Marion Healthy Living June 2016

Get back to what you really love.

Ready to relieve your hip or knee pain?

If hip or knee pain is interfering with the things you enjoy, the orthopedic team at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center can help you get back to your active life. Your medical care and comfort, desire to be informed, and need to get back on your feet are all vital considerations of our hip and knee replacement program. We also offer minimally invasive options, which may mean less pain, scarring and a faster recovery. For a physician referral, call 352-795-1234, or learn more at SevenRiversRegional.com/ortho.

Say hello to summer and goodbye to varicose veins

If unsightly, painful varicose veins have kept you from feeling vibrant, attractive or confident, you should know that the Board Certified Interventional Radiologists of CVH have diagnosed and treated varicose veins safely, effectively and permanently for thousands of satisfied patients.

We specialize in Endovenous Laser Ablation, a procedure that uses image guidance to direct laser-generated heat to close off and shrink varicose veins, and phlebectomy, in which your CVH doctor gently collapses and removes the varicose vein through a tiny incision. Both procedures typically take under an hour, with minimal downtime.

CERTIFIED, VASCULAR AND INTERVENTIONAL FELLOWSHIP TRAINED RADIOLOGISTS

Rolando E. Prieto, MD

David C. McKay, MD

Caleb R. Rivera, MD

Kareem I. Bohsali, MD

John Scales, MD

We contract with a wide range of networks, including Medicare, Medicaid, and file all claims with the exception of non-contracted HMOs.

Quick, safe and effective treatment is available, so when you’re ready to look and feel your best, call the trusted medical staff of CVH.

Missing the fairway 12 times is not something you had planned for...

Missing the fairway 12 times is not something you had planned for...

Missing the fairway 12 times is not something you had planned for...

neither was your trip to the ER

neither was your trip to the ER

neither was your trip to the ER

Since everything in life can’t be planned, isn’t it good to know you can count on short ER wait times at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital? Emergencies are our first priority and our wait times reflect that sense of urgency whether you have breaks or strains, stomach pains, pounding headaches or chest pain. Emergency trained physicians provide fast and friendly medical care close by so you can get back in the swing of activities you enjoy most.

Since everything in life can’t be planned, isn’t it good to know you can count on short ER wait times at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital? Emergencies are our first priority and our wait times reflect that sense of urgency whether you have breaks or strains, stomach pains, pounding headaches or chest pain. Emergency trained physicians provide fast and friendly medical care close by so you can get back in the swing of activities you enjoy most.

Since everything in life can’t be planned, isn’t it good to know you can count on short ER wait times at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital? Emergencies are our first priority and our wait times reflect that sense of urgency whether you have breaks or strains, stomach pains, pounding headaches or chest pain. Emergency trained physicians provide fast and friendly medical care close by so you can get back in the swing of activities you enjoy most.

ocalahealthsystem.com

ocalahealthsystem.com

ocalahealthsystem.com

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

West Marion Community Hospital

West Marion Community Hospital

West Marion Community Hospital

Ocala Health has the shortest ER wait times in town. Text ER to 23000 for average ER wait times.

Ocala Health has the shortest ER wait times in town. Text ER to 23000 for average ER wait times.

Ocala Health has the shortest ER wait times in town. Text ER to 23000 for average ER wait times.

Where’s The Beef?

› PAGE 32

Even if you aren’t vegetarian or vegan but are simply looking for a way to limit your ground beef intake for health reasons—there are tasty alternatives to that burger. › By

Jim Gibson

After The Sirens Sound

› PAGE 36

Deadlines mean something different when a few seconds can separate life from death. Step into an emergency room, and you’ll see doctors and nurses facing that reality each day. ›

By Cealia Athanason

Good News To Hear

› PAGE 42

More than 48 million Americans suffer some degree of hearing loss, and it is the third most common physical ailment behind heart disease and arthritis. › By Jim

Gibson

Musts For Men

› PAGE 26

DEPARTMENTS

HEALTHY

beat

› PAGE 9

TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

By Cealia Athanason, Grace Cali, Laurel Gillum, Katie McPherson & Melissa Peterson

› 10 Free-up your phone.

› 12 Meet Stan, the deaf dolphin.

› 14 VIP volunteers.

› 16 Business Briefs

HEALTHY dose

› PAGE 17

INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS

By Grace Cali, Jim Gibson & Laurel Gillum

› 18 Mosquito mayhem.

› 20 Let’s talk ticks.

› 22 Keeping patients healthy and happy.

HEALTHY

body

› PAGE 47

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUTY

By Cealia Athanason, Laurel Gillum and Melissa Peterson

› 48 What’s smokin’?

› 50 Hair loss help.

› 52 Manly mail.

› 54 Super supplements.

HEALTHY

vibe

› PAGE 57

MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

By Grace Cali, Laurel Gillum and Katie McPherson

› 58

Mental health for men.

› 60 Keeping your car in check.

› 62 Grow your garden.

› 64 Anti-stress travel tips.

Whether you’re a college student, a grandfather or somewhere in-between, as a man you’re expected to know stuff. All kinds of stuff.

› By Cynthia McFarland

Your Love... Our Expertise

We specialize in quality care and lifestyles for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Unlike other communities, we are licensed to care for them at every stage of illness. Lecanto and Cala Hills both offer separate neighborhoods for each stage of care– so this can be their home for life.

• Art, Music and Pet Therapies

• On-site Physical & Speech Therapies

• Specialized Life Enrichment Programs

• 24-Hour Nursing

• Private Studio & Companion Suites

• “Age-in-Place” ECC Licensed

• Respite & Day Stay Options

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 Barnes Patient Assessment Coordinator KINDRED HOSPITAL OCALA

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

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

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

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

TWO LOCATIONS

Superior Residences at Cala Hills (352) 861-2887

2300 SW 21st Circle • Ocala, FL

Superior Residences of Lecanto (352) 746-5483

4865 West Gulf to Lake Hwy. • Lecanto, FL

Here families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive expert care in our secure, compassionate community. SuperiorALF.com

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

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

Suzanne Santangelo Director, Marketing OCALA HEALTH

Linda M. McKenna Director of Professional Relations CHAPTERS HPH HOSPICE

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

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

Daniel A. Weldon, DMD Implant And Cosmetic Dentistry WELDON GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

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

Katie McPherson katie@ocalastyle.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Cealia Athanason cealia@ocalastyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brett Ballantini

Jim Gibson

Laurel Gillum

Joann Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik

Cynthia McFarland

EDITORIAL INTERN

Grace Cali

Allyson Montoya

ART art@healthylivingmagazines.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jason Fugate

ART DIRECTOR

Jessi Miller Castro

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Geiger

PHOTOGRAPHERS John SheilaJernigan fotolia.comHartley

SALES DIRECTOR OF SALES Dean Johnson deanjohnson@healthylivingmagazines.com

SALES MANAGER Sharon Morgan

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anne Farrior anne@healthylivingmagazines.com

Lori Tani

Skip Linderman

Peggy Sue Munday

Liza Fritz

Tammy Walters

DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

Debra McQueen

Rick Shaw

America’s 100 Best for Spine Surgery five years running

Recognition for Citrus Memorial Hospital’s Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence continues to grow. For the fifth consecutive year, HealthGrades has included Citrus Memorial in their annual list of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery. In fact, we’re the only hospital in the Tampa Bay Region* to receive the award five years in a row (2012-2016). Top-rated healthcare really is closer than you think.

Dermatological

Nurse - Esthetician

Over 25 years of experience

MENU OF SERVICES:

Clinical Acne Treatments

HydraFacials (for ALL skin types)

Oxygen Infusion Facial

European Facials/Microdermabrasion

Botox® (Allergan Cosmetic Grade)

Facial Fillers: Restylane® and Perlane®

IPL Photorejuvenation Packages

Hand Rejuvenation

Laser Skin & Wrinkle Reduction Treatments

Skin Tag Removal

Pharmaceutical Grade Skin Care Line

Date: ursday, April 9th

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Come meet our skin care experts and tour our o ce while enjoying refreshments!

You will also enjoy 20% OFF all skin care packages and products purchased the night of the event!

Enter to WIN 1 of 4 FREE door prizes!

2 skin care gift bags valued over $100 each

1 $150 Aesthetics & Laser Gift Certificate

1 HydraFacial treatment

Please RSVP by Monday, April 6th.

To RSVP or for questions regarding this

Steven P. Nadler, MD

Plug It Up

The sound level for a typical concert is around 100 decibels, and although concerts are usually tons of fun, that type of noise exposure could lead to permanent hearing loss after just 15 minutes. So what’s a music lover to do?

Researchers from the Journal of American Medical Association’s Otolaryngology— Head & Neck Surgery enlisted 51 normal-hearing individuals who were attending a music festival and asked them to take a hearing test before and after the concert. During the four-hour show, 25 participants wore earplugs and 26 did not. Not surprising, the results showed that those who wore earplugs during the show appeared to su er less hearing loss and ringing in the ears than those who didn’t.

The Storage Solution

This month we are not going easy on you. We are asking that you clear out your phone’s storage. (You know you need to.) Notifications be gone!

The Issue

Kodak moments only last a few seconds. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to capture one, only to be reminded that your storage is too full for one more picture.

The Challenge

Say goodbye to the useless apps that haven’t been opened for over a year. Delete the stream of pictures that are nearly identical. And rid yourself of music that you only downloaded to listen to once. It’s time you kiss notifications about upgrading the storage plan on your phone goodbye. Here are some tips.

Send, delete, repeat.

If you like going through old messages, don’t go this route. Do you really need one-year-old messages though? Set your messages to automatically expire after a certain amount of time. This option is much better than deleting old threads. On an iPhone, you can adjust how long your video and audio messages are stored. You can even set them to expire after two minutes.

Back it up.

You don’t have to take all the photos off your phone, but you can save space by having your photo library back up automatically to a cloud storage system such as Google+ or Dropbox. Apps such as these give you a ton of storage for photos and videos.

Stream it.

Sign up for a streaming music service. If you want to keep a few of your favorite albums for those dreadful times when Wi-Fi service is limited, that’s fine. A few songs won’t take up a lot of space.

Delete the apps.

Angry Birds? Candy Crush? You probably have some old games hidden on your phone that you don’t play anymore. Go ahead and delete them. If you want to play them, you can always download them again. Unfortunately, that brag-worthy flappy bird score won’t be there anymore.

Clear the cache.

If you use your Internet often, your phone is storing Web history and data that you do not need. To clear the cache, simply open the Settings app and scroll to clear history and website data.

You’ve got a voicemail.

The trend here is to delete virtually everything you don’t need on your phone, voicemails included. Who listens to them anyway? If you think that you may have a call with important information stored, grab a pen and paper, write down the number, then get rid of it!

Each month we create a new challenge for our readers to try to improve some aspect of their life.

The Nature Coast’s LOCAL radio stations!

More music & less talk.

We know why our audience listens to our stations…because they LOVE THE MUSIC! So we avoid DJ chatter and deliver the greatest Top 40 and Classic hits of all time, along with important information like news, sports and weather. As a result, our listeners listen longer!

The Nature Coast’s #1 hit music station

Classic Hits

Classic Hits

When Stan Stranded

One dolphin’s struggle with hearing loss

By Cealia Athanason

Stan is a rough-toothed dolphin who’s had to learn to live with significant hearing loss. Last June, he became stranded on Clearwater Beach’s shore. When Clearwater Marine Aquarium found him and transported him to SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Center for immediate care, Stan’s journey to health had just begun.

“Upon arrival at SeaWorld, the dolphin was extremely weak. He was placed in a quarantine pool where veterinarians treated him with fluids, nutrition and antibiotics, and animal care experts monitored his every breath and physical activity,” according to a SeaWorld press release.

Stan was too weak to swim on his own, and SeaWorld’s Animal Care experts physically walked alongside him to help him get stronger. They found marine sponge in his digestive tract, which had created blockages, and, after continued testing, they decided to perform a hearing test to determine the cause for stranding.

To perform the hearing test, electrodes were placed on Stan’s head to see if he would react to the frequency of the sound waves. SeaWorld and the National Marine Mammal Foundation found that Stan had lost most of his hearing and realized that was the most probable cause for his beaching. Dolphins hear through the sound waves that bounce off of their jaws and into their ears. When dolphins have hearing

problems, this can negatively affect their echolocation. Echolocation gives dolphins the ability to navigate and forage.

After six months of care, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association determined that Stan was non-releasable and that Gulf World Marine Park would be the best place for him to receive care and live out the rest of his days. Gulf World is located in Panama City Beach and is the only facility in North America to house rough-toothed dolphins in long-term human care. With dozens of animal trainers, a vet and a vet tech, Stan is well taken care of and enjoys the company of five other rough-toothed dolphins, though he hangs with one of them—his bud, Astro—most of the time.

“It is extremely important that Stan stay with the same species,” says Secret Holmes-Douglas, Gulf World’s zoological director. “With complete hearing loss, Stan would most likely not survive [in the wild], which is why he was deemed non-releasable.”

To compensate for his hearing loss, Stan relies heavily on his vision. According to Stephanie Southern, Gulf World’s education coordinator, and Holmes-Douglas, trainers use visual and tactile cues with Stan instead of audio cues. Stan is adapting well and is now part of the rough-toothed dolphin family at the park.

Photo courtesy of of Gulf World

It is extremely important that Stan stay with the same species. With complete hearing loss, Stan would most likely not survive [in the wild].

› Secret Holmes-Douglas

Seniors Who Serve

Marion Senior Services honors all-star board members Juanita Cunningham and Biddie Kirk for decades of devotion.

›

By Katie McPherson

Marion Senior Services works to help elderly, disabled and disadvantaged members of the community maintain their independent living status through transportation services, meal delivery and in-home support. None of this would be possible without dedicated and compassionate volunteers.

Juanita Cunningham and Biddie Kirk are nothing if not dedicated and compassionate. Anyone who needs evidence of their service need only review the numbers—Mrs. Cunningham has served on the board for over 30 years and Mrs. Kirk for 21.

But their devotion goes beyond years served. While occupying their leadership roles, they’ve made extra efforts along the way to ensure seniors in the community have everything they need. For Kirk, this meant delivering well-balanced meals to recipients’ homes for the meal delivery program, which provides over 400 meals daily.

“I drove one route every third and fifth Tuesday. I had 10 or 12 individual stops. I think they welcome the driver and are glad to see somebody, and of course, if you find someone having a

major problem, you let the office know immediately, so that’s good because it’s kind of like a well check,” she says. “That’s our main mission—to be able to help seniors stay in their homes and provide the services that enable them to do that.”

Cunningham became involved in the organization after being invited to a meeting in the ‘80s.

“Being the person that I am, I’m always concerned about the persons who fall in the category of the less fortunate because I too was less fortunate growing up. When I learned of the many things Senior Services was doing for the aged, the sick… there were so many people who were not getting a good meal. I was ready to do what I could do,” she recalls.

During her service, Cunningham chaired the membership committee for many years and did her part to secure community contributions used to furnish the Marion Senior Services building after its construction.

“I knew of a lot of churches where they had members who were recipients of services from Marion Senior Services. We called on them, sat and talked with them and they made contributions,” she recalls.

Both women were honored in April at the Reilly Arts Center during the Marion Senior Services All Stars recognition event.

“Board members are vital to any nonprofit organization and are charged with a number of responsibilities, including establishing mission statements, setting guidelines for policies and procedures and acquiring sufficient resources to ensure organization operations,” says Marion Senior Services’ Executive Director Jennifer Martinez. “These women should be celebrated for their contributions, not only to Marion Senior Services but to our community as a whole. Their beautiful grace has extended far beyond our services, touching lives everywhere they go.”

Their beautiful grace has extended far beyond our services, touching lives everywhere they go.

› Jennifer Martinez

Photos by Joshua Rosario

Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. During a rigorous on-site review, Joint Commission experts evaluated Seven Rivers Regional’s compliance with strokerelated standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care and performance improvement.

“Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of stroke patients through its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers,” said Michele Sacco, M.S., interim executive director, certification programs. “We commend Seven Rivers Regional for becoming a leader in stroke care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for stroke patients in its community.”

A Job Well Done

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Vipul Patel and Dr. Meera Iyengar have been nominated by the North & Central Florida Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as Man/Woman of the Year for 2016. After an intensive nominating and vetting process, these two outstanding community leaders accepted the challenge to engage in a spirited competition to raise funds for blood cancer research and earn the coveted title of “Man/Woman of the Year.”

Brad Prechtl, CEO of FCS, said, “So many of our physicians go far beyond their professional commitment of treating cancer patients by agreeing to support fundraising efforts such as this. It is a testimony to the level of compassion and care our doctors have for their patients.”

Selfless Giving

In a private ceremony, Ann Amato was recently honored for her 30 years of service to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. For three decades she has been volunteering at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and is usually the face that greets you at Welcome Center A on Wednesday afternoons. In her years of service, she has logged in an excess of 9,200 hours.

“Her dedication, commitment, loyalty and service to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is insurmountable,” said Donna Owen, manager of volunteer services, who presented Ann with her award.

High-Tech Health

Ocala Health is the first in greater Marion County to offer Mako Partial Knee Replacement and Mako Total Hip Replacement procedures, performed using the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System. The Mako system is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables accurate alignment and placement of implants. The robot will be used at Ocala Regional Medical Center by orthopedic surgeons on staff at Ocala Health. The Mako system enables surgeons to personalize partial knee and total hip arthroplasties to achieve optimal results at a level of accuracy and reproducibility previously unattainable with conventional instrumentation.

Bigger & Better

The College of Central Florida has received a grant for $416,032 from the Marion County Hospital District to renovate the Marion County Dental Clinic at the CF Hampton Center. The funds are part of a $1.9 million grant package that will develop local health care programs. With its portion of the grant, CF will add five chairs/dental stations, increasing to 13 total. With the added seats, the clinic will be able to provide more than 6,000 adult dental treatments annually, an estimated increase of 215 percent. CF partners with the Department of Health in Marion County to provide dental care to underserved populations and hands-on training to students in the CF Dental Assisting program.

Warning Signs

Cardiac arrest is a deadly condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating.

Up until recently, it was believed to strike without warning, but a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine has revealed that cardiac arrest may have warning signs after all. About half of the patients who su ered cardiac arrest experienced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal or back pain beforehand. The patients who responded to the early symptoms had better outcomes than those who didn’t. The take away? Make note of the potential pre-arrest signs, and seek help as soon as possible if you suspect you might be experiencing a heart attack.

Florida’s Tropical Update

Eighty species of mosquitoes are found in Florida—more than any other state in the nation—and 13 species carry diseases that a ect humans. Here are the facts on seven tropical diseases that have been found in the state.

Chikungunya Fever

VECTOR: Day-feeding Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) and Aedes albopictus (A. albopictus) mosquitoes found statewide

SYMPTOMS: High fever, rash, severe joint pain and (less likely) headache, diarrhea, vomiting, conjunctivitis and fatigue

INCUBATION PERIOD: Three to seven days; more than 70 percent of persons infected will exhibit symptoms

VACCINE: None available

CASE FATALITY RATE: Less than 1 in 1,000 people

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: From 2014-2016, there have been 545 cases of CHIK diagnosed in the state with 12 of those being locally acquired (the only locally acquired instances of CHIK in the United States).

West Nile Virus

VECTOR: Night-feeding Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes found statewide

SYMPTOMS: Very similar to flu; headache, fever, fatigue, body aches, weakness and sometimes a rash. In a small percentage of cases persons infected may su er from temporary paralysis. In less than 1 percent of cases, WNV can lead to severe illness, which includes encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis or poliomyelitis.

INCUBATION PERIOD: Two to 15 days and only 20 percent of persons infected will exhibit symptoms

VACCINE: None available

CASE FATALITY RATE: One in 150 persons infected progress to severe illness with 3-15 percent of those persons succumbing to the virus.

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: Since 2001, there have been 352 cases resulting in one death. There was one case in Marion County in 2015.

Zika Virus

VECTOR: Day-feeding A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes; can be sexually transmitted through human semen; can be transmitted through blood via transfusion

SYMPTOMS: Fever, muscle and joint pain, rash, headache, vomiting and conjunctivitis. Only one in five people infected exhibit symptoms.

INCUBATION PERIOD: Unknown; presumably several days

VACCINE: None available

CASE FATALITY RATE: In healthy adults this is a very mild disease but has been linked to birth defects in the children of women infected while pregnant. It has also been linked to instances of Guillain-Barre syndrome

in persons of all ages and genders.

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: 102 travel-related cases statewide with one case of sexually transmitted Zika reported in Polk County in March.

Editor's Note: Numbers were current as of press time. Visit floridahealth.gov or cdc.gov/zika for upto-date information. Updates by these agencies are provided weekly.

With media attention focused on the Zika virus, it is important to remember that Central Florida is home to several mosquito species that also pose other significant viral dangers.

St. Louis Encephalitis

VECTOR: Night-feeding Culex species mosquitoes found statewide

SYMPTOMS: Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue and (in severe cases) sti neck, seizures and coma

INCUBATION PERIOD: Five to 15 days with only a small percentage of infected persons exhibiting symptoms

VACCINE: None available

CASE FATALITY RATE: Three to 30 percent in severe cases

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: More than 375 cases reported historically but only two in 2014 and none in the last year.

Dengue Fever

VECTOR: Day-feeding A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes.

SYMPTOMS: Sudden fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain and vomiting. Five percent of those infected progress to severe illness with associated fluid retention, internal bleeding and possible organ failure.

INCUBATION PERIOD: Three to 14 days with symptoms appearing in 20 percent of those infected

VACCINE: None available

CASE FATALITY RATE: Slightly less than one in 100 cases

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: One case in 2015, none so far this year. There were 13 cases reported in Key West in 2009-2010.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

VECTOR: Aedes vexans and Coquillettidia perturbans mosquitoes found statewide

SYMPTOMS: Sudden-onset fever, chills, fatigue and muscle and joint pain and (in severe cases) irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, seizures and coma

INCUBATION PERIOD: Four to 10 days

VACCINE: None available for humans but one is available for horses

CASE FATALITY RATE: 33 percent

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: Since 2004, there have been 15 cases, some locally.

Malaria

VECTOR: Dusk- or night-feeding Anopheles species found statewide

SYMPTOMS: Fever, headache, vomiting and fatigue and (in severe cases) retinal damage, jaundice, anemia, respiratory distress, seizures and coma

INCUBATION PERIOD: Eight to 25 days

VACCINE: Several prophylactic medications are available for travelers, but no vaccine is available.

CASE FATALITY RATE: 430,000 people died worldwide in 2015 with no deaths reported in the United States

CASES IN FLORIDA TO DATE: One case in Gulf County in 1990 related to mosquito bite, two cases of unknown origin in 1996 along with eight cases in 2003 in Palm Beach County and one case of unknown origin in 2010 in Duval County

Ticking Me Off

It was 1975 when a woman in Lyme, Connecticut brought an unusual cluster of arthritis cases to the attention of Yale researchers.

By 1979 the ailment was identified as Lyme disease, a condition impacting over 300,000 American lives annually.

Prevention Pointers

Use the following precautions to help avoid the bite altogether.

› Avoid areas where infected ticks live, especially in the summer months, such as moist, humid environments particularly in grassy or wooded areas.

› If visiting areas prone to ticks, wear appropriate clothing. Long pants and sleeves may be a bit hot in the summer, but it could save you the hassle of a tick bite. Light-colored fabrics are useful for spotting ticks fast.

› Consider using a tick repellent spray.

› Check that pets do not bring ticks into the home on their fur.

Prevalent in wooded, grassy areas are what scientists have found to be the root cause of the epidemic that started several decades ago. Infected ticks found in areas such as these can transmit the bacterium known as borrelia to humans.

This bacterium that causes Lyme disease lives in certain animals. The deer tick, a black-legged type of tick that typically spreads Lyme disease, feeds by biting the skin and sucking blood from animals such as mice, birds and deer. In this way, some ticks are infected from the bacterium found in these creature’s bloodstreams. Therefore, when an infected tick bites a human, the human is also at risk for infection.

After a human has been bitten by a tick, it usually takes 24-48 hours for the bacteria in the tick to pass into the bloodstream. The tick will then bury itself into the area surrounding the bite. If you remove the tick soon after being bitten—preferably within a 24-hour period—you are much less likely to contract the disease, even from an infected tick. If the tick is not removed in time, infection may begin to set in, potentially harming the skin, joints, nerves and heart. Most common is a rash, neither painful nor particularly itchy, but mirroring the shape of a bullseye. Flu-like symptoms have been reported as well. It is best to see a doctor immediately after a tick bite. If the situation allows, save the tick to be tested for borrelia. More often than not, a round of antibiotics will usually clear any infection.

Tricks Of The Tick

› To remove a tick attached to your skin, gently grip as close to the point of attachment to the skin as possible using finetoothed tweezers, and pull steadily upward.

› Avoid methods such as burning the tick o or flicking it with a credit card.

› Applying petroleum jelly, polish remover or other substances will stimulate the tick to produce more bacteria on your skin.

› Squeezing the tick or using your fingers as a tool could potentially cause the tick to burrow under the skin. You want this process to go as swiftly as possible. Stick to the tweezers.

For 25 years, we have been committed to creating an environment where our residents feel secure, cared for and loved. We would be honored to care for your loved ones in their time of need.

Services Offered:

In-House Psychiatrist

Podiatrist

Ophthalmologist

Dermatologist

Nurse Practitioner

Organized Social Activities

Church Services

Daily Living Assistance

We are currently accepting referrals

Ocala’s Best-Kept Secret

Prestige Manor

Assisted Living Facility

6333 SE Babb Rd. | Belleview, FL | 352-307-6333

prestigemanorassistedliving.com

Carrol Dillon-Smith Administrator/Owner Megan Christine Forrest Director of Operations

Is Your Hospital Treating You Right?

› By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Hospitals across America are trying something new: giving patients and their loved ones the red carpet treatment you’d expect from a fancy restaurant or hotel. The goal is to turn a confusing and difficult experience into a good one—better health for you and a better bottom line for them.

Upgrades range from bigger TVs and gourmet food to a new emphasis on respect, clear communication and attention to your personal needs. One headline-grabbing hospital system is even offering refunds for poor service!

But is it window dressing or better care? Is your hospital making the right moves? (The wrong moves don’t lead to better health and could even be deadly.) The right ones, like getting more information from the army of doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners trooping through your room, can pay real health dividends. Here are five things that’ll help you decide if the new “patient satisfaction” movement is working for you.

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GREAT MEDICAL CARE STILL COMES FIRST. If you’re scheduling a procedure, try checking up on the track record of hospitals in your area (that are covered by your health insurance) for important factors such as safety, complications, infection rates, the ratio of nurses to patients and how often patients land back in the hospital after a procedure. Several websites offer this information; in a recent check, we found ratings by U.S. News & World Report (health.usnews.com/best-hospitals?ref=home) very useful. Then, check up on patient satisfaction ratings at medicare.gov/hospitalcompare

EXPECT STELLAR PERSONAL CARE, TOO. You deserve to have your questions answered politely, your water glass filled promptly, a good night’s sleep and help to and from the bathroom. For example, when nurses do room checks more often, patients have fewer falls. In one big study from Boston’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital, of 2,953 U.S. hospitals, the most satisfied patients were those who went home the soonest after major surgery. They also were less likely to wind up back in the hospital.

SPEAK UP—THEY’RE LISTENING! Low scores on patient-satisfaction surveys could mean penalties from the federal government to a hospital, while high scores could bring in extra cash. As a result, hospitals are more motivated than ever to listen. If you’re unhappy during a hospital stay, don’t just complain to your friends. Contact the hospital’s patient advocate right away. They’re there to help.

BE REALISTIC. Doctors who tell you what you want to hear, prescribe drugs or tests just because you want them to or don’t get real about problems like smoking, being overweight and even mental health issues aren’t doing you any favors. In one shocking 2012 study, the patients who were most satisfied with their doctors/ hospital care also took more drugs, ended up in the hospital more often and had a higher mortality rate.

DON’T BE FOOLED BY WINDOW DRESSING. Fancy flat-screen TVs, new furniture and chicken cordon bleu are impressive... but will these extras make you healthier? Hospitals at the forefront are posting patient ratings about their doctors, looking into creating easier-to-understand bills and training employees to give patients more information whenever possible. One example: keeping the memo board in your room current with info about your next physical therapy appointment, the name of the nurse on duty and your expected discharge date. That’s important!

Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of The Dr. Oz Show , and Mike Roizen, M.D., is Chief Wellness Offi cer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into The Dr. Oz Show or visit sharecare.com. (c) 2016 Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Make A Difference For Life

Many people recall their childhoods as a time of play, learning and growth, but for hundreds of local children, this critically formative time has brought the suffering of abuse, abandonment, neglect and trauma. They now have a great need for caring homes to love them, nurture them and show them a positive way of life.

Foster and adoptive parenting are vitally important and change the world—one child at a time. Foster parents provide caring temporary homes to children in crisis, creating a lifelong impact in a relatively short period of time. Adoptive parents become the legal parents to a child, providing a forever family. Kids Central is in need of foster and adoptive homes with the greatest need being for children ages 9-15.

Are You Called To Care?

Ask yourself the following questions to help decide if becoming a foster or adoptive parent is right for you. Will you be able to:

› Love and care for a child with a challenging background and sometimes di cult behavior?

› Help the child develop a sense of belonging and security in your home— whether on a temporary basis or as a permanent adoptive parent?

State Requirements For Foster And Adoptive Parents

Many people who are first interested in providing a home for a child who has suffered are concerned about the requirements for foster care and adoption. The good news is that they are fairly straightforward. The state of Florida requires that you be a Florida resident, be at least 21 years old, be financially stable and able to care for children, and have adequate room and beds in your home. Understandably, an extensive criminal background check is also required.

The First Life You Change Will Be Your Own

› Stand by the child through life’s ups and downs?

› Feel that it’s your personal mission to give a child in crisis a loving home?

Fostering or adopting a child gives you the opportunity to make a difference for a lifetime, especially for children ages 9-15, and it will change your life in the process. Like all parenting, fostering and adoption are challenging. But for those who feel called to care for children who have suffered abuse and neglect, the rewards are enormous. In fact, many foster parents have the opportunity to adopt their foster children and continue the loving relationship they have built for life.

If you feel called to become a foster or adoptive parent—or simply wish to learn more—please call Paula Mealy of Kids Central at (352) 387-3487 or visit KidsCentralFosterParents.org for more information.

Kids Central is the nonprofit lead agency charged with caring for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties.

Become

Men MUSTS FOR

Whether you’re a college student, a grandfather or somewhere in-between, as a man you’re expected to know stuff. All kinds of stuff. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up helpful information on all man ner of man ly things sure to make you stronger, sexier, smarter, healthier and even more handy

5 Movies Every Man Should See

5 Books Every Man Should Read

Steve Jobs

BY WALTER ISAACSON

A riveting story of the roller-coaster life and intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries.

Lonesome Dove

BY LARRY MCMURTRY

This timeless classic features an unforgettable cast of outlaws and heroes, whores and ladies, and Indians and settlers.

The Call of the Wild

BY JACK LONDON

A gripping tale of a heroic dog that, thrust into the brutal life of the Alaska Gold Rush, ultimately faces a choice between living in man’s world and returning to nature.

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not

BY ROBERT T. KIYOSAKI AND SHARON L. LECHTER, CPA

The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

BY DALE CARNEGIE

Useful information for every man, including three fundamental techniques to handling people, six ways to make people like you, 12 ways to get people to think like you and nine ways to change people without resentment. Sounds good, right?

Power Tools

Every Man Should Have

Five Ways To Unwind (With Or Without Friends) 5

Everyone owns a hammer and screwdriver, but sometimes you just need a little more power.

HOST A POKER NIGHT WITH FRIENDS. You provide the snacks and cards. Make it a BYOB event.

GO TO THE GYM. Nothing releases adrenaline quite like a great workout.

HAVE A VIDEO GAME NIGHT. Have friends over for a Mario Kart competition.

PLAY A SPORT. A game of basketball between friends or an impromptu pick-up game might hit the spot. Or maybe football, anyone?

ESCAPE TO THE GARAGE. Organize tools, build something or plan your next project.

5 Ways To Pamper Your Lady

Give her a massage. And, don’t expect anything in return.

Help

clean

the house. You may do this already, but if not, the extra help goes a long way.

Take the kids for the day.

Encourage your significant other to enjoy a “me” day while you feed, play with and bathe the children.

Have a

date

night. The catch here? You plan the date night—not your wife. Theatrical production followed by dessert, maybe?

Cook her dinner.

It doesn’t even have to be fancy. Just have dinner waiting on the table when she gets home.

Things Every Man Should Know How to Do

JUMPSTART A VEHICLE

Connect the red cables to the positive (+) terminals of the batteries in both vehicles. Clip the black cable to the “live” battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t touch the other end to the dead battery’s negative terminal. Instead, clip it to anything metal that’s connected to the engine. Start the live car; let it idle for 10 minutes, then crank the dead car. Remove cables in reverse order. Don’t touch them to each other or either car.

HANDLE A BLOWOUT

Instinct will tell you to hit the brakes. Don’t. Braking abruptly or a quick change in direction can destroy the tire further and cause total loss of control. Instead, maintain speed and steer gently in the direction of the skid. Once you have control of the vehicle, slow down gradually and pull onto the shoulder.

CARVE A TURKEY

Place the bird on a cutting board, cavity side up and facing you. Using a sharp chef’s knife (8 to 12 inches long), make a cut at each thigh and remove them. Split the thigh and leg at the joint, separate them and put on a platter. With the tip of the knife, start at the top and slowly work down, following the bones on the left wing side. Keep the knife on the bone and the breast will easily come off. Repeat on the right side. Slice breast meat and arrange on platter.

Foods To Eat Regularly

FATTY FISH: This includes salmon, mackerel, trout, tuna, anchovies, sardines and herring. Not only are they high in protein, calcium and naturally occurring vitamin D, they’re also low in saturated fat and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.

CHANGE A DIAPER

Have all supplies ready before you begin, including the diaper and wipes. Lay baby down on flat surface with his or her legs facing you. Peel tabs back on old diaper and remove it while slightly lifting baby’s legs. Use wipes to gently clean baby’s genital area, wiping front to back. Unfold new diaper, lift baby’s legs slightly and slide diaper underneath baby’s bottom with the Velcro tabs in the back. Lower baby’s legs and fold the top part of the diaper up toward baby’s bellybutton. Pull Velcro tabs around toward the front of baby’s belly and secure on front part of diaper. Put baby’s clothing back on. Throw away old diaper and used wipes. Make sure to wash your hands!

TIE A TIE

Place tie around neck with the wide end of the tie on your right and the narrow end on your left. The wide end should be about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end. Bring the wide end through the loop between the collar and tie. Bring the wide end back down. Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end and to the right, back through the loop and to the right again so the wide end is inside out. Bring the wide end across the front from right to left. Pull the wide end up through the loop. Bring the wide end down through the knot in front. Tighten the knot using both hands and pull it up toward the collar.

Five Great Exercises For Every Man

Push-ups

Works: chest, shoulders, triceps, back, core Variations: Against a wall (the farther your feet are from the wall, the tougher it will be) Wide hands (work more back muscles by putting your hands on the floor wider than your shoulders) Close hands (increase di culty by putting your hands 12 inches apart or less)

Squats

Planks

Works: abs, core, back, arms and legs Lie face down with elbows resting on the floor next to your chest. Go to a pushup position while resting on your elbows or hands. Squeeze the abs, and keep your body in a straight line. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds; repeat as many times as you can.

Pull-ups

Works: back, arms Variations: See how far you can pull yourself up five times in a row. Hang from bar for 30 seconds in the pull-up position. When you can’t hold it any longer, lower gently in a slow, controlled manner.

WHOLE OATS: They’re higher in protein than many grains, plus they’re a powerful source of manganese and a good source of selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B1 (thiamin), dietary fiber and magnesium.

TOMATOES: They contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and phenolic acids, known to combat lung cancer. Research shows men who consume large amounts of lycopene have lower rates of prostate cancer.

Works: core, quads, hamstrings, calves

Variations: Increase the di culty by holding a barbell or dumbbells.

Uphill walking/ running

Works: overall body, cardiovascular system

Variations: Take the bleacher stairs at your local high school football field. Invest in an inclined treadmill.

MUSHROOMS: They’re a great immune stimulant and source of B vitamins, which do everything from help maintain energy levels to support mood and heart function.

MOLLUSKS: Mollusks include oysters, scallops, clams and mussels. Filled with low-fat protein and loaded with iron, zinc and vitamin B12, mollusks help promote healthy brain and nervous system function; they also help with digestion and fight fatigue.

MUSTS FOR MEN Health Tests

Every Man Should Have And When

BLOOD PRESSURE: Starting at age 18, check it at least every two years, more often if your numbers are borderline, meaning the top “systolic” number is above 120 or the bottom “diastolic” number is higher than 80. Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80mmHg.

CHOLESTEROL/LIPIDS: After age 20, cholesterol levels should be checked every four to six years or more often if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, diabetes or high blood pressure. A blood test will measure your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. A healthy total cholesterol goal should be below 200mg/dL. An optimal triglyceride level is less than 100mg/dL, although levels below 150mg/dL are considered normal.

COLONOSCOPY: Because colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, you should schedule your first screening for colon cancer at age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of this disease. During a routine colonoscopy, any precancerous growths can be removed. If all is well and the doctor finds nothing of concern, you won’t need another colonoscopy for as long as 10 years.

PROSTATE EXAM: Once you’re over 50, ask your doctor about the benefits—and drawbacks—of getting screened for prostate cancer, which involves either a digital rectal exam or a PSA test (blood test that measures a protein known as prostate-specific antigen). Tell your health care provider if you find yourself having trouble urinating or having to go frequently, as these are symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

BLOOD TEST: Start with the basic, a complete blood count, or CBC. The CBC can give you a variety of baseline numbers for key factors such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A CBC will give you clues relating to anemia, blood glucose levels, cholesterol, thyroid problems, inflammation that could lead to cardiovascular disease and much more.

Ways To Give Your

Marriage A Boost

BE KIND. O er to help and listen when your spouse talks about her day.

STAY FRIENDS. Go out and have fun. Try to schedule a date night once a month to reconnect.

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RESPECT YOUR DIFFERENCES. You don’t have to agree on everything. Just remember everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions.

DON’T WITHDRAW. If you’re feeling

upset, talk about it—don’t shut her out.

BE VULNERABLE. Don’t try to hold in your feelings. Open up, and show her your emotions.

Parenting Tips For Dads

SAY IT OUT LOUD. Kids, no matter their age, need to hear “I love you” from both parents. Give plenty of hugs, too.

SHOW PHYSICAL AFFECTION. This showing of a ection extends to their mother in the presence of your kids. Boys especially will learn how to treat the future women in their lives by watching how you treat their mom.

MAKE IT PERSONAL. One-on-one time with each child is crucial, whether you have one child or half a dozen. Schedule time with

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each of your kids regularly to do something with just the two of you. Even a 15-minute bike ride around the block will leave a lasting impression.

FOLLOW THROUGH. Keep your word, whether it pertains to a promised fun outing or a punishment. Children may not know how to verbalize it, but they crave consistency and boundaries. Let them see your commitment.

LAUGH TOGETHER. Play games, listen to their jokes, tell funny (appropriate!) stories from your own childhood. Just be there.

Ways to Spend Quality

Time With Your Kids:

Play a sport or game of their choosing. Take a hike or walk the dog. Build something together (a bird feeder, a fort, airplane model, dog house... let them pick).

Read to them.

Eat dinner together as a family regularly. Cook some meals together, too

pproximately 7.3 million Americans are vegetarians and another 22.8 million more follow a “vegetarianinclined” diet. One million vegetarians take their diet and lifestyle one step further and are vegans, meaning they consume no animal products whatsoever. Even if you aren’t vegetarian or vegan but are simply looking for a way to limit your ground beef intake for health reasons—there are tasty alternatives to that burger.

Meatless “Meat”

Freelance outdoor writer Amanda Mims has been a vegetarian for six years and a vegan for five. The 34-year-old Inverness resident says a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle isn’t as hard as some think.

“Giving up meat and becoming vegan is not difficult at all, although there is a bit of a learning curve at the beginning,” she says. “It’s hard to know exactly what to do at first when you’ve lived your entire life eating a certain way, but it’s surprisingly easy to adapt almost any recipe to be vegan. Once I recreated the McDonald’s Big Mac using all vegan ingredients, and it was delicious.”

The ease with which some people make the transition from a “regular American diet,” which includes meat, to vegetarianism, doesn’t hold true for all people. According to a study performed by the Humane Research Council, 84 percent of persons who adopt a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle will eventually abandon it and return to their former diet. Researchers inferred many reasons for persons abandoning vegetarianism: transitioning too quickly, not developing a social network with other vegetarians, convenience, social dynamics, finding ways to mitigate temptation and, first on the list, taste.

Taste is the major determinant when it comes to eating any specific food. According to the European Food Information Council, taste includes all sensory stimulation, including smell, appearance and texture. And, they say,

Athis sensory stimulation influences in particular our spontaneous food choices.

So, basically, we are going to eat what tastes good to us. If it smells good, looks good and the texture is palatable, the odds are good that we are going to eat it. This is why it is of vital importance to people who want to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or simply to avoid the possible health hazards of red meat, to find a tasty alternative.

Journalist Vicky Berman has been sharing healthy home-cooked vegetarian and vegan recipes on her blog, Avocado Pesto, for more than five years. She has spent the last three and a half years backpacking around

with a good vegan sliced cheese, such as Field Roast’s Chao brand cheese. Other vegan burger must-haves include Vegenaise and Just Mayo (I especially like the sriracha). But, if you want the convenience of premade, then some of the store-bought ones, made by Gardein or Field Roast, come close to actual hamburgers in flavor and texture. These and other meat alternatives are great for people who are new to vegan eating and want to continue eating meals that are similar to what they were used to before going vegan.”

Some of the companies that offer alternative vegetarian and vegan burgers include Amy’s, Big Mountain Organic, Morningstar Farms, Gardenburger,

the world garnering recipe inspiration from various local and regional cultures. Berman feels that not only is a vegetarian diet healthier, it is definitely tastier and more exciting.

“Meatless burgers are so much more exciting than your standard hamburger,” she says. “They are packed full of protein and have a much wider flavor profile and an endless variety of ingredient combinations. They are lighter, and you simply feel healthier eating them.”

Mims agrees, saying that her first choice is to prepare a tasty “meatless burger” at home, but there are viable store-bought choices.

“If someone just feels like having a burger, then premade vegetarian substitutes are a great alternative,” she says. “But you can definitely make tasty, healthy veggie burgers at home. In fact, one of my absolute favorite vegan burgers to make isn’t a burger at all but a marinated and roasted or grilled Portobello mushroom cap topped

Hilary’s Eat Well, Qrunchburgers, Gardein, Dr. Praeger’s, Field Roast, Qrunch and Sol Quisine, to name a few. Virtually all of these companies have websites that sell their products directly or help you locate the nearest store that sells their products.

Mims says that the fast-food and restaurant industries are also beginning to recognize that more people are eating healthier by offering vegetarian and vegan choices on their menus. A comprehensive list of fast-food chains that carry vegetarian and/or vegan items on their menus can be found at peta.org.

“I usually prepare food ahead of time when I know I’ll be out during breakfast or lunch, but you can get vegan meals at many fast-food restaurants now, including Taco Bell and Wendy’s. There are several good websites to help people looking for vegan options when dining out. Usually a little bit of Internet research is all that’s needed to find something suitable at a fast-food or sit-down chain restaurant. Independent

“ ey are packed full of protein and have a much wider avor pro le and an endless variety of ingredient combinations.”

restaurants are typically happy to answer questions if you call ahead of time and ask about vegan options.”

Healthy Options

With the average adult American eating slightly more than 70 pounds of red meat each year, it is highly unlikely that burgers are going to go by the wayside anytime soon. Even with the World Health Organization labeling red meat as “probably carcinogenic to humans” and the American Institute for Cancer Research warning people not to eat more than 18 ounces per week to avoid increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer, Americans still eat an average of three hamburgers a week, which comes to 50 billion burgers eaten nationwide each year.

“I think if people knew there was such a tasty and healthy alternative to eating meat that they would choose to have vegetarian or vegan burgers,” says Mims. “After all, we all want to lead healthy, happy lives. Doesn’t it just make sense to eat the foods that do your body the most good while also doing what is ethically right for the environment and for the animals of this world?”

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2¼ cups onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 habanero pepper, chopped

1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated

1 teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon ground allspice

¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 ¼ cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

2 ¼ cups cooked long-grain white rice

2 ½ cups dry bread crumbs

6 hamburger buns, split

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. › Add onions and garlic; cook and stir for a few minutes. › Mix in the habanero pepper, and continue cooking until tender. › Remove from the heat, and transfer to a bowl. › Pour in the beans, rice and bread crumbs.

› Season with ginger, salt, allspice and nutmeg. › Mix thoroughly using your hands. › Form into 6 patties. › Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You can use the same one.) › Fry the patties until golden on each side, about 10 minutes total. › Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipes courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Submitted by Hannah

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 large onion, minced

2 slices white bread, finely diced

2 tablespoons oyster sauce (vegetarians use vegetarian oyster sauce)

1 egg

Salt to taste

Ground black pepper to taste

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. › Add mushrooms and onions; cook and stir about 4 minutes, just until mushrooms begin to give up their juices. › Stir in bread cubes and oyster sauce; cook and stir 1 minute. › Remove mixture from pan, and set mixture aside to cool. Wipe pan clean. › Beat egg, and mix into mushroom mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. › Coat skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. › Spoon mixture into skillet in 6 equal amounts. › Brown one side; flip over and brown other side. › Serve.

Recipes courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Submitted by Barbara Harris

Sources: vegetariantimes.com, faunalytics.org, eufi c.org, pbs.org, aicr.org, iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2015/pdfs/pr240_E.pdf

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: Two people

5 ounces firm tofu, with the excess water squeezed out with a paper towel

1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cubed, cooked and mashed

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped Salt/pepper to taste

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1⁄3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or more if needed)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Top with your favorite burger toppings (I used avocado, red onions, sesame seeds and vegan basil pesto.)

Crumble tofu with your hands into a bowl. › Add in the cooked sweet potato, and with a fork, mash them together.

› Add in the rest of the ingredients except the olive oil. › Mix until combined. › Form patties with your hands. › Heat pan over medium heat, and add olive oil. › Cook patties for a few minutes on each side until browned (can bake these in the oven instead). › Serve on burger buns or in lettuce wraps.

Recipe supplied by Vicky Berman at AvocadoPesto.com (Adapted from Love and Lemons) Recipe can be found at avocadopesto.com/2014/07/05/vegan-sweet-potato-tofu-burgers

“

ey are lighter, and you simply feel healthier eating them.”

AFTER THE SOUND

What life is like for an ER nurse

By Cealia Athanason

Step into an emergency room, and you’ll see doctors and nurses facing that reality each day, where it’s all about fighting for the lives of patients.

And for Travis Kitchen, it’s no different.

This 36 year old is the clinical coordinator West Marion Community Hospital’s emergency department. He works the day shift five days a week, averaging about 48 hours a week. Because of patient privacy laws, neither his wife nor kids can know the details of each shift or what he goes through on a regular basis, so he copes through

Deadlines mean somethingdifferent when a few seconds can separate life from death.

Day In The life

Now that you’ve met Travis, see what a day looks like for him as an ER nurse. He breaks it down in a log he kept especially for Healthy Living Magazine on a Monday in April, from 7am to 7pm. Here it is, in his own words.

humor and often greets his patients with an unexpected joke.

“You can laugh or cry,” he says. “I

Before he begins each shift, Travis mentally prepares himself for it by listening to the radio or meditating to clear

“I kind of go to my happy place,” he says. Each day in the ER is different, and no two shifts are ever the same. Although Travis is known for his ability to stay calm and collected no matter what happens that day, he also maintains a sense of urgency to avoid ever becoming complacent. And on a Monday this past April, both of those traits came into play.

In the middle of working with a team to put a patient’s hip back into place, Travis heard: “We have a hot one coming in.” Within 30 seconds, the hip was in place and the team members had assigned each other roles to take on the cardiac arrest patient that had just arrived. Afterward, they discussed what went well and what could be done better, if anything, in a “post-code” meeting—it’s one way the team supports and helps each other cope with the results from emergency situations.

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As an emergency room nurse, I start another 12- hour shift in the emergency department. I like to collect myself mentally and try to prepare for the upcoming shift. Every shift is di erent, but you tend to see the same processes and treatment paths. Although all types of conditions come through the doors of the ER, the top reasons people visit the emergency room are abdominal pain, chest pain and falls.

7am

“You can do everything by the book, and they still pass,” Travis says. “You’re family in all aspects of it.”

Although it’s difficult when anyone dies, Travis’ personal beliefs help him keep a good perspective. He still remembers performing CPR on an 8 month old and how tough that was for the family left behind. Situations when young patients go too soon are by far the hardest ones for Travis and others who work in an ER to deal with.

“You’re grateful for what you have,” he says.

Travis didn’t always want to be a nurse. He worked in construction in Utah before he became interested in nursing. He blames it on a few nurse recruiters he met, but after doing his own research, he liked the flexibility of the field.

“You can do anything,” he says. “The demand is everywhere.”

So, he went for it and earned his associate’s degree in nursing. Then in 2007, he and his wife, Tracy, moved to Florida to be near family. But just before moving, he took a trip to Florida to job-hunt. He planned for a week but racked up 18 job offers on the very first day. Once they moved, he worked the night shift, floating between West Marion and

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I make sure that my rooms are stocked. Interestingly, more time is taken prepping for procedures than the actual time the procedures take. This e ciency is crucial to a successful procedure, and many nurses keep up with the latest practices and techniques by taking continuing education classes and attending yearly skills fairs.

I receive the bedside shift report from the o -going shift. The nursing report in the ER is short and sweet, but a few words speak volumes. Over the years, I have learned the emergency treatment plan by heart and can understand a lot with little communication.

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I continue to care for my patients and make sure the doctor has what he needs in order to make a disposition of the patient. (Do they stay in the hospital or do they go?) Even when patients are discharged, the relief is only temporary since another patient immediately fills their vacant room.

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I receive a new patient by ambulance complaining of joint pain with possible dislocation. I place them in a room, start an IV and draw blood. Although an ER nurse’s responsibilities range from inserting IVs and taking blood work to comforting loved ones, they also take on more typical tasks as well. For example, an ER nurse will stabilize patients experiencing injury, minimize a patient’s pain, quickly uncover medical conditions, start on a treatment path and teach patients about injury prevention.

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Room X has a dislocated extremity and needs sedation to put it back into place. I make sure that I get the proper information from the patient and family and ensure the proper paperwork is completed. It is important to pay attention to detail to ensure the right procedure is done on the right patient.

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Worked a cardiac arrest with the ER team. Giving medications and rotating chest compressions. The teamwork is amazing. We have one who records, making sure that we keep on track with our life support care. We have one who is in charge of medication administration. We have nurses and paramedics starting IVs and performing chest compressions. We have respiratory therapists and doctors ensuring that the patient is receiving oxygen and the airway is maintained. [Editor’s Note: Sadly, this particular patient did not survive.]

Patient returns from X-ray with a confirmed dislocation. As an ER nurse, we are driven by times, because we understand that the faster we know what is ailing the individual, the faster we are able to treat them properly.

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Notified that we have a patient coming in that will need lifesaving interventions, like CPR, intubation and emergent medications. When paramedics pick patients up in the community, they use a radio and call the ER to tell us a brief description of what they are bringing in. This helps us prepare for the patient’s arrival. For example, if we have a stroke coming in, there are things that need to be done within the first hour of arrival. They need a CT scan and lab work.

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Ocala Regional Medical Center, while he went to school for his bachelor’s degree.

He graduated in 2014 and was able to give up nights and assume his current position at West Marion, where he’s a point person, scheduler, auditor and caregiver. Something he remembers about nursing school is how tough it was to learn the ‘why.’ He advises future nurses to just hold on.

“The more you do it, the more it becomes comfortable,” he says. “Treat everybody as if they are your family. That’s when you will find true happiness in your job.”

In fact, his advice to all nursing students would be to establish excellent care and trust within the first three minutes of a patient’s hospital stay. Those first few minutes will make or break their stay, and he refers to this technique as building a relationship of trust, or BRT. The first hour in the ER is the most stressful for patients because they aren’t feeling well, so building that trust from the beginning will make all the difference. To get to that point, though, nurses sometimes bear the brunt of patients’ situational anger and frustration. Travis says it’s the only job

0925

We had a post cardiac arrest meeting with our ER team. I find this important because it gives us time to process what just happened, focusing on things that went well and what we could do better to improve patient outcomes. Talking with co-workers is probably the most helpful coping strategy in getting through a di cult death.

1000

Continue to round on my other patients and their various needs.

1100

where people can curse you out, but you still put on a smile and care for them.

Travis struggles at times to find a balance between laughing and crying when dealing with patients and their families, and he often has to shut out his feelings to do what’s best for them. While doctors focus on treating the disease, it’s the nurse’s job to treat the whole person mentally, spiritually and physically— and that involves putting your emotions on the back burner. Travis mentions that when a patient comes in from a massive stroke or heart attack and the doctors and nurses are able to take care of them and see them start to come back, that’s what it’s all about.

“Helping people is what makes it all worth it,” Travis says.

At the end of the day, when his feet hurt and he’s mentally worn down, Travis will take the long way home to decompress. His favorite way to unwind on his days off is spending time with Tracy and their two sons, ages 12 and 10. They love the outdoors, going camping and taking beach trips when they can, but overall, just being home together is special.

1358

Transported patients to the floor. I enjoy this time. The patients are excited to get a room upstairs and to get o the ER stretcher. It is a great time to talk to them about their ER visit and see if we can improve the ER process.

Comforted a deceased patient’s family member, which is one of the hardest parts of the job. When comforting family members, it is important to try to make sure that they have a support system and we help facilitate contact. Many times in nursing, you hear holistic care. This is the art and science of caring for the whole person. It is based on the belief that dynamic mind-body-spirit interactions are ongoing and impact a person’s ability to grow and heal. Holistic nurses aim to promote health and wellness as they facilitate their client’s growth and healing.

0930

The day just blew by, and the cafeteria was closing in 10 minutes. I gave my report to the charge nurse and hurried to get food. I had a bacon cheeseburger with fries.

Rounded on patients in the ED. As a nurse leader, we have the opportunity to round and talk to patients and families and ask them how their stay is. We really value the opinions of the patients and families. Not everyone is comfortable during their ER stay, so this gives us the chance to help patients and families feel more at ease.

1215

I feel sometimes that I Inhale my food as fast as I can. I really need to try and take my time eating so I don’t pay for it later. Too late.

1415

1430

Heading to my locker to take a Tums.

1530

Responded to in-house emergency situation.

(Facilitating care and transferring patient to the intensive care unit). As an ER nurse, we respond to in-house emergent situations.

Went to a daily bed management meeting and reported the current status of the ER, focusing on anticipated admissions, discharges and sta ng.

1500

1700

Working with case management to facilitate the transfer of my patient to an outside facility. Many times, we have patients who can no longer care for themselves or need to go to another facility for continuation of care. We work with the community and case management to try to facilitate the transfer safely and in a timely manner.

1900

Gave my report and heading home. My ending is a beginning for another ER nurse.

7pm

Realized I have not used the restroom all day. Took a fiveminute break.

1600

Working to ensure the patients have what they need and the other sta members are caught up in preparation for shift report. We like to say that nursing in a hospital setting is a 24/7 job— sometimes I have not been able to finish all that is assigned. The beautiful thing is that the nurse coming on is prepared for the challenge.

1800

“Treat evErybody as if they aRe Your family. That’S when yOu will find true hapPineSs in your job.”

GOODNEWS TO HEAR

By Jim Gibson

More than 48 million Americans suffer some degree of hearing loss, and it is the third most common physical ailment behind heart disease and arthritis. Only those who suffer from this debilitating ailment can fully understand how profoundly it affects so many different aspects of daily living. Fortunately, many causes are medically treatable, and even when the underlying source of hearing loss can’t be completely remedied, there are still ways to regain some or even most of what has been taken away.

ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?

Before the invention of much of the modern machinery we find to be commonplace in today’s world, men and women lived relatively quiet lives, but face it, today we live in a loud world. Engines rev, horns blare, mega-amplified car radios blast us at practically every stop light. And we haven’t even mentioned jets, helicopters, construction equipment, the dog next door or grandpa listening to the television.

“When America became an industrialized society, we began to see an increase in hearing loss all throughout our society,” says Russell Fankhouser, Au.D., CCC-A, of the Appalachian Hearing and Speech Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. “The loud sounds that accompany industry and manufacturing have led to much of the hearing loss we see today.”

One in 10 Americans has trouble understanding the words in a normal conversation, and excessive exposure to noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Because of the delicate way our inner ear is constructed, loud noises can easily cause damage, and in many instances, the damage is cumulative, getting worse the longer and more often we are exposed to them.

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

There are three types of hearing loss. C ONDUCTIVE hearing loss occurs when sound isn’t conducted efficiently through the outer ear to the eardrum and then through the bones in the middle ear to the cochlea. This can come about if the eardrum is damaged, through infection in the middle ear, allergies, fluid buildup in the middle ear, presence of a tumor, through congenital malformation, impacted earwax or obstruction of the Eustachian tube.

“Many times, conductive hearing loss can be remedied by one medical means or another,” says Jose Luis Jiron, Jr., M.D., of Ocala Ear,

One in 10 Americans has trouble understanding the words in a normal conversation.

there. Whatever the cause, many times we can correct conductive hearing loss.”

SENSORINEURAL hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the cochlea or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This can come about through disease or viral illness, with advancing age, from head or ear trauma or from the side effects of certain medications.

“Usually, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent,” says Dr. Jiron. “If a person has sudden hearing loss that is found to be sensorineural, this is considered to be a critical and urgent matter for an otolaryngologist. Sometimes, if it is treated in time with steroids, which can include injections through the eardrum into the middle ear, then some of the hearing loss can be restored, but most times, once such loss occurs, it is permanent.”

MIXED HEARING loss is any combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

“Many times, the conductive aspect of mixed hearing loss can be corrected, but once again, it is harder to regain any sensorineural loss,” says Dr. Jiron. “It depends entirely on the root cause of the loss.”

Once physicians have done all that is medically possible to correct the physical reason for hearing loss, most people turn to hearing aids in an effort to boost what residual hearing remains. Hearing aids cannot truly correct hearing loss, they are simply amplification devices to make sounds louder and, therefore, more accessible to the person wearing them. in

the news…

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD INDIAN AMERICAN MUKUND VENKATAKRISHNAN OF DUPONT MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, HAS DEVELOPED A HEARING AID THAT TESTS A PERSON’S HEARING, PROGRAMS ITSELF FOR THE PERSON’S INDIVIDUAL HEARING DEFICIT AND CUSTOMIZES SOUND AMPLIFICATION—AND IT ONLY COSTS $60 TO PRODUCE. THE SCIENCE PRODIGY WAS INSPIRED BY HIS GRANDFATHER IN INDIA WHO HAS HEARING LOSS AND CANNOT AFFORD A $1,900 DEVICE. MUKUND SAYS, “IF SOMEONE IN INDIA SAVES ALL YEAR WITHOUT SPENDING A PENNY, THEY STILL CAN’T AFFORD A HEARING AID.”

Source: fox8.com

GETTING A BOOST

“There are a variety of different styles and types of hearing aids that can rehabilitate a person’s hearing by amplifying whatever level of residual hearing is left… while also suiting his or her lifestyle,” says Dr. Fankhouser. “We have devices that fit behind the ear or in the ear. Because, most likely, the person will be wearing the device eight hours or more a day, comfort is one of the most important factors we look at.”

Dr. Fankhouser says that hearing aids have come a long way since the first easily wearable analog devices were made available shortly after World War II. Newer digitized hearing aids (and some older analog devices) are computer customizable for each individual. When the audiologist conducts tests to determine the degree and pattern of hearing loss for the individual, a computerized database is stored and then used to program a microprocessor chip in that person’s hearing device. This Digital Signal Processor chip then processes, filters and amplifies the incoming

sound optimally for that specific individual.

“Instead of the person having to adjust the hearing aid for sound loudness, the device automatically listens for softer sounds and helps buff er loud ones,” says Shon Murray, Au.D., of Hearing and Balance Solutions in Ocala. “This gives today’s devices the ability to help cut through background noise and enhance sounds such as human speech, thereby enabling users to better hear normal conversation in a loud and noisy environment.”

The biggest change in hearing aids comes in the

33%: AMOUNT OF PEOPLE OVER 65 WITH HEARING LOSS

ability to customize them in so many ways.

“Each individual has certain needs. Individual preference and style, the degree of hearing loss and whatever lifestyle the person lives, whether it be a quiet, sedentary one or a noisier, more active one, all determine what type of device is best suited for each person,” Dr. Fankhouser says. “We can very accurately customize not only the look of hearing aids but specifically what type of sounds need to be enhanced and which ones need to be filtered out.”

Many people are under the impression that hearing loss simply implies the person no longer hears sound as loudly or as clearly as they once did, or no longer hears any sound at all.

“Quite the contrary,” says Leigh Ann Watts, AuD, CCC-A, of Beneficial

Hearing Aid Center in Ocala. “A person with hearing loss will generally say, ‘I can hear, but I can’t understand.’ In most cases, when a person begins to lose their hearing, they develop a ringing, roaring

or buzzing, known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is the brain’s attempt to fill in those reduced frequencies of hearing.

“Today’s technology in hearing instruments not only helps people hear and understand

3 in 1,000: children who are hard of hearing or deaf

better, but it fills in those voids and, in turn, reduces the awareness of tinnitus. Those who need additional help can benefit from tinnitus therapy, which we personally customize for each patient with residual tinnitus.”

NO STIGMA ATTACHED

3%:

AMOUNT OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN WHO HAVE PROBLEMS HEARING

you could be suffering from hearing loss if:

Dr. Fankhouser says that the stigma once attached to hearing loss has given way to tolerance and acceptance—especially with children. Using the proper approach, not only is hearing loss not stigmatized, an affected child can be made to feel special.

“Whereas, at one time a child might have been teased when wearing a hearing aid, kids today ask to be fitted with hearing aids that are bright and colorful,” he says. “We even offer to help parents coordinate a party where a child with hearing loss can invite all of his or her friends to come and celebrate their new life. This way, the child’s friends can learn from adults what hearing loss is about and how to best communicate with their friend. Once children become familiar with what the hearing aid does and how it helps the child lead a more comfortable life, they simply accept it as part of their life.”

And that is good news to hear.

detecting hearing loss in children

FROM BIRTH TO 2 YEARS OF AGE A CHILD SHOULD:

• STARTLE AT LOUD NOISES

• LOOK TOWARD SOUNDS OR A PARENT’S VOICE

• SMILE WHEN SPOKEN TO

• RESPOND TO HIS OR HER NAME

• FOLLOW SIMPLE COMMANDS

• PUT TWO OR MORE WORDS TOGETHER WHEN SPEAKING

A CHILD OLDER THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE MAY HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM IF HE OR SHE:

• DOES NOT ANSWER WHEN CALLED

• GIVES IMPROPER RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

• TURNS TELEVISION VOLUME HIGH

• HAS SPEECH PROBLEMS

• COMPLAINS OF NOT HEARING A TEACHER IN SCHOOL

Source: pamf.org

• YOU HAVE TROUBLE HEARING NORMAL CONVERSATION IF THERE IS BACKGROUND NOISE.

• IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS WHEN TALKING ON THE PHONE.

• IT SEEMS AS IF OTHERS MUMBLE WHEN THEY TALK.

• YOU CONSTANTLY HEAR A LOUD RINGING OR BUZZING SOUND WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS QUIET.

• IT IS HARDER TO UNDERSTAND THE HIGHER PITCHED VOICES OF WOMEN OR CHILDREN.

• OTHERS COMPLAIN THAT YOU TURN THE TELEVISION UP TOO LOUD.

A Global Crisis

New findings by the World Health Organization say the number of people living with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, from 108 million to 422 million.

In the WHO’s first Global Diabetes Report published in the medical journal Lancet, the organization announced that diabetes killed 1.5 million people worldwide in 2012 alone, with high blood glucose levels causing another 2.2 million deaths. The worldwide rise in adults with diabetes is said to mirror the number of people who are overweight or obese. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with proper exercise, by maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and avoiding smoking.

A Smokin’ Good Time

BIGGER IS BETTER!

The most popular cuts of meat to smoke are brisket, ribs, pork shoulder or turkey.

From secret marinades to tricked-out grills and smokers, competitive smokers know there is a near ritualistic approach to teasing the perfect flavor out of a premium cut of meat. Follow in the footsteps of those pit masters and smoke like a pro with these tips from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef Karl Marsh.

Start With Style

The first step is deciding how you’d like to prepare your meat. Consider stepping up your game by smoking your meat. Smoking is a popular choice because it infuses flavor throughout the meat, while extended cook times at low temperatures make it extra tender. Another advantage is the chance to create a wide range of unique flavors using wet and dry rubs as well as seasoned wood chips and planks.

Choose Your Cut

Virtually any meat can be smoked, but the most popular cuts of meat to smoke are brisket, ribs, pork shoulder or turkey, all of which are typically large in size. Guarantee a great experience with Omaha Steaks Brisket for smoking or Whole Pork Butt, which were created with the competitive barbecue and smoking circuit in mind.

Ready Your Rub

Rubs are often used to add flavor and surface texture to a cut of meat. For best results, brush meat with cooking oil or another liquid ingredient (such as yellow mustard) before adding the rub. Spread the rub on a clean plate, and place the meat on it. Coat both sides with the rub by gently pressing the meat on the plate.

Set Up The Smoker

Some pit masters consider their equipment as vital an ingredient as the meat or flavorings they choose. Preparation varies from one recipe to the next, but one constant is the importance of maintaining a steady temperature. As you prepare your charcoal, be conscious of where you’ll place any wood chips or other flavor enhancers for maximum impact.

If the surge in barbecue and smoking competitions across the country is any indication, grilling has become an art form.

This summer, grab dad and gather around the grill or try a new technique that’s rising in popularity—smoking—to create a masterpiece meal, plus plenty of memories, together.

Slow And Steady

Sensational flavor takes time to build, so plan to dedicate several hours to your task. Often, smoked foods require foil wrapping for at least a portion of the cook time to retain moisture. Plan to check in at regular intervals to restock wood chips, flip or rotate meat, and apply a fresh coat of seasoning or spices.

Find more tips and recipes at omahasteaks.com.

Ancho Chile Rubbed Smoked Beef Brisket

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 11-13 hours

Rest time: 1-2 hours

Total time: 13-16 hours

1 Whole Omaha Steaks Brisket for smoking

2 cups white vinegar

2⁄3 cup yellow mustard

3⁄4 cup Omaha Steaks Ancho Chile Rub

4 cups Ancho Chile Smoking Spritzer, divided (recipe below)

8 cups apple or cherry wood chips, soaked in water

Remove brisket from bag and rinse with white vinegar, and then rinse with water. › Dry completely using paper towels. › Slather brisket generously with yellow mustard. › Rub generously with ancho chile rub, and inject with 1 cup Ancho Chile Smoking Spritzer. › Prepare smoker using 1 chimney

of pure lump charcoal fully lit and one chimney of pure lump charcoal unlit. Make sure water pan is full and adjust vents until smoker maintains a temperature between 225F° and 250F°. › Place brisket on smoker fat side up, and brush smoking spritzer over top. › Every hour, check smoker temp, squirt with smoking spritzer and add handful of wood chips. › After 3 hours, flip brisket fat side down and squirt with spritzer. › After 6 hours, flip brisket fat side up. Wrap heavy duty foil around the last 3-4 inches of brisket tip to prevent it from drying out. Restock water pan and add lump charcoal as needed. Adjust vents until temperature is between 225°F and 250°F. › Beginning at 8 hours, check internal temperature every hour and apply spritzer and wood chips as needed. › Between 11-13 hours, when internal temperature is between 195°F and 200°F, if fork slides easily into brisket, it’s done. › Let brisket rest for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.

Ancho Chile Smoking Spritzer

Makes: 4 cups

2 cups apple juice

1 cup cranberry juice

1 cup canola oil

Ancho Chile Rubbed Smoked Pork Butt

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 8-10 hours

Rest time: 1 hour

Total time: 10-12 hours

1 Omaha Steaks Whole Pork Butt

2 cups white vinegar

1⁄2 cup yellow mustard

1⁄2 cup Omaha Steaks Ancho Chile Rub

4 cups Ancho Chile Smoking Spritzer, divided (recipe above)

8 cups apple or cherry wood chips, soaked in water

Score top fat so it will melt into pork while smoking and allow more rub to get into meat. Rub pork with white vinegar; then rinse with water. Pat dry with clean paper towels. › Rub pork butt with yellow

2 tablespoons red hot pepper sauce

1⁄2 cup Omaha Steaks Ancho Chile Rub Combine all ingredients, and mix well.

mustard. Rub pork butt with ancho chile rub. Inject pork with 10-12 ounces of Ancho Chile Smoking Spritzer. › Set up smoker with 1 chimney using unlit lump charcoal and 2 chimneys using lit lump charcoal. › Adjust vents in smoker until temperature settles between 225°F and 250°F. › Place pork butt fat side up, and add a lot of wood chips. › Every half hour, add more wood chips and spritz pork with smoking spritzer. › After 2 hours, insert remote thermometer probes. Be careful not to let thermometer touch bone to prevent false readings. › After 5 hours, place pork in foil pan and liberally coat with spritzer. Wrap pan tightly with foil. › Continue cooking without adding wood chips or opening smoker until thermometer hits 190°F (for sliced meat) or 200°F (for pulled meat), about 8-10 hours total. › Let rest 1 hour before serving.

Mane Management

Hair restoration for men and women.

Hair loss is a big deal. In the United States, about 35 million men and 21 million women su er from it. Of those, 60 percent would rather have more hair than money or friends, according to statisticbrain.com. It’s a personal thing, and that’s why there are natural ways and prescription products to help restore, strengthen and encourage hair growth. Let’s explore the most successful ways to restore hair and keep it healthy.

For Men

Is there a bald spot forming on your crown? If you’re facing the reality of male pattern baldness or a thinning mane, there are things you can do to prevent further hair loss and even grow back some of your hair. The earlier you catch it the better, so talk to your doctor about possible causes and then ask about some of these products and procedures.

› Stem cell transplants: Researchers have found that human pluripotent stem cells can be used to regrow hair by transplanting these cells to bald areas. More testing is in the works.

› Hair transplants: Hair follicles from the back of your head are transplanted under local anesthesia to balding areas. The upside is real hair will grow in formerly bald areas. The downside: This procedure gets pricey quickly, and you may need future procedures if the balding area widens over time.

› Rogaine: Perhaps the most common hair-growth aid, Rogaine is sold over the counter for both men and women. It’s a topical treatment and comes as a liquid or foam.

› Propecia: This FDA-approved prescription drug is made especially for men, and the American Hair Loss Association recommends it as a first line of defense for male pattern baldness.

Shave it off: Some men come to an understanding with their balding head and go all in for the dome look. It’s shave o’clock somewhere.

For Women

Each time you wash your hair, do you notice you’re losing more and more of it? Hair loss for a woman can be even more devastating than for a man. What’s worse is that once you start stressing over your hair, you’ll encourage more hair to fall out. So, go see your doctor first to check things out. Then, explore these options to fight and disguise hair loss, along with strategies to nourish stronger, healthier strands.

› Thickening agents: Hair spray and thickening powders can make your hair look and feel fuller.

› Scalp coloring: Use scalp coloring products to keep your scalp from peeking through your hair.

› Hormone replacement therapy: Estrogen and/or progesterone pills may help get your hair growing if you’re lacking these hormones.

› Topical treatments/prescription medications: Minoxidil cream, cimetidine and ketoconazole/nizoral cream and shampoo have all been proven to have positive results for women struggling with hair loss.

› Rogaine: Women can use Rogaine, too, but we suggest buying it as a foam to prevent it from dripping to your face. You don’t want whiskers, right?

› Savvy styling: Use sulfate-free shampoos, alcohol-free styling products and the low setting on your blow dryer to prevent damage. Apply a natural heat protectant before heat styling, or consider nixing the heat altogether for a while.

› Get a trim: Get split ends trimmed o to prevent your hair from breaking o . A shorter cut will keep your hair feeling lighter and looking thicker, too.

Natural Hair Hacks

Shedding a bit? Try going the natural route. Also, take into account any health issues or new medication you’re taking. Often, whatever’s amiss on the inside comes out in your hair—whether it’s causing your hair to appear damaged and lifeless or actually making it fall out. Take these steps to encourage scalp, follicle and hair health.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:

Combine equal parts ACV and water, and pour over your scalp (careful not to get the vinegar in your eyes). Let that sit for five minutes before shampooing out. ACV balances your scalp’s pH level and helps remove dead skin cells.

OLIVE OIL: Rub olive oil into your scalp, and cover with a shower cap, towel or even clingwrap. Leave it in overnight to clarify your scalp and follicles.

HEALTHY DIET: Your hair needs protein and vitamins to grow. Incorporate lean proteins—like nuts, seeds, eggs and fish—into your diet, along with vitamins A, C, E, B complex and iron.

FLAXSEED OIL: Puncture five capsules of flaxseed oil and massage into your scalp. The oil and massaging motion will stimulate hair follicles and promote circulation. Let the oil soak in 30 minutes before washing out with shampoo.

DRINK WATER: Each hair shaft is one-fourth water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water each day and limiting alcohol intake will encourage hair growth.

Preferred Packages

Birchbox Men

You’ll receive four hefty samples that cover a single step in your grooming routine. From face washes to hair stylers, each month will bring on a new obsession.

$10 monthly birchbox.com

Four Five Club

Based out of Los Angeles, this company will send you a new package of clothing (according to your preferred style profile) each month. No longer can you say ‘I have nothing to wear.’

$60 monthly fourfiveclub.com

Trunk Club

Keep what you wish, return what you don’t like. Partnered with Nordstorm, a stylist will handpick a new wardrobe upon request according to your likes and dislikes. How’s that for personal shopping?

No monthly membership trunkclub.com

Bespoke Post

A new theme each month means you’ll never be bored. Boxes labeled “Endless Summer” and “Man’s Best Friend,” are filled with great gadgets and must-have products. Are you intrigued?

$45 monthly bespokepost.com

Spiffster Club

“Every man needs a tie” is their motto, and we agree. Start building your tie collection so you can dress to impress.

$8.95 monthly spiffster.club

BroteinBox

Men’s subscription boxes can be pretty exciting to open, too. Here are some packages that the mailman may have a hard time giving up.

Southern Scholar

Simple, stylish and sophisticated socks delivered to your stoop monthly.

$15 monthly southernscholar.com

Saloon Box

This box encompasses all you need to make at-home cocktails. Try a wide array of spirits without spending a lot of money buying full-sized bottles.

$37.50 monthly saloonbox.com

Mantry

Man+pantry=mantry. From the top American food makers, six carefully curated food products will arrive at your doorstep every two months. Your pantry will be your house’s best feature.

$49 bi-monthly mantry.com

Sprezzabox

Sprezzabox delivers a box filled with fashion accessories (think tie clips and lapel pins). Items are chosen based on the season and current trends.

$25 monthly sprezzabox.com

Scentbird

This company, located out of New York, lets customers opt for a new cologne scent each month or stick to their favorite.

$14.95 monthly scentbird.com

Taster’s Club

Discover your new favorite snacks without stepping foot inside a grocery store. BroteinBox sends healthy, delicious, proteinpacked snacks to your home or office, every month.

$35.99 monthly broteinbox.com

Whiskey, rum, tequila, oh my. Taster’s Club will send you a “must-have” brand that makes your preferred spirit. It’ll also send a bit of information about the liquor, as well as instructions on how to drink it.

$55 monthly tastersclub.com

Receiving mail as a kid was the highlight of our day. And let’s face it—if it’s not a bill, most of us are still pretty stoked to receive a package even as grown-ups.

Act Natural

You workout for the healthy body benefits, right? If that’s so, why feed your body supplements that may contain unhealthy chemicals and fillers?

Here are seven superfoods and natural supplements to make your workout routine contradiction free.

CAMU CAMU. Vitamin C is important to prevent muscle cramping, reduce soreness and can help put that extra pep in your step right before a workout. Although camu camu berries, found in flooded areas of the Amazon, are not sold at local markets, you can include it into your diet in other forms. Just one teaspoon a day of the powder is all you need for over 700 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Not convinced just yet? Camu camu also helps reduce inflammation and combat fatigue.

MATCHA. Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” Typically, when you order green tea, components from the leaves get infused into hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, however, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered. In other words, matcha is a more potent form of the nutrients found in green tea. So ditch the

coffee, get creative and start your day with a matcha latte.

CHIA SEEDS. Chia helps hold water in the body, preventing dehydration. Nutrients such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, B vitamins and calcium all bundled up in one seed? I’ll take one teaspoon, please. Chia is also rich in fiber and potassium, so it helps combat bloating that can make workouts uncomfortable. One more bonus? The seeds are tasteless, so you can add them to just about anything.

CACAO. Many people deem cacao powder to be one of the top foods to consume right before a workout. Its theobromine content acts as a mild stimulant to give you long-lasting energy minus the sugar crash.

mixture of blueberries and chocolate. And if that’s not reason enough to give it a go, the omega-3 fatty acids will improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and protect the brain. Score!

MACA. Maca isn’t only an energizing superfood that will improve your workouts, it’s also a great source of protein for your muscles.

ACAI BERRIES. Don’t feel like downing a serving of salmon at lunch? That’s OK; neither do we. Try acai berries. In case you’re wondering, the fruit tastes like a

Containing 20 amino acids in just one tablespoon, you’re practically guaranteed to see results—and fast! You can take the powder before or after you exercise. You’ll be using #lift in no time, kids.

Editor’s Note: Talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements or starting a new exercise routine.

Dr. Ashley Cauthen

Dr. Christina Mitchell

SOUTHERN PINES 1 SOUTHERN PINES 1 SOUTHERN PINES 1

CITRUS COUNTY

Sat, June 4, 2016 10:00am - 12:00pm Citrus County Library - Homosassa Branch 4100 S Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa

Wed, June 22, 2016 4:30pm - 6:30pm Citrus County Library - Lakes Region Branch 1511 Druid Rd., Inverness

Mon, July 11, 2016 4:30pm - 6:30pm Citrus County Library - Homosassa Branch 4100 S Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa

Sat, July 23, 2016 10:00am - 12:00pm

Citrus County Library - Lakes Region Branch

1511 Druid Rd., Inverness

To Register: Gulfcoast North AHEC, Nicole Kelly 813-929-1000 ext. 204 or nkelly@gnahec.org

HERNANDO COUNTY

Wed, 22 June, 2016 5:00pm-7:00pm Oak Hill Hospital - GME Conference Center 11307 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613

Wed, June 29, 2016 2:00pm-4:00pm Hernando LibraryBrooksville 238 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, FL 34613

Quitting Cold Turkey

Each person set a quit day and saw a nurse once a week until then. Four weeks later, 40 percent of the gradual group and 49 percent of the “cold turkey” group had quit smoking. This suggests that if smokers quit immediately when motivated, they will have a higher success rate compared to those who gradually cut down on cigarettes. So go on, set your quit date.

During a recent study, almost 700 smokers were assigned to either gradually cut back on nicotine or to cut it off all at once.

A study in the American Journal of Sociology found 30 percent of men and 35 percent of women meet the criteria for a mental illness. Compare this to the 17 and 27 percent, respectively, in treatment.

One in 10 American men suffer from depression or anxiety, but fewer than half seek treatment. Only two in five people, regardless of gender, seek help the same year their disorder onsets.

Health

But if you’re a guy who’s ever struggled with mental health or you know one who has, you may know better. Let’s consider the unique set of challenges and stigmas standing between men and mental well-being.

Boys vs. Girls: By The Numbers

Men are three times more likely than women to become dependent on alcohol and three times more likely to engage in frequent drug use.

In 2014, men accounted for seven of every 10 suicides in the United States. Studies show men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women because they act more quickly on suicidal ideations and show fewer warning signs.

Depression is the No. 1 risk factor leading to suicide, so data suggesting men experience depression less frequently than women doesn’t line up with national suicide rates. Why are men being diagnosed at significantly lower rates? Blame it on societal expectations.

(Men)tal

Statistics suggest men simply don’t suffer from mental illness as frequently as women, with 17 percent of men being treated compared to 27 percent of women.

PPD For Dad

Did you know fathers can suffer postpartum depression, too? It’s called paternal postnatal depression (PPND). A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that while 10 percent of men suffer from depression, that number shoots up to 26 percent during the three- to six-month period after the birth. Unfortunately, little research has been done on the condition, but male hormonal changes and the overwhelmed feelings of being a parent are thought to contribute. Half of all men whose wives suffer PPD will experience it as well. Seek help immediately if you think you may be suffering from PPND.

Stupid Stigmas

Do Conditions Differ?

Although men and women experience the same symptoms of a given mental illness (like depression), their conditions may present di erently. Men with depression may feel the same hopelessness and lack of passion as women but may be less likely to cry in front of others or discuss their feelings. Instead, keep an eye out for excessive drinking or distancing behaviors. Some psychologists believe these di erences in symptoms stem from women internalizing negative emotions while men externalize them.

Although conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder a ect the same number of men and women, men are more likely to be diagnosed with alcoholism, substance abuse and antisocial personality disorders than anxiety or depression because of their externalized behaviors. Here are some things to watch out for in yourself or the men in your life:

› Textbook symptoms of mental illness: feelings of dread, hopelessness, helplessness, lethargy, isolation, change in hygiene and trouble sleeping

› Excessive drinking or substance abuse (watch out for secretive or suspicious behavior, excessive spending and changes in friend groups)

› Uncharacteristic irritability, anger, violence or controlling behavior

› Escapist behaviors, like spending tons of time at work

› Risky behaviors, like reckless driving or gambling

Guys, have you ever been told to man up? That grown men don’t cry? Masculinity is a big deal in American culture, and the tough guy image doesn’t include going to therapy. That may be why so few men seek professional help for their mental illness.

“To benefit from counseling, a man must admit that he needs help, must rely on the counselor and must openly discuss and express emotion. These requirements conflict with traditional ideals of what it means to be male: toughness, independence and emotional control,” says the American Psychological Association website. Hispanic and African American men are even less likely to seek care according to the CDC, which says these stereotypes may be even more pronounced in their lives.

How To Get Help

Fellas, if you’re interested in professional help, don’t let the tough guy rep stop you. Consider the following:

Admit the need for help to yourself and know you can work with your psychologist to customize your consultations. They want to make their client comfortable and help them be successful, so talk openly with them about any concerns.

Make an appointment with your general practitioner. They can discuss your situation, give suggestions for treatment and make referrals.

While searching for the right provider for you, take care of your body. Eat nutritional foods and get eight hours of sleep to stay balanced when you feel unwell.

LISTEN, GUYS: No matter the condition, getting professional care ASAP is important. Forget being a tough guy and show your strength by taking control of your mental health. What could be more bad*** than breaking the silence?

Get Your Car Summer Ready

Car care tips for safe driving in seasonal weather.

Before you head to the beach this summer or settle in for a leisurely drive to soak up that fresh air, your car may need some seasonal freshening.

Regular car care helps ensure that your vehicle looks and runs its best, and timing your car care to the seasons can help keep all of your equipment in top condition to protect your safety in all weather conditions.

One of the most common threats in summer is stormy weather, which can affect your visibility and traction. Ensure you and your car are well-protected and ready for summer with this car care checklist.

Keep your view safe and clear.

Keeping your windshield clear is an obvious necessity for everyday visibility, but the quality of your wiper blades is even more important in inclement weather. Old or damaged blades may not be up to the task of keeping your line of sight clear during a heavy downpour. When it comes to choosing new blades, give careful attention to performance.

Give your car a checkup.

An all-over maintenance checkup is a good starting point to get a pulse on your car’s condition. A multi-point inspection can help alert you to signs of wear or damage on parts, such as your belts, which can weaken as a result of cold winter weather, and your brakes, which are obviously critical for safe driving.

Your engine relies on clean oil for smooth operation, so if it’s time for a change (usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on manufacturer recommendations), you can schedule a change to coincide with your service appointment.

Traditional metal wiper blades, installed on many new cars, have exposed suspension components that can become damaged with exposure to extreme weather. Newer vehicles may include beam blades, with a pre-sprung steel beam designed specifically for that vehicle. However, many replacement beam blade designs are compromised to fit a large array of vehicle models and do not properly adapt to the varying curvature of windshields. This results in reduced wrap and contact pressure on the windshield, as well as poor wiping performance.

A better option is hybrid blades, such as Michelin Stealth Hybrid wiper blades, which feature an exclusive Smart Flex technology that automatically adjusts wiper blade contact pressure across the curvature of the windshield for improved wiping performance. Engineered for durable wiping in extreme weather conditions, the wiper frame and suspension system are completely covered to protect the blades from weather-related damage. The Michelin EZ-Lok Connector System allows for a quick and simple blade replacement. Learn more at MichelinWipers.com

If your vehicle has a rear wiper, remember to replace it, too.

Show your shine.

Sound operations aside, you’ll get more enjoyment out of your car when it looks as great as it runs. A thorough cleaning of the exterior helps whisk away any accumulated dirt or mold.

Protect and preserve your vehicle with products such as Barrett-Jackson Auto Care’s full line of interior and exterior products. Liquid Wax, a signature product in the line, is specially designed with Carnauba wax to achieve a long-lasting, deep shine with no powdery residue. Barrett-Jackson Wash

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

& Wax saves time by lifting away dirt and enhancing shine in one step, while the rapid detailer is great for those in-between touchups. For an all-over shine to complete the freshly cleaned look, Tire Shine is a quick, no-hassle way to maintain sleek, wet-look tires. Make sure to select a tire shine that will not sling off on your car when driving. Find more information about these and other products designed to keep your car looking flawless at barrett-jacksonautocare.com

Once the exterior is complete, turn your attention inside. Pick up any trash or debris, vacuum and wipe down all interior surfaces. A moisturizing treatment will help clean and condition leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Also, give interior glass a wipe down for the clearest visibility possible, and be sure to pick an interior protectant that doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue to help renew and protect all interior surfaces, including plastic, vinyl, rubber and trim.

Check your traction.

Your tires are another of your car’s essential safety features. Excess or uneven tire wear can be extremely dangerous in wet and slick road conditions. If your tires can’t get adequate traction, you may find yourself hydroplaning or losing control. What’s more, tires are an expensive investment, so before embarking on your next road trip, make sure they are properly inflated, balanced and rotated. This can help you get the most mileage out of your tires before needing to replace them.

Slick Tips for Driving on Wet Roads

› Ensure your tires have a safe margin of tread.

› Replace any bulbs, especially for brake lights, immediately.

› Be sure your headlights are clean for optimal road visibility.

› Always use signals to alert other drivers of lane changes and turns.

› Slow your speed before turning, and avoid braking while making the turn.

› Avoid abrupt steering changes.

› Increase your following distance to allow longer stopping time for a sudden brake.

› If you hydroplane, do not attempt to accelerate your way out or brake. Release pressure on the gas pedal, and steer your way to safety.

› Never attempt to enter or cross a roadway covered in water.

The Kitchen Garden

It’s not every day you see basil, rosemary and oregano lining countertops, after all. So what are you waiting for? We are here to impress. Grab a mason jar and some dirt; it’s time for your green thumb to shine.

The Basics

A teacup herb display on your kitchen window sill? A mason jar lineup beside the refrigerator? The first step to becoming a gardening guru is finding the perfect indoor spot for your greenery to sprout. Choose a location in your kitchen that gets close to five hours of sunlight daily. Once you’ve found a suitable area, the rest is cake.

Depending on your container, keep the soil from spilling out of the drainage holes by covering the bottom of the container with a thin layer of gravel or screen mesh. Sit your pot in a saucer to catch the drainage.

Fill your pot with two-thirds organic potting soil mix, adding more in once a month as needed.

Visit a nursery that specializes in herbs to buy your plants. Choose herbs that need similar amounts of sunlight. For example, rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil and oregano all need five to six hours of sunlight daily.

Place taller herbs, like rosemary, in the center of your pot and the others around the sides. Place them at about the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.

While planting, gently loosen the soil around each root ball and fill the pot with more soil, to about 2 inches from the top.

Soak once or twice a week, and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

Once the herbs are ready, be careful to only clip the outer leaves as you need them, leaving plenty of growth on the plant.

Herbs To Consider

Now that we have a game plan, it’s time for a reward. Ready, set, dig!

ROSEMARY

Not only will you have home-grown herbs to marinate with, but according to various studies, the smell of rosemary may even improve your memory— remember that!

BASIL

If this herb is not a necessity, we don’t know what is. Aside from making a killer spaghetti sauce, you can use this plant to calm your nerves.

THYME

A long-time contender and herbal remedy for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, thyme is an herb you’ll want on hand. Even better, add this flavorbooster to any soup or salad.

PARSLEY

Parsley is more than just a pretty garnish. It’s is full of nutrients, containing vitamins A, C and K.

CILANTR0

A staple in both Mexican and Asian cultures, cilantro draws toxic heavy metals out of your body’s tissues.

Nothing screams “She (or he) can cook!” like an indoor herb garden.

Stress-Free Summer Travel Summer is the

season

of

relaxation

and fun getaways.

And because summer is considered peak travel season, prices of travel-related commodities, such as gas and airfare, are sure to increase. Planning for such expenses can save you tons of money. And if you’re planning a family vacation, you already know that traveling with little ones adds another layer of stress to an already hectic ordeal.

To help combat some of those travel anxieties— and hopefully save you some money in the process—we’ve come up with some handy tips and tricks for a successful summer vacation that requires air travel. 1 2 3

Money-Saving Tips

› FLY EARLY MORNING OR LATE AT NIGHT. No one wants to get to the airport at the crack of dawn or fly overnight, but taking a flight between 5am and 7am or late at night could save you some cash.

› FLY DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK. Friday and Sunday are the most popular days to fly, so avoid these days if possible. Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday instead—these days have much lower travel rates.

Traveling With The Fam

Convenience is key. When traveling with kids, everything needs to be easily accessible—from snacks and toys to your IDs and boarding passes. Have the kids bring a small backpack with a few in-flight essentials, and wear an over-the-shoulder small bag with an outside zipper pocket for important documents.

Keep them entertained. Bring plenty of entertainment for the little ones—but make sure the entertainment isn’t messy and doesn’t have a ton of small parts. An iPad or other tablet is great for movies and games (Don’t forget the headphones!), and card games like Go Fish or Old Maid are also easy to manage. Make sure the older kids have a book to read, too.

When all else fails, give them snacks. TSA doesn’t bat an eye at small, sealed packages of cookies, crackers or gummy snacks, but you’ll have to buy juice or water after you cross through security before you board the plane (Just make sure to use the potty one more time before boarding.) Bottles of breast milk or formula are allowed through security when you’re traveling with infants.

› BOOK EARLY—BUT NOT TOO EARLY. Cheapair.com crunched the numbers, and apparently, 47 days before your travel date is the ideal time to book your trip.

› SIGN UP AS A FREQUENT FLYER OR GET A REWARDS CREDIT CARD. Have a favorite airline? It most likely has a frequent flyer program and possibly a credit card that allows you to earn miles based on how much you spend. It might not save you money immediately, but there’s always next summer, right?

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