Jessen in 2015 to provide more comprehensive services to clients.

Koley Jessen was founded in 1988. Today, the firm has over 100 attorneys who specialize in a wide array of legal services, including business, employment, labor and benefits, estate succession and tax, and litigation.

James focuses on three main practice areas: estate planning, estate and trust administration, and litigation. In estate planning, he works with clients to prepare essential documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney while also developing strategies to minimize death taxes. Estate and trust administration involves guiding families through the process of carrying out an estate plan. If disputes arise, litigation may be necessary to protect clients’ interests.

A complete team of advisors for a client, James says, should include an estate planning attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and financial advisor. He emphasizes the critical need to select the right fiduciary. “Whether it is making health decisions or handling financial affairs, it all starts with the fiduciary,” James states.

James offers five “common-sense” criteria to consider when choosing a fiduciary. The individual needs to be someone with integrity in whom the client has complete confidence. The individual should be savvy. They should be someone who does not procrastinate. They need to be someone who will seek other professional help as needed. Lastly, the individual should have time to fill the role, which can be time-intensive.

James understands that there may be complex family dynamics to consider during the estate planning process. To help clients manage these challenges and ensure their wishes are upheld, he recommends incorporating a neutral fiduciary—that is, an impartial party responsible for carrying out the plan’s terms. When appropriate, James encourages open communication between the client and their children so the client can make more thoughtful planning decisions.

His approach also includes defensive planning strategies such as no-contest clauses to protect against future disputes. Sometimes, engaging in multiple iterations of an estate plan

By Angella Arndt

can be helpful to ensure that it can withstand a legal challenge. If there are concerns about a client’s capacity, he may also recommend an evaluation by a healthcare professional to ensure the decisions are legally sound.

The most common causes of disputes in trust and estate cases, James asserts, are hiring the wrong fiduciary and navigating conflicting personalities within families. “An inappropriate fiduciary may not communicate properly, leading to unnecessary conflicts,” he explains. “Conflicting personalities, especially among siblings, can cause issues if there is disagreement.” A neutral fiduciary can make objective decisions, prevent conflicts, ensure effective management, and reduce the risk of legal challenges.

If you are seeking an estate planning and administration attorney, start by asking about the attorney’s experience. How long have they practiced, and what cases have they handled? What is their philosophy on client service? Are they transparent about pricing and timeliness? What is their accessibility? (James notes that he still answers his own phone.) Other important considerations include the attorney’s approach to estate planning, their reputation, and their communication skills. Asking these questions will help you find the right attorney to meet your needs.

Koley Jessen has a straightforward philosophy, which is to provide exceptional client service. “Our firm’s goal is to deliver over-the-top service,” James explains, and part of that mission includes educating clients. “Clients appreciate my ability to teach and explain. Estate planning can seem intimidating, but when clients understand the process, it becomes logical and far less overwhelming.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of James’ work is building long-term relationships with clients. He feels a sense of fulfillment in seeing a plan through to completion. “Wrapping up someone’s life is a heavy responsibility,” he reflects, “but it is also an honor to play a role in ensuring their wishes are respected and their legacy preserved.”

Koley Jessen is located at 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800, in Omaha. James can be contacted at 402-343-3873.

James A. Tews, Attorney

Impactful Garden Palettes

Coordinating Colors

By Linda Sutherland

Garden color schemes paint a beautiful palette for the overall composition of your flower beds. Designers advise that you initially limit your garden color palette to green plus two other colors. They also advise creating a mood board of things that you like before you start grouping plants. It’s always smart to plan ahead, and walking around the neighborhood to peruse other gardens is part of the fun! See something you like? Snap a photo so you can look up the name later…or ask your neighbor what they’ve planted. Gardeners love to talk about their plants!

Remember that color and light are key elements in the garden. Take into consideration the way the light moves around in the garden. The play of sunlight and shadow will influence how we see color at different times of the day. For example, blue hues slip from blue-green to sky blue all the way to blue-purple, and they look different in different lighting.

Color has a way of changing the mood in different areas of the garden. If you want an area of your garden to feel calming, using white and cream-colored flowers does the trick. White flowers keep the mood uncomplicated and make for a nice, restful zone.

If you want a zone of your garden to feel energetic and lively, nothing beats red flowers. Reds definitely get your attention! Drama can always be driven up when you combine plants that have close color associations. Putting hot pinks, reds, and magentas together can create quite a statement.

My personal favorite is the palette of lilacs, blues, and deep purples. They are just stunning together!

Colors are also very interesting when juxtaposed with the shade opposite them on the color wheel. For example, orange sits opposite blue. These colors are gorgeous together and create a truly wonderful burst of energy. Playing with color and providing different energies is a delightful way to animate your garden.

Green is an often-overlooked and a much-underestimated color in the garden—in reality, it is the most important color of all. It supports most everything in a landscape setting, and you can play with so many different tones to create an astonishing space of beauty.

There is such a huge range of green when it comes to garden color schemes. There is dark holly green, brownish green, lime green, blue-green, apple green, olive green, sage green…you

get my drift. The point is that the green palette is endless, and it provides the backdrop for everything in the garden.

I have created spaces that are completely green, just different shades of green. These are always very calming areas of the garden. Shade gardening relies heavily on green, and it has always looked cooling as well as soothing to me. Evergreen shrubs and evergreen climbers can soften boundaries in your garden and share the loveliness that green provides.

Another thing to consider when choosing colors for your garden is the seasons. Think about how the colors will look throughout the seasons. Brighter, fresher colors might be better for spring, while deeper, warmer colors can work well in the fall. Also, consider what might look good in your garden during winter. Yes, I know that sounds strange, but some of my decorative grasses and dried hydrangea flowers look pretty impressive in the winter months. And let’s be honest…I will take whatever I can get in the wintertime!

Now, for your consideration, is the total opposite of what I have just laid out for you. Ultimately, as with most things in life, the decision of whether or not to use a color palette comes down to individual preferences and the desired aesthetic. Some of us gardeners may prefer a more structured and controlled garden; others much prefer a natural and spontaneous approach. It is totally up to you.

Color palettes are not always necessary in gardens. Using a color palette can create a very cohesive look that is more aesthetically pleasing to some, but it is certainly not a strict requirement. Remember, this is your garden! Put your own personality into it. Whether you prefer a curated palette or a riot of color in your garden, I encourage you to do your own thing.

Planning a garden and then seeing it come to life is one of life’s most enjoyable and rewarding pleasures. There really is no downside to it. If you choose to plant fruits or vegetables, you’re providing food for your family and friends. If you choose to plant flowers and grasses, you are providing food and homes for pollinators and birds. No matter what you choose to plant, a garden is a win for everyone. And if something doesn’t grow the way you hoped, you can just try again next year!

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Pet Grooming

Call In the Pros!

Picture this: It’s a hot, sunny day, and you’re out for a lovely walk…but you’re wearing a fur coat. Heat takes its toll on all of us. That’s just one reason to get your dog or cat a summer cut with your favorite groomer.

Of course, regular brushing at home is one of your responsibilities as a pet owner. It soothes your pet and relaxes you, and it’s a great time for bonding. But your pet has health-related grooming needs you might not even know about. Groomers provide these valuable treatments to keep your pet healthier longer.

A professional groomer will bathe your pet and brush and trim your pet’s coat, eliminating matted hair. They can clean ears and teeth and can express blocked glands, if necessary.

Before your pet’s first trip to the groomer, get them accustomed to the tools that the groomer will use. Your pet should already be familiar with the brush you use at home, but they may not have heard or felt a blow dryer. Run one on low, in the background, during some brushing sessions. (Never use the blow dryer above the low setting for a pet.)

Even though you brush and may also bathe your pet at home, that doesn’t mean you don’t need the services of a professional groomer. While not as regulated as veterinarians, a good groomer has been trained and has the experience to create a positive experience for your pet. They can handle touchy skin areas or tangled mats of hair. Groomers also use de-shedding and conditioning shampoos. Long-haired cats and dogs need more frequent grooming, but short-haired cats and dogs need attention, too.

Both dogs and cats need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Nails that are too long can be painful, causing your pet to alter their stride. This can lead to back and hip problems. Unfortunately, most pets are skittish about having their nails clipped. Good groomers have skillful ways of calming and clipping. Some may use a towel to cuddle the pet. It’s a soft restraint that allows the pet to move a bit. The groomer can readily reach the area that needs trimming. Another soft restraint is a special grooming bag. This also acts as a self-filling trash bag. When the trim is over, the hair is easily transferred from the bag to the trash.

If calming words, treats, restraints, and frequent breaks do not soothe your pet, prescription and natural solutions can be considered to get everyone through a stressful experience. Your veterinarian can teach you about pet medications like Xanax or CBD, which may be just what is needed for a nervous pet. Never give medication to a pet without talking to your vet first, and never give a pet medication meant for a human.

By Jackie Byers

Larger dogs are often ready for water, but cats and smaller dogs may need to be coaxed into the tub. Eventually, both will accept the bath. Water temperature and depth matter greatly for smaller animals. Some grooming facilities have low drainage tables with harnesses instead of tubs. Often, both dog and groomer end up more than damp.

To choose the right groomer, start with recommendations from your vet or other local pet owners. Online reviews can also be helpful. Do some shopping yourself based on their tips before you choose.

Consider location, as you will be visiting this person several times a year. Plan to visit several potential locations, and take your pet with you! Your pet will have the most contact with the groomer. A good relationship for them is vital. The size of your pet, the amount of fur they have, and the style of cut you prefer should be part of the conversation you have with any potential groomer.

Questions about the location include: Is the facility clean? Are waiting pets comfortably kenneled? Are holding cages reasonably sized? Questions for the groomer include: How long have they been grooming dogs or cats? What breeds have they worked with? Do they specialize in certain cuts? Can they provide references?

Find out what services are provided and how often your pet needs to visit. The minimum is usually four annual visits; the maximum depends on how much fur your pet has, among other factors.

Groomers may provide a bow or a kerchief, a spritz of some good smell, or even a treat for your pet. Some groomers provide what can only be described as a full pet spa experience. Some groomers are mobile and come to you. What’s best for you and your pet is up to you. Here’s to a healthy, happy, well-groomed pet!

Sources for this article included: akc.org, dogtopia.com, and bpanimalhospital.com.

Repositioning Cruises

Rest & Relax on the Water

If you’ve never heard the term “repositioning cruise,”you’re not alone. Cruise line companies often move ships in their fleet to a different port on a seasonal basis. For example, cruises may sail out of Los Angeles or San Diego to various destinations in Mexico in the winter, but then they bring the ships up north to Seattle or Vancouver to start cruising to Alaska in the spring and summer. Management doesn’t want an empty ship while they relocate, so they offer great pricing and incentives for what they call“repositioning cruises.” Cruisers just need to know that it is basically a relaxation ride—a one-way trip with few to no port stops.

I think repositioning cruises are great for several different categories of travelers: people who live near a port, people who prefer not to fly, or people who want a first class experience at an economy price. Another plus is that you will not get jet lag!

Here’s another reason to try a repositioning cruise: to see how comfortable you are when the ship stays at sea for days at a time without coming into port. My husband and I recently took a repositioning cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. My thinking was that if I was comfortable with four days at sea, then I would love to tackle a transpacific or transatlantic cruise in the future. I had my travel agent book us in a minisuite on the “4-Day Pacific Coastal” (Los Angeles to Vancouver) that Princess offered.

My first impressions: good clientele, very nice ship, great activity options. Because of the time of year, there were not a lot of children on board—I would estimate fewer than 100, and they all seemed well-behaved.

If you are a frequent cruiser, you know that each cruise line has a target audience and a typical clientele. Generally speaking, Carnival is for budget-friendly and party people, Princess caters to a more mature crowd, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are known for their family-friendly options, and Celebrity is more middle-aged and higher-end. I have a foodie friend who loves Holland America, and everyone I know who has taken a Disney cruise has loved it.

Some of these new ships hold up to 8,000 passengers, plus crew. On a repositioning cruise, it could be substantially less, depending on the itinerary and the time of year. A cruise during typical school breaks is going to have a lot more guests than one at another time of year. If that is important to you, as it is for me, ask your travel agent to see how many rooms are left on the ship to get an idea of how crowded it will be on board. Fewer passengers means better prices for

By Jackie Williams

upgrades! Instead of an interior or balcony room, it could be a very small price difference to get a mini-suite or suite. They will also offer great incentives for spa treatments, which I take full advantage of.

When you are on a typical ocean cruise, you are concerned with getting off the ship to see the sights at port. On a repositioning cruise, you spend your time relaxing and exploring the ship. You will have time to check out each and every restaurant, see all the shows you want, and try out new activities. Repositioning cruises give you the opportunity to slow down, put your feet up, take an extra nap, and see and do more on the ship. This also encourages more interaction with other guests, which is great if you enjoy meeting new people.

Since we wouldn’t be stopping at ports on the way, I picked a destination where I wanted to spend a few days before coming home. We got off the ship in Vancouver. We have been to that city a few times before and always do something new. Port cities often have an airport or two nearby with competitive pricing on flights, so you can find plenty of options to get back home after you’ve been repositioned.

Also, do not underestimate the option of reaching a higher status with the cruise line if you enjoyed yourself. This day and age also brings passengers who have retired and live on cruise ships or work remotely from ships because it ends up being cheaper than living in certain cities.

I hope you’ll try a repositioning cruise! My technique is to search for cruises and send the ones I am interested in to my travel agent. She will then match the best price and offer other applicable perks. I’m already looking at the repositioning cruise opposite the one we just took, to enjoy later in the year!

Sources for this article included: princess.com, thesuiteheartsociety.com, and cruisecritic.com.

Calco Enterprises, Inc.

Calco Enterprises has been in the business for over 48 years. We can provide phenomenal masonry work for residential and commercial projects alike.

“While looking through your monthly edition of Women’s Edition, I saw an article regarding Calco Enterprises. I needed 2 retaining walls repaired so I contacted Calco Enterprises. Cal was professional and his team was amazing. The work was done in a timely manner and after the job, his team cleaned up everything so well you couldn’t even tell they were ever there. Very pleased with the results.”A.B.

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The Grout Doctor®

The Grout Doctor® of Omaha is the one to call for all of your grout and tile restoration needs! We are locally owned and operated and backed by a nation-wide network. Why The Grout Doctor®? Because we specialize in tile, grout, and stone repair, and we care. We are highly trained and knowledgeable, professional, timely, and insured. We use our own proprietary products, which are safe, effective, and gentle on our environment.

We have been breathing new life into old tile, grout, and natural stone for over 25 years. Call today 402-393-2565 for a Free Estimate!

Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler

Celebrating life since 1852. Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler provide caring and compassionate funeral and cremation services to the families in our area. Our staff and directors are committed to serving families by solving problems and providing personal satisfaction.

We have expanded our facilities and staff over the past 13 years to meet the growing funeral service and cremation needs of today’s families. Being family-owned and -operated for four generations is one of the cornerstones of our development.

Every detail is considered in planning a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Though not a complete list of our services, the following are several that are available: traditional service, graveside service, memorial service, and “celebration of life” service.

Calvin Peters Sr., Owner

Envision Wildlife & Pest Control Services

One-Stop Solution for All Your Pest Removal Needs. Get top-notch pest and wildlife removal services from the skilled and experienced team at Envision Wildlife & Pest Control Services. From bats to bed bugs, we can eliminate all kinds of pests and wildlife from your residential and commercial property.

Backed by over 20 years of experience, we are a locally owned company providing excellent pest removal solutions since 2010. We are a BBB accredited business. Call us today at 402-502-7800 for more information. Should we miss your call, we’ll get back to you right away!

Nebraska History Museum

New to View has something for everyone! From the Adventures of Kool-Aid Man to the Omaha Supernovas, find a piece of Nebraska’s pop culture and recreation history that everyone in your family can enjoy. See new and never-before-displayed items, discover new pop culture and sports stories from Nebraska, and learn about the people, events, and objects shaping Nebraska’s history. New to View: Showcasing Sound, Screen, & Sports is on display for a limited time. See it now at the Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, in downtown Lincoln.

Visit our website: history.nebraska.gov.

Midwest Urgent Care

“If you need to have an amazing experience while you’re not feeling amazing, you need to visit Midwest Urgent Care. The staff made me feel very welcome and everybody was just phenomenal. They take the time to get to the bottom of your health issues and make sure you are 100% taken care of. I encourage you to visit Midwest Urgent Care, if you need to be taken care of. Thank you Midwest Urgent Care for taking such good care of me and my family!” —Megan

At 120th & Dodge: Open M-F, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Living With Compassion Just Like Mom and Dad

Over the years, I have written about the wonderfully positive influence my parents had on me. I was very fortunate to have great parents teaching me so much about being a good human being. They didn’t just talk the talk—they walked the walk.

Friends or a member of the neighborhood falling on hard times? Mom would cook them up a bunch of her famous fried chicken and Dad would drop it off. Cousins…distant cousins…needing a roof over their heads? Mom and Dad would find room, even though there were eight of us already under a relatively small roof. The great thing is that it was both Mom and Dad taking action as partners and role models. People taking care of people in need.

“You really can change the world if you care enough.”

— Marian Wright

When adulthood came, and reality hit, I realized that not everyone was like Mom and Dad. Frankly, it was quite a shock. How could this be? Where was the compassion for other human beings?

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” — Dalai Lama

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher

By Janet Van deWalle

When I finally faced reality, I realized that we can’t change other people…but we can demonstrate how to be compassionate. So I worked on myself…I became a better role model.

“In compassion, when we feel with the other, we dethrone ourselves from the center of our world and we put another person there.” — Karen Armstrong

I began to change. Now…every day…I strive to speak with kindness. I apologize freely, and I work at changing my behavior that led to the need for an apology. I am now, finally, a GOOD listener. I work on setting a great example to encourage others—family, friends, strangers. I am authentically happy for others’ successes. I have become so much more aware of others’ distress, and I try to help alleviate it.

“Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.”

— Charles Duhigg

How have I done this? With a whole lot of help from my husband, Manny. Looking back, I realize that before I met him, I had become quite cynical over the lack of compassion in the human race. But now? I have a partner who encourages me and helps me walk the walk. Just like Mom and Dad, Manny and I strive to walk the walk. Every day. Thank you, Manny.

Peak Performance

Children’s Summer Health Checks

Schedule Now!

Summer is a whirlwind of poolside picnics, summer camp coordination, and beach day adventures. It is also when we take care of many things we couldn’t squeeze in during the school year—sprucing up the yard, cleaning out the closets, and taking a family trip. It’s the perfect time to prioritize your children’s health and well-being by scheduling their well-child visits.

Preventive care in children ensures that they are ready to face the challenges of the new academic year. In fact, studies show children are most successful in the classroom and extracurricular activities when they feel healthy.

Well-child visits include physical exams, developmental screenings, and discussions on various topics relevant to your child’s age and development stage. Annual back-to-school check-ups are a great way for your child to get to know their doctor and feel safe in their care. Having a comfortable, familiar place to receive care helps relieve any anxiety your child might feel.

Their doctor will ask how your child’s school year went and will check on both mental and physical health. Height, weight, and blood pressure will be measured. Children’s growth is compared to a growth curve, designed to show caregivers if their child is meeting healthy goals for growing.

Your child’s doctor also does a full physical exam, checking the heart, lungs, and spine. Physical exams are especially important as your child’s body changes during puberty. Identifying early signs of health problems can stave off serious issues. This includes signs of obesity, high blood pressure, or other conditions that could affect your child’s health over the long haul.

Some of the screenings conducted during well-child visits include seeing how a family is doing as a whole and if there are things going on that your pediatrician may be able to help with. As children grow, well-child visits will screen for developmental issues like autism as well as how children are adjusting to school, from their ability to pay attention to their progress learning to read. Pediatricians will look at the risky behaviors of older children and teenagers, asking questions about things like drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, and depression and anxiety. If your child is taking any regular medications, this is a great time to discuss how well they’re working, get prescriptions refilled, and go over any side effects that might need attention.

Vaccinations are a key component of well-child visits. They protect against serious and potentially fatal diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, and meningitis. The schedule ensures timely protection, with specific vaccines recommended at various ages.

For infants, vaccines include hepatitis B, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), polio, and more. A new meningococcal vaccine was added to the 2024 childhood immunization

By Deborah Daley

schedule, specifically for children ages 2 months and older.

Toddlers and preschoolers receive additional doses of DTaP, as well as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chicken pox). For preteens and teens, vaccines include the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to prevent certain cancers, meningococcal vaccine, and a Tdap booster.

A sports physical is not a wellness check but a professional medical clearance for a child to participate in a school-related sport. This brief exam evaluates a child’s musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems to ensure they do not have any health conditions that could prevent them from safely participating in the sport of their choice.

The scope of the sports physical examination is focused on the child’s health in relation to physical activity. Measurements include height and weight, basic vision and hearing, blood pressure, basic heart health, and muscle and bone health, including flexibility and strength. Sports physicals are very limited and should not replace wellness checks.

Most states require that students have a sports physical before they can play school sports. Many clubs and organizations also require physicals. Even if a sports physical isn’t required for the sport your child wishes to play, doctors still recommend getting one if your child is active in any sports.

Many urgent care clinics offer some level of primary care, and that often includes sports physicals. Scheduling a sports physical at an urgent care clinic is relatively easy because it is a simple exam with no blood work. Some locations offer special clinics specifically for sports physicals, and some even send healthcare professionals to a school or sports setting to handle an entire school or team. Ask your child’s school or coach if this convenient service is available for your child.

Your child’s health is priceless. Take advantage of the summer months to schedule their wellness appointments. It doesn’t feel like back-to-school time yet, but summer will fly by! Beat the rush by booking your child’s well visit and sports physical now. It’s just what the doctor ordered.

Sources for this article included: mayoclinic.org, cdc.gov, and kidshealth.org.

Young Friends, Old Friends

Closing the Generation Gap

When my brother Bryan and I are together, we hold great conversations ranging over a wide variety of topics. Recently, on a trip to a family event, our conversation included memories of other family events: reunions, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, special birthdays, and so on. I especially remembered attending our paternal grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. They lived in California, and our activities had included a visit to Disneyland, which had just recently opened. Bryan commented that the thing that stuck in his mind about that trip was being afraid of our grandparents. “They were old…and scary,” he explained. “So were our other grandparents. We didn’t see them often enough to know them. They were strangers.” That is probably the biggest drawback to relocating so often when we were young… we didn’t live close to extended family and seldom saw our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I thought about his comment when we got home. We didn’t have the technology growing up that kids have today… we barely had television. Mom often took us along when she went “home” to visit family, but there wasn’t much for us to do. Her elderly parents and two of her sisters shared an apartment with no yard. There were no other kids our age around. I remember sitting on the floor in Grandma’s bedroom while she took a nap, quietly shuffling a deck of cards.

By Marge Shoemaker

When my kids were young, my family and Bryan’s both lived in Omaha, as did our in-laws, so our kids got to see relatives often. GmAg (our mom) had moved to South Dakota after Dad died; we tried to visit her as often as possible. As the kids got older and more active, we couldn’t go to visit as often, so Mom moved back to Omaha. Now all the grandkids got to know both sets of grandparents. Mom lived a long time. As her grandkids got married and had kids of their own, GmAg and her great-grands were fortunate to get to know each other. There was no fear of the age difference from either side.

Looking back on those multi-generational relationships, I realize how fortunate we’ve been. Attitudes toward aging… and those who have aged…have changed. Traveling is easier. Technology has eased communication among generations, even over great distances.

I’ve learned that age is a state of mind. If you think you’re old, you’ll act old. Stay interested in things and the people around you…no matter their age. Stay as active as possible. If their grandparents aren’t nearby, make opportunities for your kids to be around other seniors.

Kids need to know and be comfortable around senior citizens…and senior citizens need to know and be comfortable around kids. Whether old or young, they are people, too.

Since working with Women’s Edition, my call volume has increased exponentially in just a matter of months. The customers reaching out to me fit my target market and are quick to share with me where they saw my ad. Women’s Edition took the time to get to know me and understand my needs in reaching out to, and connecting with, the right customer. Advertising in Women’s Edition is producing results even faster than expected!

— Sonja Skadberg,

3 Day Kitchen & Bath Authorized Dealer

Road Tripping

Uniquely Free and Flexible

What is it about a road trip that is so appealing?

In my opinion, the combination of freedom and the chance to discover hidden gems along the way makes it a very rewarding travel experience. The fact that you can customize the journey, stop at your leisure, and engage with your particular surroundings gives road trips their special appeal. These wonderful joys of road tripping are not really possible with other forms of travel.

You can travel at your own pace, enjoy the scenery without a rigid schedule, and stop for impromptu adventures any time you want. You have complete control over your itinerary, which allows you to explore unexpected destinations. Road trips often lead to unique roadside attractions and hidden gems.

You meet people, too! You have the opportunity to engage with locals and understand the culture and history of the region you find yourself in. And let’s not forget that road trips provide opportunities for meaningful conversations and shared experiences with your companions.

Once you’ve decided to take a road trip, it’s time to start planning. If your vehicle has not had a tune-up for a while, it’s a good idea to get one before you take off. Even if your car has been serviced recently, your mechanic can check your fluid levels (oil, transmission fluid, and washer fluid) and top them off, if necessary. Make sure that tires are properly inflated and not too worn (and don’t forget to check the spare tire for readiness). Walk around the vehicle when it is running to make sure all of the lights are in working order, including the high beams, fog lights, and turn signals.

As far as safety goes, make sure you have your insurance documents, car registration, and roadside assistance information handy in the vehicle. If you are old-school, make sure you have the appropriate maps. Make sure your GPS tracker is in optimum condition, as well. You should stock your car with emergency items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and a spare cell phone charger.

Are you traveling with young children? If so, they will definitely need some entertainment. Of course, the kids will bring their devices along, but it would be nice to also supply them with books. These books could even include places that you are going and the sites that you will be seeing. You could also have fun with car games like I Spy or 20 Questions . The kids could follow your route on maps to see where you are going and where you have been.

When determining your general route ahead of time, check with experts online as to possible road closures and construction zones. Platforms like Routific and Roadtrippers offer features to help you explore potential routes and manage itineraries and other trip details. Travel blogs and

By Linda Sutherland

websites that offer recommendations for specific regions can be very helpful. Make sure that a friend or family member knows where you are headed and when you plan to be back.

If you are planning a road trip with an EV, you need to plan your route around charging stations and have a back-up plan in case you run into unexpected delays on the road. Be sure to factor in environmental conditions and driving style, which can both affect range. EV-specific apps or online tools such as PlugShare or A Better Route Planner can be essential to map out charging stops and potential detours. Be sure to check reviews of chargers online to ensure they are reliable and in good working order.

It is good planning to look for charging stations near amenities like restaurants, restrooms, or attractions—this can make charging stops more enjoyable. If possible, book hotels with EV chargers for overnight charging. The key here is to plan ahead and know your options.

Should you join an auto club for your road trip? That depends on the type of trip you are planning and your individual needs. The benefits of an auto club include roadside assistance if your car breaks down. You get towing, jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and even lockout services. Many auto clubs also offer discounts on hotels, rental cars, and even some attractions, which could potentially offset the cost of membership. You should consider the condition of your vehicle, how long a journey you are setting out on, and if you may already have roadside assistance through your auto insurance or credit card.

Don’t forget to set some timers for lights in your home, so your house does not look abandoned. Now get out there and explore!

Sources for this article included: tripadvisor.com, ace.aaa. com, and packupgo.com.

Emotional Intelligence

Survive and Thrive!

Emotional intelligence is widely discussed lately, but it’s nothing new. In fact, it’s always been a part of human biology that is vital for our well-being. Our messy lives are often ruled by chemicals that our minds and bodies create. Understanding and experiencing our emotions—even the ones we perceive as negative—helps us build better relationships, reduce stress, and enhance life.

What exactly do we mean by “emotional intelligence”? As described by the non-profit Mental Health America, emotional intelligence is “the ability to both manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.” Basic emotions include joy, sadness, fear, disgust, surprise, anticipation, anger, and trust. Some psychology professionals interpret emotions differently or expand deeper into connected emotions. For example, joy may fall somewhere between serenity and ecstasy. That can be a lot to understand about yourself, much less about other people!

By Janette Calabro

The brain is a complex organ that controls, well, everything, including thought, memory, and basically every process that regulates the body and keeps it working. The brain doubles in size during the first year of life. This mighty organ comes to weigh about three pounds, and it is composed of 73 percent water. This explains why headache is such a common symptom of dehydration—

you are literally drying out your brain. That should motivate you to drink enough water every day! Your brain also needs a constant supply of oxygen.

Advances in brain imaging have revealed many things about our brains and how they work. For example, an introvert’s brain looks measurably different from an extrovert’s brain. The dopamine network is more active in the brain of an extrovert…and an introvert’s brain imaging shows more of the gray matter used for processing information.

Here’s a fact you may not know—information travels to and from your brain at about 250 miles per hour. (To put that in perspective, race car drivers have maxed out around 240 miles per hour.) Another curious fact is that not a single one of your billions of brain cells can feel pain. For example, if you’re eating ice cream and experience brain freeze, the pain actually originates from the roof of your mouth. (Pro tip: Holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth during a brain freeze heats up your palate and eases your suffering!)

Emotions are not generated in a single area of the brain but through many different networks woven together. Other parts of the brain then generate a response. All emotions, negative and positive and everywhere in between, are essential parts of mental health. We’re never too young or too old to learn how to feel our emotions instead of pushing them away. How do we cultivate a balance of emotions?

Emotions enable us to pay attention, focus, and take action. Start by paying attention to how you feel, and to the way you behave, in certain situations. Examine why you believe what you do. Is there something from your childhood or a personal experience that has shaped your thoughts and

feelings? Take responsibility for how you feel, but take it easy on yourself. Take time to acknowledge the negative as well as celebrate the positive. Don’t forget to breathe (some feelings are uncomfortable!). It is a lifelong process to discover and understand your feelings and those of the people you love.

Sometimes, we experience lopsided or outsized emotions. It’s important to remember that this happens to all of us. Key skills to help balance out lopsided emotions include self-awareness, self-control, motivation, adaptability, empathy, social skills, and a positive outlook.

If life hits you with heavy stuff, remember to strike a balance between sleep and activity. Practice gratitude—it really works. If you struggle to feel grateful during difficult times, start by identifying things that are simply good, like a food that tastes delicious or a book you enjoyed reading.

Stay connected with friends and family. A supportive network is key to maintaining emotional balance. Spend time in nature, breathe deeply, take time to pause and reflect. If your emotions feel overwhelming, reach out to a professional. A therapist is not simply someone to talk to—therapists are trained professionals who can teach you valuable skills to help you manage your emotions.

It’s said that your reaction to adversity, not the event itself, determines your life story. Mindset is everything, but we’re not born with the self-control and self-awareness we need to handle the full range of human emotion. These are skills that we need to develop on our path to emotional intelligence. You never know where someone else is on their emotional journey, so remember to be kind to yourself and others!

“We have always enjoyed working with Women's Edition over the past 30 some years. Over the years, we have created many new customers, after they saw one of our ads or one of the write-ups on our shop. The articles they have written on the store and owner over the years are always well written, in depth, and continue to create buzz for our business. We love that they know us all by name and really strive for us to get the most out of our advertising. Women's Edition will always be a place we will happily advertise.”

— Dwaine Ferguson, Owner

Cosmetic Dentistry

Enhancing Oral Health and Beauty

A smile is often the first thing people notice when meeting someone new. If you are not completely happy with yours, consider cosmetic dentistry! This specialty offers a range of solutions to enhance both the appearance and the health of your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry provides several options for achieving your ideal smile. Popular treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, crowns, dentures, bridges, and implants.

Common concerns that cosmetic dentistry can address include cracked or chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, missing teeth, misalignment, misshapen teeth, and discoloration. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to problems such as infection or decay, gum disease, jaw pain, or tooth erosion. Whether you are interested in a procedure to conceal imperfections or to correct a functional issue, cosmetic dentistry offers a solution. Understanding the techniques available can help you choose what is right for your goals.

Teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, offering a quick and effective way to brighten your smile. Professional whitening can significantly lighten stained or discolored teeth in a single visit, depending on the severity of discoloration. Patients may choose in-office treatments that provide immediate results or take-home kits that gradually whiten teeth.

Dental veneers can conceal imperfections like discoloration, chips, or cracks. These thin, strong shells are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are typically made of porcelain or composite resin, with their color customized to blend with your natural teeth.

Dental bonding is a treatment that can conceal chips, cracks, discoloration, misshapen teeth, and gaps between teeth. During the procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin is applied and molded to the desired shape. The resin is hardened with a special curing light to bond the material to the tooth’s surface. Then, the final adjustments are made, and the tooth is polished for a smooth, natural look.

Dental crowns are protective, tooth-shaped caps that restore the strength, function, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. They are commonly used to cover severely discolored, weak, cracked, broken, or root canal–treated teeth; to anchor dental bridges in place; or to cover dental implants. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain, and ceramic.

Before a crown is placed, a small amount of enamel is removed from the affected tooth to create space for the crown. An impression is then taken of the teeth to ensure a correct fit. Since it usually takes a week or more for a permanent crown to be fabricated, a temporary crown is typically placed over the tooth. When the new crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is fitted and bonded to the existing tooth with dental cement.

By Angella Arndt

Dentures are removable appliances with artificial teeth and gums that replace missing teeth to help restore function and appearance. Dentures are typically made from acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, and porcelain. Full dentures are used when all teeth are missing. They sit directly on the gums and may require adhesive to keep them in place. Partial dentures are an option for those missing several teeth in one or both jaws. They use metal clasps that attach to remaining teeth for support.

Dental bridges replace one or several teeth missing in a row. They can improve chewing function, oral health, and appearance. A traditional dental bridge has crowns on both ends with artificial teeth in between. This option works for patients with healthy natural teeth on both sides of the tooth gap.

Dental implants are used to replace diseased or injured teeth and for some dental bridges. A metal, screwlike post is surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as the tooth’s root and bonding over time, preventing bone loss. When the implant heals, after approximately two to three months, a metal connector or abutment screws into the implant to hold the restoration in place. Dental implants can be used for crowns, bridges, or dentures.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, “any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist, regardless of his or her experience and skill.” They believe it is essential to look for a dentist with credentials, including postgraduate, hands-on training in cosmetic dentistry. Ask the dentist about their experience and how much time they spend on cosmetic dentistry. Ask to see examples of their cosmetic work, and ask if you may speak with a few patients. Make sure you feel comfortable in the office and with the staff.

Cosmetic dentistry offers more than just aesthetic benefits. In addition to improving your appearance, these procedures restore function and contribute to overall oral health. And you will be able to put your best smile forward with confidence.

Sources for this article included: aacd.com, mayoclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org, and yoursmilebecomesyou.com.

It’s Time to Clean the Fireplace!

Fireplace Inspection and Repair

By Anne Yankus

As we swelter through the hottest months of the year, your fireplace is probably the last thing on your mind. That’s understandable, but it’s also a wasted opportunity! Summertime is the perfect time to get your fireplace and chimney cleaned, inspected, and repaired.

What if you barely use your fireplace, though? Is it even worth the effort to get it fixed up? Absolutely! A rarely used fireplace can still develop creosote buildup from burning wood. This is highly flammable and can generate an unpleasant odor during the humid summer months. Even gas and electric fireplaces need yearly inspections to make sure they’re free of soot, debris, or wildlife, all of which would cause an issue if they’re still in your fireplace come wintertime.

Passing on your annual fireplace and chimney maintenance can also increase your exposure to carbon monoxide and other gases. Dirty chimneys and blockages can stop carbon monoxide from venting out your flue like it’s supposed to, and a gas fireplace that’s forgone inspection for too long could have a disastrous unnoticed leak. Soot, debris, and other buildup can also cause respiratory problems for you and your family. Fortunately, all these issues can be easily prevented by having a fireplace and chimney professional attend to your fireplace once every year.

With the threat of soot, creosote, and wood smoke

(another respiratory irritant), it may sound like wood fireplaces and stoves are inordinately dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, but that’s really not the case. Any type of fireplace has dangers that need consideration. Gas fireplaces carry the risk of more invisible dangers, such as natural gas leaks, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide. Electrical fireplaces are generally the safest option, but they run the risk of overheating when left unattended or short-circuiting when not properly maintained.

When it’s time to do the cleaning, be sure you hire a pro. Professional chimney sweeps will reach all the tight spots inside your chimney without injuring themselves or damaging your chimney. They will be able to spot any concerning issues you may not have noticed, like cracks, leaks, and hidden buildup, before these issues become hazards.

If you discover that an animal has made your chimney its new residence, the first step is to call a professional to remove it. This pro will have the tools and know-how to get the animal out without getting hurt, harming the animal,

We specialize in custom garage interiors. With a focus on design, form, and function, we create custom solutions to suit your home and lifestyle.

“Chad and Theresa and their entire crew are simply awesome! They installed my floor which is amazing and Theresa came up with a custom design for my workbench and storage units. It all came out better than I could have imagined. Their products are high quality. Honorable, honest, punctual, and kind. Use them for all your custom garage needs!” — Brandon

2,109 kids in Omaha are

Helping Children in Need Sleep Better.

All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. Across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. We’re a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering handbuilt bunk beds to children and families in need.

Theresa & Chad Nelson Owners of Garage Living Omaha

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or damaging your house. While you wait for your animal removal pro to arrive, close up your fireplace—the last thing you want is for a critter to use the hearth as its escape route. It’s best to close off the room with your fireplace in it as an extra precaution. Whatever you do, don’t light a fire or try to “smoke out” the animal. It’s inhumane and will cause the animal to panic, which can lead to injury to the animal and damage to your home.

Even if nothing goes wrong, general wear and tear take their toll on chimneys and fireplaces. Broken mortar joints and flashing damage are two of the most common chimney problems homeowners will run into. Fortunately, broken mortar joints can be repaired with a technique called tuckpointing.

Tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged or deteriorating mortar from between your masonry and replacing it with fresh mortar. If the chimney is the only brickwork on your home, it might be your first time working with a professional mason. (If you like what they do, maybe next year’s project will be adding stonework to your home or yard!)

Flashing is the barrier where the roof meets the chimney. When it becomes damaged or worn, you run the risk of moisture leaks and water damage inside your home. If the damage is identified early, during an inspection, it can be easily resealed by a professional for as little as a couple hundred dollars.

The chimney is a pretty niche part of your house, so it stands to reason that you’ll want to hire someone with specialized certifications to inspect and repair it. The National Chimney Sweep Guild issues credentials for Certified Chimney Professionals (CCP), Certified Chimney Reliners (CCR), and Certified Chimney Journeymen (CCJ). The Chimney Safety Institute of America is another reliable credential recognized by industry professionals, insurance underwriters, and local and national agencies. Any CSIA-certified chimney sweep is going to know their stuff.

What are you waiting for? While the weather is still too hot to think about a warm hearth, get your chimney and fireplace cleaned and ready for the cold months ahead. Your family will thank you with the first roaring fire of next winter!

Sources for this article included: epa. gov, thisoldhouse.com, certifiedchimneyprofessionals.com, and csia.org.

Window Cleaning It’s All About The Details!

Concrete Experts… amazing

Keller

Home Pride Contractors

The Name Says it All!

Michelle Ryan takes excellence

in

business very seriously. When she was looking for a roofing business to put her own stamp on, she was immediately drawn to Home Pride Contractors. It is a family-owned, family-operated roofing company with years of experience in the home improvement industry, specializing in roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Home Pride Contractors was founded in 1984. When Michelle acquired it in 2014, she knew it would be a great company to expand.

“The brand has great meaning to each employee, as our team works very hard to ensure that we are offering high-quality products and services to the market,” Michelle says. “A tremendous amount of work quietly happens behind the scenes to achieve these economies of scale and high standards in an industry that is primarily self-moderated.”

Michelle is a Nebraska native and has been around roofing her entire life. She was born in North Platte. Her father started, owned, and operated a large commercial and residential roofing company that served central and western Nebraska, northern Kansas, South Dakota, and eastern Colorado.

“I acquired my company through coaching and mentoring from my father and my brother,” Michelle notes. “I have expanded the family roofing footprint into eastern Nebraska and Iowa!” In 2023, the firm opened a spacious, 5,400-squarefoot headquarters in Omaha, and they also maintain offices in Des Moines and Council Bluffs and Lincoln. Michelle’s husband joined the firm about eight years ago.

Michelle earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha and has resided in Omaha for more than 20 years. Prior to acquiring Home Pride, most of her corporate career was in business development, marketing, and growth initiatives on the manufacturing side of the building materials industry.

“It is easy to get into this industry,” Michelle points out, “but not so easy to stay in. My family’s longevity in this field is a testament to our quality standards and doing right by the people we serve.” Those are the same values that Home Pride espouses, Michelle continues. They’ve built their reputation on the highest quality of professional service, products, and craftsmanship. “I have always taken a driven and dedicated approach to my work, and I encourage those values in our team,” Michelle says. “We work hard to provide the highest quality services in the marketplace.”

Home Pride currently has about 40 employees. As the president of the company, Michelle no longer runs daily operations. Her main job, she says, is pulling the levers that need to be pulled when it’s the right time, to ensure that the “big picture” vision of the company stays intact. “Many of my team

By Deborah Daley

members have been with me for years, and we have an excellent team in place that runs the day-to-day operations.”

It’s no secret that Nebraska homeowners have to deal with hail damage sooner or later, and Home Pride offers several unique advantages to customers who are facing this issue. For example, their customers have access to a database where a homeowner can call and check if their location has been hit with hail damage.

With advances in the field, savvy consumers now are picking contractors, like Home Pride, that have the proper credentials, abilities, and expertise to do the job correctly. “Because we are fully credentialled, we can conduct damage assessments and not wait for insurance assessors,” Michelle says. “We are in network with most insurance companies, and they send jobs our way because we are true partners. We also offer free hail damage inspections and assessments.”

The team at Home Pride always tries to do right by their customers, providing high quality service and treating them with respect. According to their customers, they’re getting the job done right! One of these satisfied customers is Lois, whose hail damage situation was more complicated than most.

“I had a very complex situation regarding storm damage to the roof of my duplex,” Lois shares. “Obviously, my attached neighbor has different insurance. In a nutshell, Jeff Vest went the distance…he made it possible with endless negotiations between both insurances. He was always available for questions and explained much of the process better than anyone at my insurance company. I truly cannot say enough good things about Home Pride. You have earned my confidence and future business for sure.”

If that sounds like the level of enthusiasm you’d like to have about your roofing contractor, you should see what Home Pride Contractors can do for you! You can reach Michelle Ryan and the Home Pride team at 402-592-5577. The Omaha office is at 8288 Hascall Street, in Omaha. For more details on their services, find them online at homepride.net.

Michelle Ryan, President

Beam Me Up, Scotty! The Road Not Traveled

I have been a Star Trek fan ever since the original series started in 1966. I was 11 years old, and I would make sure I was in front of the television when it came on. It was a great way for an 11-year-old to think about things that weren’t taught in school and that her friends didn’t even think about. It was almost like a secret time that helped me think outside the box, so very early in my life.

“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. We must let ourselves think outside the box. There might be a better opportunity, a better solution. We must go for it.”

–Joseph Chilton Pearce

To this day, I am still a huge Star Trek fan…and so is my husband Manny, thank goodness! A few months back, we decided to watch all of the Star Trek movies–all 13 of them. It took us a while, but I admit that I was disappointed when we were finished watching them. One of the themes that Star Trek frequently touches on is the concept of what would have happened if a crew member had taken a different path in their life.

By Janet Van deWalle

Manny and I have had multiple conversations about the concept of “changing” a life event from the past. What would have happened if Manny had never joined the Navy? He is a 20-year Navy veteran from Los Angeles, and it was the Navy that sent him to Omaha to be a recruiter. He moved back here after retiring, even though his original plan was to return to LA. What would have happened if I had never had the courage to go on Match.com? We never would have met.

“Make bold choices and make mistakes. It’s all those things that add up to the person you become.” –Angelina Jolie

I’ve come to the conclusion that I wouldn’t change a thing that I have experienced in my life…even if I could. Now, please don’t hear that this has been all rainbows and butterflies. It has not been. Like most of you, Manny and I still face challenges. But due to our life experience, we have learned what direction to take. Most of the time, it works. Some of the time, it doesn’t. It’s all good, though. We will keep going forward–at warp speed!

“But if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t do a single thing differently. What if all those things I did were things that got me here?” –Cheryl Stayed