Healthy Living February 2020

REBOOTING THE BRAIN

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health.

A PERFECT ‘FIT’

Couples

a successful marriage.

like Bob and Tiffany Bone reveal secrets to

A Boston Marathon bombing survivor speaks on PTSD treatment.

A NEW ER FROM A HOSPITAL YOU TRUST.

UF Health The Villages ® Hospital

Freestanding ER. Coming Soon.

From UF Health comes a new 24-hour ER, offering quality emergency care from a longtime health care leader. So help is by your side the moment you need it most.

Learn more at thevillagesregionalhospital.org/er

This family-owned company could be considered the “hometown pros” when it comes to electrical work, and that’s why numerous residents and businesses not only know our name but also utilize us for our services. Those services range from home repairs and electrical installations to wiring a new construction project from

KNEE REPLACEMENT? OR

DO YOU MEAN

PERFORMANCE UPGRADE?

At Advanced Orthopedics Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists...and tennis players.

Knee pain, stiffness, locking, giving way (buckling), creaking, swelling or inability to walk or play without pain can occur because of traumatic injury, arthritis, or overuse. Depending on the cause, conservative care such as a brace or therapy may relieve the pain.

If not, rejuvenative stem cell therapy, arthroscopic knee surgery or partial or total knee replacement can be life-enhancing and allow you to return to your active lifestyle.

Get moving. Call 352.751.2862.

GET A-OK WITH AOI

You’ll these Specials

Save 15% off any Aesthetic Service you have not already had

(Minimum $150 spend)

Buy three or more skin care products, receive a $25 gift certificate toward any aesthetic service of $100 or more

(Minimum $150 spend)

Good through February 13 Appts: 352.571.7000

General Dermatology

Comprehensive care for skin, hair and nail disorders including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dry skin, moles, skin tags, adult acne, hair loss, ingrown hairs and more

Skin Cancer Exams, Biopsies and Treatment

Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Annual Total-Body Skin Cancer Exams SM and Photodynamic Therapy

Cosmetic Dermatology

BOTOX®, fillers, skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, aesthetic procedures, and skin care products

YOUR SIGHT, OUR VISION.

The doctors were so amazing, kind and knowledgeable. They saved my sight and really helped me see clearly.

– Barbara Sue Jansen

SPECIALISTS WITH EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE.

As the premier practice in the area offering comprehensive eye care, Mid Florida Eye Center is renowned for participating in nationwide research studies and pioneering advances in vision-saving technologies. All of our ophthalmologists are board certified and fellowship trained. Most importantly, we are committed to providing the dedicated care to help change the way you see your future.

Dr.Dr.WilkerDr.Panzo MaizelDr.CharlesDr.GoldeyDr.BaumannDr.Bovee

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

State of the heart.

18.

Despite technological breakthroughs to treat cardiovascular disease, it’s still important to take preventive steps to keep your ticker ticking. Check out a comprehensive guide to heart health.

Compiled by: James Combs

22. It’s tea time.

Tea isn’t only refreshing; it’s also healthy. Author Mimi Kirk explains why and also offers several unique recipes.

Story: Victoria Schlabig

26. couples.Power

Nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. However, fairytale marriages still do exist. Healthy Living talks to three couples and learns how they keep their relationships strong.

Stories: James Combs, Theresa Campbell, Chris Gerbasi

33.

34. Before you get pregnant. A prepregnancy checklist for women.

36. Chasing down better ways to run. Important tips for newbies.

38. Go organic. Let wholesome food boost your health.

40. Strength in numbers. It’s better to have exercise partners than to work out alone.

43.

44. Marital communication. Why couples

47.

48. New year, new ideas. It’s time to make more meaningful resolutions.

51.

52. Don’t break the bank. Inexpensive ideas to enjoy spring break.

54. Money matters. Dave Ramsey.

COLUMNS

10. Publisher’s Letter

12. Health Matters

14. Healthy Inspiration

56. Final Impressions

Noah Gregory, Healthy Inspiration, p.14

A big heart for February

February is the month for matters of the heart … both the physical heart and the spirit of the heart. Both equally can cause the death of a person if not taken care of— having a strong physical heart but living with a broken heart means you’re surviving but not thriving as you truly desire.

For romantic matters of the heart, check out our “Power couples” article and see how three local couples keep their marriages strong. There are great tips to learn from these happy people. Some pray together … stay together. Some play together … stay together.

February is American Heart Month, and our four-page guide on cardiac health provides information and tips about how to identify, avoid or survive heart disease, the leading killer of Americans. This material could guide you to a healthier life.

Perhaps the key to longevity is tea. In an interview, author Mimi Kirk, 81, extols the virtues of tea and also provides recipes from her book, “Tea-Vitalize.” She believes her favorite beverage has healing powers and helps keep her youthful.

We’re always looking for great story ideas about health matters, inspirational people in the community and more. If you have any suggestions, contact me at sabrina@akersmediagroup.com. Happy Valentine’s Day and may your month be filled with lots of love … especially for yourself.

Doug Akers / President doug@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers / Publisher/Editor-In-Chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina Ciceri / Associate Publisher sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

editorial, design & photography

Jason Fugate Creative Director jason@akersmediagroup.com

Chris Gerbasi Managing Editor chris@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Staff Writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Theresa Campbell Staff Writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

Victoria Schlabig Staff Writer victoria@akersmediagroup.com

Nicole Hamel Staff Photographer nicole@akersmediagroup.com

Volkan Ulgen Art Director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Michael Gaulin Production Director michael@akersmediagroup.com

Megan Mericle Designer megan@akersmediagroup.com

Douglas Tyler Director of Photography douglas@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Rao Staff Photographer anthony@akersmediagroup.com

contributors

Saskia Roell, Adita Yrizarry-Lang, Carrie Tollefson, Sidney Gray, Rachel Cruze, Dr. Christine B.L. Adams, Zach Zehnder

sales & marketing

Tim McRae

Vice President, Sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Director of Marketing melanie@akersmediagroup.com

Dillon True Advertising Executive dillon@akersmediagroup.com

Pam Thompson Advertising Executive dillon@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Long Sales Assistant shaena@akersmediagroup.com

administration

Deb Matlock Director of Client Services deb@akersmediagroup.com

Aubrey Akers Simmons aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

distribution

Scott Hegg / Distribution Manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Our goal is to provide you with the best quality publication, so your feedback is vital.

healthmatters

BABY, BE PREPARED

SAVE YOUR MONEY

Throughout the years, we’ve repeatedly preached in our Healthy Finance section not to foolishly throw your money away. Sure, we’d all love to win the lottery and spend the rest of our lives on an endless vacation. But shelling out your hard-earned dollars on lottery tickets is a complete waste of money. Your odds of winning Powerball are 1 in 292 million, according to lotteryusa.com. For comparison’s sake, here are some occurrences that are more likely to happen:

• If you live to be 80, your odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 15,300, according to the National Weather Service.

• Your odds of dying from a shark attack are 1 in 3,748,067, according to the International Shark Attack File database.

• Your odds of becoming a movie star are 1 in 1,190,000, according to William Morrow’s “The Book of Odds.”

• If you’re an amateur golfer, your chances of hitting a hole-in-one are 1 in 12,500, according to 60-year data collected by Golf Digest magazine.

• You have a 1-in-200,000 chance of giving birth to conjoined twins, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

• Your odds of dying of a bee sting are 1 in 6 million, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

• Your odds of hitting a royal flush in the game Texas Hold ’Em are 1 in 649,740, according to pokerking.com.

• Your odds of playing on the Professional Golfers Association Tour are 1 in 326,000, according to the PGA Tour Media.

COUNT CAREFULLY

Here’s something for fast-food aficionados to consider. After researchers at Harvard Medical School surveyed 3,000 participants in 2013, 25 percent of them underestimated their fast-food intake by at least 500 calories.

South Lake Hospital is offering a one-day childbirth education class to prepare expectant parents for labor, delivery and postpartum. Participants will learn about the process of labor, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. A tour of the South Lake Hospital Center for Women’s Health is included. The class is scheduled from 10 am-12:30 pm Feb. 22 inside the SkyTop Conference Room at the hospital, 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont.

HEALTHY YOU

Central Florida Health offers Healthy You, Healthy Us classes, programs and events, including Weight Watchers, Quit Tobacco, diabetes self-management, lunch & learn, stress management, breathing, blood pressure management, Alzheimer’s disease support group and more. To learn more, call Juli Romero-Gomez or Janice Boleyn at 352.323.4291 or email healthyus@centflhealth.org.

DON’T SAY ‘I DO’ ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Those who marry on Feb. 14 are 37 percent more likely to divorce, according to the University of Melbourne in Australia, which researched more than 1.1 million Valentine’s Day weddings.

DID YOU KNOW?

Leesburg Regional Medical Center, 600 E. Dixie Ave., has an on-campus fitness track located around the Urgent Care Center that the public can use. Three laps around the track equals 1 mile.

A CALORIE INFERNO

Considering a new exercise to lose weight? Here is the number of calories a 160-pound person would burn in one hour by performing the following exercises:

EXERCISE

Low-impact aerobics

Water aerobics

Bicycling less than 10mph

Ballroom dancing

Hiking

Running (5 mph)

Swimming laps

Walking (3.5 mph)

Source: mayoclinic.org

BLOOD TESTS: SNAPSHOTS OF OUR HEALTH

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Leesburg will provide its annual blood screening event Feb. 22 at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Court. The cost of the basic blood screening is $45. For an additional $30, men can also have a PSA test.

Blood screening can help identify problems such as anemia, diabetes, liver disease, vascular disease, kidney disease and other health problems. The profile of tests being offered includes cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, glucose, potassium and others. Funds generated are used for numerous community projects.

Registration is required no later than Feb. 18. Register at facebook.com/leesburgsunriserotary

STEPS TOWARD A CURE

Relay for Life is an 18-hour event held in communities throughout the country. Participants take turns walking around a track raising money to fund cancer research and create awareness about this deadly disease. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life of The Villages and Lady Lake will start at 10 am March 20 at The Villages Polo Club, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd. For more information, contact Jessica Combs at 813.298.6165.

In search of angels

A Boston Marathon bombing survivor says proper PTSD treatment can help ‘reboot the brain.’

Interviewer:

Mount Dora resident Rebekah Gregory and her then-5-year-old son, Noah, were less than three feet away from the fi that detonated on April 15, 2013, at the Boston Marathon.

Rebekah endured 70 surgeries, including amputation of her left leg, while her son walked away nearly unscathed. “My body acted as a human shield for him,” she says.

However, the post-traumatic stress was “a different kind of animal,” she says. It eventually led her to start Rebekah’s Angels Foundation, a nonprofi dedicated to providing resources and financial assistance to children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder due to trauma.

What do you remember from the bombing? “I remember my body being pinned to the ground. I was only able to move my head. My bones were lying next to me on the sidewalk. I was in a pool of my own blood. My left leg was on fire. I thought I was going to die. I could feel the blood draining from my body, I could feel the life draining from me ….

“Out of my peripheral vision I saw Noah, so out of all the people, out of all the screaming and chaos, I could barely even hear because both of my

at that moment that my son was “About 39 days into my hospital stay, I was transferred from Boston to Houston by a jet and receive medical care. When they were wheeling me into the

worry, Mom. We are never leaving little boy say that after everything was just heartbreaking. It led me

What is the specialized therapy “Accelerated your most traumatic memories

CENTER FOR ADVANCED JOINT REPLACEMENT AND ARTHRITIS CARE

• OUTPATIENT TOTAL HIP AND TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

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•

•

When It’s More than Just Stress

We often associate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with wars, natural disasters, and other life-threatening events. But post-traumatic stress (PTS), a less severe form, can occur when one faces cancer. PTS can also occur at any time during or after treatment, from cancer diagnosis onward, and it can also strike parents of childhood cancer survivors.

Cancer diagnosis can cause normal stress reactions like having repeated frightening thoughts, being distracted or overexcited, having trouble sleeping, and feeling detached from

Stress Busters

oneself or reality. PTS symptoms are more pronounced and can include feeling defensive, irritable, or fearful; being unable to think clearly; experiencing more sleeping problems; avoiding other people; and losing interest in life. PTS symptoms can be triggered by smells, sounds, and sights that one had experienced during cancer treatment, even long after treatment has ended. And if left unaddressed, PTS can worsen into PTSD. You can help protect yourself against PTS by getting good social support, learning about

You can manage stress during cancer treatment by:

• Exercising

• Spending time outside

• Socializing with family or friends

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting enough sleep

• Joining a support group

• Having daily relaxation time

• Doing things you enjoy

• Writing in a journal

your stage of cancer, and having good communication with your healthcare providers. If you experience PTS, crisis interventions similar to those for PTSD can

reduce stress. These include relaxation training, support groups, and (if symptoms are severe) medication. Talk to your doctor if you think you are experiencing PTS.

The Healing Power of Mindfulness

RBOI will hold a 5-week introductory course in mindfulness. Free to those facing cancer, cancer survivors, and loved ones. Classes will meet at 2020 SE 17th Street in Ocala from 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursdays beginning February 13 and registration is required. Call Amy Roberts at 352-732-0277.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends

the following for reducing stress:

• Avoid scheduling conflicts and give yourself enough space between appointments.

• Be aware of your limits and don't feel guilty about saying "No."

• Ask family friends, and coworkers for help with tasks.

• Prioritize your tasks and do the ones most important to you if you cannot do them all.

• Break your tasks down into smaller steps that are easier to handle.

• Concentrate on what you can control.

• Get help with financial problems by talking to an oncology social worker or a financial adviser.

Look Good Feel Better

RBOI has partnered with the Look Good Feel Better program, which offers free workshops to women undergoing cancer treatment. Trained and certified beauty professionals give lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, and accessories and styling. The lessons help bring some normality back to a life disrupted by cancer.

RBOI will hold workshops in our offices in The Villages on February 10 and in TimberRidge on February 17. Both workshops meet from 2 to 4 p.m. and registration is required. Visit www. lookgoodfeelbetter.org and look for the Program Finder. Call Wendy Hall at 352527-0106 or Amy Roberts at 352-732-0277 with any questions. 20 and 3 Writing

BY THE NUMBERS

47% Adults who say they listen to music to manage stress (American Psychological Association 2019 Stress in America survey)

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

The Villages 352.259.2200

Ocala 352.732.0277

Nearly 18 million Adults (and 927,000 children) who have practiced meditation (2012 National Health Interview Survey)

30 minutes Moderate walking per day shown to reduce stress

Timber Ridge 352.861.2400

Inverness 352.726.3400

Lecanto 352.527.0106

RBOI.com

TYPES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

ebruaryisAmericanHeartMonth, anidealtimetoeducatepeople innovativewaysoftreatingheartdisease, itremainstheleadingcauseofdeathfor bothAmericanmenandwomen.Therefore,effortsshouldbefocused cannotcontrolsomeriskfactors,suchas familyhistoryandage,wecanmodifyour lifestylestoreduceotherfactorslikehigh Thisguideshedslightontheprevalence ofheartdiseaseandstepsthatcanbe takentosaveourhearts.

1 2 3 4 5

Coronaryarterydisease: Narrowingorblockageofthe coronaryarteriesduetoabuildup ofplaque.

Heartattack: becomesinjuredduetolackof appropriatebloodflowthrough coronaryarteries.

Peripheralvasculardisease: Narrowingorblockageofthe arteriesthatsupplyotherpartsof thebodybeyondtheheart.

Heartfailure:Acondition wheretheheartdoesnotpump bloodeffectively. Arrhythmiairregularheartbeat: Avariationofthenormalbeatof theheart.

Source:“Heelsvs.Ties,”byDr.NitzaAlvarez, cardiologistwithTriCountyHeartInstitute inTheVillages

HEART-HEALTHY FOODS

• Salmon

• Oatmeal

• Blueberries

• Tomatoes

• Legumes

• Broccoli

• Kale

• Garlic

• Chilipepper

• Apples

HEART

Studieshaveshownthat plant-baseddietscan helpreduceriskfactors ofheartdisease.Eat healthyfatsandlimit saturatedfats,which raiseyourbad(LDL)

cholesterollevelsand

loweryourgood(HDL)

cholesterollevels.

Fatstochoose:

Oliveoil

Canolaoil

Greenleafyvegetables

Nuts

Seeds

Legumes

Fatstoavoid:

Redmeat

Chickenskin

Ham

Mayonnaise

Cheese

Dairyproducts

TYPICAL HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN

• Shortnessofbreathatrestor duringeverydayactivities.

• Abdominalpressureordiscomfort.

• Lowerchestdiscomfort.

• Fatigue.

• Painbetweentheshoulderblades.

Compiledby:JamesCombs

SURPRISING FACT

Twentypercentofpeople whohaveaheartattackare ages40oryounger,andthey havethesamelikelihoodof dyingaspeoplewhoare10 or20yearsolderthanthem.

Source:ResearchbyDr.RonBlankstein,cardiologistatBrighamand Women’sHospitalinBoston

TYPICAL HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS FOR MEN

• Shortnessofbreath.

• Coldsweat.

• Lightheadedness.

• Throatorjawpain.

• Heartburn.

• Irregularheartbeat.

Source:“Heelsvs.Ties,”byDr. NitzaAlvarez,cardiologistwith TriCountyHeartInstitutein TheVillages

• Nausea.

Source:MayoClinic,“Heelsvs.Ties,”byDr.NitzaAlvarez,cardiologistwithTriCountyHeartInstituteinTheVillages

Herearefactsandtipsaboutcardiovascular disease,theleadingkillerofAmericans.

TIP: GO GREEN

STRATEGIES TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE

Walk at least three times a week for 30 minutes.

Avoid cigarette smoking because it reduces oxygen in your blood.

lowers blood pressure and encourages a healthy weight.

drinking alcohol.

Maintain a healthy weight so the heart doesn’t have to work harder to pump blood.

IF HEART DISEASE RUNS IN THE FAMILY

“If a family member died of a heart attack or stroke is his 40s or 50s, then you should begin getting your cholesterol, blood pressure and plaque levels checked when you’re in your 20s. When a family member dies of cardiovascular disease at a young age, it means you need to be more aggressive when it comes to preventative care.”

STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART

Elevated blood-pressure levels force the heart to factors cause increased blood pressure:

Complete 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.

Keep your blood-sugar level under 100 milligrams per deciliter.

Keep your cholesterol level under 200 milligrams per deciliter.

Keep your blood pressure levels below 120/80.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Source: American Heart Association

— Dr. Joseph Sahab, cardiologist with FHV Health in Leesburg.

Source: Dr. Joseph Sahab, cardiologist with FHV Health in Leesburg

Source: “Heels vs. Ties,” by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, cardiologist with Tri County Heart Institute in The Villages.

WHEN ARE WOMEN AT GREATEST RISK FOR HEART DISEASE?

“After the menopausal years. That’s because women lose natural estrogen, which protects them from cholesterol and plaque formation. Thus, after menopause, her risk becomes the same as a man’s.”

SURVIVING BYPASS SURGERY

some tips to help open-heart surgery patients make a full recovery and live healthy lifestyles.

1. which helps patients increase functional capacity.

2. and whole grains.

3. margarine or butter.

4. for a minimum of 30 minutes per day and gradually increase your time and don’t overdo it.

5. If osteoporosis makes walking water aerobics.

HEART DISEASE BY THE NUMBERS

347,879 NUMBER OF MEN IN HEART DISEASE IN 2017. FOR WOMEN, 299,578.

$200 BILLION

HEART DISEASE

630,000 FROM HEART DISEASE

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association

— Dr. Joseph Sahab, cardiologist with FHV Health in Leesburg.

ANY WAY YOU SIP IT

Author Mimi Kirk helps you ‘Tea-Vitalize’ your life.

Story: Victoria Schlabig

At age 70, Mimi Kirk became PETA’s first-ever “Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50.” Now 81, Mimi credits her youthfulness to her healthy lifestyle. Not only is she a vegetarian, but she also stays active with Pilates and drinks three full jars of her homemade cold brew tea every day. She believes tea is an even better way to get your daily water intake, and it tastes great, too.

Before publishing “Tea-Vitalize: Cold Brew Teas and Herbal Infusions to Refresh and Rejuvenate” in 2019, Mimi had previously published a small book about hydration and water and a recipe book about vegan dog food. Her publishers proposed a second book about hydration, but she started considering teas instead and what makes them unique. Mimi has always preferred tea over coffee and got hooked on cold brew tea once she discovered it.

She ended up writing “Tea-Vitalize,” and her publishers loved it. It’s the favorite book she’s written, too, because of the many benefits of tea.

“It changed my skin when I started drinking it. It tasted so good, it helped me hydrate myself better than just trying to force myself to drink water,” Mimi says. “It’s so delicious, you drink it down like it would be a soft drink, you love it so much.”

She did a lot of experimenting with different teas while writing her book, and as she saw her skin improving, she got even more excited. People who were drinking her teas told her they were losing weight because they were

drinking more water, and tea also helps with digestion and has healing properties.

She points out that “you’re not allowed to, in America, say that it heals you or it could help with cancer or anything, but it does.” Tea has been around for centuries, and people all over the world have used it for healing.

“You can’t throw ancient wisdom out the door,” Mimi says.

She made the switch to cold brew teas after reading an article that said sun tea often contains bacteria. She often made sun tea for her kids when they were growing up and joked that it’s a miracle they’re still here.

“I’ve read some scientific proof that the minerals in (cold brew) tea go to the right places in your body so you actually are getting hydrated, where sometimes when you’re drinking water, it’s not really hydrating you,” Mimi says.

Her personal favorite teas are dependent on what fruits she has available to infuse. She likes to keep green tea as a staple because she believes it is one of the healthiest. Her favorite is hibiscus tea infused with ice cubes that have blackberries in them. It’s one of the prettiest teas, she says, and she often serves it with bubbly water when she has company over. She also tries mixing different herbal teas and fruit teas and likes to make a few each night so she has a variety for the next day.

While the bulk of her book includes recipes about cold brew teas, fruit infusion waters, hot tea and even kombucha, a fermented tea, Mimi also explains why tea is so beneficial to our overall health and why we should make it a daily habit.

The book contains a glossary of ailments, so whether you’re experiencing cramps, a cold or anything else with your body, you can refer to it and find out what may help. Just like hot ginger tea with lemon soothes you when you have a cold, Mimi believes that cold teas can help in hot weather or when you’re working out, too, because the tea hydrates better than water alone.

“I think taste is very important, but the biggest thing for me is health; what is going to keep me healthy and vibrant? I can feel that the teas have added a lot more nutrients to my body,” she says.

“I understand that people are always afraid of getting older, and that’s what I can offer people. I experimented with myself and I eat a certain way and I feel like all the time, honestly, I’m getting younger. I’m full of vitality and energy and I just can hardly believe it myself,” Mimi adds, excitedly.

Her hope is that her book will inspire people to try some of her lifestyle suggestions.

“Every step you take to better your health, it works. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Your body notices it, and your mind notices it,” Mimi says.

You’re never too old to start taking care of your health, and even something as simple as adding tea to your daily routine may give you some of the youth and vitality that Mimi enjoys at 81.

BENEFITS OF TEA

These staple ingredients may aid many ailments:

SAGE: Alzheimer’s, asthma, anti-inflammatory, bacterial infection, brain function, colds, diabetes type 2, memory, rosacea, skin disorders, sore throat, stress reducer, thyroid, weight loss.

TURMERIC: allergies, arthritis, asthma, brain function, colitis, cystitis, performance, pancreatitis, rheumatism.

SPEARMINT:

GINGER: allergies, anti-inflammatory, arthritis, asthma, bacterial infection, brain function, bronchitis, bloating, cellular health, circulation, colitis, sinus, toxemia.

Source: “Tea-Vitalize: Cold Brew Teas and Herbal Infusions to Refresh and Rejuvenate,” by Mimi Kirk

SAGE HOT WATER INFUSION + BLACKBERRY

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces

2 tablespoons 1 tablespoon 1

¼ cup

DIRECTIONS

Shut off the heat, cover and steep for 8-10 minutes. Place the blackberries in a cup and pour the infusion over them. Be sure to eat the

SPEARMINT HOT WATER INFUSION + LAVENDER

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces

4 sprigs 1 tablespoon 2

DIRECTIONS

Place the fresh mint and lavender in a heatproof glass.

Let 1 or 2 inches

Let steep for 8-10 minutes.

Alternatively, if using a spearmint tea bag, lightly boil the water in a lidded pot, turn off the heat, add the tea bag and lavender, cover and steep for 3-4 minutes.

DRIED APPLE HOT WATER INFUSION + LEMON + CINNAMON

INGREDIENTS

16 ounces

½ cup

1 ½

DIRECTIONS

Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes. Add the lemon juice and peel.

*Recipes and photos used with permission from “Tea-Vitalize,” by Mimi Kirk

THYME HOT WATER INFUSION + LEMON + CINNAMON BARK

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces

1 teaspoon ½ teaspoon 1

1

1 1-inch

DIRECTIONS

Turn off the heat, cover the pot and steep for 4-5 minutes. Pour the infusion into a cup, add sweetener if desired, and enjoy.

POWER COUPLES

Three pairs of husbands and wives explain how they stay happy and keep their relationships strong.

NO LIMITS TO LOVE

Story: Chris Gerbasi Photo: Douglas Tyler

“Power couple” has added meaning to Rick and Teresa Copley as they power through a workout at No Limits Fitness, the gym they co-own with another couple. Rick and Teresa work together, play together and eat healthy together through another business venture, The Fit Life Meals.

born in Tavares, attended a class taught by Rick at the city’s YMCA. When they married eight years ago, they also had to blend their families: Rick’s son and Teresa’s two sons. The children got along well with each other and also have followed the couple’s example by exercising, playing sports and leading active lives.

Rick and Teresa opened No Limits Fitness, 15841 Old U.S.

business experience but soon also started The Fit Life Meals, a meal preparation company.

“I love to cook. It’s always been a passion of mine,” she says.

“That’s why I married her,” Rick chimes in. Teresa cooks healthy ready-to-eat meals at a professional kitchen in Orlando, and then the couple deliver the meals around Lake County and distribute them from their gym.

After she cooks, he does the dishes. That’s part of the complementary relationship they have in their work and at home. They also distribute all-natural supplements, and Rick says that running three businesses naturally intertwines with their lifestyle. They’re eating healthy and helping others eat healthy; working out and helping others work out.

“It’s hard work, but it’s fun,” Rick says. “We’re providing multiple services to multiple groups of people, all revolving around healthy living.”

The couple works so well together that they manage to avoid serious arguments at home as well, Teresa says.

“We kind of click and get along well, so I never really feel like what we’re doing is work. It’s more of a passion,” she says.

The Copleys’ marriage advice

Have the same mission and something of value that you do together.

“If you’re trying to go to a certain destination, there may be different ways to get there, but they’re still going to the same place,” Rick says. “Whatever it is you can do together to help other people, that’s something that can bind you long term.”

“Have a weekly date night. Never stop dating your spouse,” Teresa adds. “Always be open and tell the other person what you’re feeling. Don’t hide your feelings.”

Getting through arguments

“We’ve had ugly arguments, but one partner cannot be the dominator and the other one a doormat,” Karin says. “Being honest and open and speaking your mind is healthy. Just learn how to do it in a respectful way.”

MARRIAGE AND SERVICE

Story: James Combs Photo: Nicole Hamel

The two most recognizable people at LakeHaven Church in Eustis often pray together.

Their faith bonds them, but so does another sacred devotion—marriage.

Shannon Carroll serves as pastor of the church, while his wife, Karin, is administrator. Combining entrepreneurship and marriage is not to make it work.

“Working together can be challenging, especially since we both have strong personalities,” Shannon says. “But we’re both busy and some days don’t even see each other.”

And when they arrive home each evening, they transition from work mode to family mode and spend time with their children, Danielle, 12, and Ethan, 10.

“We have dinner together almost every night,” Shannon says. “For us, family time with the kids is very important.”

The couple met while doing missionary work in their native South Africa and maintained a long-distance relationship. He lived in Johannesburg, and she lived in Durban, nearly 350 miles away.

Still, there was an undeniable spark.

“Our love for God and mission work was our initial attraction,” Karin says. “We built our relationship over the phone, but distance did not keep us from falling in love.”

They married in 2001 and three years later, moved to the United States. That same year, Shannon was hired at LakeHaven Church, then called Family Bible Church, as the missions and media pastor. He became lead pastor three years ago.

It’s a demanding job. He must meet the expectations of his congregation, make hospital visits and plan sermons. It’s the kind of work you’re married to, which is why being married to

“In Karin, I got the total package,” Shannon says. “She has such great character and has a genuine love for God.”

To strengthen their relationship, the Carrolls make annual trips to WinShape, a retreat in northern Georgia for married couples.

“After the weekend, we feel like that our marriage is refreshed,” Karin says. “We use the 10-hour drive time to talk and reconnect.”

A relationship with God

“We can love one another because God first loves us,” Shannon says. “When I receive unconditional love from God, then I’m able to give unconditional love.”

A PERFECT FIT

Story: Theresa Campbell

Attorney Bob Bone, 56, and his licensed optician wife, Tiffany, 47, are in the best physical shape of their 15-year workouts and a healthy eating regimen.

“I have never felt stronger and been in better shape. I says Tiffany, who is most proud of her improved upper body strength since she began gym workouts in 2013, following her husband, who joined in 2012.

“When I started, I couldn’t do a pushup or pullup,” she adds.

Trainers initially taught Tiffany how to work key muscle groups together to strengthen her upper body and core.

However, the Bones were faced with a dilemma when their favorite gym closed. They wanted to continue working out but needed a place that was close and open at convenient hours.

So, they created their own boutique gym, Bone Fit Studio, at 402 N. 14th St. in Leesburg, for themselves and others. They utilize the same cardio and strength-training equipment they had enjoyed at their former gym. In addition to their solo workouts, the Bones also work out together on weekends. They also incorporate healthy eating into their lives.

“I have become more dedicated to my personal growth by learning more about nutrition and physical activity and how together they make our bodies work for us and not against us,” Tiffany says.

“It’s never too late to have the best body you have always wanted,” Bob says in a 2019 Healthy Living interview. “Being consistent is the key.”

Bone Fit talk with Tiffany

• Bob has his own spin routine that’s really fun and gives you a good workout.

• I prefer strength training over cardio. I usually work out to a really good conference talk or my favorite music. I have learned to love the burn. I feel like I am accomplishing something.

• We always have fruits and veggies in the fridge. We also always have chicken and salmon for a protein.

• I would tell my younger self to love yourself, take care of yourself, get to know yourself now!

• I would ask my future self, “Aren’t you glad you took care of yourself, loved yourself and know who you are?”

Photo: Anthony Rao

Watch During Heart Health Month

We talk with local cardiologist Dr. Nitza Alvarez at Tri-County Heart Institute about using February as a year-round reminder to #PreventTheStent.

The moving story of one woman’s battle with a genetic disorder and how the professionals at Total Nutrition and Therapeutic helped her take control of her life again.

Plus, the harrowing experience of one Villager who says he stepped on a nail, didn’t know for days, and the podiatrist at Tri-County Foot and Ankle who helped save his foot.

Hometown Health

Good Things for Those Who Wait

Hometown Health TV is celebrating its 11th season of multi award-winning health and medical education, information and entertainment in physician offices throughout Lake County and The Villages, in 200,000 cable TV homes and on the web.

To see if your practice is eligible for our speciality-exclusive HHTV network, call 352-801-7106 or email Info@HometownHealthTV.com for a video demo.

RESTORE YOUR CONFIDENCE & HAPPINESS

Tired of having artificial or heavy breast implants? Are they weighing you down? Are you struggling with hardened or ruptured implants from a previous surgery?

Help is available! Get back to your natural bust shape and size with a breast implant removal. Call Dr. Serra, a board-certified plastic surgeon, for a FREE consultation to discuss your options!

Take this to heart

February is American Heart Month. On the one hand, the month serves as a somber reminder that heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women.

On the other hand, the American Heart Association advises that nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. The AHA reminds everyone to focus on their hearts and encourage their families, friends and communities to become involved in heart health awareness.

This month, the AHA also conducts its Go Red for Women campaign, with the message that heart disease is not only a man’s problem. National Wear Red Day will be celebrated Feb. 7.

Before you conceive

Getting pregnant is not just a physical affair.

Story: Saskia Roell

Eating healthy foods is essential for preparing your body to conceive. But it’s not the whole picture. Your physical, emotional and mental bodies work seamlessly together. If you are eating too much junk food, it can create hormonal imbalances. But if you are relentlessly depriving yourself of foods you love, you are probably living in a guilty, unhappy mood much of the time. I believe getting pregnant should be fun, not a chore.

Fertility is a Body Mind affair. When there is a lot of stress, it affects your body’s hormones, not to mention your mood and your thoughts. Scientific research has proved that when Body Mind work is included with intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), the success rate goes from 10-20 percent to 42-52 percent. Of women who did natural conception and did a Body Mind program, 55 percent got pregnant within six months, and 95 percent got pregnant within two years. So, it’s important to have a healthy mind in a healthy body. Here are four steps to ensure you have a healthy body and a healthy mind so conception is a wonderful journey you’ll never forget:

from conception.

you will change your mind.

RECONNECT WITH YOUR BODY

A lot of women are so focused on what’s wrong with their body that they body again.

Before you go to bed and just after you wake up, place one hand over your your belly, imagine that same love and give it to your belly, to your womb. Now your body.

YOUR BABY WANTS TO COME TO YOU

Feed your body with healthy food and feed your mind with healthy, positive happy mom.

EAT HEALTHY BUT DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN

Food can have a tremendous effect on your health. It’s important to eat lots of organic fruits, vegetables, lean meat and fish. Taking good supplements is vital. However, don’t go overboard.

Trying to get pregnant can destroy your life balance. It can feel as if your life is on hold. Your relationship with your husband can be tough, because nothing’s fun anymore, and lovemaking is a chore. If you have a glass of wine, you feel guilty and beat yourself up. And you always think you’re not doing enough.

When I see a woman who feels guilty because she’s had a sip of wine, I see a stressed-out woman who gets cranky on her date night with her husband. Getting pregnant is not just a physical affair. It’s so important to apply the 80/20 rule. Eat healthily, and every now and then, eat something you love.

ABOUT THE WRITER →

and a speaker.

Have your guilty pleasure. Your baby wants to come to a happy mom. When you are happier, your husband is happier. You’re more attracted to your husband. You see other pregnant women and think, “That’s me!” You begin to believe, behave and embody your fertile energy. You are in “conceive mode.” Your body can now open up to conceive.

On the way to becoming a runner

Here are a few tips that newbies should strongly consider.

Story: Carrie Tollefson

When I started running at the age of 12, it wasn’t because I loved the sport or because I recognized my untapped potential. I had an older sister on the high school cross country team, and when you grow up in a small town, everybody has an opportunity to participate.

I didn’t even know I was fast at first. I could tell I was toward the front of a lot of races. I even won a few that first year. But what I really loved was the fresh air and the feeling of running. I loved being with people and talking about getting faster. I wasn’t concerned with beating other runners. I just wanted to beat my best time.

Running has taken me a long way since then, including to the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, but even now that I’m retired from competition, I love running because it has something for everyone. You don’t have to be an elite athlete. You don’t even have to run. You just need to get up and go. Whether you’re training for a marathon or 5K or just want to get out and walk more often, it’s the easiest way to increase your activity level and develop a healthier lifestyle.

So, what’s the secret to getting off the couch and onto your local trails? Here are some quick tips to help you get moving and push through some common obstacles.

START WITH THE RIGHT GEAR. Shoes are the obvious place to start, and while running doesn’t require the most expensive shoes on the

those shoes online. There are plenty of specialty running stores staffed by employees who can identify the

the details of an individual’s stride. That’s especially important if, like spend the bulk of your day sitting. If you’re interested in increasing your

help you treat your feet right.

There are a few other pieces of gear to consider before you lace up and go. A good pair of running shorts, a good shirt, a sports bra for women, a brimmed hat for sun protection and a nice rain jacket will make running more enjoyable.

2 3 4 5

SET A GOAL . Getting up from the couch isn’t easy for everyone, and for some, just walking more often is a big step. Motivate yourself by setting goals and creating challenges that encourage progress. That could include daily goals for steps, distance or time; a training run/walk; or something completely different. Just make sure it’s

but not so daunting it keeps you from ever getting started.

One tool that can help you set and achieve goals is virtual, on-demand

create training plans that work for runners of all levels and provide expert instruction and motivation to keep you moving toward your goal.

KEEP IT REALISTIC. You’re trying into the next great distance runner. Challenges and goals are powerful motivators, but it’s also important to understand that everybody has an off day. Sometimes people are afraid to commit to a workout plan because they feel bad when they miss a day or fail to meet their goal. The truth is, even Olympians have days when they’re not feeling it. It’s OK if you don’t go as far or as fast as you wanted to on a given day. Pushing too hard leads to injury and burnout. Listen to your body. It will let you know when it’s time to take it easy.

A solid training plan and classes that focus on stretching and recovery are also good ways to take care of your body as you adjust to this new level of activity.

FIND YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. One of the easiest ways to keep

you on track. You’re more likely to get out and run—and stay committed to a goal—if you know you aren’t alone. Find a friend who will commit ways to train together.

a voice in your ear encouraging you and keeping you on pace. In addition, it allows friends at different skill levels to work out side by side on treadmills, each completing the same training plan at your own pace.

FIND THE TIME. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to choosing a time to exercise. I love

I know plenty of people who prefer to run after work or in the evening. running time. Are you an early riser?

schedule, the more likely you are to stick with it.

instruction without requiring them to plan their lives around a

you’re ready, you can pop on your headphones and go.

ABOUT THE WRITER → Carrie Tollefson is run lead and coach for Wellbeats, a content and software-as-a-service company that delivers on-demand, television analyst for national and international competitions.

Running and walking have the lowest bar to entry of any form of exercise, and the rewards they offer can be significant. From fitness to friendships to that feeling you get when you complete your regular route just a little bit faster, it’s easy to fall in love with everything running has to offer. Sometimes all you need to discover a lifetime passion is a little help.

Expensive or not?

Buying organic food is worth the cost.

Story: Adita Yrizarry-Lang

Health coaching is such an interesting profession. Most individuals are not ready to toss their unhealthy habits to the side. They create excuses, stories and even fallacies to justify their choices and then throw their arms up in the air when their weight or health doesn’t make a drastic change for the better. I’ve been a health coach for more than 30 years and I have heard it all with one common theme: how much is all of this organic food going to cost me?

Honestly, I never paid too much attention to what I was spending for the family. I rationalized it from the preventive medicine point of view and felt confident I was choosing the

best foods for us and for our health. In the worst-case scenario, I knew I could cut corners by not buying as many fancy shoes as I used to. I simply prioritized quality foods and that was the most important thing to me.

Two years ago, life threw me a curve ball, and for the first time in years, I had to pay attention to my spending. This was the best test ever to see what I was spending on food for me and my two kids. I know food is fuel, and it’s important to me to offer the best fuel for my family. I knew I couldn’t be as frivolous with my spending, but I wasn’t sure where to start. After much deliberation, here is what I learned:

• Make a plan for the week. The old me used to buy just to buy. I had no real plan and with that came plenty of spoilage as the week went on. Now, I have set up a system and a menu for my week. I buy on a Sunday and by Friday, we have slim pickings left but just enough in the freezer to get me to Sunday once again; all of this with minimal spoilage and no unneeded extras.

• Packaged foods. These are typically the most expensive, not because each item is expensive, but because these items may or may not be used during the week. These are snacks, baking goods and, basically, won’t. These are the things you buy just in case you have guests or because you are curious about how they taste. They bring along unamount of nutrition. Unfortunately, it’s money not very well spent. (Right now, go take a look in your pantry to see how much stuff you have that is more than a month old. Next, add up those dollars and see where your money is being spent.)

I challenge you to rethink buying organic. Many believe that it will break the bank with little return. Honestly, I much prefer organics than foods doused in bug spray and other chemical cocktails, not to mention the array of packaged foods that are sitting in the pantry. Most of these are unopened or partially opened; either way, they are dollars that are not being used for the best interest of the family.

• Become creative. I have never liked leftovers; it’s just a personal thing. The new me will accept them for the next day as long as I can create something that is tasty and different from the last meal. It’s a weird challenge I have given myself. Take last night’s chicken leftovers; today I have chopped and sautéed it with garlic, tomatoes, basil and a few other veggies. Then I tossed it all in with spaghetti squash—new meal with new flavors, while leaving nothing to waste.

• And the grand total is .... Keep in mind all my ingredients are organic and I choose animal proteins that are of the best quality as well. Here is a typical meal that I serve for me and my kids: a tray of organic, pasture-fed, free-range chicken, $7; freshly made black beans, $4; jasmine rice, $2; Brussels sprouts, $4; and miscellaneous veggies for cooking and flavor, $3. Feeding me and my two kids cost only $20 and this included a few leftovers. That is $6.67 each for a fully organic meal—not bad!

Take a moment to investigate your pantry and look at spoilage, expiration dates and unused items. This will give you a clearer picture of your family spending.

As you begin to reorganize yourself and your kitchen, think of your refrigerator this way: the refrigerator is for fresh items, so by the end of the week, it should look pretty empty. The freezer is a backup, so when the

fridge goes empty, you still can create a great meal from the freezer. And the pantry is for seasonings, dry goods and packaged items that will be used during the week (FYI, the pantry should not be jammed pack. If so, please reevaluate).

Your family kitchen is the epicenter of health for the household. Remember, food is fuel. Choose foods that will empower the health of you and your family for a lifetime.

ABOUT THE WRITER → Adita Yrizarry-Lang is author of “SuperPowers: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Health & Happiness” and “SuperPowers of the

Always remember TAG

A little help goes a long way in achieving

Story:

Wow! It’s February already. One month into the new year. As you look back at your fitness goals set in January, several questions may come to mind:

“Am I where I need to be in my fitness journey?”

“Have I remained on target?” “Is this working?”

“Can I continue this journey through the next 11 months by myself?” Then you begin to ask yourself, “Do I even have what it takes to stay committed to working out consistently?” With so many fads and gadgets out there, how do you know what and who to trust on this quest for healthy living?

Truth be told, you have more than enough to get the job done. However, most of us need a little help during the journey. To help you get through that sticking point, here are three things to consider adding to your new fitness lifestyle for the year 2020—remember TAG.

T for Trainer. Having a certified trainer is a great investment when first starting out on your health and fitness journey. A trainer will have an initial meeting with you to discuss your goals. A trainer also will be helpful to you in avoiding all those gadgets and fad pitfalls that are everywhere nowadays. In fact, those gadgets and fads will cost you money and often cause more harm and disappointment than any lasting results. A good trainer will lead you on your journey with proper exercise, diet (what we like to refer to as nutrition) and the perfect combination of rest and recovery.

A for Accountability Partner. A trusted accountability partner is an integral piece to starting a fit lifestyle on the right foot and in the right direction. Your accountability partner should be someone you trust and someone who encourages, supports and helps you stick to your fitness goals. This person (or persons) should be someone you know who will compel you to accept full responsibility and stay true to your commitment. It is most helpful if you and your accountability partner possess the same (or close to the same) goals regarding health and fitness. When those excuses and lethargy slowly creep in after all the newness wears off, your accountability partner is a must when you need to remain focused and continue toward your goals.

G for Group Classes. Group classes are a great way to add motivation and variety to your desired goals. In addition to a certified trainer, by participating in a group class, you become part of a community of like-minded, goal-oriented people who are all working together to achieve the same common goals. If you are the type of person who gets bored with the same routine, a group class will add variety to your workouts. Group classes are fun, high energy and a great way to make new friends. These classes also are supportive and may be just what you need to push you through to your fitness goals.

If you don’t have a gym home, find a gym where you can surround yourself with people who want you to succeed in your journey. A good gym staff can help you create life-changing experiences through health, fitness and motivation.

ABOUT THE WRITER → Sidney Gray, owner

Seeing in a new light

Babies in the womb may see more than we know, according to scientists at the University of California at Berkeley. By the second trimester, long before a baby’s eyes can see images, they can detect light.

Light-sensitive cells in the retina may play a larger role in the developing eye and brain than previously thought. These cells were thought to be simple on-off switches, presumably setting up 24-hour, day-night rhythms for the baby. But scientists found that the cells actually talk to one another as part of a network that gives the retina more light sensitivity than once known, and that may enhance the influence of light on the baby’s behavior and brain development.

Source: sciencedaily.com

Communication breakdown

Why talking with your spouse may seem like an insurmountable task.

Communication in general is diffi Miscommunication is the norm. Poor communication between spouses can be frustrating because of the daily closeness of

SPOUSES

PROJECT ONTO EACH OTHER.

When one spouse substitutes his thoughts or feelings for those of his spouse, he or she is projecting. The result is one spouse assumes what the other one thinks, wants or needs without getting input from the spouse. When spouses do this with each imsy ground, purely as speculation. You can see the chaos that develops from miscommunicating by use of projections.

cult week at work. As a surprise, he decided to take her out to dinner. He booked a table at a fancy restaurant and told Maria to get dressed up because he was taking her out for a night on the town. Maria grew upset, yelling at John that this was not something she wanted. Angrily, John replied he was just trying to do something nice for her. x dinner at home and then watch a

John projected onto Maria what he thought was an enjoyable evening. He failed to talk with Maria beforehand and get her input as to what sort of evening she would enjoy. If he had received her input and not projected his ideas onto her, he and she would have communicated better. When two spouses decrease their emotional responding and projections onto each other and introduce clear thinking and observations into their relationship, they vastly improve their ability to communicate.

OUR EMOTIONAL LEARNING OR CONDITIONING GETS IN THE WAY OF CLEAR THINKING.

We learn many things from our parents as they raise us. We learn to tie shoelaces, make our bed, ride a bike, read, solve math problems and so on. But we also learn how to feel and behave in relationships with others. The emotions and behaviors acquired will affect decisions about how we communicate with people who are close to us. The result is we develop emotionally attuned ways of dealing with people. These patterns stick with us throughout life. Emotional learning always wins over clear thinking when a spouse is involved. Poor communication results.

3WE DON’T OBSERVE CLOSELY WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN OUR SPOUSE AND OURSELF.

Since we are taught as young children the emotional ways of responding to others, we don’t see our spouses as they really are in a specifi Nor do we evaluate what is called for in that circumstance. Here is an example of spouses whose emotions get in the way of clear thinking, and who are unable to observe accurately what happens between them when they try to communicate.

Carl is out of town for a week on a business trip. Every evening at 8, he phones his wife, Sheila. He has done this for fi row. On the sixth night, he is busy in a dinner meeting and texts Sheila that he cannot call her at 8. He calls at 10, after the meeting. Sheila flies into a rage, yelling at Carl about how unreliable he is and what a miserable husband he is to her. Sheila is not able to communicate with Carl in a reasonable way nor does she comprehend her own rage. Carl has no idea why she is so upset or how to communicate with her. He ends the call feeling bewildered, upset with himself and dejected.

In childhood, Sheila learned to be emotionally upset with people in her family who did not respond to her exactly as she wanted. As a child, Carl learned to be upset and disgusted with himself whenever he could not satisfy family members. Both Sheila and Carl used the same ways of emotionally responding to others that they learned in childhood. They failed to communicate because they could not think and observe clearly about their current situation and what was called for.

When two spouses decrease their emotional responding and projections onto each other and introduce clear thinking and observations into their relationship, they vastly improve their ability to communicate.

ABOUT THE WRITER → Dr. Christine B.L. Adams has been a child and adult psychiatrist for 40 years. She is the co-author with Dr. Homer B. Martin of the book, “Living On Automatic: How Emotional Conditioning Shapes Our Lives and Relationships.”

“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”

— John Lennon

Source: goodreads.com

Who do you want to be?

The ‘Finisher’ may help you try something new this year.

Revelation 21:5: He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” A new year offers the hope of change, the opportunity to reshape and the chance to reform our habits. People make New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to create new routines and patterns in their lives. The problem is many people’s resolutions

research finds this doesn’t work in the long run. So instead, let’s try something new. But what will we

I want to give you four important steps to doing something new in your life:

We all know the things we want to stop doing, but we must use tremendous effort and willpower in attempting to stop our bad habits. Unfortunately,

1. REPLACE SOMETHING OLD WITH SOMETHING NEW. Sometimes the best place to look to do something new is rst identify what you should stop or quit. Recognize the cue that triggers the craving, and instead of putting your old habit in there, establish a new routine that will end with a similar reward or sense of satisfaction. If you don’t like a certain part of how you are living, perhaps it’s best to set a new habit to replace that bad habit.

To be honest, most of us probably do have something we should stop or quit this year. I see way too many

people that quit doing something for a while, but if it’s not replaced with something else, they’ll just go right back to it. People do this with their sin they are trying to overcome. They fight it for a season, but if it’s not replaced, they’ll just go right back to it.

Some even pray to God and ask, “God, take away this passion for pornography, alcohol, shopping.” God doesn’t want to take away your passion! He wants to move the passion that is being used for habits against His will and use that very same passion to start habits that will grow His Kingdom!

So rather than settling on stopping or quitting as your goal, what if you added or changed one bad habit, and in place of that, you started a good habit this year? What would you add or change? What would this look like?

2. START WITH THE “WHO” IN MIND RATHER THAN THE “WHAT.”

Who do you want to be? So many people start with “do” or “don’t” goals or resolutions, but what’s most important is to look at who you want to be, because that will inform what you “do” or “don’t” do. Based on who you want to become, what habit do you need to incorporate into your life?

This year you might decide:

ABOUT

• I want to appreciate people more. So, you might decide to write a handwritten note each week to someone in your life.

• I want to be a better spouse this year. you might decide to have a weekly date with your spouse.

• I want to be healthier this year. So, you might decide to work out three times a week for 20 minutes a day.

These small disciplines, or habits, may grow over time. This year, you might write one handwritten note a week, but in five years, you might do one each day. You might work out three times a week this year, but in a few years, you might work out every single day.

It’s not enough for us to just stop our unhealthy habits. To truly see change in our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we must integrate new practices and get into a new routine, which leads me to my last point.

If you keep your goal or habit to yourself, you have much less of a chance of finishing it. When you include others in your goal, you have a much better chance to succeed. I’ve had lots of ideas and new things I’ve started in life. The ones that work out best are the ones where I bring others into it with me.

But just inviting other people into it isn’t enough. Invite God into it. He is the master of creating all things new. Many of us struggle to finish what we start. If we have a problem finishing, then why not bring the “Finisher” onto your team. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. He starts things and he finishes things. Even when it looked like He was finished, He rose from the dead! God has the resurrecting, finishing power that you need. And the greatest news is, you can have it for free. Just ask God into your life.

Rather than just trying to stop old habits, do something new this year!

“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.” – Romans 7:6 ESV

THE WRITER → Zach Zehnder is lead pastor at theCross Church in Mount Dora. He completed undergraduate work at Concordia University Wisconsin and earned his master’s of divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In 2017, Zach wrote “Red Letter Challenge,” a 40-day challenge to put Christ’s words into practice. Visit redletterchallenge.com.

4. INVITE GOD AND OTHERS INTO YOUR NEW THING.

“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.”

– Romans 7:6 ESV

The price of love

Ah, Valentine’s Day: love is in the air, your loved one is near and all is right with the world. You can’t put a price tag on that. But the National Retail Federation can. In 2019, consumers spent an estimated average of $162 on their sweeties. Valentine’s spending continues to rise each year and was expected to reach a record $20.7 billion last year. That’s a lot of chewy nougat. But wait a minute. The NRF survey says men spend about $229 while women spend $98. What happened to equality?

spring break

Try these tips for having fun on a limited budget.

Everybody in the North can use a break from the cold winter, and even residents in the South need to chill somewhere away from school. Well, for students (and their families) nally here: spring break! But as much as you’ve been pining for sunshine and a beach, spring break isn’t an excuse to bust the budget,

Your money goals shouldn’t change based on the time of year. So, to help you save money, here’s my list

Stay stateside. Driving is pretty much always the cheapest way to travel, so check out a

live. If you have to fly, you’ll save money if you stay within the United States versus going to an overseas destination.

BEST PLANS

Stay with friends. When I look back on my spring breaks, it’s not the places I remember as much as the people. Do you have a friend you haven’t seen in a while who lives in a cool city that would be fun to visit? You’ll both save money and make the most of your time off by staying at the each other’s places for spring break.

Get a timeshare. Timeshares are one of the top sellers in the travel industry, but they’re also one of the biggest scams on the market today. Think about it. Why spend thousands of dollars on a place you might get to enjoy one week a year? Oh, and you never have any equity in the place. If you’re already stuck with one, it is possible to get out from under it. Timeshare Exit Team is dedicated to helping timeshare owners dissolve their unwanted timeshare contracts, legally and forever.

WORST PLANS

Go to Disney World. Listen, I love me some Disney. I am totally convinced it’s the happiest place on earth—except during spring break. Why spend all that money to go during the time of year when everyone else has the exact same idea? If you go just before or after spring break, a better deal.

Use a credit card. Seventy-four percent of Americans have gone into debt for a vacation, so when the Fourth of July rolls around, they’re probably still paying off spring break. Like my

“The best vacations are the ones that don’t follow you home.” Putting a vacation on a credit card isn’t a good option. Don’t let our culture tell you that just because everyone else is doing it, you should, too.

If you’re planning to travel over spring break, there are plenty of ways to do it on a budget. Use a budget worksheet of all expenses to help you plan so you can focus on enjoying your trip. This worksheet also can help you determine whether taking a vacation really is within your budget. If you can’t afford it this year, start saving up the cash and go on an amazing spring break next year. The beach will always be there.

ABOUT THE WRITER → As a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, host of “The Rachel Cruze Show” and “The Rachel Cruze Show Podcast,” Rachel helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @RachelCruze and online

Visit Southern beaches. I’m not just saying this because I’m from the South. Destinations like Daytona Beach, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are absolutely gorgeous. You can per night.

DAVE SAYS

Honesty and togetherness.

Dear Dave, I’ve never hidden debt from my husband, but I do hide money from him on occasion. I don’t hide it for my personal use, but I have been setting money aside for emergencies without his knowledge. He’s not terrible with money and he works very hard, but

spend it on. We were never able to save much of anything before I started doing this, but recently I’ve begun to feel bad about doing it. Can you give me some advice?

—Penny

Dear Penny,

I’m glad you seem to be rethinking this strategy. I believe in saving up for emergencies and having an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place. But deception in any form is never a positive thing in a relationship— especially a marriage.

I know it won’t be easy, but you have to let him know what you’ve been doing. You also need to make sure you tell him in the right way. Even though your intentions may have been good—getting into better financial shape— you’ve deceived him by doing it the way you did.

Make some time for just the two of you. Sit down with him, and let him know what has happened and that you’re sorry for not being completely honest about it. Explain that the reason you hid the money was that you didn’t want to speak up about how it was being handled in your marriage. Ask him to forgive you and let him know you won’t do it again, but explain, too, how important it is that the two of you work together on saving more, spending less and getting control of your finances.

Managing money in a marriage is a “we” thing. Decisions should always be made—here’s that word again—together. It means you each have a vote, and it also means you should stand up and vote “no” if he wants to spend money on something silly when you don’t have your financial house in order.

—Dave

ABOUT THE WRITER → Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including “The Total Money Makeover.” “The Dave Ramsey Show” is heard by more than 13 million listeners each week on 585 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

TALK TO SPOUSE ABOUT MONEY

Dr. Kimberly Besuden

Dr. Lauren Cooper

Four ways to predict the Final Four

A new system may keep your bracket from busting.

As you’re reading this, we’re about a month away from March Madness. But I’m actually writing this in late October before the official start of the college basketball season. Therefore, I haven’t seen any teams play. I don’t need to, really. I have formulated an entirely new system for making my NCAA Tournament picks by pushing logic aside and introducing fun ways to predict the Final Four.

Sure, I could tell you that Michigan State returns an experienced group of players from its 2019 Final Four team. That’s boring and would undoubtedly earn me scorn from my managing editor. He’s a University of Michigan grad. While talking sports with him, I avoid using nasty words like Spartans, Buckeyes and Fighting Irish.

Anyway, I am going to use each of these methods to predict this year’s Final Four.

THINK FUN VACATION

This method allows us to eliminate some traditional heavyweights right off the bat. Few families choose the plains of Kansas, the cornfields of Indiana or the hollers of Kentucky as their ideal getaway destinations.

If you’re a fan of surfing and sunshine, UCLA, USC and Miami are obvious

picks. Maybe tall, majestic mountain peaks intrigue you. If so, consider advancing Colorado or Tennessee into the Final Four. For fans who love visiting a city filled with bourbon and blues, it would be criminal not to pick Memphis. And if you cannot stay away from slot machines, then you can take a gamble on UNLV.

GO BY TEAM NICKNAMES

Cats have nine lives, so picking a team with a feline-related nickname may be wise. You can choose the Tigers, a nickname shared by Auburn, Clemson, Louisiana State, Memphis and Missouri. Or you can choose the Wildcats of Northwestern, Kentucky, Arizona and Villanova. Weather lovers might opt for the Miami Hurricanes and Iowa State Cyclones, while bird lovers can pick the Creighton Bluejays and Louisville Cardinals. Some teams have nicknames that sound cool even if you don’t know what they mean: the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, the Saint Louis Billikens, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and, my personal favorite, the University of California at Santa Cruz Banana Slugs.

COOLEST CELEBRITY

By promoting products and setting different trends, celebrities have a

tremendous influence on our society. They might as well influence our NCAA Tournament bracket, too. Celebrity sports fans run the gamut, from beautiful women like Kate Upton (Michigan) and Ashley Judd (Kentucky) to famous singers like Katy Perry (Ole Miss) and Garth Brooks (Oklahoma State) to comedians like Will Ferrell (Southern California) and Larry the Cable Guy (Nebraska). Find out if your favorite celebrity is a college basketball fan and advance that team to the Final Four.

GO POLITICAL

Texas vs. Illinois. Florida vs. California. Georgia vs. Washington. Arkansas vs. Minnesota. What do these matchups have in common? They pit teams from red states against teams from blue states. Yes, some people look at everything through a political lens. If you cannot stand those backward conservatives or smug, uppity liberals, then this may be the method for you. There you have it. I hope this new methodology proves successful. But remember, the odds of picking a perfect bracket are on par with scoring a date with Kate Upton, figuring out what a Banana Slug is or my managing editor openly rooting for Michigan State.

Story: James Combs Illustration: Megan Mericle

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L-R: Ashley Bailey, RN, ADON - Jackie Stanfield, RN, DON - Haley Smith, RN - Kelli Staab - Chrissy Nichols, COTA - Steve Van Dyke, DPT Shanitia Brown, LPN - Shayna Grunewald, CEO - Jenny Stinson, PT - Renee Piryk, PTA - Kristin Coons, RN, Clinical Manager - Baylie Treves Pam Balthaser, CNA - Ashley Tatum, LPTA - Cindy Bahoot, PTA