Healthy Living December 2019

SAYING A MOUTHFUL | Intermittent fasting may be beneficial. p.46

CONTINUOUS CARE PLANNING

Everything you need to know from independent living to hospice.

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FEATURES

24. Plan ahead.

there’s more to your golden years than playing endless rounds of golf. At some point, the need to live in a continuous care community may arise. Here’s a look at different types of facilities, ranging from skilled nursing and assisted living to independent living and endof-life hospice care.

DEPARTMENTS

42. Veg out. A recipe for seasoned cauliflower bites.

44. Trust with all your heart. Cardio exercises for beginners.

46. Feast then fast. How intermittent fasting can be healthy.

48. Something to snack on. You won’t lose weight without eating the right food.

52. A little self-discovery. Taking a two-day journey into the self.

54. Reset your brain. Discover the steps of the Synergetic Strategy.

60. The awakening. How to recapture your inner spirit.

64. A penny for his thoughts. Financial expert Dave Ramsey shares advice.

66. Cash in on this.

COLUMNS

Publisher’s letter

Health matters Podcasts Final impressions

Thinking ahead

It’s vital that we prepare for the future now. As I am quickly approaching 50 years of age, I find myself thinking more about the long-term plans as retirement approaches.

I ask myself questions: Where will we end up living? What if we need an assisted living facility one day? Which one will we choose? And I’m thinking of how to make sure we have a plan for memory care or home health, if needed, to live out the best life that we can and be prepared. I’ve even just recently collected information about a longterm care policy.

It seems like just yesterday that I started my nursing career. I overheard social workers advising patients on preparing for the mature years of their lives, and I thought that I was so far off from thinking about that subject that I didn’t even pay attention.

The years have flown by, and now I have to start thinking about the next half of my life. Maybe you do, too.

In this issue, we provide detailed information that you need to know about elder care facilities, “aging in place” at retirement communities and even end-of-life issues when hospice is needed. This feature is meant to be a guide for people who are seeking answers and for anyone who doesn’t even know the right questions to ask. This entire issue is packed with great information, so make sure to check out all the special articles in our sections. They each have great ideas as we look into a new year!

Hoping you all have a very merry Christmas. See you next year!

Doug Akers / President doug@akersmediagroup.com

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

Sabrina Ciceri / Associate Publisher sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

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Dr. Richard T. Bosshardt, Dave Ramsey, Sine Wallace, Brian Clement, Andy Roman, Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter, Dr. Clint Van Nagel and Shannon Kelleigh with John A. Maiorino sales & marketing

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DASHING THROUGH THE STREETS

Jingle all the way to a 5K. Participants in Santa’s Twilight 5K in Clermont won’t have to feel guilty about indulging in a large Christmas dinner feast. During the Dec. 21 event, competitors will complete a 3.1mile course through downtown and the surrounding residential streets and trails of Clermont. Each participant will receive a stained-glass finisher medal, colorful event shirt, hot chocolate and holiday cookies. To register online, visit sommersports.com/events/running/ santas-twilight-5k-clermont.

CARE FOR CAREGIVERS

Being a caregiver to a loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding. Without support, it’s easy to fall into a trap of depression and burnout.

Fortunately, there is help for caregivers in Lake and Sumter counties. A local support group will meet at 4pm Dec. 13 inside the Leesburg Public Library, providing caregivers with an opportunity to share their troubles and interact with people enduring similar everyday experiences. The goal is to empower caregivers to improve care for themselves and others.

For more information, call at 352.728.7289, ext. 790.

LIFESAVING TRAINING

Hats off to Jonathan Carey, Lake County Office of EMS district chief of training, who recently provided training to employees of the Lake County Tax Collector’s Office on how to properly use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Jonathan also teaches the American Heart Association’s CPR course to county workers who are not in health-care-related fields.

“When it comes to cardiac events, time plays a key role in ensuring the best positive outcome for the patient,” Jerry Smith, Lake County Office of Emergency Medical Services director, says in a press release.

“I highly encourage all citizens to receive training in how to properly perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator so that when an emergency happens, they are prepared and can give that person a fighting chance prior to the arrival of EMS.”

BE THANKFUL THIS CHRISTMAS

Americans tend to gripe this time of year. Planning for meals and parties, shopping in crowded stores and decorating homes leaves many people feeling grumpy and tired. Let’s look at some common complaints and then realize how good our lives are:

COMPLAINT

“I’m sick of turkey. We’ve had it three times since Thanksgiving.”

“We’re having 15 guests over for Christmas. Feeding all those people will cost a fortune.”

EYE-OPENER

In the poorer parts of the globe, someone dies of starvation every 3.6 seconds, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

DRINK UP

Red wine in moderation may be good for your gut, according to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology. Researchers found that the intestines of red wine drinkers contain a greater diversity of bacterial species, which is a marker of a healthy digestive tract.

Eighty percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day, according to globalissues.org.

FEEL WHOLE

“I hate the holidays because there is too much food and I always gain weight.”

Approximately 28 percent of children in developing countries are underweight due to malnourishment, according to globalissues.org.

“Mommy, you’re seriously going to make me drink water for Christmas dinner? I want something with

There are 785 million people who lack a basic drinking-water service, according to the World Health Organization.

“Feel Whole,” the theme of AdventHealth, represents a commitment to healthy mind, body, and spirit, and it’s being embraced at Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. The farm calls the hospital its “super-sponsor” in supporting a 6.5-acre cornfield maze for youths to be able to exercise and have fun outdoors. The maze is open 10am-5pm Saturdays and noon-5pm Sundays through Dec. 8. To learn more, visit longandscottfarms.com.

“You all didn’t buy me the new bicycle I wanted. I’m never speaking to you again!”

Approximately 387 million children in this world live in extreme poverty, according to UNICEF.

10 health podcasts for your morning commute

If you haven’t hopped on the podcast train yet, here are a few to get your addiction started.

Story: Victoria Schlabig

‘THE GOOP PODCAST’

Gwenyth Paltrow started the goop lifestyle brand in 2008, promoting a clean lifestyle and providing “new-age” advice. “The goop Podcast” speaks with leading thinkers and culture-changers, from doctors to creatives, CEOs to spiritual healers, aiming to start new conversations.

‘DIET STARTS TOMORROW’

Co-founders of the Betches franchise, Aleen Kuperman and Samantha Fishbein, discuss wellness, weight loss, working women who understand the struggle. They talk about the real psychological and emotional effects that Instagram and social media have on how we view our bodies and our lives.

‘BECOMING WISE’

Excerpts are taken from hundreds of conversations with influential and wise individuals. This podcast offers discovery and depth in the amount of time it takes to make your morning cup of coffee.

‘THE MENTAL ILLNESS HAPPY HOUR’

Comedian Paul Gilmartin invites actors, friends, comedians and the occasional health professional to discuss the reality of mental illness, anxiety, depression and trauma, all of which are commonplace within the comedy community.

‘THE WELLNESS MAMA PODCAST’

If you’re into holistic health or want to know more about it, you’ll appreciate Katie Wells’ “Wellness Mama Podcast.” She aims to give families realistic solutions to everyday natural living, DIY, parenting and other health tips. The weekly podcast invites guests like doctors, experts and faced by every family.

‘THIS PODCAST WILL KILL YOU’

Ecologists and epidemiologists Erin Welsh and Erin Allman Updyke tackle different diseases from their history to their biology and address how scared you should be. Each episode explores a new topic and the Erins make infectious disease acceptable for dinner-party conversation.

‘PATIENT-ZERO’

Host Taylor Quimby uses investigative journalism to do a deep dive into the origin and evolution of infectious diseases, with an estimated 300,000 new cases every year. Taylor himself has experienced the trials and tribulations of the complicated disease. Season One looks into the myths, mystery and reality of Lyme disease, and how it survives and thrives in certain ecosystems.

‘TEDTALKS HEALTH’

Researchers, doctors and other professionals discuss everything from medical breakthroughs to healthy habits on the TEDTalks stage at events around the world.

‘ED MYLETT SHOW’

Entrepreneur Ed Mylett welcomes guests to the show where they discuss ideas, strategies and tactics to improving and transforming your life, whether it be your body, mind, business or family.

‘LIFE KIT: ALL GUIDES’

NPR’s collection of “Life Kit” podcasts includes money, parenting, health and more, offering subsections of

lifestyle podcast that can help with things like “Exercise: Learn to Love (or at Least Like) It,” “Find Money You Didn’t

and even “How to Make Friends.” That said, “Life Kit: All Guides” puts all of those podcasts in one place where

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Smoking and Cancer: It’s Not Just the Lung

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, and about 80% of those deaths trace back to smoking. Smoking has also been linked to cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), kidney, cervix, liver, bladder, pancreas, stomach, and colon/ rectum, and to myeloid leukemia. All told,

smoking has been linked to about 30% of all US cancer deaths. Secondhand smoke has been linked in adults to cancers of the larynx, pharynx, nasal sinuses, brain, bladder, rectum, stomach, and breast -- and in children to lymphoma, leukemia, liver cancer, and brain tumors. The danger goes beyond cigarettes. Some smokeless tobacco products contain up to

Cancer Patients

Quitting tobacco reduces your risk even after you have been diagnosed with cancer. Benefits include:

• Longer and better quality of life

• A better chance of successful treatment

• Fewer and less severe side effects and faster recovery from treatment

• Lower risk of secondary cancers

• Lower risk of infection

• Easier breathing

• More energy

four times more nicotine than cigarettes and can increase the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Waterpipe smoke contains high levels of many toxins found in cigarettes and that have been linked to cancers of the lung, stomach, bladder, and esophagus. The younger you are when you quit smoking,

SWAT the Habit

Florida's Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) empowers youth to mobilize, educate, and equip peers to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. Learn more at www.swatflorida.com.

the greater your health benefit. But stopping at any age improves your health. Ten years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer decreases by 30% to 50% compared to people who keep smoking. Five years after quitting, your risk of mouth or esophagus cancer is cut in half.

Did You Know?

E-cigarette aerosol (vapor) can contain cancercausing chemicals; highly addictive nicotine; heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead; and ultrafine particles.

• Make a plan and set a quit date, to help keep you prepared, focused, and motivated.

• Tell your quit date to family and friends and ask them for support.

• Carry sugar-free gum or mints to help you through cravings.

• Drink lots of water.

• At first, avoid coffee, soda, and alcohol.

• Keep healthy snacks handy, like carrots, celery, or fruit.

• Keep your hands and mouth busy. Cinnamon sticks, toothpicks, or straws can help.

• Clean anything (clothes, car, carpets, sheets, etc.) that might smell like cigarette smoke.

• At first, avoid places where smoking can occur, like bars, nightclubs, and some outdoor dining areas.

• Exercise at a gym, with friends, or on your own. Even just walking can help.

Helping You Become Tobacco Free

RBOI works with the Tobacco Free Florida Partnership of Marion County (http://tfp-marion.org/) to help create tobacco-free environments. The partnership also supports smoking cessation and prevention programs, especially those targeted to our youth. RBOI social worker Wendy Hall is a tobacco cessation specialist.

Support is also available at Smokefree.gov or call 1-800-44U-QUIT. You can find more quit lines at the American Cancer Society (866-QUIT-4-LIFE), American Lung Association (800-LUNGUSA) and US Department of Health and Human Services (800-QUIT-NOW).

"It was very hard to do,

— BUD CONKLIN, PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR AND EX-SMOKER

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The age of altern

tives

Everything you need to know about the stages of continuous care, from home health to hospice.

Compiled by Healthy Living staff

Aging in place

Continuing care retirement communities cover all aspects of senior living.

Seniors who are ready to leave their traditional homes behind for the next stage in life can find medical and custodial security at continuing care retirement communities. They offer every facet of care based on each resident’s individual needs: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, all on one campus.

CCRCs allow residents to “age in place.” While residents are in good health, they can enjoy all the benefits of independent living, such as having their own apartment or condominium in a maintenance-free environment. They are free from responsibilities such as yardwork or home repairs and have more time to pursue recreational activities. As residents age and they are slowed by illness or physical decline, they can smoothly transition to an assisted living facility, which provides services for people who need help with daily tasks. Skilled nursing is for residents who require higher levels of care.

Memory care units are available at many CCRCs for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, allowing for medical and custodial care of the resident while their spouse receives professional assistance.

Many continuing care retirement communities have accommodations resembling five-star hotels, with appealing amenities such as pools, dining areas, libraries, fitness/spa centers and areas for private physicians to visit residents. Many also provide extensive services such as housekeeping, transportation and social and educational programs.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

DOUBLE THE OFFERINGS

Continuing care retirement communities in Lake County are few, but one offers not only the full spectrum of health care but also access to the amenities of The Villages.

Freedom Pointe, part of Brookdale Senior Living, provides four levels of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Residents can be moved to the next level of care as needed.

In addition to the facility’s own amenities—indoor pool, spa, café/bistro, restaurant-style dining, beauty and barber shop, fitness center—residents also enjoy access to The Villages’ executive golf courses, town squares, swimming pools and tennis, among other activities, according to brookdale.com.

One financial option at Freedom Pointe is a Life Care contract that includes an upfront buy-in fee and a monthly service fee. In return, Life Care guarantees accommodations and care even if a resident’s assets are exhausted through no fault of their own, depending on the contract chosen.

Entry fees for Life Care communities typically range from $150,000 to $300,000, brookdale.com states. Residents may have the option of a refundable contract that returns a portion—up to 90 percent—of the entry fee to a designated beneficiary, and tax deductions may be available for portions of the fees. Rental options also are available in which residents pay a monthly rental fee based on the level of care, with no buy-in fee.

various insurance entities can be utilize d insurance policies may be used, subject to some restrictions. Custodial care is not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.

At your disposal

Home health care offers an extensive range of services.

An aging couple dependent on each other for care or an individual recovering from surgery or in poor health may utilize home health care, which is available to everyone, regardless of age. Clients may include healthy seniors who need a little assistance at home or with transportation to patients who are recently discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation center and in need of a higher level of care. Companies can provide the same skilled nursing care and therapy that patients would get in a facility, right inside their home.

Many home health providers are versatile, handling simple medical needs or more specialized care, as well as custodial care.

Medical care may include rehabilitation, therapy, convalescent care, skilled nursing care, wound care, physical and

occupational therapy, respiratory care, speech therapy, intravenous medication and injections, chemotherapy in-home, nutrition counseling and therapy, and health monitoring.

Custodial care provides nonmedical services and companionship for people whose physical and mental capabilities are diminishing with age, or anyone in need of assistance, such as caregivers who need a break from the daily grind of caring for a loved one. This care can run from three hours a day up to 24 hours a day.

Custodial care includes assistance with daily living such as bathing, eating, grooming, toileting and mobility assistance, light housekeeping, cooking, shopping, telephone use, managing finances, transportation and monitoring medications.

HOME HEALTH COMPANIES

Home Companions of Lake County Inc. 2821 S. Bay St., Eustis 352.483.3086

Home Instead Senior Care 216 N. 3rd St., Suite A, Leesburg 352.323.6100

Legacy in Home Care 1647 E. Alfred St., Tavares 352.269.6460

BayCare Home Care Inc . 1450 E. North Blvd., Leesburg 352.728.5598

Kindred at Home 900 Main St. Suite 301, Lady Lake 352.787.2780

Each home health company has the option to accept payment from either private insurance companies, government-sponsored program s or out-of-pocket from medicare.gov. When choosing a home health service, make sure it is licensed by the state of Florida. Licensing requires extensive background checks on all

Self-sufficiency

Independent living facilities allow residents to live autonomously while help is readily available.

Independent living communities are senior-exclusive communities that allow residents to maintain their independence while allowed the option to call outside agencies, such as home health care companies, if assistance is needed.

Independent living allows residents to be self-sufficient while providing them with social and fitness activities, as well as safety and security. Communities may consist of single-family residences, apartments or condominiums. Many of these communities offer amenities such as light housekeeping, laundry, scheduled meals, home maintenance, landscaping and transportation.

Independent living residents generally are in good health, can perform daily living activities such as bathing, grooming and dressing, and enjoy an active lifestyle. For example, Atria Senior

Living in Lady Lake is a facility just a mile or so from The Villages and all of the recreational, entertainment and shopping opportunities that the 55-plus community has to offer.

On campus, Atria provides fitness and learning opportunities, chef-prepared dining and social events, and 24-hour support from a professional staff if necessary.

Many independent living facilities are part of health-care campuses that offer other services on the spectrum of senior care. People who require assistance with daily tasks may want to consider an alternative to independent living. For example, Atria Lady Lake also provides assisted living facilities and a program called Life Guidance, an approach to memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, according to the Atria website.

INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES

Atria Lady Lake

352.775.1308

The Willows of Wildwood

352.430.0076

Lake Ridge Village

352.329.3503

Waterman Village

352.383.0051

Sumter Senior Living

352.653.2232

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Residential and custodial costs for independent living are paid for out-of-pocket. Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover independent living expenses. Monthly housing rates vary widely by community; residents often have the choice of buying or renting

the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers programs for low-income seniors.

THINKING LONG-TERM CAN HELP WITH COSTS

Unlike traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is designed to cover long-term personal and custodial care in a variety of facilities and settings, including home.

“The most important thing about long-term care insurance is for people to start early and when they are healthy,” says Robert Whitaker, insurance agent for Michael Whitaker and Associates in The Villages. Robert conducts seminars on the cost of home care, assisted living and nursing homes—he strives to make people aware of different options available.

For many people, that could mean purchasing a long-term care insurance plan between ages 50 and 60. Policies cost less when purchasers are younger. A policy can supplement retirement funds that could be drained prematurely by an expensive assisted living facility, for example.

Long-term care plans reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services and activities of daily living. The cost is based on: how old you are when you buy the policy; the maximum amount that a policy will pay per day; and the maximum number of days (or years) that a policy will pay.

Costs in 2019 increased slightly over the previous year. A couple in their mid-50s can expect to pay an annual premium of just over $3,000 for a potential combined benefit of more than $770,000 in coverage should they begin needing care at age 85.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” policy. Before deciding on a policy, talk with a professional and request information on the insurance company’s premium rate history.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

Extra-care housing

Assisted living allows residents to maintain independence while help is nearby.

Assisted living facilities are touted as the best of both worlds for older adults: independence with the comfort of knowing help is always there when you need it.

People residing in ALFs can maintain and enjoy their personal freedom and privacy while living in a safe, secure environment. ALFs offer minor medical care, such as medication supervision to make sure residents take their medications correctly and on time.

Additional supportive services offered are meals three times a day, while some ALFs feature residences with their own kitchens. ALF residents also can benefit from housekeeping services, assistance with bathing and personal hygiene, laundry, transportation, onsite security (usually

an emergency alert system for each residence), exercise and physical fitness programs along with a plethora of social activities.

Assisted living facilities can be found in a variety of ways, from pockets of apartments, single-family homes to condominium-style facilities.

In Florida, the industry is regulated through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Assisted Living Unit, and stringent guidelines must be followed for accreditation. Most assisted living communities offer residents the choice of all-inclusive or fee-for-service pricing. All-inclusive means a single monthly fee covers rent, meals and any additional services a resident chooses such as housekeeping or transportation. Fee-for-service

means a resident pays only for those services they use.

In 2019, the average monthly cost of assisted living nationwide is $4,000, according to payingforseniorcare.com. Alzheimer’s and dementia care in assisted living (called memory care) costs, on average, an additional $800 to $1,200 per month. Costs for assisted living vary from state to state. In the South and Midwest, the approximate average monthly costs are $2,800 to $4,500, which is about $2,000 less than the cost in the Northeast and on the West Coast.

Genworth.com reports the monthly cost in 2018 for assisted living in the Orlando area was $3,275, which broke down to $267 a day for a semi-private room and $292 for a private room.

Most assisted living costs are paid for out of pocket, but there are other possible sources people may look into for help, says payingforseniorcare.com, including Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ programs, state non-Medicaid programs, reverse mortgage s,

AGING AT THE COVE

“We want to make sure when a resident moves here, they are able to be cared for without having to move again,” says Debbie Kenny, marketing director at The Cove at Tavares Village. “It’s a home environment where they will be able to go on to higher level of care within the same building and the same nursing staff.”

The facility has an extended congregate care (ECC) license, which first allows residents to age in place and be cared for in their home by an ECC nursing staff. The Cove also offers senior independent living, assisted living, memory care and dementia care.

“Our senior independent living is very independent living; it’s completely maintenance-free,” Debbie says. “In some cases, it will keep them safer longer. And if they need additional care, they can move up to assisted living and then on to memory care, so ours is a true continuing care environment.”

Meal times in the dining room are popular social gatherings at The Cove.

“Residents love the food, and we hear that a lot,” Debbie says. “They love lasagna day, which the chef makes from scratch. We have lasagna two to three times a month, and our chef is very good with Italian dishes.”

The Cove also offers social activities such as live music, plays, worship service, cards and board games, dancing, bingo, crafts, art classes and organized outings for lunch, fashion shows and shopping.

Michigan native and widow Sharon Ferguson, 77, has lived in Florida since 1992, and she was apprehensive when two friends initially encouraged her to relocate to an assisted living facility.

“My arthritis was getting bad and I was by myself a lot,” Sharon says.

Now she’s glad The Cove at Tavares Village is her home. She made the move a few months ago.

“It’s nice here,” says Sharon, who enjoys recreational activities like bingo, golf, trivia and a variety of games. “The people are nice, too, and I’ve made some friends.”

She loves having menu choices for her meals, and she happily showed a large wad of $5 and $10 “play money”—her bingo winnings—that she anticipates spending at the facility’s auctions.

Sharon believes her late husband would have been pleased seeing her enjoying fun times at The Cove.

“He always wanted me to be wellcared for,” she says.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Benton House of Clermont 16401 Good Hearth Blvd., Clermont 352.241.9994

Spruce Creek Assisted Living 603 Chautauqua Drive, Mount Dora 800.385.2527

Osprey Lodge 1761 Nightingale Lane, Tavares 352.253.5100

Village Veranda at Lady Lake 955 S. Highway 27/441, Lady Lake 352.268.3523

Mission Oaks 10780 U.S. Highway 301, Oxford 352.330.3901

EVALUATE ALFS

Just as in other stages of life when people research and visit places to live, elderlaw.com advises people to evaluate assisted living facilities with these guidelines in mind:

• Assess your needs.

• Tour facilities.

• Study the fees and the contract.

• Find out about the staff.

• Look into the medical services.

• Find out what types of activities are offered.

• Observe the staff in action.

Sharon Ferguson

“Our senior independent living is very independent living; it’s completely maintenance-free.”

— Debbie Kenny

Home away from home

Skilled nursing facilities offer a home-like environment with medical staff on hand.

Skilled nursing facilities are typically utilized for short-term care by patients recovering from an illness or injury. These patients no longer need to be in a hospital but are still unable to care for themselves at home. Therefore, a skilled nursing facility staff provides therapeutic interventions so the patient can regain independence as soon as possible. A skilled nursing facility patient typically is admitted for medical

INSURANCE COVERAGE

issues such as stroke recovery, wound care, memory issue or rehabilitation after an illness or operation.

Unlike nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities have doctors, registered nurses, physical therapists and other medical personnel on campus.

Some skilled nursing facility patients have chronic or terminal conditions and require 24-hour care in a residential setting. Those patients stay long term

and bathrooms, couples care and

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing care on a short-term basis when patients meet certain conditions, according to medicare. They must have a qualifying hospital stay, their doctor has decided they need daily skilled care and the skilled nursing facili

all costs out-of-pocket.

MEDICARE-COVERED SERVICES INCLUDE:

• A semi-private room

• Meals

• Skilled nursing care

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech-language pathology services

• Medical social services

• Medications

• Medical supplies and equipment used in the facility

• Ambulance transportation

• Dietary counseling

• Swing bed services

WHAT SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES HAVE TO OFFER

• Medical staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and include the

• A physician to oversee patient health-

• Registered nurses (RNs) to assist with

•

• •

• To administer injections or intravenous medications, which can include chemotherapy for cancer patients.

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and with patient care.

• Physical therapists to help

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Avante at Mount Dora

352.383.4161

Clermont Health and Rehabilitation Center

352.394.2188

Freedom Pointe at The Villages Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

352.750.0866

Lady Lake Specialty Care

352.750.6619

Lake Harris Health Center

352.728.3366

• Occupational therapists to help clients

• Speech therapists are also available to help patients improve their ability to communicate

• Audiologists are available to help patients learn to cope with varying degrees of hearing loss or balance problems due to vestibular

facilities,” then click on “Find an inpatient rehabilitation facility,” and just follow

rating system that is relatively easy to understand.

FINDING THE RIGHT FACILITY FOR YOU

End-of-life care

Hospice provides palliative care for the terminally ill.

When a terminally ill patient has exhausted all treatment options and two physicians determine he or she has six months or less to live, hospice care can be considered.

While other types of medical care attempt to cure the underlying disease, hospice care is palliative, relieving pain and symptoms and ensuring the highest quality of life for whatever time remains. Patients who receive hospice care often have cancer, heart disease, dementia, kidney failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Many patients receive hospice care at home, temporarily relieving a family member from his or her strenuous role of caregiving. Hospice care also is provided in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospitals.

In addition, patients can opt to spend their final days at a hospice house, which provides a peaceful, home-like setting. Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, headquartered in Tavares, has four such houses: the Frank and Helen DeScipio House in Tavares, the Lane Purcell House in Sumterville, the Mike Conley House in Clermont and The Villages Hospice House. Each offers private and semi-private patient rooms, common family areas and around-the-clock visitation.

The hospice team consists of a physician, nurse, home health aide, social worker, chaplain and a volunteer.

The physician monitors the patient’s health status and provides medication for comfort and symptom relief.

Hospice nurses visit the patient once each week unless needed more often. They are available 24 hours a day if needed and increase the frequency of visits as end-of-life nears. They administer medication and report the patient’s health status to the physician.

The home health aide assists the patient with custodial needs and personal care such as bathing, eating meals, personal comfort and so on.

Social workers help the patient and family deal with practical everyday concerns and financial arrangements, assisting them in linking to various social and governmental agencies that may provide assistance. They also provide counseling, help with impending funeral arrangements and conduct a bereavement follow-up.

Chaplains provide much-needed spiritual support for both patient and family, while connecting them with their local religious community. They are also available for memorial services.

Hospice care includes the patient and family, with hospice volunteers offering respite care for overburdened caregivers.

Administration and some private insurance companies. For people who do not have insurance coverage and cannot otherwise afford

Source: American Hospice Foundation

A WAY TO EASE THE MIND

In April 2018, Joe Yaccarino, of Summerfield, had to endure a terrifying reality. Regina Marie, his wife of 31 years, was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized to her bones and brain. She died two months later.

She spent her final day inside The Villages Hospice House, where she was treated with compassion and care.

“I wish I would’ve brought her there earlier, but I didn’t understand how hospice worked,” Joe says. “They treated her well and made her comfortable. Her mind was at ease and she felt no pain.”

To help ease his suffering, Joe began attending a bereavement support group at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care in Tavares. For him, meeting other people who are experiencing similar grief has been instrumental through the coping process. It also has helped him overcome the loneliness that accompanies grief.

“Everybody is in the same boat and enduring the same pain and suffering,” Joe says. “We open up to each other and lean on each other. When you do that, it really helps you get through the tough times.”

HOSPICE HOUSES

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care serves Lake, Sumter, Hardee, Highlands, Orange, Osceola and Polk counties. Its administrative office is located at:

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care administrative office

866.742.6655

Frank and Helen DeScipio Hospice House

352.343.2320

The Lane Purcell House

352.569.5308

The Mike Conley Hospice House

352.242.6919

The Villages Hospice House

352.751.3150

Joe Yaccarino and Regina Marie

“I wish I would’ve brought her there earlier, but I didn’t understand how hospice worked.”

— Joe Yaccarino

Therapeutic Relief for Aches and Pain

For anyone suffering from every day or chronic aches and pains, therapeutic relief through low-impact activities in an aquatic environment provide immense relief and provides freedom to pursue fitness goals without the worry of causing increased pain. Complete body workouts simultaneously tone and strengthen all major muscle groups, and when that exercise happens in an aquatic environment, water’s natural resistance and buoyancy helps to deliver great results with less impact on muscles and joints.

352.787.7665

floridaspaandpoolwarehouse.com

1412 Griffin Rd., Leesburg

CPC1458178 Licensed & Insured

A new home team

Imagine all your primary care needs being addressed in one facility that provides extended hours, prompt appointments, and most importantly, several quality physicians and advanced practice practitioners right around the corner from you.

AdventHealth’s primary care model represents a trend for the health system as it creates more communitybased facilities with multiple services and convenient access for patients. Northern Lake County is the home to the new AdventHealth Medical Plaza where this care model will be offered and is scheduled to open in December at 19735 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora. The two-story, 22,260-square-foot building, is designed to serve all medical needs outside a hospital. The first floor initially will provide primary care physicians, and the second floor will open by the end of 2020 and will house specialists and pediatric care.

Dr. Kurt Wagner, who practices family medicine in Tavares, is excited about the move a little east to Mount Dora. All four incoming physicians are local to the area, and the facility expects to attract more providers to the area as well.

“I think it will give us a better presence in terms of primary care in Mount Dora,” he says. “We’ll have four physicians here plus nurse practitioners, so I think that will be a benefit to this community, and certainly by us being together as a group, we can provide more of a team approach to primary care than what we can do individually right now.”

The team care model at the AdventHealth Medical Plaza is a different

approach than most offices use, the doctor says.

Under the team care model, patients receive more time and attention from the doctor and the medical assistant while working together to input information into the computer system. By the time the physician has finished his examination and explanation to

includes 21 examination rooms, two physician workrooms, med room, procedure room, conference room, consult rooms, an interior reception area and a large, glass-enclosed lobby.

State-of-the-art technology includes an AdventHealth app that facilitates appointments, lab results, prescriptions, pay your bill and other health-care needs for the patient in one source, online. On-site staff will guide patients who need services, such as referrals, specialists and testing, that go beyond those provided at the medical plaza. Use of an e-visit room for face-toface electronic appointments and consultations is on the horizon.

The key word for patients, in the office and in the community, is “convenience,” says Melissa Simmes, AdventHealth director of outpatient centers and community services.

“We selected this area due to the central location and planned development,” she says.

the patient, the information is already in the system.

“The patient feels like they were listened to, they have a clear understanding of what’s going to be done simply because all of that is being discussed by all the people involved,” he says. “It’s more efficient, it’s more patient-friendly.”

The new AdventHealth Medical Plaza has a sleek, bright, modern look to go with the modern-day approach to patient care. The spacious facility

Mount Dora is experiencing growth as more families move into the area and the new Wekiva Parkway brings more traffic. The new AdventHealth Medical Plaza will fill a vital need for primary care medicine delivered with teamwork. A new home team is in town.

AdventHealth Medical Plaza

19735 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora 352.742.1760

AdventHealthMedicalGroup.com

“But most importantly, I think the quality of the care for the patient is better because we’re covering more bases that need to be covered for good health care. It will expand what we can do because we’ll be working together, so we can cover for one another more effectively. Patients, hopefully, will be able to get more immediate service.”

—Dr. Kurt Wagner

AdventHealth Medical Plaza in Mount Dora will offer multiple physicians under one roof.

Lower the pressure

Intensive treatment to lower systolic blood pressure below 120 may help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. Systolic pressure is the top number and diastolic pressure is the bottom number in a blood-pressure reading.

Before 2017, a systolic blood pressure level of 140 was considered normal, and now the 120 mark is the new normal. Scientists using medication to keep systolic blood pressure below that level report that the treatment was more effective at slowing the accumulation of white matter lesions that have been linked to cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s. The NIH reported the findings of the study in a recent news release.

Healthy quick bites for a busy season

Cauliflower and ramen provide healthy alternatives during a busy season.

When you don’t have time during the holidays to cook—or eat properly— some quick and easy-to-prepare side dishes can be a lifesaver. Here are two Healthy Living favorites, one featuring a nutritious vegetable and the other offering a healthier version of ramen that will add fiber and protein to your diet.

Kitchen tip

When adding seasonings to a pot or hot pan on the stove, pour the spice onto a cooking spoon and then add to the boiling pot so the steam doesn’t get into the jar of spices and make it stale

Healthy ramen

INGREDIENTS

2 squares of brown rice and millet ramen

4 CUPS of water

1 TEASPOON ground ginger

1 TABLESPOON soy sauce or gluten-free

2 TABLESPOONS chopped fresh scallion

DIRECTIONS

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add in the ginger, scallions and soy (see tip below for adding to boiling water). Add two cakes of ramen noodles. Boil for 8 minutes or until tender. Don’t overcook or will be mushy.

Veg out on cauliflower

Cauliflower packs a powerful nutritious punch. Better yet, it can be consumed raw, or steamed, roasted, mashed, or sautéed.

Here are a few health benefits of cauliflower:

• Contains 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. •

• Provides antioxidants, which protect cells from free radicals and inflammation.

• Can assist in weight loss, since one cup has only 25 calories.

Sources: webmdcom, healthline.com

Seasoned cauliflower bites

(gluten-free, vegan)

INGREDIENTS

1-2 HEADS

Favorite seasoning or sauce

*Can make with buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, curry powder, Italian spices—any flavor you desire.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Break cauliflower into bowl. Toss with sauce or seasonings. sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender. with dressing or dipping sauce.

*Pictured here is buffalo cauliflower with yogurt ranch dressing

STAIR CLIMBER

“Start this exercise for 5-10 minutes and gradually increase your time.”

Pro: “It shapes up your legs and butt.”

Con: “Can cause additional problems for those with knee pain.”

*A 200-pound person doing 30 minutes on a stair climber will burn 410 calories.

with cardio

Sine Wallace, a personal trainer and owner of Wallace Fitness in Mount Dora, breaks

“Beginners should walk at a medium speed and do 20 minutes with no elevation. Once you build up stamina, you can increase the elevation a little at a time.”

“It’s easier for joints because you’re walking or running on a surface.”

“If you have knee issues, you don’t want to use elevation because that will increase your pain.”

*At a moderate level, a 200-pound person who spends 30 minutes on a treadmill will burn 410 calories.

ELLIPTICAL

“Beginners should do 15 minutes of low intensity. After that, if you feel like you can go longer, then increase intensity and do 30 minutes.”

Pro: “The elliptical works out your upper and lower body.”

Con: “There is no incline, so you won’t get

*At a moderate pace, a 200-pound person who spends 30 minutes on an elliptical machine will burn

STATIONARY BIKE

“Program the bike at lowintensity settings and pedal for 10 minutes. If you can carry on a conversation comfortably, then you’re not pedaling hard enough. If possible, try to go an additional ve minutes every time you ride.”

“It’s great for legs and calves.” your body. Otherwise, it can cause knee or

*At a moderate pace, a 200-pound person doing 30 minutes on a stationary

RUNNING

“Beginners can start by running one minute, then walking for 20 seconds. Then they can run two minutes, walk for 30 seconds and then stop. Start at a slow pace, then pick up speed.”

Pro: “By running outdoors, the sun is providing your body with vitamin D.”

Con: “If you have back or knee issues, the constant pounding is not good for your joints.”

*A 200-pound person running in place for 30 minutes will burn 364 calories.

because food wasn’t always readily available.

Timing is everything

Intermittent

Story: Richard T. Bosshardt, MD, FACS

have to resume eating, and if you are typical, the weight will come back quickly. There are many physiological explanations for why fasting doesn’t seem to work. One is that, in starvation, our body becomes very efficient in using and storing food calories as fat, so when eating is resumed, we store more fat relative to those who don’t fast.

As we have learned more about fasting and how it affects us, the importance of timing has become more and more recognized. All people function based on a natural cycle, called our circadian rhythm. Typically, we are active during the day and sleep at night. The cycle is important in that people whose normal cycle is disrupted— for example, their awake/sleep pattern is erratic or reversed—are more subject to various ills. Our ability to digest food and

fasting is not a panacea but may work for you.

this information, the program known as intermittent fasting has come to the fore as the newest iteration in the hunt for an effective way to lose weight and, equally important, keep the excess weight off over the long term.

Intermittent fasting involves timed eating. It may be fasting every other day. Usually, it is done on a daily cycle, with an eating period of between eight and 12 hours a day. Schedules include eating only from 7am-3pm, 7am-7pm or 10am-6pm, all of which extend the period of fasting overnight. You use the schedule that works for you and—this is critical—that you can sustain.

There is good data behind the concept of fasting intermittently. The simplest explanation of intermittent fasting is that you restrict eating to a specific, limited period of the day. In between, you can drink noncaloric fluids, including tea and coffee. Alcohol should be avoided or very restricted. During the eating period, you do not have to count calories or only eat particular foods. Intermittent fasting exemplifies something that I have always believed about eating: it should be simple. You should not need a degree in medicine or nutrition in order to feed yourself in a healthy manner.

There are several conditions that should be met if intermittent fasting is to be effective, healthy and sustainable. You must eat clean and healthily. Don’t gorge

ned, added sugar; eat healthy fats; eat high quality protein; avoid salty, sugary, fried fat foods. A diet along the lines of the Mediterranean diet is probably as good as any: lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and sh and limited animal protein. Avoid snacking. uids so that your urine is not dark. It really

Intermittent fasting can even benefit people who are not overweight or obese. Intermittent fasting has been shown to provide benefits in lowering high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood-sugar control in diabetics.

One important caveat is that anytime you begin any diet, especially one that involves extended periods of fasting, you should inform your physician. This is especially important for people with diabetes, where fasting may necessitate an adjustment to medication doses.

Intermittent fasting is not a panacea. It should go without saying that diet is only one factor in controlling weight and being healthy. You should be as physically active as possible, get enough rest and control stress in your life.

Sources

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680567/ health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156 webmd.com/diet/a-z/intermittent-fasting

ABOUT THE WRITER → Dr. Richard Bosshardt received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. In 1989, he opened Bosshardt and Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates in Tavares.

Are you eating enough?

loss success.

one of my clients has. I use the BCA data

to keep your vital organs functioning if you

Miss wearing your favorite pair of earrings?

At Central Florida Plastic Surgery, we can help! Stretched out or elongated earlobes caused by years of wearing heavy earrings or trauma can be fixed. Our relatively easy and painless in-office procedure can help you get back to enjoy wearing them once again.

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Targeting the brain

Doctors treating drug addiction emphasize that the keys to saving lives are getting medication to the people most in need and developing community partnerships, according to a news release from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System in New York.

Successful programs include the use in primary care settings of buprenorphine, a medication that prevents opioid withdrawal; community partnerships that focus on distribution of safe syringes, prevention of overdoses, and health-care support for drug users; and home toolkits for people struggling with addiction that include buprenorphine, supplementary medications, instructions, and education on self-management.

“We have made tremendous progress in understanding that addiction is a brain disease and that the best way to reach people in danger is at the community level, through programs like these,” Dr. Steven Safyer, president and CEO of ore Medicine, says in the release. “We have the right tools, and it is time to make them work.”

The Living Course

A review of a two-day journey into the self.

Personal growth is my thing. As a therapist, I love to bring it to those who seek it, those who need it, and especially to those who choose it. This is my review of a self-development class called The Living Course, or TLC. I consider it a natural extension of the emotional work we do in the ongoing Healing Circle at Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, and I refer guests to it. At Hippocrates, we know that unlocking emotional blocks frees up energy to unleash full recovery.

WHAT IS PERSONAL GROWTH?

Personal development means connecting with parts of the self that have gone long unattended, expressing deep feelings long untouched. Good inner work helps a person encounter her deepest yearnings for loving relationships, finding purpose, loving the self, and then helps undo whatever keeps her from having them. The Living Course weekend is like a therapy pressure cooker. The work is personal, and we do it together. I tell people I love TLC. Hippocrates staff and guests are doing the TLC weekend, and graduates of TLC are signing up as guests of Hippocrates. The Hippocrates and the TLC communities are co-mingling, because we belong together, healing on all fronts.

WHY DO INNER WORK?

We all accumulate “baggage” from unresolved issues from our own history. We often unwittingly continue with life strategies on how to get the love and acceptance we need, that we formulated when we were little. These strategies often have a “victim” quality to them because, in fact, we were victims when we were kids. We didn’t have any boundary-making skills and ended up carrying on the suffering or the “wrongness” of our family’s dysfunction.

To protect ourselves from pain, we build defenses. We shut down our expression, we hide our feelings, we avoid conflict, we struggle to please.

Before long, that’s who we become: our limitations. Ironically, those same defenses keep us from the closeness and intimacy we really want. And worse, they make us sick.

Story: Andy Roman

LOGISTICS OF THE WEEKEND

The weekend starts with some didactic or theoretical material, including the Circle of Belief, the Spectrum of Feelings, and the Victim Triangle. Good, insightful stuff.

Then the “redirect” begins: students take turns presenting themselves and why they joined the course. Then, the instructors, using finely tuned intuition, sensitivity, and coaching skills, guide each student to a place of feeling.

Next come the emotional “stations” or “pods” where each student gets a chance to explore each color of the feeling spectrum experientially. The anger and fear pods tend to get loud, the energy intense. Finally, it’s possible to feel feelings at 100 percent. No more driving with the brakes on!

TLC helps us, through challenging and fun exercises, navigate beyond our core beliefs and defenses that no longer serve us into the realm of choice and love.

THE TLC FAMILY

Although emotionally corrective, loving experiences as adults don’t in and of themselves heal our childhood wounds, but they sure help.

More than a substitute “good family” to replace or supplement our original family, TLC stands as a community of fellow travelers supporting fellow travelers. Each student in the course has three or four “angels”—volunteer TLC graduates who attend as assistants—to follow her through the weekend every step of the way, even during lunch. That kind of love and attentiveness makes it harder to retreat into self-isolation or checking out. We all need angels in our lives!

LET THE FUN BEGIN!

Sunday is the day of celebration of the hard work of Friday and Saturday. The group celebrates the students; the students celebrate themselves. “I finally got to the root of things, and I feel like I can take on the world!” one TLC graduate says. “When it comes to suffering, I know I have a choice now,” says another.

And we dance. Did I mention we dance? We dance, a lot. Work hard, play hard.

Welcome to The Living Course. Drench yourself in self-love. Choose to change. Choose to heal.

ABOUT THE WRITER → Andy Roman, a licensed mental health counselor, has served as a psychotherapist at Hippocrates Health Institute since 1990, using and teaching feeling-centered, body-focused awareness tools to help guests and health educators. He conducts private sessions with individuals, couples, and families, and facilitates the ongoing Healing Circle Therapy and Support Group. Visit deepfeeling.com.

The Synergetic Strategy

Programming the brain for peace and calmness.

The Synergetic Strategy combines proven psychological strategies into one powerful strategy. This combination of strategies allows for the achievement of ultimate calm and peaceful internal states. The combined psychological strategies include learning theory, operant conditioning, visualization, subvocalization, elements from cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), neurolinguistics, reality therapy, meditation and the Bible. The combination of the procedures from these strategies will give you the ultimate power to influence your mind and body.

Training your brain to be calm and peaceful will reduce the aging process, prevent heart attacks, reduce cortisol and other negative chemicals within the body, reduce impairments, and enhance the immune system, memory, judgment and energy, to name just a few of the benefits.

It is important to remember that you have a free will and you can choose to be calm and peaceful.

Story: Dr. Clint Van Nagel and Shannon Kelleigh with John A. Maiorino

Level I

Begin each day by looking up immediately upon awakening and saying, “I am calm and peaceful regardless of what happens inside me, around me or in my past, and I will remain calm and peaceful. Amen, Amen, Amen.” Repeat this again before going to sleep. Doing so at these times highly influences the subconscious mind. Continue to repeat the phrase as often as possible throughout the day, at least once per hour, because repetition programs the brain. At the end of the day, if you have practiced the attribution faithfully, give yourself a small reward. Remember, what is rewarded, increases. Set a new goal for yourself each day.

When you do this strategy and are feeling really calm and peaceful, touch the second crease on your index finger to establish an associative or anchoring calm spot. After doing this repeatedly, you will be able to use this “calm spot” in the future to reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Once established, just touching that spot when you begin to feel stress or anxiety will reduce those negative and unproductive feelings. This technique is called “associative conditioning.” Perform this strategy consistently for 28 days; then go on to Level II to increase the power of the Synergetic Response. Give yourself a nice reward for reaching the 28-day goal.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Write the attribution on 3-by-5 index cards and place them on your bedpost, bathroom mirror, on the inside of your front door and on your refrigerator to remind yourself of the importance of repeating the attribution frequently.

2. Make a paper wristband and wear it on your wrist as another reminder to repeat the attribution often.

3. Place a sign on your work desk for the same purpose. Remember, repetition programs the brain.

Level II

In this strategy, you will use physical movement (haptic and kinesthetic movement) to increase the programming of peace and calmness in your brain. Research has shown that the heart is capable of recording memories. Notice that when people are talking about something that is very important or emotional to them, they touch their heart area. We will use this same concept to calm the heart and program peacefulness and calmness in the brain. This will greatly magnify the Synergetic Strategy procedure.

When you say, “I am calm and peaceful,” touch your heart area.

When you say, “Regardless of what happens to me,” cross your arms and slide your hands down across the outsides of your arms and down past your hands.

When you say, “Inside me,” point to your heart area.

When you say, “Around me,” use your right hand and make a circle around the tip of your head

When you say, “Or my past,” take your right hand and cross it over your head and continue around the back of your head.

Then say, “I am calm and peaceful. Amen, Amen, Amen.” (Or, “So be it.”)

This significantly increases the signal strength of the attribution to the brain. Do the Level II strategy for 38 days. Remember to touch your calm spot after saying each attribution. Remember to repeat it before going to sleep and immediately upon awakening, before and after eating anything and as many times as you can throughout the day. Remember, whenever you feel really calm and peaceful, touch your calm spot.

Always remember: you have the power of choice.

Level III

SYNERGETIC CALM AND PEACEFUL RESPONSE STRATEGY

After you have practiced and understand the basic Synergetic Response for at least 28 to 66 days, you are ready for Level III, which involves the right and left hemispheres of the brain and the whole body, mind and spirit. The procedure begins with your left logical brain, which is going to give you permission to be calm and peaceful. Focus your attention on the left side of your head by imagining an authoritative person such as a parent or teacher saying to you, “It’s OK to be calm and peaceful.” Be sure to make the image or picture big, bright, clear, colorful, detailed and moving, and using a gentle yet powerful voice.

Immediately following this, focus on the right side of your brain and say, “I am calm and peaceful.” When doing this, imagine a safe place in nature by water or somewhere that is very peaceful. Actually, project yourself to be there. Step inside that picture and be there. See what you see, hear what you hear and feel what you feel.

Now that you have the procedure, it is time to apply it to your whole body, mind and spirit. Every night before going to bed, start with your feet and say, “It’s OK to be calm and peaceful. I am calm and peaceful.” Then repeat the attribution with each of the following body parts: knees, thighs and groin area, abdomen, belly button area, heart area, throat area, middle of the forehead and the area above and slightly behind the head.

When you finish doing this, say to yourself, “(Your name), you did a great job!” You are doing this to release the tension and stress from your whole body. The repetition programs the unconscious mind. If you take your blood pressure before you start the procedure and after you do it, you will notice the difference in your blood pressure. You also will notice the great calm feeling in your body, mind and spirit. You have just reduced the aging process, you have increased mind power and self-control, and you have boosted your immune system.

Do this procedure every night before going to bed and immediately upon awakening. This is because what you say to yourself just before falling asleep slips more easily into your unconscious, and when you first wake up, your unconscious is more receptive to messages as it is less distracted by daily activities.

WELCOME BACK DR.INAMDAR

Vatsal Inamdar MD

Dr.Vatsal Inamdar, MD, is returning to Village Heart & Vein Center. Dr. Inamdar is a board-certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist who completed his Electrophysiology training at the Mayo Clinic, where he had hands-on exposure to complex arrhythmia management, device implantation and ablations. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiology Fellowship at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, where he worked on various Cardiology/Electrophysiology research projects. Dr. Inamdar completed an advanced Electrophysiology Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic during which he became an expert in implanting pacemakers, ICDs, biventricular devices and catheter-based ablation therapy for complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. He also completed an advanced Echocardiography Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with Dr. Navin Nanda. Dr. Inamdar’s experience allows him to achieve his life’s ambition of treating patients with cardiac problems and complex arrhythmias while improving their quality of life and survival.

CERTIFICATIONS

Adult Cardiology

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Echocardiography

Nuclear Cardiology

Internal Medicine

FELLOWSHIPS

Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island

Mayo Clinic

University of Alabama at Birmingham

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Recapturing inner spirit

Though we’ve spent our lives blinded by the rules of society, recapturing inner spirit can feel as simple and natural as waking up in the morning.

Story: Brian Clement, Ph.D., LN

As children, we are often taught to memorize prayers, to read holy books and to attend services. We are then evaluated and judged on how seriously we take this process. Seemingly the more pious we are, the holier we are. After reaching layer after layer, plateau after plateau, we are supposed to achieve enlightenment and consciousness. Sadly, I think this approach robs us of the true meaning of spirit.

We are each born with a bottomless reserve of Godliness. This abundant purity is all relevant at all times. There is not an answer that you

cannotreceive by dipping your hands into the deep well of wisdom that spirituality provides.

Unfortunately, human intervention has mislead many to believe that we need to go through elaborate processes to get to simple truths. Truth is ever present and available in egalitarian ways. There are no privileged or greater. There are just egoless receivers of knowledge. Our desire to establish a pattern of religious or spiritualistic procedures bars us from capturing the true essence of the gift.

Children are untainted by the negative minds and actions of their parents and live in a heightened state of awareness. Abundantly they laugh, move and share, almost as if they are on a wire attached to heaven. They mimic the unspoiled heart of happiness and well-being.

How then can you recapture what is inherently a gift you were born with? Begin by removing the burden you have placed upon yourself. Make

“relax” your new mantra. As you learn to let go more and more, you can evoke in yourself the purity of thought and abundance of knowledge that guides us in a life of integrity.

What integrity really represents is wholeness. This place of growth permits you to focus in on yourself and emerge from the cocoon of deception. Once you break through this veil of suffering, joy easily fills your soul and the language of peace blossoms.

Do not pursue spirit; become it! Allow life, do not force it. Expect love; do not fabricate it. Tell truth; do not calculate it. Share openly; do not conceal it. Every higher aspiration will invite you to participate in the Godliness it provides.

In the multifarious social abnormality of modern society, this is the only way to authenticity. Each of us represents the perfection of God. I feel that all of us have the obligation to maximize our devotion.

Brian Clement, Ph.D., LN., is co-director of Hippocrates Health Institute. He has spearheaded the international progressive health movement for more than 35 years. He and his wife and co-director, Anna Maria, brought the Institute

Do not pursue spirit; become it! Allow life, do not force it. Expect love; do not fabricate it. Tell truth; do not calculate it. Share openly; do not conceal it.

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE:

The focus of our practice is to provide the very best surgical care available to patients. We are committed to achieving this goal through continuing education and training in most current robotic and laparoscopic techniques. It is our belief that all patients deserve the best medical care available. We provide the most advanced, compassionate surgical care that has helped thousands live longer, healthier, happier lives.

For more information:

OUR SURGEONS: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

JOSEPH M. ARMOTRADING II M.D., F.A.C.S

JASON BOARDMAN M.D., F.A.C.S.

JORGE FLORIN M.D., F.A.C.S.

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON D.O., F.A.C.O.S., F.A.C.S.

Serving Lake, Sumter, and Orange Counties since 1991

Happy shopping

Consumers are in good financial shape and retailers expect a strong holiday season, according to a National Retail Federation news release.

Holiday retail sales during November and December are expected to increase between 3.8 percent and 4.2 percent over 2018, totaling between $727.9 billion and $730.7 billion, the NRF projects. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, compare with an average holiday sales increase of 3.7 percent over the previous five years.

NRF expects online and other non-store sales to increase 1114 percent over 2018 equaling $162.6 billion and $166.9 billion.

“The U.S. economy is continuing to grow, and consumer spending is still the primary engine behind that growth,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says in the release. He adds, however, that uncertainty around issues including trade, interest rates, global risk factors, and political rhetoric could erode consumer confidence.

DAVE SAYS

Advice on dealing with an impulsive

Dear Dave, Our son is 27 and he has a good job making $55,000 a year. Recently, we is asking for money. We taught him out of debt when he was younger, and now it seems he didn’t listen should handle this situation?

—Bryce

Dear Bryce,

The first thing I’d advise telling him is that you and his mom aren’t going to whip out the checkbook and make his problems disappear. That may sound harsh, but he had a really good thing going until he messed it up by acting impulsively and irresponsibly with his finances. Nope, I wouldn’t take care of it for him—not at his age. This young man needs to have some skin in the game.

I’d tell him to sell the fancy car and get something way cheaper to drive for a while. I’m talking about a little beater in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. It sounds like he’ll have to get a small loan to cover the difference, but a little car debt is better than a lot of car debt. I’d also advise him to pick up a part-time job nights or weekends until he gets that credit card debt paid off.

In other words, let him wallow in it and worry about things for a while. Then, if he’s willing to accept responsibility for his actions and starts handling money more wisely, you two might help out every so often with a little extra cash on the payments.

But I’d test his resolve first. And I’d want to see proof that he’s learned from his mistakes!

—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.

TEST HIS RESOLVE

ways to develop and reach your goals

It’s all about developing and maintaining self-discipline.

Story: Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter

Americans are known to overeat, abuse credit cards, marinate for hours in social media and break New Year’s resolutions before the end of January. Self-discipline doesn’t seem to be a national strength.

And achieving selfdiscipline—and the success that can come with it—may never have been harder than it is in this instantgratification age. Selfdiscipline is an undervalued trait in a modern society that wants everything now. Self-discipline is the ability to motivate and coordinate our efforts to improve our quality of life, but unfortunately, most people are not taught it.

Self-discipline is, however, a skill that everyone can learn. Self-discipline is the skill that will allow you to reach any goal you set.

Here are five ways to develop self-discipline:

Plans go awry when people let excuses get in the way. An example is having a goal of running in the morning for 30 minutes, but you have bailouts such as it’s raining, cold or you don’t feel like it. Developing self-discipline is recognizing and planning for these self-created obstacles and actively choosing to work through them. So, when you set a goal to achieve, have a chart in place listing “Even ifs.” List the potential obstacles to achieving your goal and counter each one with a promise to yourself that you’ll achieve your goal “even if” these challenges arise.

Be aware of your resistance. Resistance is the biggest obstacle to developing self-discipline, and it often comes in the form of discouraging internal self-talk such as, “I can’t do it” or “Why should I have to change?” The next time you embark on a new project that causes

writing down your intended goal and

3 4 5

Reward yourself with selfcompensation.

Prepare to give something up in order to gain

certain goal. To reach your goal, you will more than likely have to impose certain limitations on yourself in order to gain something. These limitations could be less free time, socializing, money or television. The upside is that seeing the rewards of you motivated and disciplined.

Break your goal down into manageable steps. goal down into bite-size steps, you’re much more likely to stay disciplined enough to complete every subgoal. Each step accomplished gives you an encouraging boost. Consider measurable, attractive, realistic, timed. This makes the goal more tangible action.

an incredibly powerful tool for motivating yourself to reach your goals. Consider them the carrot on the stick. Have a reward in place for when you achieve a goal or part of a goal, and make sure it’s appropriate.

ABOUT THE WRITERS →

Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter are coauthors of “The Morning Mind: Use Your Brain to Master Your Day and Supercharge Your Life” (themorningmind.com).

Rob is an expert in human performance and physiology, and holds a doctorate in biomedical sciences and medical physiology. Kirti has more than 18 years of experience in meditation and breathing techniques, and has facilitated wellness seminars for the past decade.

Foot and ankle specialist

Lake County native Dr. Breanna Ferguson has jumped in with both feet to serve patients’ needs.

r. Breanna Ferguson, a podiatrist, opened Mid Lake Foot and Ankle in Tavares in July of 2019, and she is thrilled to be practicing in the town she calls home.

Podiatrists are trained to provide high-quality care for foot and ankle problems.

“The profession has progressed over the past several decades and many of the services have transitioned to surgical

management of our patients. Following four years of medical education, I continued to further my training in foot and ankle reconstruction as well as trauma surgery and diabetic limb salvage,” she says. “If someone comes into the hospital with a severe ankle fracture, they can call the podiatrist. Many folks are not aware that our entire education and training specifically focuses on treating all conditions of the foot and ankle, everything from an ingrown toenail to addressing complex deformities. The advanced training has afforded me the ability

to offer specialized care and better options for treating for my patients.”

A graduate of the University of Central Florida and Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Dr. Ferguson has a special interest in bunion surgery, ankle sprains and instability, arthritic conditions, fractures and tendon injuries.

“My goal is to keep Lake County on their feet and moving. Mobility is one of the most important parts of staying active and fit. I can offer conservative or surgical management to keep patients moving. I work with my patients individually to treat them in a way that best complements their lifestyle and health. In my opinion, many patients can get better without surgery if given the right options,” she says. “You can go a long away with custom orthotics, the correct shoes, injections and physical therapy without ever stepping foot in the operating room.”

If you are a diabetic, Dr. Ferguson would be happy to participate in your overall care to keep your feet healthy. With diabetes so prevalent in the community, many people are unaware of the effects this disease has on their feet. Dr. Ferguson wants people to know how important routine foot care is in preventing serious complications in diabetic patients. With toenail trimming, callus care and regular checkups, she can detect issues before they progress to major problems such as infections, wounds, and injuries.

“If diabetics develop a wound or an injury, they should be seen immediately. A lot of times with the diabetic population, if you wait, these conditions worsen,” she says. Dr. Ferguson makes it a point to offer immediate appointments

for diabetics with concerns or issues to prevent more serious complications from occurring.

Dr. Ferguson also encourages newly diagnosed diabetics to get checked as well.

“There are many chronic inflammatory conditions of the foot and ankle that prevent people from participating in their daily activities, as well as sports and recreational activities. I recommend that if you are suffering from pain that is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, it warrants evaluation. This can

often be treated with simple in-office treatment,” she says.

“Inflammatory conditions, if they are not resolved in a week or two at home, should be evaluated right away. Sometimes these conditions can become chronic and not resolve on their own,” Dr. Ferguson says. Some of these conditions include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), tendinitis, gout and arthritis.

Dr. Ferguson especially loves treating children and teenagers. She has an understanding and compassion for instilling healthy habits in our younger generation and wants to help keep our kids active on the field, court and dance floor.

“Ankle sprains are something I see a lot of amongst young athletes. Treating ankle sprains the right way from the beginning saves the athlete from developing long-term issues when they get older,” she says.

“You don’t realize how much you use your feet until you can’t use them,” she continues. “It can be debilitating for the people who can’t work, take care of their families, play sports or do the things they love. I want people to know they do not have to suffer. Taking care of their feet sooner than later will benefit them in the long run.”

Dr. Ferguson’s practice at Mid Lake Foot and Ankle is a place where all patients will be treated with compassion, dignity and the highest level of care. Mid Lake Foot and Ankle is a place where people of every age and all walks of life can receive comprehensive foot and ankle care.

Dr. Ferguson and her staff strive to make her patients feel better by the end of their appointment.

Dr. Ferguson is accepting new patients and participates with most insurance plans. She is looking forward to caring for the residents in her community. Call or visit to see what Mid Lake Foot and Ankle can do for you.

Mid Lake Foot and Ankle

Dr. Breanna Ferguson

we are

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2019 Volunteer Doctors

Adnan Ahmed, M.D.

Ahmed Al-Hazzouri, M.D.

Gary Allen, M.D.

Roy Ambinder, M.D.

Soundarapandian Baskar, M.D.

Stacy Berckes, M.D.

Adam Berger, M.D.

Richard Bosshardt, M.D.

Samuel Bundz, M.D.

Don Burgos, M.D.

Matthew Cunningham, M.D.

Phillip Dascher, M.D.

Jose Diaz, M.D.

Imad El-Jassous, M.D.

Michael Fountain, D.O.

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Elias Gizaw, M.D.

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Carole Gordon, M.D.

Ralph Gousse, M.D.

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Richard S. Hamilton, M.D.

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Lewis Herzbrun, M.D.

Scot Holman, M.D.

Samuel Houston, M.D.

Maen Hussein, M.D.

Anudh Jain, M.D.

Christopher Johnson, D.O.

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Peter Marzek, M.D.

Borys Mascarenhas, M.D.

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Ruth Meneses-Taylor, M.D.

Felipe Ortiz, M.D.

Ramit Panara, M.D.

Tully Patrowicz, M.D.

Steven Pillow, M.D.

Bharathi Ramaiah, M.D.

Ethiraj Ramchander, M.D.

Pablo Reyes Jr., M.D.

Richard Roach, M.D.

Sampathkumar Shanmugham, M.D.

Nitesh Shekhadia, M.D.

Andrew Sher, M.D.

Michel Snyder, M.D.

Christopher Soprenuk, M.D.

Kenneth Stark, M.D.

Harvey Taub, M.D.

Charles Thompson, M.D.

Michael J. Tolentino, M.D.

Mayssa Toppino, M.D.

Dan Tran, M.D.

Rambabu Tummala, M.D.

Mark Vocci, M.D.

Scott Wehrly, M.D.

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Happy Holidays

from our family to yours.

From our humble beginnings in the Leesburg/Lake County Business Incubator, to the area’s most honored video production and multimedia marketing company, we are grateful to our clients and community partners and look forward to continuing to grow together in 2020.

Aiming low

You hear it after every mass shooting.

“Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough” or “Thoughts and prayers do nothing.”

These are the chants from members of the gun-control crowd who erroneously assume “thoughts and prayers” are meant to be a solution to America’s mass shooting problem. They’re not. Thoughts and prayers are offered so those dealing with grief may find comfort and strength in their recovery.

If you heard about presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke’s gun control plan, you’d realize his horde of followers are the ones who need to be praying. Simply put, his outrageous idea on guns doesn’t have a prayer of working.

“Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47, we’re not going to allow it to be used on fellow Americans anymore,” he said during a presidential debate in September.

In other words, he’s calling for confiscation. He seems oblivious to the magnitude of his proposed nonsense.

First, very few people who purchased their firearm legally are going to willingly hand it over to authorities. As a result, he’ll have to organize the FBI and CIA to locate tens of millions of peaceable, lawful citizens who own these “illegal weapons.” Then he’ll have to find tens of thousands of judges willing to issue tens of millions of warrants to forcibly seize tens of millions of assault weapons from private homes.

Millions of law enforcement officers will need to be organized to forcibly enter tens of millions of private homes and search for these weapons. If any are found, tens of millions of arrestees will need to be transported, processed, indicted, incarcerated and tried by juries. And communities across America will need to be prepared for a tsunami of lawsuits.

Of course, it probably won’t come to that. Sheriffs throughout the country have gone on record as saying they would never enforce such extreme, unconstitutional gun control laws. That begs two questions: How will these lawbreakers be caught if cops aren’t interested in going after them? Also, will Beto declare war on local sheriffs who ignore the law? All this explains only the difficulty of confiscating guns from law-abiding citizens. Apparently, Beto has yet to formulate a plan for disarming criminals—you know, the ones who actually use these weapons to commit crimes.

Instead of dreaming up new laws that are impractical, perhaps we should do a better job of enforcing existing laws. Remember Devin Patrick Kelley, the man who fatally shot 26 people inside a Texas church? Devin, who served in the military, should have been banned from purchasing guns because of a domestic violence conviction. Unfortunately, the Air Force failed to follow proper protocol to ensure his offense was reported to the FBI. Thus, he passed a background check.

That’s a big screw-up by our government, and the costly error was more than a minor “oops.” Yes, that’s the same government whose war on drugs and implementation of Prohibition were massive failures. You simply cannot legislate morality.

Despite that, some people truly believe our almighty government is going to solve the gun problem with a doorto-door gun confiscation program.

That—much more than thoughts and prayers—is the ultimate form of magical thinking.

Story: James Combs Illustration: Megan Mericle

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