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M O N T H LY

New

The Addicts the Heroin epidemic

Crime, Greed & Murder For Hire In The Keys pg. 6 Suicide Watch: Suicide Rate On The Rise pg. 10 Cash In On Your Bodily Fluids pg. 12

Home Improvement pg. 44 Marketplace pg. 50

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Contents Featured Editorial Dangerous Drug Creating New Addicts

04

There is a new epidemic of people who have been addicted to opium pills switching over to another dangerous drug which has gotten easier and cheaper to acquire.

06 10 12

29

Greed, Crime and Murder For Hire In The Keys Notable Keys resident is accused of conspiring to buy cocaine and of hiring a hitman to kill one of the town’s biggest realtors.

Dramatic Rise In Suicide Rate Among Middle-Aged Women Among white men and women in that age group, the suicide rate jumped 40-percent between 1999 and 2010. And three times more women than men attempt suicide.

Cashing In On Your Bodily Fluids Financially stressed? Desperate to make ends meet? So how far would you go to make some extra cash? There’s a new alternative income gaining popularity.

[ 4 ] July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

Guide And Tracking Map

14

Calendar of Events

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New

The Addicts

“The Heroin Epidemic”

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TITLE There is a new epidemic of people who have been addicted to opium pills switching over to another dangerous drug which has gotten easier and cheaper to acquire. “Florida is on the peak of an By

outbreak of a new heroin epidemic,” said Jim Hall, director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Substance Abuse at Nova South Eastern University.

BODY

T

hose switching from opiates to heroin tend to be in the white middle to upper class nationwide. Florida’s statistics represent that same population group, according to Hall.

Hall completed a first of its kind study of heroin use in Florida. Once considered an urban street drug, since the pill mill crackdown beginning in 2011, it’s now cutting across very different demographics.

“Andrew,” 21, said that he never thought that he would do heroin.

“I first turned to heroin because of the pill addiction that I had, it was tough to maintain the pill addiction,” said Andrew.

Andrew, a recovering addict now living at the Acceptance House in Miami, was living just outside Boston when his friends drove back and forth to Florida to score opiate pills from doctors. He became addicted within months.

Maurren Barrett’s youngest son Drew was on the same receiving line.

“He was able to receive one thousand, four hundred and fifty five pills, all in their highest dosages, in less than 57 days from one doctor in Miami,” said Barrett. “His license was revoked.”

As pressure mounted to shut down the pill mills, addictions swelled and prices for the pills on the street skyrocketed.

“Once it became too expensive, I moved to heroin. It’s cheaper and more potent,” said Andrew.

Another young resident of Acceptance House, “Tod,” shared his story with CBS4′s Michele Gillen. He told her he remembered vividly what it was like the first time he tried heroin.

“I was scared. I was really scared, ‘You are really doing this now,’ I thought to myself,” said Tod. He was 17 when he got addicted to opiate pills and when he could no longer afford them, he began to snort heroin.

“My guilt was gone. I loved it. From the first time I did it, I loved it,” said Tod who now describes the drug as “pure evil.”

“The nail in the coffin literally is a significant increase in heroin related deaths statewide with a third of those occurring in Miami-Dade County,” said Hall.

Is heroin more available given the government crack down on pill mills?

“Absolutely.” said Andrew. “Heroin is more easy to come across in Miami. I go up the street in 15 minutes.”

Andrew and Tod said that they were grateful to be among the lucky ones. They were in treatment and hoped to dissuade others from getting hooked.

“If you end up doing prescription pills and get addicted, you are going to end up doing heroin,” said Tod.

“Once it became too expensive, I moved to heroin. It’s cheaper and more potent” July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 7 ]

CBSMIAMI.COM

TITLE

By

Greed, Crime and

BODY

Murder for Hire

In The Keys

By Jim DeFede

In December, retired Coast Guard commander Dennis Zecca was arrested by federal agents in Marathon. Accused of conspiring to buy 10 kilos of cocaine, he was also charged with hiring a hitman to kill one of the town’s biggest realtors. “We’re a very nice little community,” insisted Mayor Mike Cinque. “No better place to raise your children.” For city leaders like Cinque, Zecca’s arrest is an unwanted shadow over a town already struggling economically.

Nearly one quarter of Marathon’s population has packed up and left in recent years. Its main street has been taken over by cut rate T-shirt shops, strip malls, and empty store fronts. “It’s just like the old days,” explained Dave Maimon, a longtime town resident and frequent critic of city government. “You got to follow the money and the cocaine.”

Z

ecca has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his trial is set for this summer. His attorney said the allegations are not true and that DEA informant is lying.

Nevertheless, tales of murder-for-hire are hardly good for business. Even worse, after Zecca’s arrest, FBI agents virtually set up shop inside Marathon, pulling records and interviewing members of the city council.

“I met with the FBI,” the mayor acknowledged. “I sat down and talked to them and had a good long conversation with them for over three hours.”

Cinque said he thought the FBI was just being thorough because the alleged target in the murder-for-hire plan was Bruce Schmitt, a prominent and wealthy developer in the Florida Keys.

“The so-called person that was the victim in this so-called murder for hire is a very well known businessman in town,” Cinque said. “And his brother and him are probably two of the most well known and two of the wealthiest people in the community. So I’m sure the FBI is checking every little corner to make this case.

“I think the FBI is trying to do their

job but I think sometimes the FBI, you know, they get out here and, I don’t know, looking at the city,” he said, his voice trailing off. “I have no idea. I know of nothing the city has done wrong [or] anybody in the city has done wrong.”

For Maimon, Zecca’s arrest exposes a darker side of Marathon few want to talk about.

“I think it’s a corrupt little city,” he said. He said there has long been a cozy relationship between certain segments of the community.

“What happens in this city is controlled by a few people and if you’re on their bad side watch out,” he said.

After commanding the Coast Guard station in Islamorada, Zecca moved to Marathon seven years ago and became part owner of Marathon Marina and Boatyard. He has also served as an unpaid consultant for the city on various projects According to the federal indictment, sometime last year Zecca sought to purchase 10 kilos of cocaine from a handyman at his marina who claimed to have friends looking to sell.

As they were negotiating the deal, Zecca allegedly asked his handyman if he

CBSMIAMI.COM

“The so-called person that was the victim in this so-called murder for hire is a very well known businessman in town,”

could also kill Bruce Schmitt.

A frequent critic of city government who often appeared before the city council, Schmitt came from one of the wealthiest families in Marathon that still owns a large portion of the city.

Zecca didn’t give a reason why he wanted Schmitt killed.

But he did give the handyman a gun with a single bullet in the chamber, according to federal prosecutors. Zecca told the nascent killer to kill Schmitt at Schmitt’s waterfront home before Christmas.

Unfortunately for Zecca, the drug deal was a federal sting and the handyman a DEA informant.

As part of the sting, the FBI had Schmitt pretend to be killed. They posed Schmitt on the ground outside his house and took pictures of him, which were later photo-shopped to show blood and a bullet wound.

Since Zecca’s arrest the town has been buzzing.

“It’s been the talk of conversation at the coffee shops,” admitted Cinque.

Fueling that talk, during a recent hearing federal prosecutors announced the investigation was continuing and they believed Zecca was aided by “associates or co-conspirators” in the murder for hire plot.

“Do you think we know the whole story yet?” CBS4’s Jim DeFede asked Maimon.

“I don’t believe we know any of the story,” Maimon replied.

Maimon said a lot of powerful folks in Marathon are worried.

So why would anyone want to kill

Bruce Schmitt?

“Jim I’m as confused as anybody else in this whole situation, okay,” said a flustered Ralph Lucignano, owner of several businesses in Marathon, including Marathon Liquors. “I’ve been here for 35 years, I work everyday, and I don’t know what’s going on.”

Ralph Lucignano sits on the city’s planning committee. Schmitt and Lucignano are longtime business rivals. In 2007 the city council passed an ordinance which kept Schmitt from opening a liquor store down the street from Lucignano’s.

For years Schmitt fought to have the law overturned, and last year a judge agreed, clearing the way for Schmitt to start competing with Lucignano.

Federal agents have shown interest in Lucignano, pulling records relating to his time on the city planning commission, as well as records relating to his home. “[The FBI] asked me about Ralph Lucignano,” Cinque said when asked directly about it. “I think you are getting really way off base here. That’s just a lot of rumor. That’s a lot of speculation.

“This is just small town garbage that ain’t gonna go anywhere”

That’s a lot of fallacy. And that’s just making a lot of poop out of nothing, to be honest with you.”

But Cinque did say the rivalry between Ralph Lucignano and Bruce Schmitt extends beyond business.

“They’ve had some common interests besides liquor licenses and other things,” he said, alluding to the fact that Lucignano’s former girlfriend is now living with Schmitt.

“This is just small town garbage that ain’t gonna go anywhere,” he said of the gossip.

Lucignano’s house and Schmitt’s house face each other and are separated by a narrow stretch of water.

A former New Jersey motorcycle cop, Lucignano told CBS4 News the FBI came to his house to question him after Zecca’s arrest. And he said he knows they have been pulling all sorts of records related to his business dealings.

“Well I own a liquor store, I can’t deny that,” Lucignano said. “I own the Plaza Grill [restaurant] here and I own the fitness center. What can I say, that’s me, I’m here.”

Lucignano said he is embarrassed by the attention this case has brought him.

“I hope everything gets straightened out alright,” he said. “It’s not good for the community and I feel bad for everybody involved.”

Schmitt declined our request for an interview. After initially fleeing the country for Costa Rica when the attempt on his life was first uncovered, he recently returned to Marathon. Still worried about his safety, he now carries a gun.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 11 ]

SUICIDE WATCH Dramatic Rise In Suicide Rate Among Middle-Aged Women

There has been a stunning increase in the suicide rate among middle aged Americans, 28-percent in a decade, according to a new government report released recently. Among white men and women in that age group, the suicide rate jumped 40-percent between 1999 and 2010. And three times more women than men attempt suicide.

A

courageous South Florida woman spoke out recently to help us understand why.

Michele was always pretty and wellliked on the outside, but on the inside, she was always sad. She didn’t know why. Her first suicide attempt was at age 22. She overdosed on pills.

When she woke up from her coma, she felt great for about a month. Then she crashed. Anti-depressants helped for a while, but when those same feelings of despair overcame her, she tried to kill herself again at age 24.

“I really wanted to die,” she said. “I really felt like I wanted to die.”

Michele started taking drugs to fight her depression. The cocaine high didn’t last and she became suicidal again. The third time, she slit her wrists.

“I just knew from my prior suicide attempts that the pills didn’t work. So I wanted to do something that would work,” explained Michele.

John Giordano of G and G Holistic Counseling in Delray Beach said sometimes the anti-depressants aren’t such a good thing.

“Certain anti-depressants raise serotonin levels and blunt dopamine and

[ 12 ] July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

dopamine is the feel-good drug that we make naturally. When you blunt dopamine, the suicide rate goes through the ceiling,” he said.

Researchers suggest that the spike in suicide could be attributed to the availability of prescription drugs and the recession. But there are other negative life experiences that may cause depression: Death of a loved one, divorce, drug or alcohol abuse and menopause.

“Their self-esteem hits bottom, they start to get depressed, they start to get anxiety, they start to feel lonely, empty, a lot of competition with the younger women,” said Giordano.

Another factor: becoming an empty nester.

Soon after her third suicide attempt, Michele met her husband John and married. Things were great for 20 years.

But at age 48 her children starting leaving the nest. Menopause set in and those old feelings came back.

“The feeling of that depression is just horrible. The despair you feel and the anxiousness you feel is just unbearable,” said Michele.

Michele overdosed on pills again. It was her fourth suicide attempt.

CBSMIAMI.COM

“Their self-esteem hits bottom, they start to get depressed, they start to get anxiety, they start to feel lonely, empty, a lot of competition with the younger women,”

By Rhiannon Ally She finally got professional help and advises other women dealing with depression to do the same and know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Know it’s going to pass. It’s gonna pass. It’s not going to feel like that forever,” she said.

John advises loved ones to intervene. There are signs and symptoms of depression.

“Don’t sit around and say, oh, they’ll be ok, or I went through stuff like that.

They don’t believe it’s going to happen to them and unfortunately when the wake up, oh, mommy’s dead. And that’s when people say, oh my god, I should of, would of, could of, and that’s too late,” he said.

Some signs of depression include: •

Loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities

•

Irritability

•

Agitation or restlessness

•

Lower sex drive

•

Decreased concentration

•

Insomnia or excessive sleeping

•

Eating too much or too little

•

Chronic fatigue and lethargy

•

Unexplainable crying spells

•

Unexplainable physical symptoms such as headaches or body aches

•

Feeling hopeless and worthless

•

Withdrawal from social situations and normal activities

•

Thoughts of death

•

In extreme cases, hallucinations and delusions

Financially stressed? Desperate to make ends meet? So how far would you go to make some extra cash? In this still tough economy, there’s a new alternative income gaining in popularity that was once thought to be a social stigma.

Ca$hing in ON YOUR

BODILY FLUIDS

By Al Sunshine

CBSMIAMI.COM

If you had to pick a bodily fluid to cash in on what would it be?

“I

guess it would have to be sperm,” said Levl Lawrence, of West Palm Beach.

What was once thought as taboo, is now a new market for people who’ve fallen on hard times. Even an alternative annual income- cashing in on your bodily fluids.

“If somebody else can use it, why not.

But at the same time, it’s kinda creepy,” said Lillian Montes, of Loxahatchee.

“They get desperate and they’re like ‘Well maybe it’s not so bad,’” said Courtney Brock, of West Palm Beach.

And in light of the current economy, Dr. Mark Denker of the Palm Beach Fertility Center says he’s busier than ever.

“We get more egg donors in our practice when the economy is bad, absolutely. Egg donors typically get about $5,000 for an egg donation cycle,” said Dr. Denker.

And because donors of some ethnic groups are harder to get, the compensation can climb as high as $20,000.

“The reimbursement is more than the

“We get more egg donors in our practice when the economy is bad, absolutely.

Egg donors typically get about $5,000 for an egg donation cycle” 10,000 range for Asian and Indian egg donors. There’s less of them willing to donate. It’s a smaller population pool,” said Dr. Denker.

But a surprising explosion in male infertility in the last 5 years may have men seeing a higher return on their deposit.

Far more than the current $60 to $100 a donation.

“With the advent of male hormone

““Liquid Gold” is the newest money maker.

Moms making mountains of money off their surplus breast milk”

replacement, testosterone replacement, steroid supplementation for men who are doing body building, it’s really plummeted and we’re treating men almost as much as we’re treating women now.”

And the unprecedented demand for feritle eggs Dr. Denker says has inspired him to start enrolling women in a new, first of it’s kind program in our area.

“We’re actually establishing South Florida’s 1st egg bank, South Florida International Egg Bank,” said Dr. Denker.

Instead of couples going through the time and expense of a donor having them tested and cycling the donor, the eggs are available immediately frozen in the egg bank.

“They just choose the donor they want.

We thaw the eggs. Fertilize them with the partner’s sperm. Grow the embryos in the lab. And then implant them into the recipient couple’s uterus,” said Dr. Denker.

A less complicated way to get a quick $20 to $50 extra bucks? Peddling your plasma.

“I’ve had a bunch of friends like when they were just in college they would sell their plasma and stuff. I just kind of assumed it was something normal,” said Dr. Denker.

But now, “Liquid Gold” is the newest money maker. Moms making mountains of money off their surplus breast milk.

“Wow, I’ve never heard of that one. But I’m well, I don’t know about that one,” said Brock.

There’s even breast milk classifieds.

“I’ve never heard of it before but I think it’s incredible,” said Tina Frank, of West Palm Beach.

“This is just a modern version of wet

nursing and now moms can connect through the internet and share the milk via FedEx you know overnight shipping frozen,” said Glenn Snow, Co-Founder, Onlythebreast.com Glenn Snow, Co-Founder of “onlythebreast.com,” says the idea was born out of a situation where his wife couldn’t find a safe way to help other mothers in need.

Women can get anywhere from $1,200 and up a month to $20,000 a year for their surplus breast milk. A win-win for both moms.

“They are actually able to get reimbursed for their time and cost to produce, pump and package their milk and to send it off to the mother with the baby in need,” said Snow.

“When I gave birth to my children, there was a need where a mother could not breast feed her children and they came to me and asked me if I would help,” said Frank.

And there’s definitely a need. Snow says in almost 4 years since the Craigslist of breast milk was conceived, they have 17,000 members and over 2,000 ads. But is it safe?

“We offer blood testing for moms so they get tested for the 5 diseases that are possible to be transmitted through the milk,” said Snow.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 15 ]

Calendar of TASTE OF THE NATION MIAMI JULY 25, 2013 Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists - all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America. Guests can sample a world of flavors from more than 50 chef stations representing Miami's finest restaurants and also participate in a silent and live auction. To purchase tickets or for more information, call or visit the web site.

7-10 p.m.

312/805-3515

JULY 11: SUMMEr CONCErT SErIES: CLASSICAL gUITArIST PEPE rOMErO

JULY 6, 13, 20, 27: HISTOrIC WALkINg TOUrS OF COrAL gAbLES

Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 8 p.m.

Pepe Romero is considered a living legend in the world of classical music. He has been honored by kings, heads of state, and major institutions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.communityartsprogram.org.

Take a stroll through downtown Coral Gables and learn more about the history of the area and the buildings. The walking tours take place every Saturday, except holidays. For more information, call 305-603-8067. Cost: $10 and $5 for museum members.

Cost: $30 - $45.

CBSMIAMI.COM

Events INTErNATIONAL MANgO FESTIVAL JULY 13 - 14, 2013

Miami-Dade

IrON FOrk MIAMI SPICE kICkOFF AUgUST 1ST, 2013

Fairchild's International Mango Festival celebrates the mangos of India with a selection of cultivars sure to dazzle your taste buds!

Experience the world’s largest display of more than 200 locally grown cultivars from the Fairchild’s very own collection to mango tree sales, tastings and evaluations, lectures, food demonstrations, children's activities and Mangoville.

The Veranda Restaurant will be open for snacks and lunch, mango smoothies will be sold and island music will be played throughout the weekend. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Thursday, August 1, from 7 to 10 p.m., attendees will dine on epicurean delights from 50 of Miami's best restaurants. They will also drink fine vino from Wines of Chile and enjoy cocktails by Bacardi and beer by Stella Artois while listening to live music by local artists.

Tickets for the August 1 Iron Fork event and Miami Spice kickoff cost $40 in advance for general admission, $55 at the door. VIP tickets, which include an extra hour of dining, are $75 in advance and $90 at the door.

Participating restaurants will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to Short Order and visit newtimesironfork.com or ilovemiamispice.com for up-to-the-minute details.

305/667-1651

WWWW.NEWTIMESIrONFOrk.COM

JULY 4: FIrEWOrkS CELEbrATION AT THE bILTMOrE HOTEL, 1200 ANASTASIA AVENUE grOUNdS OPEN AT 5 P.M., LIVE CONCErT AT 7 P.M. ANd FIrEWOrkS SHOW AT 9 P.M. Colorful fireworks will fill the night skies over Coral Gables this July 4th. The City of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel, University of Miami and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, along with several corporate citizens, have collaborated to sponsor this year's event. The celebration will include a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, concessions, patriotic mascots, and a spectacular fireworks display. Rhiannon Ally the current co-anchor of “CBS4 This Morning” and “CBS4 News at Noon” will act as Master of Ceremonies at this year's Independence Day celebration. For more information, visit www.coralgables.com/july4.

MErCEdES-bENZ FASHION WEEk SWIM JUL 18 - JUL 24 2013

This fashion show is presented annually at the historic Raleigh Hotel. Timed to coincide with the swimwear industry’s largest trade show, MBFW Swim provides a world-class runway platform for designers to launch swimwear and resort collections and gain exposure with the national and international fashion, style, and news media.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 17 ]

CBSMIAMI.COM

The TruTh

About Caller

ID

SpoofS Telemarketers have found a new way to manipulate caller ID and your phone number could be the next victim.

It’s a crime known as “spoofing” where telemarketers, and in some cases con men, pass off other people’s phone numbers as their own when placing calls.

R

ick Zawadski has dealt with the effects of a spoofing on his personal phone number.

Zawadski said he’s gotten hundreds of calls from people who said they’ve gotten calls from his phone. The calls were actually coming from someone else who may have used a robo-dialer.

“I suspect these are computer generated calls that are going through,” said Zawadski.

Zawadski said since it started, his phone has been ringing two-to-three times a minute as call recipients dial him back.

“I started getting messages saying ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Why are you calling me?’” said Zawadski. “It’s an annoyance to me.

It makes my phone useless, essentially.”

Police said con artists and telemarketers like to spoof phone numbers, usually from the area code they are calling, because it

helps them to disguise who they are and increases their chances of getting their calls answered.

While it is illegal to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information for malicious reasons, authorities said it is difficult to catch the people who do it.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 19 ]

CBSMIAMI.COM

Laughing

Gas

For Labor

Is No Laughing

Matter

Many women in labor ask for some type of pain relief.

But would you believe laughing gas?

N

itrous oxide has been used for years in dental offices to control pain and relieve anxiety. Now it’s becoming more available to women giving birth.

“It’s really about having more choices, more low tech, more less invasive options for pain relief,” said professional midwife professor Judith Bishop.

Bishop said nitrous is a safe option for women seeking an alternative to epidurals or narcotics.

“Nitrous, unlike narcotics, doesn’t build up in the baby. It doesn’t build up in mom. It’s a quick on, quick off,” said Bishop.

However, it is not a pain killer.

“It just takes them to a place where they can handle the pain they feel good about their experience,” said Bishop.

“I felt that way, sort of like in a cloud,” said new mom “Shawna” who did not want an epidural or drugs.

After 18 hours of intense labor, she gave nitrous a try.

“I think it helped me a lot just in terms of feeling more relaxed,” said Shawna.

Anesthesiologist Dr. Jennifer Lucero said unlike other options, nitrous can be used at any time.

“They can use the nitrous when they want it and not use it when they don’t. They’re able to walk around,” said Lucero.

The use of nitrous oxide is far more popular in the United Kingdom where it is used by 60 percent of women in labor. Nitrous is also common in Australia, Finland and Canada where approximately half of the women in labor used it.

It has been used for several decades with “good safety outcomes” for both mother and child, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

[ 20 ] July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

By

“The use of nitrous oxide is far more popular in the United Kingdom where it is used by 60 percent of women in labor�

9 out of 10 Small Businesses

Risk iRs Audit

The Importance of a professional bookkeeping firm

A

ccurate bookkeeping is a necessity if you run your own business. It may seem to be something of a chore, but it’s vitally important that you keep track of your revenue and expenditures. Many businesses which would otherwise have been successful have been brought down by their failure to maintain proper financial records. Unfortunately, most businesses learn this valuable lesson a little too late.

It is said that 9 of 10 businesses, due to a lack of basic accounting structure and knowledge, are vulnerable to an IRS Audit.

Businesses that are chosen for an IRS Audit, in most cases, are assessed crippling levies, fines and penalties. All of which could have been avoided with the guidance of an experienced bookkeeper.

Underestimating the many different layers involved in bookkeeping is a common mistake business owners make.

Beyond drastically reducing your chances of an audit of your books, there are many other benefits to having an experienced bookkeeper handle your accounting. A knowledgeable bookkeeper can assure the 4 fundamental categories of your finances are always current and accurate: 1. Taxes - From income tax to payroll tax to quarterly and yearly tax returns, preparation of this information has to

be accurate and in compliance with the various tax agencies. Failure to keep your tax affairs up to date can lead to serious repercussions, as the IRS and the Department of Labor can impose large fines and penalties which could lead to the demise of your business.

2. Cash Flow - Easier said than done, keeping track of cash flow is critically important for any business and it’s only possible if you have accurate financial records. Many seemingly profitable and growing businesses have failed because they have suddenly been hit by an unexpected cash-flow crisis.

3. Expenses - Accurately tracking expenses and the method of payment is a must as expenses and capital outlays directly effect cash flow. Having a professional perform the bookkeeping ensures a better understanding of expenses and monitoring for tax and accounting purposes.

4. Profitability and Growth - Accurate bookkeeping allows you to see whether or not your business is actually making a profit. It is surprising how often business owners fail to keep track of this but it is obviously extremely important in guiding your business towards success.

Bookkeeping also allows a business owner to have a greater understanding of

how much progress has been made. You can look back and see patterns and draw comparisons with previous business years.

This can provide a greater understanding of the areas within the business which make a profit and where costs might be trimmed. This kind of financial analysis can help you to avoid problems and even plan ahead for the future.

It is, of course, possible to purchase software to carry out these bookkeeping tasks, which only provides you with basic financial data. However, employing the services of a professional bookkeeper firm to manage the financial affairs of your company could prove to be profitable for your business in the long term. Not only would they help you to minimize your tax liabilities, but they can also provide valuable advice on other aspects of running a successful and profitable business.

Bookkeeping may seem a burden when you are trying to grow your business, but it is essential if you are to not only survive but also prosper in today’s tough economic climate.

This important business column has been brought you by Joanna Kane, Keeping the Books, Inc. CEO. For more information on Keeping the Books, Inc please contact Joanna Kane directly at 305-446-BOOK.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 23 ]

CBSMIAMI.COM

Consumer Group Launches

Pool Safety Campaign With the heart of summer right around the corner, it’s time for parents to start thinking about their children’s safety around water. Florida leads the nation when it comes to children younger than 15 who drown.

D

rowning is also the leading cause of death among children aged 1–4 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Government data also show that African-American and Hispanic children between the ages of 5 and 14 are at a higher risk of drowning.

To raise awareness, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission launched a pool safety campaign at an event in Washington D.C. on recently.

“As we head into summer and families across the country are getting ready

to take their kids to the pool, we must remind everyone how important it is to keep a careful watch on our children as they swim and ensure that their pools and spas have proper safety equipment,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz told the gathering. “Working together, we can improve the safety of all pools and spas by increasing the use of layers of protection and promoting uninterrupted supervision to prevent child drowning and entrapment. With government programs like the CPSC’s Pool Safety, people can learn simple steps to take to save lives.”

CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum said parents should never leave children unattended around the pool area, keep a cell phone handy and make sure their children can swim.

“Swimming is a great sport. People of Florida love to swim, so if swimming lessons are available we can reduce the number of drownings in Florida,” said Tannenbaum.

Parents are urged to contact the YMCA at YMCAMiami.org to find out more information on swimming programs in their area.

“we must remind everyone how important it is to keep a careful watch on our children as they swim” July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 25 ]

OFFICE

Games Keeping Healthy In The Workplace

CBSMIAMI.COM

Games like Farmville, Angry Birds and Words with Friends are fun, but they aren’t as beneficial as a new group of online games that target your health. More and more companies have incorporated game-like features into their wellness plans and employees have gotten their game on to get healthy.

K

urt Augustine said that his job isn’t all work and no play. For him, working out is all a part of the game.

“It’s something you think of every day.

You’re really fighting for bragging rights,” said Augustine.

He’s logged steps on the treadmill and each mile added up to reward points at work. Augustine and his coworkers have also earned prizes and perks for eating healthy, taking vitamins and even getting a flu shot.

“They might compete in how many fruits and vegetables they eat during a day compared to their coworkers,” said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Health Miles.

A growing number of employers have incorporated games into their health plans.

“This is not your HR department telling you to eat less and move more. This is a game,” said National Business Group on Health’s Vice President Luann Heinen. “It’s fun, it’s social, it’s got employees talking in the break room.”

In addition to bragging rights, employees have won real life awards.

They have won T-Shirts, gift cards and even discounts on their health insurance premiums.

“Some will give larger gifts at the end where the winning team will get a day off or they’ll get a catered lunch or they get their name put

in a drawing for a gaming system or for a tablet,” said Julie Stich, Director of Research at International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans.

Companies benefit from the health games as well.

“Healthier employees who are more productive, they’re happier, they’re more engaged, they’re at work instead of absent,” said Stich. “All this can have a positive impact on a company’s bottom line.”

Jarden Corporation Human Resources Vice President Tonya Jarvis said the

to opt out?

Experts said companies can penalize those who don’t participate with higher premiums or deductibles, but they still have to carefully follow privacy, disability and anti-discrimination laws, or they may end up facing penalties of their own.

Augustine said in his case, the pressure came from his work.

“I think there’s a peer pressure to be in this program,” said Augustine. “But I think it’s a good pressure. It’s not like another thing I have to do for work.”

Kurt said that he has already won

“Healthier employees who are more productive, they’re happier, they’re more engaged, they’re at work instead of absent, All this can have a positive impact on a company’s bottom line.”

game has made a huge difference in participation at her company while 60 percent of her employees played the wellness plan game.

“It’s fun and competitive and it keeps people involved because there’s always the next objective to get to,” said Jarvis.

Stich advises bosses that every employee won’t join in on the games.

“Not everyone embraces the competition,” said Stich.

So what happens if a worker decides

since he lost five pounds and gained the competitive edge over his coworkers.

“You get to have a little moment where you pass by their office and go ‘I made it, where are you?’” said Augustine.

There are health games available that people can play on their own as well.

Phone apps such as Runkeeper or Weight Watchers have game-like aspects with badges and rewards for staying active and losing weight.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 27 ]

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

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CBSMIAMI.COM

The Dangers Of

The Dangers Of

Driving Driving Drowsy

Drowsy

Drivers getting behind the wheel with little to no sleep may be more common than you think. Experts said that driving while sleep deprived is almost as bad as driving while intoxicated. More than 60 percent of Americans have admitted to driving tired last year.

While many think they won’t fall asleep while driving, it happens and it can be deadly.

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ast month, Jupiter police officer Jason Starks, 34, was hit by a drowsy driver on I-95.

Starks said that he was driving back from the county jail, when a car crashed into him near Military Trail.

The officer’s car flipped over and hit a tree. Starks was able to walk away from the accident with no major injuries.

So is driving while you’re at the point of exhaustion more dangerous than driving under the influence?

In a recent test, a fully rested driver drove a designated road course overall did well. The driver successfully navigated between cones, parallel parked and pulled into a tight parking spot.

The same test was done again, only this time the driver had been up for 30 hours straight. During the course, the driver drove over

one of the cones and had a difficult time parking.

Results showed that drivers had a hard time performing every task while sleepy.

So what’s the best way to stay awake behind the wheel if you’re all drained out?

Drink coffee or caffeine twenty minutes before you drive and if you’re still feeling tired, you should pull over and take a quick 15 minutes nap to wake yourself back up.

“Drink coffee or caffeine twenty minutes before you drive and if you’re still feeling tired, you should pull over and take a quick 15 minutes nap to wake yourself back up.”

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 43 ]

Drop A new way to

That

CBSMIAMI.COM

D

iane Burlingame is one of those people but the mother of two boys is now ready for her swimsuit thanks to exercise and the Slim Belly.

“I needed something to like shock my body and this was the perfect way to get that middle area toned,” said Diane.

She did it with Slim Belly, a belt that’s worn around the waist while working out.

Diane was among 16 people who tested the Slim Belly for a month.

“I feel more confident about myself if my middle is toned,” said Diane.

The belt, which can be attached to different equipment, inflates and deflates during aerobic exercise. The maker says the fluctuating pressure heats up the area, increases blood circulation and burns fat.

Belly Fat heat up fat cells,” said Sandy Weston, owner of the fitness center where members tested the belt for a month.

“I’ve lost eight pounds, five inches above the waist and six inches below the waist,” said Aliya Keller, who tested the belt. She gained weight and had trouble moving after gall bladder surgery.

She said the Slim Belly has her back on track.

“I was shocked and surprised and motivated,” said Aliya.

Sandy said the Slim Belly is widely available in Europe. Her gym is one of the first American test sites.

“The people that needed to lose weight they did lose weight, but what I’m more excited about are the inches,” said Sandy.

Jason Carrington said since having kids and hurting his back he developed a pot belly. After doing cardio three to five days a week for 40 minutes with the belt, Jason dropped three-and-a-half inches around his belly.

A leading diet expert said increased circulation can help burn fat. He said there’s not enough research on the Slim Belly, and any results may be from exercise and dieting.

But the company says they do have research, and hundreds of thousands of people have tested it in Europe.

“The science is there. They are showing exactly what happens when you

Memorial Day was the unofficial start of the summer and swimsuit season. Even though South Floridians enjoy swimsuit season year round, there are some folks who tend to put on a few extra pounds over the winter.

“I love it. I think it really helped,” said Jason.

All the members who tested Slim Belly lost inches around the waist, about three and a half on average. All but two, lost weight.

In addition to working out with the Slim Belly, the maker says best results come with regular weight training, and a healthy diet.

A portable model is going to be available soon.

July 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 45 ]

M O N T H LY

Home Improvement

Planning

Your First

Home Improvement Article by Lowes.com

Garden

Ready to start a garden from scratch or rework an existing one? Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan and plant your masterpiece. Whether you have a garden for beauty, for family play, or just to relax, use these steps for success.

Beauty: Start with a focal point: a uniquely shaped tree or shrub, outdoor structure, or garden accessory such as a birdbath. Then add complementary plants. Strive to include bright colors and bold foliage to make the vignette visually pop from a distance.

Play: Like to play badminton, toss the ball with the dog, or let the kids run wild? Then your garden should include a lawn for play and sturdy, low-growing plants that can withstand occasional trampling. Avoid plants with thorns or sharp edges for safety’s sake. A grassy expanse of lawn also serves a design purpose: It gives the eye a place to rest amidst the chaos of crowded flowerbeds.

Relaxation: Unless you’re running for office, you’ll probably appreciate staying out of the public eye. Gain privacy from a strategically placed hedge, fence, or even a vine-covered garden structure. You’ll be more inclined to relax if your garden includes seating and shade.

Food: Aside from a veggie patch, you can also grow edibles in raised beds and patio containers. Or incorporate them into the overall landscape—blueberry bushes look great with spring flowers, summer fruit, or fall foliage. Colorful foliage plants such as basil and Swiss chard fit easily into a flowerbed.

Location: Once you know the garden’s purpose, locate it accordingly.

For instance, a garden for beauty should go where it can get some attention. Put it in the front yard where others can appreciate it and you can enjoy it from the front window, porch, or patio. A tranquil spot for relaxation works on the other end of the spectrum -- its best location will likely be in the backyard, away from prying eyes.

Size: Gardens take time to install and to maintain. Remember that when you’re figuring out the size of your garden. Begin by measuring your yard’s available garden space. Then ask yourself if you have the time and energy to plant and maintain it. One strategy is to start small and grow out with time. It’s easier on your wallet and on your back. For instance, you could plant a small corner in back or a modest foundation in front. Both offer a convenient backdrop for plants and can be planted in a weekend.

Or start really small -- plant a solitary container and add more as time and money permit.

Soil: There’s no better time to improve the soil than before planting.

Do a soil test (with an inexpensive soil test kit from Lowe’s or by sending a bagged sample to your local cooperative extension). This will tell you what kind of soil you’re dealing with and what nutrients are needed. No matter what kind you have, it’s a good

idea to amend it with compost, peat moss, and composted cow manure.

Dig the amendments into the top 8 to 12 inches of topsoil. This will help soil hold moisture and oxygen. If you have a heavy clay soil that sticks together when wet, you may need to add gypsum to help separate the dense soil particles.

Planting: Consider the type of soil and the amount of sunlight available when choosing plants. Be sure to plant correctly. Inspect the root ball. If the surface roots are circling, encourage them to migrate outwards by cutting roots at four equidistant points, as well as at the bottom of the root ball. Place the plant in the ground at the same level it was growing in the nursery container. If in doubt, it’s better to go slightly higher than deeper.

Backfill, tamp the soil to remove air pockets, and water well.

Aftercare: You’ll want to fertilize to give plants a quick boost and to adjust for any shortcomings that showed up in your earlier soil test.

Snip off faded blooms to keep plants neat and to encourage more flowers. And look for signs of pests and diseases, which can be treated with products from your Lowe’s Garden Center. Keep plants weeded and watered. Adding 2 inches of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, will help cut down on weeding and watering, but don’t let the mulch touch plant stems.

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Home Improvement

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