Marion Healthy Living March 2017

WHEN YOUR HEALTH OR THE HEALTH OF A FAMILY MEMBER MATTERS MOST, THE PROFESSIONALS AT CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ARE HERE TO HELP.

Full Range of Cardiology Services Consultations | Electrophysiology | Nuclear Stress Tests | PET Stress Tests | Echocardiography | Vascular Ultrasounds & Procedures | PT-INR Clinic | Holter and Event Monitor Clinic | TEEs | Cardiac Catheterization | Peripheral Interventions | Pacemaker Clinic and MUCH MORE!

Most insurances accepted. We are ICANL and AAAHC accredited. All of our physicians have hospital privileges in Marion County. Full EHR Capabilities and In House Billing.

WE GET TO THE heart OF THE MATTER

Shafeeq Ahmed, MD

Ramil Goel, MD

Siva Gummadi, MD, FACC

Vijaya Koka, MD, FACC

Jayanth Koneru, MD

Hima Mikkilineni, MD, FACC

Jigar Patel, MD

Srisha Rao, MD, FACC

Prem Singh, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Paul Urban, MD, FACC, FSCAI

U KNEE QUE

Mako™ partial knee replacement is the only truly patient-specific procedure, planned from a 3-D model of your knee and performed with proven, highly accurate Mako™ robotic-arm assisted surgery.

Compared with manual Oxford® procedures, Mako™ partial knee replacement offers:

• Less post-op pain from Day 1 up to 8 weeks 1

• Increased knee functionality at 3 months post-op1

• 9 times lower failure rate at 2 years2

Mako™ partial knee replacement is available at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Just like fingerprints, no two knees are the same. You deserve a knee procedure customized just for you.

1. Blyth MJ, Smith J, Jones B, MacLean AD III, Anthony I, Rowe P. Does robotic surgical assistance improve the accuracy of implant placement in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? AAOS 2013 Annual Meeting, March 19-23, 2013, Chicago, IL.

The Ocala Health Family

Advanced Imaging Centers

8150 SW State Rd 200, Ocala

2300 SE 17th St, Suites 302 & 800, Ocala OcalaHealthAIC.com

Family Care Specialists

2415 SE 17th Street, Ocala

1800 SE 17th Street, Bldg 100, Ocala

2300 SE 17th Street, Suite 402, Ocala

1111 NE 25th Ave, Suite 302, Ocala

10696 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview

4850 SE 110th Street, Belleview

8150 SW SR 200, Unit 400, Ocala OcalaHealthFCS.com

Ocala Health Heart & Lung Surgery

1500 SE Magnolia Ext, Suite 203, Ocala OcalaHealthHeartandLung.com

Ocala Health Neurosurgical Group 1725 SE 28th Loop, Suites 101 & 103, Ocala 1500 SE Magnolia Ext, Suite 204, Ocala OcalaHealthNeurosurgicalGroup.com

Wound and Hyperbaric Center 3300 SW 34th Ave, Suite 104, Ocala

Senior Wellness Community Center 9850 SW 84th Court, Suite 500, Ocala

Ocala Regional Medical Center 1431 SW 1st Ave, Ocala

West Marion Community Hospital 4600 SW 46th Court, Ocala

Summerfield ER 14193 S US Hwy 441, Summerfield

Health: Our family caring for yours.

We work every day to provide the safest, most advanced, patient-focused care you’ve ever experienced. Our team is ready to care for you and your family with our two hospitals, three emergency departments, seven primary care practices, three imaging centers, two surgical practices, a wound center, and a center for senior wellness. As Marion County continues to grow, Ocala Health expands to better serve the healthcare needs of our community. Whether it’s adding to our existing facilities or adding new locations and services, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life.

HEALTHY

beat

› PAGE 7

TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

By Laurel Gillum & JoAnn Guidry

› 8 What to do this month.

› 10 Calling all fat tire fanatics.

HEALTHY dose

› PAGE 13

INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS

By Cealia Athanason & Laurel Gillum

› 14 Poison prevention.

› 15 STD statistics.

› 16 Heart hints.

ON THE COVER:

best of the blues

The Florida Blueberry Festival returns.

› By Cynthia

McFarland

Happiness Is…

› PAGE 20

›  PAGE 18

What makes one person happy doesn’t always make another person happy, and one person’s state of well-being certainly might not be another’s.

› By Jim

Gibson

Get Your Green On

› PAGE 26

Green thumb success is totally achievable, but you need to do a little homework before you get your hands dirty.

› By Cynthia

McFarland

From Fail To Fix

› PAGE 32

If you’re struggling with obstacles at home, there are some simple hacks to get you through. The same goes for beauty. We’ve got you covered right here.

›  By Katie McPherson

HEALTHY

body

› PAGE 37

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUTY

By Angelique Anacleto and Laurel Gillum

› 38 A year of beauty: skin.

› 40 A closet cleanout.

› 42 Get your walk on.

HEALTHY vibe

› PAGE 43

MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

By Laurel Gillum

› 44 Body language blunders.

› 46 Clean up the mess (naturally).

› 48 Ride safe.

Photography by John Jernigan

ADVISORY BOARD

HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE has brought together a group of medical experts and community leaders to serve on our advisory board and share their expertise and insight with our readers.

Craig Ackerman Public Information O cer FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MARION COUNTY

Ashley Hersey Clinical Liaison KINDRED HOSPITAL OCALA

Ashley Cauthen, M.D. Cosmetic And Clinical Dermatology MIDSTATE SKIN INSTITUTE

Derek Farr, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon TWIN PALMS ORTHOPEDICS

Linda M. McKenna Director of Professional Relations

CHAPTERS HPH HOSPICE

Amy McLaughlin, APR, CPRC Director, Marketing & Communications SEVEN RIVERS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Katie Myers, APR Director Of Marketing And Public Relations CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Navinderdeep Nijher, M.D. Plastic Surgery OCALA PLASTIC SURGERY

Joseph Foster Senior Solutions Director SUPERIOR RESIDENCES OF LECANTO

Carmen M. Hernandez Health Education Program Manager FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Michael Holloway, M.D. Physician-Directed Weight Management & Medical Aesthetics LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA

Mark Jank, M.D. Ophthalmology OCALA EYE

Chris Okonkwo, M.D. Pediatrics CHILDREN’S HEALTH OF OCALA

Amanda Ostrom Director of Marketing and Communications RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF OCALA, P.A.

Jayanti Panchal, M.D. Internal Medicine And Medical Weight Management SUCCESS BY DESIGN

Carolyn Reyes, MPA, M.Ed. Community Liaison, Citrus & Hernando Counties COMFORT KEEPERS

Brittney Marthaller Director, Marketing & Public Relations OCALA HEALTH

Meghan Shay, CFRE Director Of Public Relations And Development THE CENTERS

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@healthylivingmagazines.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown art@healthylivingmagazines.com

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery karin@healthylivingmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Peterson melissa@healthylivingmagazines.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Cealia Athanason cealia@ocalastyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto

Brett Ballantini

Jim Gibson

Laurel Gillum

JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik

Cynthia McFarland

Katie McPherson

ART art@healthylivingmagazines.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessi Miller

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Christina Geiger

Kristy Taylor

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John SheilaJernigan fotolia.comHartley

SALES DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson deanjohnson@healthylivingmagazines.com

SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Lori Tani

Skip Linderman

Peggy Sue

Liza Fritz

Tammy Walters

Dawn Anderson

DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

Debra McQueen

Rick Shaw

beer & bbq

Barbecue, brisket, butts, oh my. Count us in for sure! The National Ag Week Cook O and Florida Craft Beer Fest is March 10-11 at the Crystal River Mall. Weave your way through food vendors competing for top prizes, seize the opportunity to taste some great craft beer and speak with the pros from Florida’s local breweries. All proceeds and donations will benefit the University of Florida’s Florida Hops Consortium. Tickets and registration information can be found at burtsfarmhops.com

day by day

Fun events, helpful tips and monthly to-do’s for March

ASH WEDNESDAY

See The Last 5 Years at Studio Theatre del Sol (through Mar. 19)

Book a zip-lining tour at the Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours

8th Annual Five Points of Life Kids Marathon at the Lecanto High School Track

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk 6-9pm

Strawberry Jam 5K at the McPherson Complex

Start a yard sale box for later in the month Daylight Saving Time starts (Move clock ahead one hour)

Preschool Adventures at the Marion County Library Headquarters at 10:15am

Clean and organize your pantry and fridge

Aerobics

Live Oak International

5K at Live Oak International

Shamrock Scamper

5k Run & 1M Walk at Pine Street Pub in Downtown Inverness

Have a family picnic at Sholom Park

Write a letter to an old friend

Deep clean stove, dishwasher and refrigerator

Aerobics

First day of Spring

Pack Walk at Silver Springs State Park Dust ceiling fans throughout the house

Aerobics

Visit Ocala Downtown Market (Every Saturday 9a-2p and Wednesdays, 3-7p)

Make corned beef and cabbage

Santos Fat Tire Expo at the Santos Trailhead

Girls Fly in Ocala at the Ocala Airport

Full moon kayak tour at Silver Springs State Park

Saint Patrick’s Day

Family Movie Night: Beauty and the Beast

St. Paddy’s Day 5K at the downtown square in Ocala

Drop off recyclables at your local recycling center

Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter

Clean Air Bike Ride at the Inverness Trailhead

Family game night Price yard sale items Spring yard sale

sparkly lime jello play dough

1 cup white flour

1 cup warm water

2 tbsp salt

2 tbsp cream of tartar

2 tbsp cooking oil

1 3oz pack lime Jello Green gel food coloring & glitter

Mix all ingredients together in saucepan. › Mix until most lumps are gone. › Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until dough thickens into ball. › Add gel food coloring while cooking. › Place on floured cutting board and cool. › Knead once cooled, adding about 1/2 cup flour until it’s not sticky. › Add lots of glitter. › Store in refrigerator in an airtight container. › Dough should last a few weeks. › If it becomes sticky, add additional flour.

Sources: eventbright.com, localraces.com, runningintheusa.com, modernparentsmessykids.com, plainvanillamom.com

a cycling celebration

The annual Santos Fat Tire Festival showcases the recreational sport of mountain biking, aka trail biking.

› By JoAnn Guidry

Whether you are a beginner or a hardcore trail biker, the 11th annual Santos Fat Tire Festival has something for everyone. Presented by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association, the event draws hundreds of bikers from across the country and will take place March 10-12 at the Santos Trailhead of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

The three-day festival of all things bike will include an expo, a free cycling skills clinic, free demo rides for all ages, ra es, an exhibition by some of the best mountain bike riders and a 50-mile ride. And, of course, there will be that festival requirement: food trucks.

The first question many people have is what is a fat tire?

“Fat tire is just another term for a mountain bike,” explains Renee Blaney, director of the Santos Fat Tire Festival. “Mountain bike or trail bike tires are thicker than road bike tires for better traction on the trails.”

The Cross Florida Greenway has more than 85 miles of bike trails, which were created and are maintained by OMBA. The Santos Fat Tire Festival is OMBA’s annual fundraiser to continue on this mission.

The centerpiece of the Santos Fat Tire Festival is the Epic 50, which is a 50-mile mountain bike ride from the Santos Trailhead to the Ross Prairie Trailhead and back to Santos. The Epic 50 is on Saturday, March 11, from 7am to 2pm.

“Annually, we have more than 700 riders participate in the Epic 50,” says Blaney. “It’s a great test and a lot of fun.”

For those not up to the Epic 50, there’s plenty of family-friendly activities. The Bike Expo will feature more than 50 companies that will display mountain and road bikes, accessories and clothing. There will even be bicycle-related art, jewelry and plenty of hands-on opportunities.

“You can sign out a bike to try out on a clearly marked 1-mile or 3-mile course for free demo rides,” says Blaney. “If you are already a biker, you can sign up for a free instructor-led skill clinic. And for the kids, toddlers and up, there’s a children’s track.”

The festival wraps up on Sunday afternoon with a 1pm exhibition by the top riders in the area in the Vortex limerock quarry. Think BMX.

“These top riders put on quite a show,” says Blaney. “It’s a great way to close out the festival.”

11th Annual Santos Fat Tire Festival › MARCH 10-12, 2017 › Santos Trailhead/Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway › 3080 SE 80th Street, Ocala

Friday, March 10: Noon-5pm

Saturday, March 11: 9am-5pm

Sunday, March 12: 9am-2pm

Free to public, $55 entry for Epic 50 santosfattire.com

Photos courtesy of the Santos Fat Tire Festival

We

Kathleen

Dr. Kathleen Telusma grew up in Orlando, Florida. She remained in Orlando for her college education where she received a BS in molecular biology and microbiology from the University of Central Florida. She went on to continue her medical education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Temple University where she earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Telusma went on to finish her medical training by completing her surgical residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Upon the conclusion of residency, she sought to return to Central Florida for practice. She is now happy to be the newest addition to Family Foot and Ankle. She treats a variety of foot and ankle pathologies with interests, including dermatology, wound care, bunions, hammertoes and heel pain.

ebola be gone

The first outbreak of Ebola came in 1976. According to the the World Health Organization (WHO), though, the time between late 2013 and early 2016 was considered the “largest” and most “complex” Ebola epidemic since its discovery. Fortunately, researchers have reported a solution for this issue. Using the same strategy to eradicate smallpox in the 1970s, ring vaccination, thus far, has maintained a 100 percent success rate in stopping Ebola. Ring vaccination involves vaccinating friends and family that come in contact with an infected person as a precaution. The vaccine uses an animal virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, that’s not harmful to people and is genetically engineered to contain a small amount of the Ebola virus to stimulate an immune response. The FDA was so impressed that the vaccine was labeled as a breakthrough and fast tracked through the licensing process.

prevention pointers

Poison is the leading injury-related death in the United States. National Poison Prevention Week is March 19-25, and the National Poison Prevention Council urges Americans to take note of the prevention e orts we can be a part of. Children and pets are the most curious members of the household, so do your part to keep them safe.

out of sight, out of mind

Think ahead and take precaution. Store the following away from children and pets—up high and out of sight:

› All medications and pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements

› Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine

› Alcohol

› Laundry and cleaning supplies (kids especially go for detergent pods, which have a candy-like appearance.)

› Pesticides and insect repellents

› Button batteries, such as those found in watches, key fobs, etc.

› Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.

› Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers

› Other household chemicals and cleaning supplies, including bleach, ammonia, etc.

› Anti-freeze, which has an especially sweet smell and taste and is highly poisonous to both pets and people

preventing poisoning

› Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

› Do not handle food around poison.

› Review the label on any potentially hazardous substance or product prior to use, especially before administering medications. Always follow the directions.

know the signs

Symptoms of poisoning include:

› Burns or redness around the mouth and lips

› Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner

› Vomiting

› Di culty breathing

› Drowsiness

› Confusion or other altered mental status

get help!

The National Poisoning Prevention Council provides guidelines in the case of an accidental poisoning:

› Call 911 immediately if the person is drowsy or unconscious, having di culty breathing or has stopped breathing. Call if it’s known that they took medications or ingested any other substance—intentionally or accidentally.

› If the person is stable, call Poison Help at (800) 222-1222 in the United States or your regional poison control center.

› Don’t give an unconscious person anything by mouth.

› Don’t induce vomiting unless you are told to do so by the Poison Helpline or a doctor. Poison that burns on the way down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.

› Don’t try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice or vinegar, or any other substance, unless you are told to do so by a doctor.

› Don’t use any “cure-all” type antidote.

infectious increase

More than a throwback to your grade school sex ed class.

› By Cealia Athanason

Sexually transmitted diseases/infections are on the rise, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study released in October 2016.

“Despite recent declines, 2015 was the second year in a row in which increases were seen in all three nationally reported STDs,” the study states.

The three STDs* reported were chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and the 1.5 million cases of chlamydia turns out to be the highest number of annual cases of a condition ever reported to the CDC.

Dr. Thomas Poirier, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician that oversees the teams that handle communicable (or reportable) infectious diseases for the Department of Health in Citrus, Marion and Hernando Counties, weighs in on the matter. On average, he sees between 16 and 20 patients each day, and, of those, he conducts between eight and 12 STD evaluations. Approximately one-third of

the STD evaluations are positive.

Combining the three health departments he works with and comparing the numbers from the past year with the numbers from the previous year, Dr. Poirier has seen a 6 percent increase in chlamydia cases, 35 percent increase in gonorrhea cases, 135 percent increase in syphilis cases, 32 percent increase in HIV cases and 8 percent increase in AIDS cases.

HIS TAKE ON THE INCREASE?

“Social media. Clients can readily find a ‘hook up’ using the various forms of social media, and there are apps specifically designed for sexual encounters,” he says.

The most common symptom of an STD is discharge from a genital organ and/or discomfort when urinating. Dr. Poirier also points out that up to 90 percent of STDs don’t have symptoms. The good news is that bacterial STDs—chlamydia, gonorrhea

and syphilis—can generally be cured, and viral ones—HIV, HPV and herpes—can be managed well. Dr. Poirier says that with an early enough diagnosis, HPV might even be cured.

Those between the ages of 20 and 24 are at the highest risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea, although the age groups 15 to 19 and 25 to 29 are not far behind. Those between the ages of 20 and 29 are at the highest risk for syphilis. Although abstinence is the only sure way to prevent contracting and spreading STDs, Dr. Poirier emphasizes the consistent and correct use of condoms.

“Condoms are always available for free at the county health departments,” Dr. Poirier says. “Unfortunately, proper use of a condom is not taught in the vast majority of schools.”

*STD and STI are used interchangeably.

Learn more › floridahealth.gov

heart to heart

When you think of heart attacks, elderly men and women are probably first to come to mind. In actuality, this isn’t always the case. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, is a type of heart attack that mostly a ects younger people, many of them women.

“It’s caused by a split or tear in an otherwise healthy artery that leads to a drop-in blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack,” says cardiologist Dr. Sharonne Hayes of the Mayo Clinic. Hayes, in an attempt to raise awareness for SCAD heart attacks, has pinpointed 42 as the average age of those a ected, with roughly 10 to 20 percent being new mothers or pregnant women.

Because SCAD patients are not necessarily prone to heart disease, researchers urge women to pay

staying young at heart

In many cases, women who have been diagnosed with anxiety are later told it was SCAD. Preventative medicine is key to making sure you are not misdiagnosed.

DIET. A well-rounded diet includes plenty of fruits and veggies, grains and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like fresh tuna or herring. Avoid salty foods, saturated fats, trans fats, sweets and red meats.

TAKE IT EASY. Pilates, yoga, meditating—whatever your choice, find a stress-reducing hobby that works for you and dedicate the time to make it happen. A little stress relief goes a long way.

NO SMOKING. Studies have shown that even people who smoke fewer than fi ve cigarettes a day can have early signs of heart disease. Talk to your doctor to fi nd out which method of quitting will work best for you.

ASPIRIN. Talk with your doctor about taking an aspirin every day. For some, this reduces the risk of heart attack.

close attention to symptoms and seek medical care should persistent symptoms arise.

› Pain between shoulder blades or in the left arm, chest, jaw or upper abdomen

› Pain during rest periods

› Dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, clammy skin, cold sweats or sweating

› Heartburn, indigestion, nausea or vomiting

› Discomfort or tightness in the neck

› Discomfort or tightness in the arms

› Discomfort or tightness in the chest

› Anxiety, feeling of impending doom, sensation of an abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath or shoulder discomfort

BLOOD PRESSURE. Monitor your blood pressure. If it is too high, talk to your doctor about how to lower it.

BLOOD SUGAR. Too much sugar can damage your arteries, including your heart. Schedule regular blood tests to monitor your levels.

MONITOR YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS. LDL is bad for your heart, and HDL can protect you from heart disease. You can improve your levels through diet and exercise. Consult with your doc for suggestions.

Life Care Center of Ocala~ Making a Good Man Great

Life Care Center of Ocala is known for providing superior inpatient nursing and rehabilitation services that promote optimal health for patients following an acute illness or planned procedure.

“Our goal is to be stellar,” says Desiree Holder, Nurse, Director of Business Development. “We want to provide a recovery experience that is patient-centered, progressive, that supersedes expectations and o ers a healing touch along the way.”

A Place for Recovery

In August 2016, 10 months following knee surgery, Robert Dinkins of Dinkins Realty was admitted to a local hospital for severe pain throughout his body. His initial thought was that his body would heal itself. He would soon learn, though, that he had become septic over time and couldn’t fight the infection alone. The doctors in the emergency room estimated that his infection was life threatening.

“I was told by the doctors, after many tests, that I had a severe septic bacterial infection and that it had been there for a while,” says Bobby.

Bobby spent three months in the hospital, underwent two surgeries and required a lung procedure. The next step in his recovery was rehabilitation. Unsure of where he would go, he surveyed many people and asked for the best rehab facility in town.

“Everyone I spoke to said Life Care was the best place,” he says.

Bobby was accommodated with a spacious and wellappointed recovery suite during his stay. His therapists worked with him daily on state-of-the-art equipment and utilized di erent

modalities to aid in his recovery. Life Care’s interdisciplinary team of clinicians guided and encouraged him until his goals became a reality.

“It was the professionalism and quality of the entire sta that was most impactful,” says Bobby. “The nurses smiled and genuinely cared for patients with love and a ection.”

Bobby feels 100 percent better. Because his immune system was practically destroyed from the septic bacterial infection, he follows a disciplined, healthy diet filled with yogurt and probiotics, coconut water and coconut milk, oatmeal, berries, kiefer and alkaline water. And while he believes that Life Care Center of Ocala is a place that provides top-notch care, he attributes his recovery to many prayers and God’s will. One of his favorite

Bible verses, Philippians 4:13, proclaims “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Bobby wishes to share a very heartfelt and sincere expression of gratitude to the team at Life Care!

More than a rehabilitation center, it’s a specialized pillar of nursing and therapy excellence in our community.

“It was the professionalism and quality of the entire staff that was most impactful.”

› Robert Dinkins

Best of the BLUES

Quick, let’s play the word association game.

I say, “blueberries.”

You say, “Florida,” right? If not, you’re missing something.

Michigan may lead the industry in U.S. blueberry production, but Florida shoppers will find the freshest blueberries right here in the Sunshine State, thanks to hundreds of Florida farmers.

You might like blueberries because they’re so tasty. That’s a no-brainer, but did you realize their amazing health benefits?

Research shows that blueberries contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, which help lessen the inflammatory

process associated with serious chronic conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and age-related cognitive decline.

With everything blueberries have going for them, it’s only natural there’s a festival celebrating these remarkable little blue powerhouses.

Mark your calendars for April 22 and 23, as the Florida Blueberry Festival returns to the historic streets of Brooksville for a jam-packed weekend.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a blueberry festival without blueberries in every form. You’ll find blueberry shortcake, pies and sundaes, blueberry lemonade, even blueberry wine, craft beer and vodka.

Indulge to your heart’s content at the festival, and then bring home fresh berries from regional Florida farms to continue your healthy feasting.

“The Florida Blueberry Festival has been a tremendous success. This is a regional event that reaches far beyond Brooksville and Polk County,” acknowledges Michael Heard, president, event and marketing coordinator of the Florida Blueberry Festival and also the festival’s founder.

Title sponsors of the festival include the City of Brooksville, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association and Florida’s Adventure Coast. Brooksville

has been adopted by the Florida Blueberry Growers Association as the home of their association and host city of the festival.

Heard notes that for future festivals, there are plans for a long-term lease to build a

at’s Happening?

Check out the event schedule at festival entrances:

› Over 250 arts, crafts and specialty retail booths and 85 artisan booths

› The Urban Slide®, a 1,000-foot Slip-N-Slide

venue and building for the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. In the meantime, Brooksville closes down tra c on two state roads to provide a downtown setting for entertainment, music, kids’ fun and food.

Blueberries And A ole Lot More

This April marks the sixth annual festival, and the event continues to expand, growing by at least 10 percent each year. Some 60,000 people from across Central Florida attended the 2016 festival. The burgeoning numbers are a direct result of the festival’s well-rounded appeal to people of all ages.

Families in particular appreciate the plentiful activities for children, such as the Blueberry Kids Zone, hosted by Suncoast Credit Union, where young festival attendees can try their hand at arts and crafts and meet Curious George and “Auntie Oxident.” Even the GEICO Gecko will be at the festival this year.

It may be April in Florida, but kids can enjoy “ice” skating on an artificial surface at the Spring Free Skate, sponsored by Oak

Slide®, a 1,000-foot Slip-N-Slide. Not just for kids, this is your chance to slide and splash all the way down the steepest slope in Brooksville.

When you’re ready for more “grown up” indulgences, stop by the Island Grove Wine Café and enjoy a glass of regionally grown and produced blueberry wine or craft beer. You’ll also want to try the fruit vodka by Fish Hawk Spirits.

Must-Hear Music

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

• Glad All Over Band: 10:30am-12pm

• Magic Bus: 1:30-2:30pm

• The Blues Bayeux: 3-4pm

• Gregg Billings Band: 4:30-6pm

• Head Games (Foreigner tribute band): 6:30-8pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

• Yesterdayze: 11:30am-1pm

• Let’s Hang On (Frankie Valli tribute band): 1:30-3pm

• The Bearded Brothers Band & Embry Brothers: 3:30-5pm

› Blueberry Kids Zone

› Spring Free Skate

› Curious George, GEICO Gecko, “Auntie Oxident”

› Fresh Florida blueberries and blueberry products for sale

› 20 food concessionaires

› Island Grove wine and craft beer bar

› Fish Hawk Spirits

› Street entertainment

› Live music

› Blueberry theater

› Friendly Kia Hospitality Tent

Florida Blueberry Festival 2017

The festival is also the perfect place for shopping as you meander your way through 250 arts and crafts vendors and specialty retail booths. When you’re ready to rest and relax a bit, make your way to the music venues where, throughout both days, live music and entertainment continues with everything from belly dancers to tribute bands. Plus, you never know when you’ll run into jugglers and stilt walkers who entertain and amuse throughout the streets.

You’ll be having such a good time you won’t realize that

the Florida Blueberry Festival is really about helping local charities. For a relatively young event, the festival has been highly successful in benefiting worthy organizations.

“Last year’s festival raised $50,207 for charitable partnership organizations,” says Heard. “In addition, we have multiple 501(c)(3) organizations that help park cars ($5 per vehicle). These charity beneficiaries keep every dollar earned, which totaled $42,700 last year.”

Sounds like those little blueberries really are worth their weight in gold, so don’t miss this year’s Florida Blueberry Festival!

› When? Saturday, April 22: 10am-8pm. Sunday, April 23: 11am-5pm.

› Where? Historic downtown Brooksville, approximately 10-15 miles west of I-75 at exit 301

› Admission? Adults (18+) $10, Youth 13 to 17 $5, Kids 12 and under free

› Parking? $5 (all parking donations benefit the charitable organization operating the lots)

› Handicapped accessible?

Yes, handicapped parking is also available at First United Methodist Church.

› Pets welcome? Yes, if on a leash

› Need more information?

floridablueberryfestival.org, (352) 754-4173

BY JIM GIBSON

happinessis...

happinessis...

Whoever said MONEY can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.

TAKE THE HAPPINESS QUIZ TO FIND OUT IF BO IS RIGHT… WHO’S HAPPIEST?

1. RICH PEOPLE 2. POOR PEOPLE

OK, if you went with Bo, you got the first one right—and I hope you did. (And if you did guess No. 2, then Bo and I have a bridge we want to sell you.)

Yes, research has shown that on the whole, rich people are happier than poor people. And it certainly didn’t take a rocket scientist to prove that one. It should be fairly obvious to anyone that sailing on your yacht in the Gulf while sipping piña coladas should make you a tad happier than scrounging around in the sofa cushions searching for change to buy a loaf of bread.

But, the next question concerning happiness is a bit harder— and just might prove that Bo should stick to acting and not to determining the philosophical aspects of happiness.

-ACTRESS BO DEREK

ON AVERAGE, WHAT MAKES PEOPLE THE HAPPIEST?

1. Wallowing in a bathtub full of money

2. A new fire-engine red Lamborghini

3. An iPhone 7 Plus

4. An Xbox One

5. A 20-room mansion with seven bathrooms

6. A family vacation to the beach

WHAT IS HAPPINESS?

When considering happiness, it might help to define it. Webster’s says it is “a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” That sounds simple enough, right? Not so quick. Can a subjective emotional state as complex as happiness be explained this objectively? After all, what makes one person happy doesn’t always make another person happy, and one person’s state of well-being certainly might not be another’s. With such subjectivity, maybe the only way to gauge true happiness is through the heart of the person seeking it. In other words, do you feel happy?

If you’ll look closely, answers 1 through 5 are material possessions and answer 6 is not. Surprisingly, in separate studies, San Francisco State University professor Ryan Howell and Cornell University professor Thomas Gilovich found that pleasant experiences, such as a family vacation to the beach, top material possessions when it comes to long-term happiness and feelings of well-being.

Sorry Bo, but my own experiences tell me the same. My Sony flatscreen doesn’t hold a candle to a three-day St. Augustine vacation my wife and I took with our small children in the mid-90s. The motel room (which, trust me, didn’t cost a lot of money) had a wall with a very large hole in it covered up with several Band-Aids, we didn’t have cable TV, we had “table” TV, which consisted of a 1950s-model television with rabbit ear antennas sitting on a small table, and the refrigerator, which didn’t work, had towels stored in it. Yet, that simple (cheap) vacation meant more to me than any material possession I will ever own. It was an experience to remember, and our entire family still laughs and talks about “The Vacation” with timeaided fondness.

And that is what Howell and Gilovich found through their research. “Experiencing” life brings us the most happiness. According to Gilovich, humans often think possessions, due to their tangible presence and long-term nature, bring more continuing happiness than the intangible and sometimes elusive memories of an event, but research proves that to be wrong. Both researchers found that happiness is found more easily in a pleasant memory than in anything we might ever own.

A random poll of a mix of 20 local adult men and women under 40 years of age yielded some interesting results. They were asked, on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being extremely unhappy and 10 being extremely happy, how happy each one was at this point in his or her life. Respondents were told the poll would be completely anonymous, and their responses were recorded with no other person present. I felt this would assist them in providing a

level of 3, eleven said 4, three responded with level 5, one with 6 and one with a level of 8.

These results are by no means scientific, and the test group is far too small to draw any viable conclusions, but it does give us a narrow sampling of the levels of happiness young adults are experiencing locally. Follow-up questions revealed that most of the young persons polled were more “global” in their thinking and looked beyond their personal lives when considering true happiness. Most felt a burden for those in need around them and across the world when considering the depth of their own personal happiness. In other words, if the world was a happier place, then they would be happier also.

Although this particular poll might seem to be slightly negative on the surface, it also seems to indicate that altruism is alive and well, and that is a good thing.

A study conducted by Elizabeth Dunn, Daniel Gilbert and Timothy Wilson lends some credence to our simple poll. Dunn, from the University of British Columbia, found that money, to a degree, does “modestly” increase our chances of finding happiness, but that increase is much more pronounced when we give our money away—and isn’t that akin to finding personal happiness only when others are happy also?

So, according to Dunn, the only thing missing in the lives of our young test group participants

like “putting your money

DUNN SAYS YOU MAY FIND INCREASED HAPPINESS IF YOU:

• Pay close attention to the happiness of others.

• Use your money to benefit others rather than yourself.

• Buy more experiences and fewer material goods.

• Buy many small pleasures rather than a few large ones.

“Experiencing”

LIFE brings us the most happiness.

THE BENEFITS OF HAPPINESS

Over the decades, research has shown that increased levels of happiness and positive thinking (the two generally go hand in hand) have positive results when it comes to social acceptance and improved mental and physical health. In other words, on average, the happier and more positive you are, the more friends you have and the healthier you are. It would seem obvious that persons with a positive outlook on life and who exude happiness would naturally draw people to themselves and thereby have more friends, but some of the physical and mental attributes of being happy are pleasantly surprising.

PEOPLE WHO ARE HAPPIER GENERALLY HAVE:

• Lower heart rates

• Less overall pain

• Lower blood pressures

• Less stress-related illnesses

• Longer lifespans

• Stronger immune systems to help combat disease

Studies show that happiness generally makes you healthier and being healthier should generally make you happier. This would make it seem that once you get caught up in the great cycle of happiness, life just continues to get better and better. But is happiness all a bed of roses?

Happiness generally makes you healthier and being healthier should generally make you happier.

Sources: Positive a ect and biological function in everyday life, www.neurobiologyofaging.org/article/S0197-4580(05)00276-9/abstract?cc=y=; A Dark Side of Happiness? How, When, and Why Happiness Is Not Always

Good, http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/ viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.473.7846&rep=rep1&type=pdf; A wonderful life: experiential consumption and the pursuit of happiness;

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5394dfa6e4b0d7fc44700a04/t/547d589ee4b04b0980670fee/1417500830665/ Gilovich+Kumar+Jampol+(in+press)+A+Wonderful+Life+JCP.pdf; The hidden cost of value-seeking: People do not accurately forecast the economic benefi ts of experiential purchases; www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2014.898316; A Dark Side of Happiness? How, When, and Why Happiness Is Not Always Good, http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.473.7846&rep=rep1&type=pdf. (Accessed November 15, 2016)

I’M SO HAPPY I COULD JUST DIE!

Yes, there are many upsides to being a happy person, but, believe it or not, many people have died from happiness. For instance, a few have died after discovering they won a lottery. Now, this should be considered a special instance as it involves the release of adrenalin and the reaction of the heart muscle, but some research has surprisingly shown that persons who are chronically happy die younger than their more moderately happy peers.

A study headed by Yale University professor Jane Gruber titled A Dark Side of Happiness? When and Why Happiness is not Always Good pretty much tells it all by its name. It seems that happiness has a time and place, needs to be the right type of happiness and needs to be pursued in a certain way—otherwise it could possibly have a dark side and might even be deadly.

According to Gruber, “lines of research suggest that although happiness is often highly beneficial, it may not be beneficial at every level, in every context, for every reason and in every variety.” She goes on to say that happiness is good—in moderation. It seems that too high a level of sustained happiness can have detrimental e ects such as 1) increase in risky behavior including alcoholism, binge eating and drug use 2) tending to neglect threats and dangers and 3) initiation of possible psychiatric disorders.

Gruber also cites studies that show persons who, according to their parents and teachers, exhibit a high degree of cheerfulness tend to live shorter lives. An interesting finding in this study was the fact that although these cheerful people did exhibit the same risky behaviors as persons who are “too happy,” it was not proven that these behaviors were the factors leading to premature mortality. In other words, highly cheerful people tend to die younger, but, as of now, no one knows why.

Gruber cited another interesting finding that the pursuit of happiness (our inalienable right as guaranteed in the Constitution) is not usually a good thing. It seems that the more we pursue happiness, the less of it we have. According to Gruber, “the pursuit of happiness may lead to maladaptive outcomes because it sets people up for disappointment.” Her research shows that if we put too high a value on being happy and if we also seek to increase our ability to be happy, it has a tendency to backfire and make us unhappy.

Before reading this, I had planned to include “5 Ways to Lead a Happier, Healthier Life,” but after reading Gruber’s study results I felt I might help you

better by not o ering any advice at all other than just accept yourself “as is” and hope for the best. After all, Healthy Living is here to help you lead a better life… not shorten it.

HAPPINESS IN A NUTSHELL

What all these studies tell us is that happiness can be positive and it can be somewhat negative. So, how should we interpret these findings? Maybe by taking a step back away from academia’s search for the causes and e ects of happiness and taking a look at happiness using a little common sense.

Is it better to be happy or sad and depressed?

Of course, it’s better to be happy. And even if over exuberance were to take a few months o your life, wouldn’t it be worth it? After all, wouldn’t 85 years of happiness and bliss be better than 85 years and five months of sullen despondency?

Want to be happy? Experience life, surround yourself with good friends, give to others, accept and love those around you and seek to see the positive in every person and in every experience. OK, so maybe I did include five ways to lead a happier and healthier life after all.

Get Green Your

By Cynthia McFarland

In case you haven’t noticed, Florida is a big state. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to gardening and landscaping. Plants that thrive in a Miami yard may not survive the winter in a panhandle garden. Here in Central Florida (planting zone 9, in case you wondered), we face unique growing challenges.

Green thumb success is totally achievable, but you need to do a little homework before you get your hands dirty.

“People realize very quickly after moving to Central Florida that this environment can be pretty di cult to have a landscape or garden in,” says Jack LeCroy, FloridaFriendly Landscape agent with UF/ IFAS Extension Marion County in the Ocala o ce.

“Our soil, climate and hydrology issues can be very challenging. Sandy soils do not hold water and nutrients well, and the climate can be challenging, especially with regards to rain. We need to know when our rainy season is, which is in the summer, how to acclimate our irrigation systems accordingly, and we need to be very careful with what we apply to our landscapes and gardens because of the sensitive aquifer right below our feet,” he explains.

“It’s not as simple as just putting a plant in the ground or turning the irrigation system on. You can have a low maintenance garden or landscape, but it cannot be one without any maintenance,” says LeCroy. “Simply planting a tree or shrub too deep can already start your plants o on the wrong foot. These are all things that we can help with at the UF/ IFAS Extension.”

“Many Florida gardeners are new to the challenges of Florida living with new bugs, new diseases and certainly new plants,” observes BJ Jarvis, director and horticulture agent with UF/ Citrus Cooperative Extension in the Lecanto o ce.

In many cases, you can’t rely on seed packet information for optimal Florida planting. Some packets give the same planting time recommendations for the entire state of Florida as for South Carolina and even parts of Virginia—and our weather and soil systems can be vastly di erent.

Jarvis finds that many Florida gardeners end up frustrated because they make two common errors: poor choice of plants and not watering correctly.

Many Florida gardeners end up frustrated because they make two common errors: poor choice of plants and not watering correctly.

“One of the most common ways that gardeners set themselves up for failure is not selecting a plant based on its preferred site conditions. If a great plant is placed in a location that is not wellsuited to its needs, the plant will become stressed. This attracts pests, may encourage disease and generally causes poor performance.

“Many plants in the retail trade are not hardy here. Either they are frost-sensitive and should be grown farther south or they su er in our intensive heat and humidity,” she explains. “Try to get to know your plants before purchasing. I suggest getting a list of plants together for each spot so that when you go to the garden center if they are out of one, they might have other choices.”

Watering plants is hardly a onesize-fits-all proposition and having an automated irrigation system won’t solve all your problems.

“Plants need di erent amounts of water during the growing season, versus dormancy from December through about March,” Jarvis points out. “In the winter, even when rainfall is not plentiful, plants are growing slowly and need watering about every other week. This not only saves water and money, it also protects plants from disease and other stresses.”

Jarvis finds that many homeowners are reluctant to adjust their automated watering system, but adjustment is important, both to meet plants’ needs and conserve water. (If you’ve misplaced the instruction manual for your irrigation system, you can search online or call the manufacturer’s tollfree number.)

Drought Tolerance

“Droughts in Florida are a matter of when, not if. Those of us concerned about protecting our precious water supply, while maintaining a beautiful garden should be choosing drought-tolerant plants,” says Jarvis. “This philosophy doesn’t have to preclude a thirsty rose or other water guzzlers—just keep their numbers to a minimum.”

LeCroy mentions that it’s important to di erentiate between the terms “drought resistant” and “drought tolerant.”

“Not many plants we use in our landscape are completely resistant to drought. Some plants just tolerate drought more than others,” he notes. “In the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program, we have plants that are shown to be more drought tolerant than others, and we like to incorporate more of those into the landscape. Even though we get about 52 inches of rain a year, it is not divided equally throughout the year, and we have been prone to some serious droughts in past years.”

Tabletop gardens are popular, even mixing edibles such as herbs into front-yard garden beds.”

Drought-tolerant plants are more “forgiving,” especially if you don’t have an irrigation system. Jarvis finds that most gardeners don’t realize that the majority of our shrubs and trees don’t require any irrigation after they become established in the landscape.

“There is a whole host of droughttolerant plants, so I often recommend

choices that have additional benefits, such as attracting pollinators or birds or have a beautiful flower,” adds Jarvis. “One rocksolid shrub is firebush (Hamelia), which has both standard and dwarf types. It has a long period of yellow-orange tubular blooms that attract hummingbirds, a

bit of fall color and blue-black berries that attract the birds in winter.”

Other drought-tolerant shrubs that also thrive in our area are hollies, glossy abelia and oakleaf hydrangea. (An added bonus is that these also do well when rainfall is plentiful.)

“One of my other favorites for color in the garden is angelonia,” recommends Jarvis. “This short perennial comes in white, lavender, deep purple and pink and blooms for about 11 months of the year. It is a good edging plant, works well in containers and brightens up a semi-shady corner.”

Gardening Trends

“Gardeners are taking sustainability and the local movement to new heights this year. Especially popular is gardening for food,” says Jarvis. “No longer are most urbanites creating a large rectangular vegetable garden ‘out back.’ Today, anything edible is grown in containers with colorful annuals and perennials. Tabletop gardens are popular, even mixing edibles such as herbs into front-yard garden beds.”

“Parsley, for example, makes an amazing border edge, which is ready for harvest at mealtime. Herbs are also super popular as an indoor or porch plant, growing in a really bright location or with the aid of a decorative, yet functional, light. This is especially helpful for those who have little to no inground garden space or those with limited mobility.”

“Gardeners are taking sustainability and the local movement to new heights this year. Especially popular is gardening for food.”

“More and more people are getting into edible landscaping,” adds LeCroy. “This could be vegetables and fruits added into the landscape or just herbs put in di erent areas of the landscape.”

LeCroy likes to incorporate plants that have secondary uses as well, such as those that provide food or shelter for wildlife or have another benefit besides aesthetics.

“A good example is lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratrus). This grass can have the ornamental grass feature in our landscape, but you can also cook with it or make a great tasting lemongrass tea,” says LeCroy.

Go Native

According to Florida statute 5B40.00, a native plant species is one that “is presumed to have been present in Florida before European contact.” One big plus of using native plants is to provide birds, pollinators and other critters with food sources that are a part of their normal diet.

“The population for the state of Florida is only increasing. The native areas of the state that have kept their original identities are being threatened,” notes LeCroy. “Native plants are a great tool to teach new homeowners about the beautiful native flora that we have here in Florida and are working to preserve.”

FloridaFriendly Favorites

Jack LeCroy, Florida-Friendly Landscape Agent with UF/IFAS

Extension Marion County, counts the following as some of his favorite plants. (Remember, know your specific site conditions before choosing any plant and adding it to your landscape.)

› Star anise (Illicium species):

Very tolerant, fragrant leaves

› Saucer magnolia  (Magnolia x soulangiana): Beautiful spring flowers

› Sweet almond bush (Aloysia virgate): Very fragrant flowers

› Firebush  (Hamlelia patens): Attracts wildlife

› Fakahatchee grass (Tripsacum dactyloides): Looks good year around

For more information on plant choices, try the online query tool at floridayards.org. The bottom left quadrant is the simple search engine with hundreds of plant choices.

You don’t have to be a pro to have a green thumb. You just have to be willing to learn.

Make Your Yard Florida Friendly

Follow these nine principles from the University of Florida/IFAS Extension to make your Florida yard thrive. Put the right plants in the right places. Choose plants that match each site’s soil, light, water and climatic conditions. Group plants with similar water needs. (Extension professionals and websites have numerous plant lists that fit many conditions, so feel free to call your local o ce and they can help you pick plants that fit your specific site.)

Water e ciently. Water early in the morning. If you have an automated irrigation system, calibrate it for maximum e ciency. Watch the weather; don’t water if it’s going to rain.

Fertilize appropriately. Select fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen and little or no phosphorous. Use UF/IFAS-recommended rates and application timings to prevent fertilizer leaking down through the soil rather than being absorbed by plant roots. Don’t fertilizer before a heavy rain and never fertilize within 10 feet of any body of water.

Mulch wisely. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and inhibits weed growth, but leave a gap of at least two inches around tree trunks to prevent rot and fungal infection.

Invite wildlife. Provide food, water and shelter that welcome birds, butterflies, bats and beneficial insects, which help pollinate plants. Select plants that o er seeds, fruits, foliage, berries and flowers that animals can eat, and provide a water source, such as a bird bath.

Manage pests responsibly. Use as few chemicals as possible. If insecticides are necessary to control pests, spot treat only a ected areas and use selective insecticides (not broad spectrum) to address your specific pest concern.

Recycle yard waste. Don’t haul grass clippings, leaves and branches to the landfill. Compost them instead, and once decomposed, add them back to your soil to make it richer and more fertile.

Reduce runo . Use landscaping techniques (berms, swales) to slow runo from rain. Use permeable walkways and driveways whenever possible.

Protect water bodies. What happens in your yard doesn’t necessarily stay in your yard. Protect water bodies by maintaining at least a 10-foot maintenance-free zone around them, meaning no mowing, fertilizing or pesticide use in these areas. Keep grass clippings and pet waste out of water as well.

To learn more about using these principles in your own yard, download a copy of The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook at ifas.ufl.edu or call (352) 273-4518 to request a copy.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you can just buy native plants, plop them in the dirt and expect them to thrive.

As LeCroy explains, native plants have been here a long time and have proven themselves in this environment, but that environment is often significantly altered. For example, when you remove native topsoil and change the water pattern by installing irrigation, this can a ect how well a native plant does.

In addition, homeowners often mingle native and non-native and/ or exotic plants, which can expose the native plants to pests and disease problems they haven’t been associated with previously. This just means you still need to do your homework about proper planting and care, even when using reliable native species.

Get Growing

The good news is that you don’t have to be a pro to have a green thumb. You just have to be willing to learn.

“Plants selected for aesthetics, color and possible food production can be accomplished in most any landscape with a little homework and the assistance of local knowledgeable Extension professionals,” says Jarvis.

FYI, Extension horticulturists and trained Master Gardeners can help identify plant needs based on site conditions and make recommendations. These green thumb pros are usually happy to speak at homeowner association meetings or club events, so reach out and invite them!

Learn More:

› http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/ lawn_and_garden/calendar/

› https://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/plants

› dis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450

› floridayards.org

› davesgarden.com

› garden.bsewall.com

EVER HAVE THOSE DAYS WHERE YOU THINK JUST ONE MORE THING WILL PUT YOU OVER THE EDGE? YEAH, WE ALL DO. SOMETIMES YOU COME HOME TO FIND YOUR FURNITURE COATED (NOT LIGHTLY SPRINKLED BUT COATED) IN PET HAIR, OR MAYBE YOU'RE FINALLY CATCHING UP ON LAUNDRY ONLY TO FIND OUT YOUR MISSING LIPSTICK WAS IN YOUR JEANS POCKET AND HAS NOW PAINTED THE INSIDE OF YOUR DRYER. IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH OBSTACLES AT HOME, THERE ARE SOME SIMPLE HACKS TO GET YOU THROUGH. THE SAME GOES FOR BEAUTY.

BY KATIE MCPHERSON

I managed to do my laundry today, but my lipstick was in one of the pockets.

Good news: Lipstick stains look scary, but you’re not as screwed as you may think. STEP ONE will be to pick up some WD-40 or Goo Gone, apply to a rag and wipe out any lipstick still in the dryer so your next load of laundry isn’t defiled, too.

STEP TWO: Assess the enemy. Lipstick stains are two-dimensional, so you’ll need to treat for dye and grease. In most cases, dye will come out with some pre-wash stain remover and a cold wash cycle (try dry cleaning fluid if this isn’t e ective). Next, apply a bleach-free detergent directly onto the fabric on the reverse side of the stain. Let sit for up to 30 minutes, then launder in the hottest water possible for that fabric.

NOTE: MAKE SURE ALL THE DYE IS GONE BEFORE TREATING FOR GREASE. OTHERWISE, THAT HOT CYCLE WILL SET THE DYE STAIN PERMANENTLY.

Source: home-ec101.com

We’ve got you covered right here.

Sinks

are damp, and many kitchen pans and utensils are metal. Put two and two together and stainless steel sinks seem made to create rust. Fortunately, it’s not a di cult problem to remedy. Grab your trusty vinegar and baking soda and mix to create a paste. Apply the mixture onto rusty spots and let sit for five to 10 minutes. Scrub o with a sponge, and, if it didn’t remove all the rust the first time, repeat.

Source: hgtv.com

pick up a brow tint or fiber gel. They brush through the hairs like mascara to darken and volumize barely there brows. (This writer loves Benefit’s Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel, $24, benefitcosmetics.com.) If you’re feeling daring, use a pencil and spoolie to draw small

There’s rust in my (apparently not so) stainless

2000s throwback, here’s the drill: Overplucked eyebrows will take three to four weeks to fully regrow, and thinner brows may take up to three months. Let’s disguise them now, and work on regrowth long term.

strokes, which look like natural hairs, and blend out. See the technique in action by searching YouTube for a tutorial. And how, pray tell, can you rebuild a trusting relationship with your battered brows? Show some remorse by coating them in a growth serum—

Lena Dunham swears by RevitaBrow, for instance, available for $54 on amazon.com. While it’s unproven, many women online say massaging a small amount of castor oil into their eyebrows each day for a month made a significant di erence.

Olive oil or vitamin E oil may be helpful, too

Source: cosmopolitan.com

The garbage disposal smells like, well, garbage.

Have you ever thought about cleaning a garbage disposal? It’s one of the most overlooked areas of the house, but one that sees the most action. Here’s how we get the stench out:

1

Dump one or two cups of ice down the drain and flip on the disposal and the water. Grating the ice will knock any food pieces or other gunk o the disposal blades. When the ice is pulverized, turn o both. 2

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for a while to dissolve remaining disposal goo, and then rinse away.

3Lastly, slice up a lemon or other citrus fruit, and, turning on the disposal and water, toss it in slice by slice. The acidity helps remove the last of the old food particles and leaves the disposal smelling better than new.

Source: hgtv.com

My cat won’t stop marking territory inside the house.

Thoroughly clean the sprayed spot to remove the smell. Products like OdorLogic CleanAway ($5.99, drsfostersmith.com) are designed to permanently eliminate scent and discourage re-marking, as harshly scented products may entice them to just spray again.

Next, identify the problem. If your cat spies another feline out the window, he may feel the need to mark territory inside. Close blinds when possible, and move your cat’s favorite furniture away from windows or purchase a cat tree for a corner to encourage him to relocate and stop creeping on the neighbor’s cat.

Cats don’t like change, so they sometimes spray to cope with stress. Just redecorating a room or changing work hours could weird out your pet. If you know you have an anxious cat, consider a pheromone spray or di user to calm him down during stressful periods. Be sure to stick to his routine as much as possible and provide extra lovin’, too.

Source: drsfostersmith.com, aspca.org

My pressed makeup powder broke.

We’re not supposed to cry over spilled milk, but a dropped, cracked eyeshadow palette? Tears are permitted in this case. But now you can take those busted blush and powder compacts out of the back of your makeup drawer and revive them in minutes. 1

Grab your isopropyl alcohol and some plastic wrap. Round up all the broken pieces into the bottom of the makeup pan, winding plastic wrap around the whole compact to keep them securely inside. 2

Using your fingers, gently crush the powder pieces into loose powder. Unwrap veeeery carefully. 3

Add a few drops of alcohol until the powder is saturated and malleable. Press it back into shape in the pan, and allow it to air dry completely before use. It should be good as new!

Source: refinery29.com

The best way to ensure cats don’t spray indoors is to spay or neuter before they’re 6 months old. If Kitty is spraying anyway, here’s what you need to do.

My dog is shedding. Like, a lot

According to a survey in 2010, shedding is the second biggest downside to having a pet (second only to death of the pet, mind you). Hair on your clothes, your floors, your car interior and, occasionally, your food. How can you bring the shedding level down a notch?

1

Bathe your dog weekly. Yes, weekly. Vets used to recommend only occasional bathing to prevent stripping pets’ skin of natural oils, but when gentle shampoos are used, more regular bathing helps rinse away loose hair without causing irritation. And of course, brush often!

2

Trying to get loose fur o of upholstery?

Dampen a rubber glove and wipe—all the hairs will gather easily. Or, spray the fabric with liquid fabric softener and water before wiping. You can use a squeegee, too!

3

If your vacuum isn’t corralling your pets’ left-behind hairs, gently rub a pumice stone over the top of carpets. All the hairs will

yellow from too much polish.

Don’t feel like you have to hide the yellow with more polish. Instead, banish it entirely.

First things first, always use a base coat. Not only does it extend the life of polish, but it protects nails from staining and yellowing. Next, decide which method of whitening works for you—you may already have the supplies at home.

Mix a few drops of lemon juice into 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Dip cotton balls into the solution, and rub onto nails until staining is gone.

Got baking soda and peroxide on hand? One tablespoon HP stirred in with 2 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda creates a cleaning paste. Cover each nail in the mixture, leave for three minutes and rinse. You can repeat this every six to eight weeks to keep nails looking naturally healthy. You can also simply bu nails using a store-bought bu ng tool, and the stain will bu right o .

Source: sheknows.com, glamour.com

There are water rings on my table.

First, find the audacious fool who ignored the stack of coasters nearby. Once they’ve been lightly smacked about the head, consider your options and choose a removal method to try.

1 Break out the petroleum jelly. Apply it to water marks, and allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, the mark should wipe away with the jelly.

2 Mix a teaspoon of salt with drops of water until it becomes a paste. Work that paste into the water marks with a sponge or cloth until the mark disappears, and finish by polishing the wood.

Dryer Sheets Do Everything

3 Mix equal parts baking soda with white, non-gel toothpaste. Scrub the mixture into the wood following the grain. Wipe o , and polish.

4 Stir together equal parts vinegar and olive oil, and rub into wood, paralleling the grain. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away.

Source: rd.com

BATTLE MANY COMMON HOUSEHOLD AND HYGIENE TROUBLES USING SOMETHING SIMPLE: DRYER SHEETS.

FRIZZY FLYAWAYS RUINING YOUR HAIR DAY?

TAME THEM BY RUBBING THEM DOWN WITH A DRYER SHEET. YOU CAN ALSO DO THIS TO ELIMINATE STATIC CLING FROM YOUR CLOTHING.

CLEAN YOUR IRON'S SOLEPLATE. RUN THE IRON OVER A DRYER SHEET ON LOW AND WATCH THE RESIDUE COME RIGHT OFF.

SOAP SCUM CLOUDING UP YOUR GLASS SHOWER DOORS? LIGHTLY DAMPEN A USED DRYER SHEET, AND USE IT TO SCRUB RIGHT THROUGH AND RESTORE SHINE.

A USED DRYER SHEET RUBS DEODORANT MARKS OFF CLOTHING WITH JUST A LITTLE BIT OF ELBOW GREASE.

Source: realsimple.com

Mani/pedis at the salon are pricey, and they’re time- consuming at home, but if your nails have turned yellow from all the painting, they may force your hand.

‘beet’ the burn

You walked or ran your legs o , biked until you dropped and lifted your body weight at the gym. Now it is time to refuel.

It may seem counter-intuitive to eat and drink after working hard to tone your body and burn calories, but a workout can take its toll on your body. Try this post-workout snack that provides the necessary recovery without packing on excess calories.

watermelon beet smoothie

1⁄2 beet, medium-sized, chopped

1 cup chopped watermelon

1 banana, peeled

1⁄2 cup coconut water

1 cup nonfat, plain kefir

1⁄2 lime, peeled

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp vanilla protein powder

Place all ingredients in blender, and blend until smooth.

face time

› By Angelique Anacleto

Flawless, radiant skin is still the holy grail of beauty, no matter what incarnation of unicorn makeup trend might fake a glittery glow. Besides the usual ho-hum drill of “don’t smoke, eat clean, exercise daily and get enough sleep,” sample these intriguing skin care takeaways.

acne awareness

If you haven’t enacted a resolution to remove your bacteria-laden makeup before bedtime, start tonight.

Before donning a popular zit-reducing light mask like IlluMask or actress Lena Dunham’s $35 Neutrogena pick, Tampa dermatologist Dr. Seth Forman cautions against ine ectiveness. In an ABC Action News interview, he explained that blu-light has not been proven to successfully tackle blemishes caused by factors other than bacteria, like genetics or hormones.

Instead, swipe liquid antacids from your medicine cabinet for handy DIY masks. Pepto-Bismol contains acne-fighting salicylic acid and inflammation-calming aspirin. Its beta hydroxy acid also unclogs pores and promotes cell turnover. Milk of Magnesia’s high alkalinity has been known to reduce excess oil and disinfect, while zinc regulates hormones and heals skin. Lightly coat, let sit and then rinse after hardening.

spotify

In other words, dark age spots or hyperpigmentation need to go away yesterday. And if you want to be an all-out beauty savant, blend up actress Salma Hayek’s homemade skin lightening hack. Her dear abuela’s recipe calls for mixing 3 tablespoons baking soda, 2 pinches salt, one cup glycerin, one cup hydrogen peroxide and juice from half of a lemon to fade pesky sun speckles.

our skin guru says

un-crinkle wrinkles

To parents, experts note that sunscreen use starting in childhood is the best possible defense for très gorgeous skin later. For the rest of us, consider these routes.

K-BEAUTY: If you’ve noticed from recent issues, our editors are excited when it comes to the refining benefits of innovative Korean beauty products. Genius, single-use overnight treatments help battle ever-arising skin concerns. For the supremely lazy, choose from a bounty of readyto-use fiber sheet masks soaked with restorative gels. Also, Aritaum’s Fresh Power Essence Pouch Pack delivers a high spa feel at a dizzyingly low bargain price of $1 at aritaum.com.

HYALURONIC ACID: Pu out lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring, hydrating wonder ingredient that holds in 1,000 times its weight in water. Current formulas contain smaller molecules for improved penetration. Here, too, Neutrogena presents purified acid in its Hydro Boost Serum ($18), plus Hydro Boost Water Gel or Gel-Cream.

Dermatologists can also perform microneedling or ionic puncture to impart hyaluronic serums below skin’s epidermis for superior results. For those with darker complexions, check possible hyperpigmentation e ects.

PRIMER: Up your selfie game with cosmetic primers that blow past BB, CC and DD creams to create an airbrushed finish. Primer preps skin, helps makeup application last longer, prevents creasing and polishes away lines, all of which is particularly helpful when outside temperatures begin heating up. Cosmetic brands each have their own version, but bloggers are especially gaga over BECCA’s iridescent lavender First Light Priming Filter for a luminous sheen.

Dr. Ashley Cauthen, dermatologist MidState Skin Institute, Ocala

“As we gear up for spring, it’s important to hydrate our skin with a nighttime moisturizer. The drier winter air leaves skin looking dull and wrinkly, so look for one containing retinol to combat fine lines.

“Ideally, you should also use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. If you find a moisturizing one, it can double as your morning face cream. My favorite is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (amazon.com: $19, 1.7 ounces). I never leave my house without this. It has a tinted option now, so you can use this as a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation.”

Not just a phrase, it’s our spring incentive to confront complexion needs head-on.

Megan

Forrest

Carrol Dillon-Smith Administrator/Owner

what’s in your closet?

The ultimate goal, according to fashion experts, is to have a grand total of no more than 37 pieces of clothing on rotation. By name, capsule wardrobes are usually updated each new season (spring, summer, fall and winter), and mostly are made up of clothes you already own. This is your opportunity to purchase and keep only what you really love, resulting in the closet of your dreams.

The method to this madness is simple: Fewer clothes mean more time, more money and more thought and energy for things that really matter in life. With every single option in your closet being something you love, the anxiety of picking daily outfits will vanish. This mini wardrobe is also good for your bank account. You are less likely to spend money on frivolous clothing if you know what you have in your closet year-round.

get ready

Approach this task with an open mind. Here are the staples to have in your stylish new wardrobe.

TOPS (11):

Minimalists typically stick to basic colors and patterns. Avoid words or brand names plastered on clothing. You’ll want pieces you can interchange easily.

OUTERWEAR (7):

This category would include overalls, cardigans or blazers. Their purpose is to make the plain shirt you wore yesterday look like a completely di erent shirt today.

DRESSES (1): Sorry, no excuses for getting out of parties for you. Every girl needs at least one

SHOES (10):

The last thing you put on before you walk out the door is easily the most important. Whether your outfit calls for casual or dressy, your capsule should hold shoes for all occasions.

MAKE IT YOU

BOTTOMS (8): From flared legs to jeggings, choose wisely.

Of course, these are only suggestions. Your capsule wardrobe should fit your own lifestyle needs. As an idea, donate the clothing you won’t be wearing to charity, and help someone else start their very own wardrobe.

“Less is more” is not often a phrase used in the world of fashion. Minimalistic wardrobes, however, are making headlines even so. Spring cleaning, here we come.

walk this way

Every time’s the right time for indoor walking workouts.

› By Angelique Anacleto

Every goal begins with that first step. And in the journey toward fitness, walking is nature’s simplest, easiest exercise. Video walking workouts o er a fun, convenient, low-impact format free of confusing dance moves, pricey equipment, gym commutes or bad weather. And in as little as 15 minutes, poof, you’ve quickly logged a full mile. It’s perfect for the cynical exerciser. (You know who you are!) So click a video, and give new meaning to the month of “March!”

Leslie Sansone: walkathome.com

Leslie has a warm, engaging personality, but don’t be fooled: She is a one-woman workout empire who has appeared in countless publications and on talk shows. To select any Walk At Home video from her ever-growing collection, sample previews on the website before purchasing. The most encouraging highlight is when Leslie indicates on the screen’s “meter” how far you have walked, half-a-mile and so on. Start with her one-mile programs, and then increase your duration and intensity to five sweaty, body-slimming miles. Leslie practices up to four basic steps and speeds up tempo or adds resistance.

Freshen routines with Your Daily Walk app (iOS or Android) featuring a month of varied programs: $50 annual membership

FOLLOW: Search for more titles from the swelling movement of walking video instructors, including Suzanne Andrews, Denise Austin, Jane Fonda, Madeleine Lewis, Kathy Smith, Lumowell and Prevention Fitness Systems.

or $5 (after the first free month) monthly membership. To exercise live with friends, check Walk15 classes held in Belleview and Citra.

The Biggest Loser Power Walk: amazon.com

Led by celebrity trainer and host Bob Harper, contestants from the hit NBC show The Biggest Loser become fellow classmates for four cardioboosting one-mile walks that increase in di culty, from beginner to advanced. Then fan-favorite contestants Tara Costa and Sione Fa playfully guide your cool-down. If walkers follow the enclosed planner for three weeks, workouts should total 26.2 miles, which is similar to marathon training.

Jessica Smith: JessicaSmithTV.com, youtube.com

Not only does internet star Jessica Smith sell several videos, but this popular gal also makes hundreds of high-energy workouts available for free on her website and YouTube

channel, many of which take only 10 minutes or are one mile in length. Jessica amps up the usual walking pace with more complicated moves. Pick up her Walking for Weight Loss, Wellness & Energy DVD (amazon.com) if you prefer watching a scenic yet familiar Miami, Florida, backdrop.

FUN VIRTUAL WALKS: No need to pack your bags! Virtual Walks videos allow you to travel the world right from home. An explosion of videos on disc, downloads, streaming or apps, provides the sights and sounds to keep you engaged, whether picturesque nature paths or top tourist sites in Paris, Rome, Hong Kong and more. Just be sure to note one mile for every 15 minutes of viewing. Try worldnaturevideo.com or virtual-walk.com.

WALK FOR CHARITY APP: Charity Miles free app (iOS or Google Play) lets you apply your miles walked toward charity donations. Earn 25 cents per mile for your chosen charity, track your progress and post to Facebook or Twitter to accept sponsorship. See charitymiles.org.

emotional overindulgence

Quite di erent from the hangover we experience after one too many sips of bubbly, scientists now have a name for the feeling you feel in the pit of your stomach when revisiting a painful memory or the euphoria we feel after a happy occurrence—they call it the “emotional hangover.”

One study published in Nature Neuroscience hypothesized that emotional episodes can shape future memories. How true that statement turned out to be! When study participants were shown emotional pictures, followed by neutral pictures, they could recall the neutral pictures easily. If the neutral pictures were shown first, followed by the emotional pictures, the neutral pictures were easily forgotten. Looks like our emotions do control how we see the world.

body talk

The phrase “actions speak louder than words” has proven itself true time and time again. In job interviews, business meetings and personal relationships alike, your body language can make or break the deal.

KEEP KIDS IN MIND

Half as intimidating as your superiors, your children can also read between the lines of body language.

› A gentle touch of the arm says you’re interested in what they have to say.

› Frequent eye contact (and putting the phone down) shows you are listening and ready to share feelings with them.

› “Mirroring” your child makes them feel as though you understand what they feel. For example, if your child smiles, smile back.

Here’s a list of what you’re really saying even if you’re not saying anything at all.

“I REALLY DON’T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE SAYING.”

Avoid looking around the room or sitting far back from friends or associates. Instead, lean into the conversation and tilt your head as you are listening to the conversation. This shows the person speaking that they have the floor and that you care about what they’re saving.

“CAN I LEAVE NOW?”

Watching the clock is a fatal mistake. Without saying a word, you have sent the message loud and clear that you have better things to do than meet with the person you are with.

“DO

I LOOK OK?”

Twirling your hair could project a variety of things. For example, one could perceive you to be self-conscious or overly concerned about your physical appearance. Your future boss or significant other is looking for confidence. Maintaining healthy eye contact demonstrates confidence, so does a strong handshake.

“I’M NOT LISTENING.” Slouching screams “not interested.” It is not only a sign of disrespect but an indication to potential bosses that you have no desire to be where you are. The brain equates power to the amount of space someone takes up; therefore, standing or sitting in an upright position is ideal.

“I’M RIGHT, AND YOU’RE WRONG.”

Uncross your arms and legs. Even if you are being pleasant, the other party may be under the impression that you are not open to what they are saying. Keep this in mind while speaking to anyone—kids and friends included.

“I’M LYING TO YOU.”

Take it easy on the gesturing, Pinocchio. Exaggerated gestures imply that you are stretching the truth. Show you have nothing to hide with fewer gestures. Spread your arms apart or show the palms of your hands as you speak, this indicates you are honest and trustworthy.

Melissa Singleton, PA-C

Dr. Ashley Cauthen

Dr. Christina Mitchell

clean sweep

Spring is in full swing, and it’s time for a clean sweep.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, household cleaners can contain an array of hazardous chemicals that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Not cool, right? These homemade cleaning recipes are easy and a ordable to make—and, even better, you’ll know exactly which ingredients are making their way into your home.

glass cleaner

2 cups water

1⁄2 cup white or cider vinegar

1⁄4 cup rubbing alcohol

1-2 drops of orange essential oil for smell (optional)

Combine ingredients, and store in a spray bottle. › Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first and then on the glass. › Crumpled newspaper also works very well. › Avoid cleaning windows on a hot day. › The solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

floor cleaner

all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer

(Counters, appliances, inside the fridge, etc.)

4 tablespoons baking soda

1 quart warm water

Pour solution on a clean sponge, and wipe.

heavy-duty scrub

(Think rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs, etc.)

Half a lemon

1⁄2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)

Dip the lemon into the borax, and scrub surface; rinse. › Do not use on marble or granite.

(Safe for vinyl, ceramic tile and laminate floors that are NOT waxed)

2 cups water

2 cups vinegar

2 cups rubbing alcohol

kitchen degreaser

1 cup distilled white vinegar

Natural liquid soap

1 tablespoon baking soda

Warm water

Essential oil (optional)

Rinse out a spray bottle with warm water. › Add vinegar, a drop or two of liquid soap and baking soda to the spray bottle. › Fill the spray bottle to the bottom of the neck with warm water. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil. › Shake spray bottle vigorously. › To use, spray mixture onto surface, and then wipe with a clean sponge. › Run a clean dishcloth under warm water, wring out and wipe over cleaned surfaces.

laundry soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Bar Soap (or another bar soap of your choice)

Washing soda

Borax

6 drops natural liquid soap

10 drops lemon essential oil

8 drops lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, and lightly coat the area before scrubbing with a soft mop.

Baking soda (optional) Grate bar soap or mix in food processor until finely ground. › In a large bowl, mix 2 parts washing soda, 2 parts Borax and 1 part grated soap. (Add a few teaspoons of baking soda if desired.) › Store in closed container. › If you are using a big enough container, you can skip step 2 and just put all ingredients in storage container or jar and shake. › Use 1/8 to 1/4 cup per load of laundry.

buckle up

The National Highway Tra c Safety Administration reports that proper use of car seats reduces child fatalities by more than 50 percent. Is your child safe?

The following laws are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Failure to comply with these laws will result in a minimum $60 fine and three points against your driver’s license. Children 5 or younger must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system. Here’s how it breaks down.

› Children 3 and younger must use a separate car seat or the vehicle’s built-in child seat.

› Children 4 through 5 years must sit in either a separate car seat, an integrated child seat or a booster seat using a seat belt. Which seat you use will depend on your child’s height and weight.

› Children 6 through 17 must be in a properly fitting seatbelt.

› The DHSMV recommends children 12 and under ride in the back seat of the vehicle when possible.

what does the AAP say?

The American Academy of Pediatrics takes safety one step further by recommending all infants and children through 2 years of age sit in a properly installed rearfacing infant or convertible infant seat.

The AAP recommends toddlers and pre-school age kids who have outgrown their rear-facing

installation education

When installing a car seat:

1. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Make sure you understand how to securely install the car seat in your car. You may need to reference your vehicle’s manual as well. Use the LATCH system if it’s available.

2. CAR SEATS ARE FOR THE BACK SEAT. This is the safest place for your child to ride.

3. LOCK THE SEAT BELT. Refer to your owner’s manual once more to find out how to lock a seat belt once the seat is in place. The seat should not move more than one inch in any direction.

4. CHEST CLIPS ARE FOR THE CHEST—NOT BELLY. Chest clips on a five-point harness should be positioned anywhere in the mid to upper chest area, not over your child’s abdomen. Most car seat instruction manuals tell you to aim for the armpit.

seat use a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer.

School-aged children who no longer meet the height/weight requirements for a harness seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the car’s seatbelt fits properly across

the child’s chest—not their neck. This typically occurs when a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall. The AAP recommends all children under the age of 13 should sit in the backseat.

Once your child is heavy and tall enough for the car’s seatbelt to fit securely and properly across their chest, they can graduate out of their booster seat.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on child safety seats and restraints, contact the Ocala Police Department or the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to make an appointment for a complimentary child car seat inspection.

Ocala Police Department 402 S Pine Ave US Hwy 441, Ocala (352) 369-7000

Citrus County Sheriff 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Inverness (352) 726-1121

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