Healthy Living December 2015

The local boy inspiring people around the world!

JAXON STRONG

Plus SPECIAL BLESSINGS

There’s joy in raising children with disabilities

COLON HEALTH

Get the inside scoop on poop

SWEET SUCCESS

A local bakery employs autistic adults

Immagin i e … Every part of f The e Life f Cennteter r for Womemen n was s insppir i ed by ou our r pa p tients t .

The family-ffri r enndl d y birt r hing suites? Beccause wommen n wannted thheem. Thhe e de d di d caateed d womeen’ n s care e nurses? Bec e ause wommen asked d for r the h m. m

Ar A ouund n -tthe-clock c peediaatr t ic c hospi p taali l sts? Becau a se e new e mothers nee e ded d them. . Thhe reesuult t is s a center e bui u lt t and desiggneed d sp s ecififica c lly for r to t day’s woomaan n and d her r ne n edds. Visit t Leeesbuurg r Reeggionnalal.oorg g to o leeararn more.

DON’T MISS A

Twinkle Happy Holidays

Behold the holidays in all their brilliance with help from the professionals at Lake Eye. We offer everything from eye exams to laser cataract surgery to a full service optical department, so you can capture every color, every sparkle, every moment, this holiday season and through the new years ahead.

Mark J. Vocci, MDScott R. Wehrly, MD

Shelby L. Terpstra, DOScot C. Holman, MD

Vinay Gutti, MD

At Promise Hospital of Florida at The Villages, our in-house radiology department off ers advanced imaging services in a comfortable and convenient setting. We have a portable digital x-ray that not only emits less radiation but also can be used bedside for our critical patients so they do not have to leave their rooms. In addition, our C-arm fluoroscopic x-ray can be used during minimally invasive surgical procedures to assist surgeons with guidance of instrumentation.

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SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROMISE HOSPITAL!

PICTURED ABOVE: (L to R) Laura Lester, Bill Lorenze, and Kim Dolan NOT PICTURED: Ella Edwards

CONTENTS

December 2015

FEATURING

22

//

THE MIRACLE BABY

Doctors predicted Jaxon Buell would die in the womb or shortly after birth. But the boy who suffers from a rare illness recently celebrated his first birthday. People throughout the world are mesmerized by Jaxon’s incredible story of courage and strength.

dicted omb or birth. But o suffers llness ebrated his y. the world ized edible and strength

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

30 // SPECIAL MOMENTS

While raising a special-needs child is an enormous challenge, three Lake County families have discovered that it’s also a tremendous blessing.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA ANDERSON

PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

IN EVERY ISSUE

OUR “SPECIAL” CHILDREN

This month’s issue hits very close to home for several reasons. First, because Brittany Buell, the mother of Jaxon Buell, who is the beautiful baby boy you see on our cover, worked at Akers Media during her pregnancy with Jaxon. As if it were yesterday, I can recall every detail of the day Brittany learned her pregnancy was in danger and her hopes for a healthy baby were shattered.

Brittany came into my office teary-eyed, scared, and confused to tell me what the doctors had shared with her about her baby. Originally they thought he had spina bifida and a long list of other complications. No one was sure at that point. However, as I sat listening to Brittany, one thing was very clear to me, and that was Brittany’s faith. Brittany and her husband Brandon were convinced God blessed them with this child and no matter what his challenges were, they would love him and care for him through it all. And over the past year and a half, they have done just that.

As Brittany shared her fears with me, I completely related to what she was going through because I, too, am the mother of a child with special needs. My son Matthew, born in 1990, was born with multiple physical complications. First, he had a web of skin that grew over his airway during gestation. Furthermore, he was born with two kidneys fused together on one side of his body. After Matthew was born, I was only able to hold him for about two minutes before he was taken away from me and rushed to Shands in Gainesville.

Matthew spent the first six months of his life enduring multiple surgeries, including one in which we almost lost him, and procedures that ultimately severely damaged his vocal cords. Finally, after six months, the doctors realized Matthew’s best chance to survive was to perform a procedure that would open up his airway by inserting a tracheostomy tube for him to breath. Matthew was released from the hospital and able to come home for the first time at seven months. Then after four years of having his trach and needing special care, doctors performed an experimental surgery to repair his airway. They were able to remove his trach, and he was finally capable of breathing on his own.

Because of my experience with my son, I know firsthand the emotional and physical challenges families with special-needs children endure. I am excited Healthy Living magazine is a source for these families to share their stories, and it is my hope this issue will reach someone at the beginning of their special-needs journey. Our goal is for these stories to provide hope, encouragement, and reassurance and give these families the strength to push through difficult times.

It is my belief that if God leads you to it, he will lead you through it.

Merry Christmas,

Kendra Akers

Comments or questions for our publisher?

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

KENDRA AKERS publisher/editor-in-chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

JOHN SOTOMAYOR staff writer john@akersmediagroup.com

LEIGH NEELY staff writer/copy editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHELLE CLARK staff writer michelle@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES staff writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

JOE DELEON creative director joe@akersmediagroup.com

STEVEN J. CODRARO senior art director steve@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

BRENDA ANDERSON RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS MARYANNE HOLDEN DR. JREFFERY GLOVER FRED HILTON

KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN SCOTT PERKINS DAVE RAMSEY PASTOR ALLEN SPEEGLE

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales and marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL senior account representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

LYNNE KELLEY account representative lynne@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK office manager deb@akerscreative.com

AUBREY AKERS office assistant aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

RICK

Rick Bosshardt, M.D., graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1978. He founded Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, Lake County’s first practice to provide full-time cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery services, in 1989.

MARYANN HOLDEN

Maryann has spent more than 25 years working as a nurse inside nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. After witnessing firsthand the results of poor health choices people make throughout their lives, she decided to help others learn how to create a lifestyle toward optimal health and wellness. After graduating from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, she began teaching clients to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle modalities that reduce or eliminate the need for many of their prescription drugs.

Dr. Glover opened Leesburgbased Glover Chiropractic Clinic in November 2012. Rather than relying on surgery, medication, or injections, he utilizes drug-free, non-surgical approaches to treat a number of chronic and/or debilitating conditions. He is a lifelong Lake County resident and 1999 graduate of Leesburg High School.

Fred spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/ spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

ANNA GUNTER, RD, LD/N

Anna Gunter, is a registered dietitian and American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialist. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and a Master of Science degree in nutrition and physical performance from Saint Louis University. Anna has served as outpatient dietitian at Florida Hospital Waterman since 2012 but recently accepted a job in the same capacity at the LRMC Wellness Center.

“It’s a dream job because my goal has always been to work as an outpatient dietitian,” she said. “I love doing outpatient weight-management counseling and diabetes counseling.”

For Anna, a native of New Smyrna Beach, helping people reach their goal weight is a fulfilling career.

SCOTT PERKINS

Scott is author of the book

DAVE RAMSEY

Kim Baden founded the Danish brain training company, Brain+, with the vision of creating the most effective and engaging brain training tools from cutting-edge neuroscientific insights. The content in this article is part of the extensive BrainCoach feature in the app, Brain+ Brain Training for iPad and iPhone. Follow Kim on Twitter - @KimBadenK | www. brain-plus.com

“Discovering Your Root: Developing Your Identity in Christ.” As owner of Perkins Communications, he has spent the past 14 years working alongside church leaders in a variety of contexts—helping them launch new churches and revitalize dying churches. He is trained and certified by Creative Results Management, an organization that trains coaches for church planters and missionaries around the world. He is also a member of the International Coach Federation, the standard bearer and largest certifier of coaches in the world.

Dave is a personal money management expert, a national radio personality, and bestselling author of “The Total Money Makeover.“ Ramsey earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Tennessee. A frequent speaker around the country at large-scale live events, he has a nationally syndicated talk show, “The Dave Ramsey Show.“

PASTOR ALLEN SPEEGLE

Allen Speegle served as senior pastor of Family Bible Church in Eustis for more than 20 years. During that time, his church became wildly popular and grew to approximately 1,000 members. Pastor Speegle and his wife, Janice, have made appearances on Family Feud and also starred in a TLC reality show called “Preaching Alabama.” They now lead Movement Church, which is located in Madison, Alabama.

“People often come into my office in tears because they’ve tried different diets without any success. I love providing them with hope then watching them succeed.”

KIM BADENKRISTENSEN

BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

FRED HILTON

WORKPLACE WELLNESS

Central Florida Health Alliance was a silver winner of the 11th annual “Health at Work” awards, sponsored by ComPsych. The award honors companies and organizations that go above and beyond to promote employee health and wellness.

Some of the health and wellness programs offered by Central Florida Health Alliance include an on-site wellness center, outdoor fitness track, and on-site tobacco cessation classes.

“We are honored to be recognized as a recipient of the ‘Health at Work’ award,” said Amie Richason, vice president of human resources. “As an organization, we believe this award accurately reflects the value we place on the health and well-being of our team.”

HEALTHY GIVING

One way to start the New Year off right is by doing your part to brighten the lives of less fortunate people. There are some wonderful organizations in Lake County where you can volunteer your time and talent

Habitat for Humanity Home ownership would be a pipe dream for some residents of Lake and Sumter counties without assistance from Habitat for Humanity. This nonprofit, Christian-based organization builds homes for families who have one of the following critical housing needs: their home is substandard, too small for their family, or beyond their financial means. Call 352.483.0434.

Camp Boggy Creek Since opening in Eustis in 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has provided fun-filled camp experiences for children ages 7-16 with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. During the weeklong summer sessions, children camp with other kids enduring the same medical condition. Call 352.483.4200.

American Cancer Society The Lake/Sumter Unit offers numerous services, such as the Gift Closet, where cancer patients can pick out wigs, bras, prosthesis, night caps, and scarves. Through the Road to Recovery program, volunteers provide cancer patients with free transportation to and from their treatments. Call 352.326.9599.

Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc.

Haven of Lake and Su ganization serv violence and sexual shelter, counselin numerous cla serves betw

counties e h

This organization serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing shelter, counseling, food, clothing, and numerous classes. The organization serves between 13,000-15,000 people in Lake and Sumter counties each year. Haven is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All services are free. Call 352.787.5889

352.7

GET BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

A REASON TO SMILE

Dr. Richard Linnell recently joined the Florida Department of Health in Lake County’s Clermont Health Center as senior dentist.

After earning his DMD from the University of Florida, Dr. Linnell began his career in 1984 at the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County. In 1999, he moved to Colorado and spent five years working in a nonprofit clinic. He and Lisa, his wife of 28 years, have two grown children, Erica and Andy.

The Clermont Health Center is located at 875 Oakley Seaver Drive. It is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BRAIN TRUST

Dr. Alexander C. Frank of Florida Functional Neurology Group recently joined Etheredge Chiropractic as associate chiropractor. Dr. Frank, who is a boardcertified chiropractic neurologist and a fellow of electrodiagnostic specialties, treats patients with debilitating conditions such as brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. He is the only chiropractic physician in the tri-county area authorized to employ ImPACT neurocognitive assessment tools.

PUT A CORK IN DRUNK DRIVING

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Here’s a sobering statistic: This year, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. That’s one person every 50 minutes.

SKINNY ON HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

A study concluded that overweight people gain five pounds or more during the holidays. They obviously need to start dreaming of a light Christmas.

DID YOU KNOW?

101.7 MILLION

consumers in the U.S. will make purchases via their mobile devices this holiday season, an increase of 37.3% from last year.

Medical Mysteries

MISTLETOE: THE HOLIDAY KISS OF DEATH?

One of the best holiday traditions is the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Every year around Christmas, boughs of mistletoe hang in our houses. You know how it goes: anyone standing under the mistletoe is subject to a kiss from anyone else. This practice has been popular for years among star-struck young lovers, shy adolescents, and lecherous old men.

The tradition of hanging mistletoe in the house goes back hundreds of years to the ancient Druids. It was also used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from England. “The original custom was that a berry was picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed and when all the berries had gone, there could be no

more kissing,” according to WhyChristmas.com.

When you learned about the mistletoe custom, you also received an ominous warning—mistletoe is deadly poison. You learned if you ate a tiny sprig, you would foam at the mouth, your eyes would bug out like a Looney Tunes cartoon character, and you’d die a hideous death.

Like most of the scary stories we’ve heard, there is a modicum of truth to this

one, but not very much. Yes, mistletoe is poisonous, but it’s not going to kill you. It isn’t the kiss of death. The New York Times summed it up by saying, “Mistletoe is not deadly. But it can be hazardous, so don’t eat it.” While mistletoe isn’t deadly, The Times added it can “cause gastrointestinal distress, a slowed heartbeat, and other reactions.”

Two Pittsburgh physicians and researchers studied data from the American

Association of Poison Control Centers and found out of 1,754 reports of mistletoe exposure over a seven-year span. There were no deaths. In about 90 percent of the cases, the patient experienced no effects at all.

There is still the possibility that “eating any part of the plant can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness and seizures,” according to CBS News. “The symptoms are caused by a poisonous ingredient called phoratoxin, which is found in all parts of the plant, including the berries, and is especially concentrated in the leaves.”

The word mistletoe comes from two Anglo Saxon words “mistle,” which means “dung” and “tan,” which means “stick.” You could translate mistletoe as “poop on a stick.”

That kissing stuff isn’t so appealing any more, is it?

Sources

“The Tradition of Mistletoe at Christmas,” WhyChristmas.com http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/ mistletoe.shtml

“7 surprising facts about mistletoe,” by Amanda Schupak, CBS News, December 24, 2014 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/7surprising-facts-about-mistletoe/

“Is Mistletoe Really Poisonous?” by Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine, About Education, About.com http://chemistry.about.com/od/ christmaschemistry/f/mistletoe-toxicity.htm

“The Claim: Don’t Eat the Mistletoe. It Can Be Deadly,” by Anahad O’Connor, The New York Times, December 11, 2007 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/ health/11real.html?_r=0

“How Poisonous Is Holiday Mistletoe?’ eNatureBlog, eNature.com, December 2013 http://wild.enature.com/blog/is-holidaymistletoe-poisonous

WRITER: FRED HILTON

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Working inside a bakery is a sweet gig for Joseph Shephard.

The 24-year-old autistic man refers to himself as a

jack-of-all-trades. He washes dishes, decorates cupcakes, places cupcakes in containers, and mops floors.

Without question, though, his favorite part of the job is interacting with customers.

“I’m very good when it comes to customer services,” he says excitedly. “Some customers come here just to see me.”

Those words are music to the ears of Chris and Chantelle Deane, owners of Cupcakes for Autism. Their Lady Lake-based bakery employs adults with autism and other disabilities and helps them develop much-needed job-readiness and socialization skills. The Deanes have two autistic children of their own: Christopher Jr., 4, and Cameron, 2.

“Once they turn 18, they no longer receive the specialized help and therapies they’ve had most of their lives,” says Chantelle, who formerly owned a bakery in Miami. “The biggest problem for adults with autism is their lack of socialization skills. That makes it hard for them to find jobs in the real world.”

The Deanes opened the bakery last October. In addition to offering employment, they also formed a nonprofit organization that serves two purposes: pairing autistic adults with mentors and providing weekly social outings such as dinners, mini-golf, and movie nights. A portion of the company’s profits is used to self-fund their organization.

“There are many autism organizations out there, but you never know where the money goes. Our goal is to keep the money local,” Chantelle says. “Having mentors allows them to properly communicate and express their feelings. And having

social outings teaches them to develop friendships with like-minded individuals.”

The program has certainly been beneficial for Skyler Skaggs, a 19-year-old high school dropout who is bipolar. She mans the bakery counter and takes customer orders, a momentous feat for someone who formerly shied away from any type of social interaction.

“I used to have a stuttering problem and was embarrassed by that,” she says. “But now I’m facing my fears by communicating with people. I feel much more confident.”

Sam Gerow, 18, is also gaining valuable workforce skills. The autistic teen never held a job before becoming employed by Cupcakes for Autism.

“It’s a lot of fun to come here and be part of a team. My favorite part of the job is selling cupcakes and cookies and getting to meet the customers.”

For the Deanes, seeing these adults come to their bakery and develop newfound confidence is icing on the cake.

“They approach me daily and thank me for the opportunity they’re being provided,” Chantelle says. “Seeing them change right before my eyes is astounding.”

Cupcakes for Autism is at 13769 N. U.S. Highway 441 in Lady Lake. The bakery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

“It’s a lot of fun to come here and be part of a team.”

Why Do You Need A SPECIALIST?

Little things can become big things, especially when it comes to joint pain. Many people live with shoulder pain for years, not realizing they may have tiny tears in the tendons surrounding the joint. With no warning, a simple thing like pulling a weed or swinging a golf club may result in a tear in the shoulder tendons.

“Repairing a complex tear is one of the more complex surgeries,” says Dr. Alfred J. Cook, who specializes in complex rotator cuff repairs and shoulder injuries. “At TriCounty Orthopaedics, we are on the cutting edge of new technologies, such as graph augmentation which reconstructs tendons. Not all surgeons have been trained to do these procedures.”

In addition to being a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Cook is fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery. Following his surgical residency at Northwestern University’s McGraw Medical Center, he chose to obtain an extra year of specialized training at Duke University’s School of Medicine, ranked among the nation’s Top 10 medical schools. EXPERTISE MATTERS.

Our specialties include:

•Total Joint Replacement

•Arthritis Evaluation

•Non-Surgical Back Evaluation

•Osteoporosis Evaluation

•Physical Therapy

•Diagnostic Radiology

•Sports Medicine

•Shoulder Surgery

•Foot & Ankle Surgery

•Trauma & Fracture Management

•Arthroscopic Surgery

ORTHOPAEDICS

Although he is hooked to a feeding tube, 1-year-old Jaxon Buell cheerfully sits on his mother’s lap. She places a green toy turtle in front of him that plays music with the touch of a button.

“Okay, I want you to hit one of these buttons for me,” says the boy’s mother, Brittany Buell. “Come on, make mommy proud!”

The boy with adorable big blue eyes, dark blond hair, and rosy, chubby cheeks looks curiously at his mother. About

30 seconds later, he extends his tiny hand and pushes a button. Music plays. A smile forms across Jaxon’s face because music is calming to him.

“Great job, Jaxon,” says Brittany, gently stroking his back. “I knew you could do it!” Jaxon responds to mommy’s praise by wrapping his upper and lower lip around her nose.

“That’s how he kisses me,” said Brittany, 27. “He eats my nose. It’s so darn cute.”

For Jaxon, these developmental milestones are extraordinary.

This is the boy with a deformed brain and skull whom doctors gave no chance to live, much less comprehend words or show displays of affection. In fact, they advised Brittany to terminate her pregnancy at 23 weeks because Jaxon would likely die in the womb or shortly after birth. Very seldom do babies with Jaxon’s condition—microhydranencephaly—survive more than a few days or weeks.

Microhydranencephaly is a rare abnormality of the brain that leads to profound developmental delay and severe intel-

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ AND BRENDA ANDERSON

Big miracles come in small packages. Jaxon Buell, a 15-month-old baby who was expected to die in the womb, has touched the hearts of people throughout the world with his incredible story of hope, strength, and survival.

lectual disability. Jaxon’s brain, which is one-fifth the size of a normal brain, lacks cerebral hemispheres and is occupied by cerebrospinal fluid. The boy suffers from seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and occasional infections.

Dr. Heather Olson, a leading neurological specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, summed up Jaxon’s condition in these words: “I see infants with rare illnesses and syndromes, but Jaxon’s is the rarest of the rarest.”

However, the resilient boy has proven to have equally rare “super” powers: he’s a super fighter, a super warrior, and super cute. And he has found his way into the hearts of people all over the world by defying both medical science and insurmountable odds.

On August 27, 2015, his parents, Brandon and Brittany Buell of Tavares, celebrated not only the first anniversary of Jaxon’s birth, but also the commemoration of a medical miracle.

“To us, Jaxon is not a kid with special needs; he is just perfect the way he is,” said Brandon, 30, who is employed at First Green Bank in Mount Dora as an assistant to the chief executive officer. “Brittany and I are blessed that we’re the ones who get to be parents of this awesome boy.”

A PLAN AND A PURPOSE

Brittany was 17 weeks pregnant when doctors delivered the grim results from her second ultrasound scan. Her baby was three weeks behind in his development, and his head was abnormally small. Although the Buells

visited several specialists, none could accurately pinpoint the problem. Jaxon was first diagnosed with spina bifida, then Dandy-Walker syndrome, and then Joubert syndrome.

But they all agreed on one thing: the boy would be born with severe disabilities and likely would not live more than a few days or weeks. A specialist in Orlando recommended abortion, but the devout Christian couple wanted their child to die naturally.

“We decided abortion was not going to be an option,” Brittany said. “Doctors told us Jaxon was not suffering and that remaining pregnant was not going to harm my body in any way. It wasn’t a hard decision because we decided God would be the one to take Jaxon to heaven. We weren’t going to be the ones to kill him.”

The baby was born by caesarian section on August 27, 2014. Not only did the Buells give Jaxon life; they’ve graciously shared him with the world.

Because Jaxon outlived doctors’ expectations and achieved feats once deemed impossible, a friend of the Buells created a Facebook page called “Jaxon Strong” to document the boy’s life. The page has steadily climbed to 267,951 worldwide followers who faithfully follow Jaxon’s milestones, such as saying “mama” and “dada,” crying to indicate he’s hungry or wants to be held, and learning to crawl by scooting forward. Those same fans proudly post Facebook pictures of themselves wearing blue “Jaxon Strong” wristbands.

His fans see Jaxon not as a boy with a deformed skull but rather as a symbol of hope, courage, and strength.

“People are amazed not only by Jaxon’s incredible story of survival, but also by his accomplishments,” Brittany said. “We were told he would never be able to see, hear, walk, crawl, comprehend, or communicate when he’s hungry. When he was born, his

fists were always clenched. He has learned to unclench them and has become coordinated enough where he can grab and hug a stuffed basketball. Whenever Jaxon wants to be held, he communicates to us in a low-pitch cry.”

When Jaxon miraculously celebrated his first birthday, his story spread like wildfire on social network sites and mainstream media. Actor Ashton Kutcher posted a picture of Jaxon on his Facebook page and called him “an amazing boy.” He received stuffed animals from adoring fans far away as Australia and Switzerland and hand-drawn pictures from admirers in Germany. He has made appearances on ABC’s “Nightline,” as well as the television show “The Doctors.” Jaxon has also been prominently featured in newspapers throughout the world.

Most of the publicity has been positive. However, some are openly critical of the Buells for birthing a baby with

“WE WERE TOLD HE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO SEE, HEAR, WALK, CRAWL, COMPREHEND, OR COMMUNICATE WHEN HE’S HUNGRY.”

a severe life-limiting illness. In fact, one journalist described their decision to have Jaxon as “cruel and inhumane.” Brandon and Brittany shrug off hateful comments and never second-guess their decision. After all, they see up close and personal how their son’s tiny footprints are changing the hearts and minds of so many people.

“One man contacted me and told me that he was never a spiritual person,” Brittany said. “However, he read about Jaxon and said his story is nothing short of a miracle. He has completely changed his mind about religion. Also, I talked to a gynecologist who was taught in medical school to recommend terminating a pregnancy when she came across situations like Jaxon’s. Because of Jaxon, she said she would no longer suggest abortion to families.”

Their decision to bring Jaxon into this world is paving the way for additional research on

microhydranencephaly. After Jaxon endured two months of continuous seizures and nonstop screaming, the Buells flew to Boston in August 2015 to have Jaxon admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital, a leading facility for pediatric neurology. That’s where they received Jaxon’s official diagnosis, nearly one year after he was born. They learned that their child has a functioning brain stem that allows him to breathe, but doctors said he’d likely never talk or walk on his own.

During their stay, the Buells forged a strong relationship with the hospital’s doctors and administrators and are allowing tests to be performed on Jaxon to determine whether his condition is genetically related. Brandon and Brittany also plan to donate money to the hospital’s genetic nonprofit program to benefit medical research related to Jaxon’s condition.

“When we started this journey we were scared and

Boy meets world

Jaxon Buell’s courageous story started right here in Lake County. The boy has become a national and international sensation, appearing in newspapers, magazines, websites and television shows throughout the world.

• Cosmopolitan

• MSN.com

• NY Daily News

• Today.com (The Today Show)

• The Boston Globe

• Examiner.com (Denver)

• CNN

• The Doctors

• ABC Nightline

• National Right to Life News

• Global News

• Daily Mail (Britain)

• PEOPLE Magazine (German edition)

• RTL Group (a European entertainment network)

• The Daily Mirror (Britain)

• Zee News (India)

• BBC News (Latin America)

• Athens Voice (Greece)

clueless because Jaxon’s condition is so rare,” Brandon said. “We want more information and resources to be available for parents who have children with microhydranencephaly. To see all the wonderful things that are happening because of Jaxon is truly amazing. He has only been here a short while, but he has already touched and inspired more people than I ever will in a lifetime. There is definitely a plan and a purpose for his life.”

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Jaxon’s story is a window into a life unfathomable to most—a child without most of his brain— and the depths of a father’s and mother’s love.

During her pregnancy, Brittany resigned from her job at a local publishing company due to the severity of Jaxon’s situation and the uncertainty of his lifespan. The realization that taking care of Jaxon would be a full-time job in itself became apparent when the baby spent the first three weeks of his life hospitalized in a neonatal unit while hooked to a feeding tube. However, Jaxon defied odds by surviving those first three weeks. As a result, his parents refused hospice care when they brought him home.

“I cancelled hospice because it’s for dying people,” Brittany said. “We always had hope that he would live longer than doctors predicted.”

Shortly after Jaxon was born, a colleague of Brandon’s started a GoFundMe page for the family. To date, $150,778 has been raised thanks to the kindness of 3,504 generous donors. The money helps offset the

single-income family’s accumulating medical expenses and allows Brittany to remain by Jaxon’s side throughout the day, offering the necessary care and comfort only a mother can provide.

Brittany relishes those special moments with Jaxon. But she admits raising a child with a rare health condition is a monumental task because complications constantly arise. Since his birth, Jaxon has been hospitalized three times for rhinitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane that makes breathing difficult. Brittany must also closely monitor him when he suffers from light seizures—he sometimes has 10 episodes a day—that cause his arms to tremble and legs to kick simultaneously.

He has periodic check-ups with a neurologist to control his seizures and regularly visits another specialist to treat severe gastrointestinal issues. Because Jaxon cannot swallow, he is hooked 20 hours each day to a feeding tube that delivers hypoallergenic baby formula. He also undergoes regular physical therapy sessions to learn tasks like sitting up straight without leaning over and falling.

“Sometimes I have to take him to a doctor as many as three times a week,” Brittany said. “When unexpected things like rashes or infections pop up, I have to take him to a pediatrician. Raising a child with special needs is difficult. Right now the house needs to be cleaned, and I have six loads of laundry that need to be done. Taking care of him is a job for sure.”

Taking Jaxon in public presents other unique challenges.

“When I enter a grocery store and begin to separate grocery carts, the noise scares Jaxon and causes him to have a startled seizure. Also, being strapped down in a car seat causes him to scream bloody

murder. He also screams whenever drivers honk their horns.”

Through it all, though, the Buells have managed to adapt to the hardships and difficulties that arise, which is a small price to pay for a boy who fills their lives with joy and satisfaction and fills their hearts with love and happiness. That’s evident every time Brandon arrives home from work and hears Jaxon say “dada.”

“He’ll swing his head around and smile at me,” Brandon said. “His reactions are very specific to me, and that’s a big step for him to recognize us. I love Jaxon more every single day because of what he endures. Seeing him show affection and

love toward us is such an overwhelming and proud occasion. It’s incredible, actually.”

Special moments like those are daily reminders that being a parent to Jaxon is more of a blessing than a struggle.

“God saw strength and courage in us that we didn’t know was there,” Brittany said. “When he screamed for three straight months, we were patient and understanding. We try to make every situation positive because the last thing Jaxon needs is to see us stressing.”

The Buells readily acknowledge that they’ll likely outlive their son, but they rarely think about that possibility. That’s something they will deal with if and when the time comes.

“One of Jaxon’s favorite activities is snuggling with us while we read a book to him,” Brandon said. “We cherish moments like those and take one day at a time. We feel blessed by each day we get to spend with Jaxon because we don’t know what the future holds.”

This much they do know: They gave their son a fighting chance, and their miraculous baby has seized the opportunity by fighting back every day of his life.

THE IMPACT OF PARENTING A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Q: Brittany, what is the biggest way in which raising a special-needs child has impacted your personal life?

A: Before Jaxon was born, Brandon and I both worked jobs with normal hours. We’d come home, exercise together, and spend one hour making a healthy organic meal. It was great having that quality time together. Now, we’re

lucky if we have a frozen pizza together. We also used to enjoy dinner dates with friends, but they never happen anymore. These days, our primary focus is to make Jaxon happy and comfortable and make sure he is feeling okay.

Q: Have you ever felt any resentment when you see healthy babies?

A: I felt some resentment immediately after

having Jaxon. Sometimes when I was out in public and saw a health baby it would bring tears. Also, my sister-in-law was pregnant at the same time I was. She always received positive news about her baby, while we always received negative news about Jaxon. That was hard at first. Over time, though, that resentment has gone away. I’m happy whenever I see a healthy baby because babies are the cutest things ever.

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DON’T ‘DIS’ THEIR ABILITY

On the following pages, you will read about three unique Lake County children. It’s no secret they have special needs. The facial characteristics of Down syndrome, the wheelchair that accompanies spina bifida, and the sometimes-erratic behavior of Joubert syndrome make it readily apparent. Strangers may look at them and think, “I’m glad that’s not my child.” But their mothers know there’s more to these children than meets the eye. The excitement from small accomplishments, the genuine, heart-melting smiles, and those moments of uncontrollable laughter fill a home with love and joy. No doubt, raising a special-needs child is an enormous challenge. But for three Lake County mothers, it’s also a blessing that has brought new meaning to life.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

When Leslie Haynes gave birth to her daughter Caitlyn, she was allowed to hold her for only 15 minutes. Her baby, who was born with Down syndrome, had extensive medical needs and required around-the-clock care.

Caitlyn was only three days old when she underwent major surgery, having several procedures performed at once. Surgeons cleared blockage between her stomach and intestines, removed her appendix, and inserted a feeding tube. Then, at six weeks, she endured open-heart surgery to treat atrioventricular canal defect, a common condition with Down syndrome babies that creates a hole between the heart’s chambers.

“She spent so much time in the hospital after she was born,” said Leslie, a resident of Astatula. “I felt like I had a baby, but at the same time I felt like I didn’t have a baby because I hardly saw her.”

Considering everything Caitlyn endured at an early age, Leslie could have easily become the overprotective, coddling mother who shielded her daughter from the real world. However, Leslie always thought that parenting style would impede her daughter from reaching her full potential. In fact, she issued a stern warning to family members and friends.

Don’t treat Caitlyn differently just because she has Down syndrome.

“I told them to treat her like a normal child. If they gave her special treatment,

she would expect other people to do things for her, and I would be the one who has to deal with that for the rest of my life. You’ve got to let children with Down syndrome be somebody. If she thinks she can accomplish something, I always encourage her to try.”

That attitude toward raising a special-needs child has paid big dividends. Today, Caitlyn is a 15-year-old honor roll student at Tavares Middle School who participates in the same activities that other teenage girls enjoy. The blueeyed, brown-haired girl loves having her hair and nails done, shopping for clothes, and listening to today’s popular bands such as One Direction.

And she rarely shies away from social activities. In fact, the eighth-grade student was quite a hit at a recent school dance. As she slow danced with a boy, other students formed a large circle around them so Caitlyn and her dance partner could be the center of attention.

“Seeing her fit in with everybody else is really awesome,” said Leslie, a kindergarten teacher at Grassy Lake Elementary School in Minneola. “I was apprehensive about letting her attend a dance, but this taught me that you have to let go and let Caitlyn be who she is. You have to give her an opportunity to blossom in life.”

Caitlyn certainly has blossomed as a Special Olympics athlete. She won silver medals in the 50-yard dash and softball throw during the state games at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports

complex. In addition, she regularly competes in bowling and unified basketball at local and regional Special Olympics events. For her, gaining a competitive edge is of utmost importance.

“I don’t race with her anymore,” Leslie said. “One time when we were racing she tripped me at the door. Afterward, she looked at me

and said, ‘Ha ha. I won!’”

Leslie feels blessed to have a child with Down syndrome. Caitlyn is not only one of her greatest gifts in life, but her best friend, as well.

“We get our nails done together, go shopping together, and take pictures of each other. She’s my princess, and I’m her queen.”

Q: Leslie, when you realized your child had Down syndrome, did you ever ask why me?

A: No. I am drawn to kids with special needs. In fact, I have six ESE students in my kindergarten class. Truth is, Caitlyn can do anything a normal child can do. She dresses herself, fixes her own drinks, brushes her teeth, and bathes herself. She also completes chores such as feeding our dogs and taking out the garbage.

When he’s angry or upset, 10-year-old Joel Lorenzetti reacts by hitting himself in the face. He packs a powerful punch and has broken his nose seven times.

Some might automatically blame this bizarre behavior on Joel’s rare condition known as Joubert syndrome, which causes brain structure abnormalities.

But his mother, Kerri Lorenzetti, has a different theory.

“I would blame 20 percent of it on Joubert syndrome and 80 percent on him being Italian,” she says while laughing. “Mixing a rare syndrome with Italian is a recipe for disaster. He’s like a mobster in a wheelchair. And if he could talk he would say, ‘Yeah, I’m punching myself in the face. What are you going to do about it?’”

That good-natured humor is one of the ways Kerri and Marc Lorenzetti of Eustis cope with raising a special-needs child. Kerri and Marc are both carriers of a recessive gene that causes Joubert syndrome. However, their 16-year-old daughter, Alli, is a healthy teenager.

“I had 1 in 250,000 odds of marrying someone who had the same recessive gene,” Kerri says. “We hit the lottery with Joel.”

Having Joel in their lives has certainly been worth a fortune. Contrary to popular belief, parenting a special-needs child brings many happy moments.

“The first time Joel lifted his head off his baby pallet, I made a cake and threw a party,” Kerri says. “He has a big head, and we never knew if he’d be able to lift it by himself. His

milestones may be different from my daughter’s milestones, but they’re equally joyous.”

Sundays are especially fun in the Lorenzetti household. That’s Joel’s “spa day” where he receives a bath, hair wash, and blow dry and also has his fingernails and toenails clipped.

“He loves being pampered,” Kerri says. “With so many ongoing challenges, you learn to cherish all the little moments.”

They’ve also witnessed Joel sharpen his communication skills by using his hands. Although he cannot talk, he taps the top of his head to say

“hello,” while using his fingers to form a circular shape around his nose means he’s happy. And you know he’s happy when he sits in his wheelchair watching his favorite cartoons, such as “Care Bears” and “Fairytopia.”

“We find ourselves watching “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in April,” Kerri says.

The Lorenzettis readily admit that raising a child with Joubert syndrome presents many challenges. The parts of Joel’s brain that control muscle movement and breathing are abnormally small. He wears a percussion vest that creates

Q: Kerri, what is the biggest way in which raising a special-needs child has impacted your personal life?

A: I’ve learned that whatever my plans are they are likely to change. A lot revolves around Joel’s care. I can make plans, but Joel will make his own plans. Then you have to see if they meet in the middle.

Q: Have you ever felt any resentment when you see healthy children?

A: I did during Joel’s first two years. Whenever I’d see a healthy child, it made me think how I’d never see Joel jump into a pool or run around in a Superman cape. I had a normal girl experience but would never have a normal boy experience. Eventually, though, you push those thoughts out of your mind.

mini-coughs to dislodge mucus from his bronchial walls, and he eats through a gastrostomy tube that was surgically placed in his stomach. When his oxygen saturation levels are low, he is hooked to an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

Marc and Kerri have seen their child nearly die twice— once at age 3 when his lungs filled with serum and again when he was 4 and hospitalized with the flu. The family lost their home five years ago because Joel was denied medical coverage, forcing them to pay all of their son’s medical expenses out of pocket.

Without question, though, the moments of love and happiness easily trump the moments of grief and sadness.

“These days, I rarely think about his syndrome,” Kerri says. “I just want Joel to be Joel, and sometimes that means obnoxious behavior. We love Joel just the way he is. Because of him, I’ve met many wonderful people that would have otherwise never crossed our paths.”

Helping children with special needs is a calling for Grand Island resident Candi Giddens.

Before having a child of her own, she spent 20 years as a volunteer and coach for Special Olympics Florida. The never-ending smiles, loving personalities, and cheerful spirits of the athletes warmed her heart.

“I thoroughly enjoyed doing that because those athletes always possessed a positive attitude,” she said. “Regardless of their disability, they were happy just to be participating and interacting with other athletes. Being in their presence brought me lots of joy, and I definitely learned more from them than they learned from me.”

Little did Candi know that spending all those years with special-needs children would prepare her for the biggest challenge of her life. At 38, she gave birth to baby girl with spina bifida.

Her daughter, Ashton Grace, has undergone 25 surgeries—including 11 brain surgeries before reaching her first birthday. She uses a motorized wheelchair and has no feeling below her mid-pelvis.

But despite the hardships, Candi nurtured and challenged Ashton to reach her full potential—much like she did so many years with Special Olympics athletes. Today, Ashton is a 14 year old whose can-do attitude earned her the nickname “Amazing Grace.”

“After undergoing her latest surgery in July, she woke up and was giving high-fives to family members and friends,” Candi said.

That perfectly illustrates how Ashton never lets her condition or physical limitations define her. Simply put, no dream is too far-fetched for this self-admitted sports junkie. During the past six years, Ashton competed in basketball and track and field during the Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay games. She also played T-ball for three seasons, using her motorized wheelchair to round the bases.

“It makes me so proud to see her out there competing,” Candi said. “Even though she only has partial use of her right arm due to nerve damage, she never gives up.”

Ashton is also die-hard sports fan who quickly spouts off statistics of her favorite athletes and teams. She faithfully follows the Florida Gators

er night and I kicked my dad’s butt at sports trivia,” Ashton says excitedly. “Also, I’ve been throwing a football since I was 3 and I can throw a tight spiral as good as any boy.”

When she’s not competing in or watching sports, Ashton concentrates on schoolwork. She readily admits that she has the best teacher in the world—her mother.

“I’ve homeschooled Ashton throughout her entire life and really enjoy it,” Candi said. “Not only do we spend valuable time together, but I can see firsthand how she’s growing and learning as a student. If she’s struggling with something, we can take the necessary time to learn it.”

There are times when this strong-willed child misbehaves. But her sense of humor often shines through when Candi attempts to correct her.

and San Francisco 49ers, as evidenced by the paraphernalia of both teams prominently displayed on her wheelchair. She even enjoys attending monster truck racing and dirt bike racing events in Orlando.

“She’s not a girly girl or princess by any means,” Candi said. “She’s definitely a tomboy.”

And she simply cannot hide her competitive spirit. “We were at Olive Garden the oth-

“When she acts up, I’ll tell her to go somewhere and sit down. She’ll reply by saying, ‘Mom, technically I am already sitting down.’”

Funny moments like those remind Candi that every baby is a blessing and every child is a gift.

“I’ve always had a heart for special-needs children. There’s no doubt that God had been preparing me for many years to have one of my own.”

Q: Cindi, how did you get through the difficult times?

A: When Ashton was a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, I picked up a prayer card that read: “My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.” I still have that card on a mirror inside my home. It’s a daily reminder that even though I don’t understand why Ashton has spina bifida, I have to trust in God and never give up hope.

HealthyLiving Expo

Diabetic Chef Show Down

in the Scarlett O’Hara Theatre Room, $5 Donation Entry Educational Presentations By Experts

Free Admission

Door Prizes 100+ Exhibitors Current Education Latest Health Products Health Care Services

Leading Experts Better Living Enhancements On-site Screenings

Go to www.ResourceCenterOfTriCounty.com to register for the Chef Show Down and for the Doctor Presentations.

Proceeds Benefit: The Florida Camp for Diabetic Children & Youth In Memory of Nancy Smith

Levels of Sponsorship

$300 Copper for a 8’ table display table, in the ballroom, no electric

$350 Copper for a 8’ table display table, in the ballroom, with electric $400 Bronze for a 8’ table display table, premium location in the ballroom, with electric

$1,000 Silver for a table in speaker room

$1,500 Gold only six spaces in the foyer; 2 tables, exclusivity of single vendor for service/product in foyer area, with electricity, logos on all advertising

$3,500 Platinum only eight spaces in the Scarlett O’Hara Theatre Room; 2 tables at the front of the ballroom; with electricity, logos on all advertising Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis and a check sent in accordingly.

We will be collecting Stuffed Animals to donate to The Florida Camp for Diabetic Children For more information, contact Jim Smith at 352-633-7840; JimInVillages@comcast.net

The Savannah Recreation Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages

A SPECCIA I L THHANK YOU TO A ALL L OF OUUR GENEROUS DOONNORS, , VOOLUNTTEEERRS, PARTICICIPPANANTS S AND CO COMM M ITTEEE MEEMBMBER ER S F FOR R MA MAKI K NG N THIS YEAR S HAAT’ T S HOORS R SES ES & HOP O E CAATTTTLE L BARO R N’S BALL A GRAND SUCCESS. TO T GETHER WE WILL FIN I I ISH H THE E FIIGHT!

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THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS QUILTERS

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THANKS TO ALL LIVE AUCTION DONORS

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BRONZE SPONSORS

VERY IMPORTANT PARTNERS

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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE for going above and beyond partnering with our events each and every year. We appreciate your continued support!

THANKS TO OUR GUEST SPEAKER BOB WOODARD OF THE VILLAGES.

for more information on how to become involved with next year’s event contact Tami Dion at tami.dion@cancer.org or 352.350.2273 x 5708

Maqsood, MD, FACP,

Rajab Abu Khadrah, MD, FACG Fadi Rahhal, MD

BODY

“Mint” for better health.

That red-and-white striped candy cane hanging on the Christmas tree is more than just a decoration. Peppermint is a hybrid flowering plant that has a long history of medicinal uses. It is used to reduce discomfort from gall bladder disease and also has a soothing effect.

That’s not all. A 2007 study in Italy revealed that 75 percent of patients with irritable bowel syndrome experienced reduced symptoms after being treated with peppermint oil. And because of its minty flavor, peppermint is a popular ingredient in shampoo, chewing gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

SCOOP ON POOP COLON HEALTH NO LAUGHING MATTER

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

It is a silent killer of too many people because its symptoms don’t become obvious until an advanced stage. The killer is colon (large intestine) cancer. Though it may not be the best topic to bring up at a cocktail party or the dinner table, colon health is critical to your overall health, and it will pay big dividends to devote at least some attention to it. If there’s one single word to summarize colon health it would have to be “fiber.”

Fiber is the indigestible material found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. It retains water and adds bulk to the solid material in the colon, making it easier to pass through and out of the body. Fiber regulates bowel function by lowering the transit time for material to travel from where

it enters the large intestine to where it leaves the body. It binds things such as sugar and cholesterol, limiting their entry into your body and reducing potentially ill effects of those substances. Fiber corrects or prevents constipation, one of the hallmarks of the Standard American Diet (SAD) and reduces the risk of diverticulosis, a common cause of abdominal pain, bleeding and even perforation of the intestine.

In most third-world countries, constipation is almost nonexistent and colon cancer is rare. We ignore dietary fiber at our peril. The National Institute of Health in the U.S. recommends women get 25 grams of fiber daily in their diet and recommends 38 grams for men. Few adults of either gender get more than 15 grams per day.

POTTY TRAINING

While not very glamorous, few skills achieved in the first four years of life are more important than becoming potty trained. For too many parents, getting children out of diapers quickly is highly desirable, a hallmark of successful parenting. Some even claim an environmental benefit given how many disposable diapers end up in our landfills every year. For those interested in outsourcing this project, there are even professional “potty

boot camps” that will take your diaper-clad progeny and turn them into diaper-free toddlers in four to five days. Early toilet training, however, ignores some basic facts of physiology and anatomy. Moreover, it can set up your child for problems later.

Children 2 years old and younger simply are not physically and intellectually mature enough for potty training.

When they are taught to withhold bowel movements, this may become a habit, leading

to chronic constipation. This can lead to pain with bowel movements, causing the child to further resist the urge to go and a vicious cycle can set in.

Once constipation is established, the rectum may expand and lose tone, rendering it less effective in passing stool. More liquid stool from further up the large bowel can seep around this impacted poop and leak out, soiling the child’s pants. Children often are unaware this is happening until it is too late.

Encopresis is the medical term for fecal soiling after the age of toilet training, around age four. Children with encopresis are not being willfully disobedient, lazy or difficult. Punishment or lecturing them doesn’t work. They simply don’t know what the problem is or how to fix it. The solution is to re-establish normal bowel habits. Enemas, laxatives and behavior modification all play a role in this. Your pediatrician can help.

BABY B00MERS: IS YOGA FOR ME?

WRITER: MARYANN HOLDEN

Our baby boomer population is growing rapidly. So is the generation’s interest in leading active, fit lives.

On the whole, we live longer than we used to, and we all want high-quality living and good health to be a part of our older years. As we grow older, though, we typically become more susceptible to ailments linked to aging, and as a result we tend to move less. The less we move, the more susceptible we become to a variety of ailments, and it becomes a truly vicious cycle.

Many of us feel we should follow the advice of “taking it easy” as we grow older, but that’s actually what we shouldn’t do. Extended periods of sitting lead to muscular shortening, tightening and weakening. Lack of weightbearing activity contributes to osteoporosis. Lack of movement and stretching leads to joint deterioration and loss of flexibility.

Of grave concern for our senior population is a lack of balance, which stems, in part, from sitting rather than standing and from not challenging one’s balance in various positions. Complications resulting from falls among people over the age of 65 frequently lead to a multitude of serious problems, sometimes death.

Body awareness is a big part of getting and staying active. When someone first starts yoga classes, just breathing and opening up the spaces in the body that have been shut down and tight brings on a whole new awareness. Closing the eyes and escaping the chaos of the outside world and finding the peace within is a fun journey. What you learn on a yoga mat is training for your life. If you can quiet the mind, be still and live in the moment, life becomes less stressful.

A regular yoga and meditation practice can have many benefits. For baby boomers, it can mean access to a fitness routine that’s easy to maintain for longer periods of time.

Yoga is a tremendous tool to combat the concerns of an aging society. It’s not all about complicated twists and poses, as many people believe. Yoga is adaptable for any age group and can be incorporated into an everyday workout and relaxation routine with ease.

BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR BABY BOOMERS

❋ Yoga helps improve and maintain muscle tone, a major factor as we age. It also strengthens bones. This is an effective way to deal with health issues such as incontinence and arthritis and osteoporosis.

❋ It helps maintain baby boomer fitness and attain flexibility that helps with movement. It helps the elderly maintain or regain their balance.

❋ It is beneficial in maintaining cardiovascular health.

❋ It keeps the digestive system in good health and several yoga poses massage, tone and detox the liver and other internal organs.

❋ Yoga and meditation can help the elderly sleep well. Both are effective in severe cases of insomnia.

❋ An improved sense of body awareness is also often seen in people who practice yoga regularly.

❋ Yoga and meditation can improve memory, relieve stress and normalize the blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

❋ Better breathing. Yoga helps to open the spaces and expand the lungs. More oxygen means better mood, clearer thinking and slowing down the aging process

SOME PRECAUTIONS BEFORE STARTING YOGA

❋ Consult a doctor before starting any new workout routine. For instance, your doctor might advise you to go easy with yoga poses for the spine or back if suffer from a health condition that might require you to avoid certain poses.

❋ It is a good idea to join a class for beginners if you have an inactive lifestyle or have never exercised. Be open with your instructor about your medical condition and health issues, if any, and be clear about your fitness goals.

❋ Do not overextend yourself. Stick with yoga poses you’re comfortable with and can do with ease. A good yoga instructor will always ask you to hold the poses and help you use props such as chairs to modify the different poses for you.

❋ Look for a qualified instructor who can make appropriate modifications to your yoga practice.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

IS IT REALLY the most wonderful time of the year? For many of us, the holiday season is delightful, but for some the holidays bring more stress than joy. Headaches, Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are 3 common symptoms related to stress.

Historically, Centra Care doctors see an increase in the number of patients complaining of stress-related illnesses, beginning with the Thanksgiving holiday, and not leveling off until after the New Year.

Centra Care offers these recommendations of things you can do to help better manage the increased stress:

COPING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS

Seek support - if you are feeling isolated or down, seek out family, friends, community religious or social services. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your social circle.

Set differences aside - try to accept family members and friends as they are, set aside grievances. Be understanding if something goes

awry, chances are you’re not the only one stressed.

Plan ahead - set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and make one big trip to the grocery store. Leave yourself some extra time for travel so that delays won’t worsen your stress.

Learn to say no - people will understand if you can’t do certain projects or activities.

Try your best to eat “normally” – things like chocolate, caffeine and sugars not only cause weight gain, but also headaches.

Don’t abandon healthy habits - some indulgence is okay, but overindulgence will only add to your

stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so you don’t go overboard on sweets. And get plenty of sleep.

Take a breather - make some time for yourself, spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk, stargaze, listen to soothing music and taking deep breaths can re-store you to a calming mood.

Forgot about perfection - holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings, but in real life this might not be the case, so expect and accept imperfections and take it in stride from one day to the next.

Pray or meditate, focusing on those things you’re thankful for.

If your symptoms persist – see a doctor to make sure your symptoms are merely stress related and not an underlying indication of a more serious illness.

If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care is open 7 days a week. Some locations remain open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Centracare. org has all the details.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

If you want to know more of What’s Going Around in this area throughout the year, visit CentraCare.org and sign up to receive weekly health email alerts

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CONTENT PROVIDED BY CENTRA CARE , FLORIDA HOSPITAL URGENT CARE

Initially I came to TNT asking them to Initially I came to TNT them to help me make healthier food chocies me make healthier food chocies that would improve my health and that would my health and weight, now and in the future They weight, now and in the future. They provided a total program of testing , a total program of testing, evaluation, education, and ongoing and guidance They also provided me with guidance. also me with a better under standing of foods and a better understanding of foods and supplements, which have improved which have my ever yday energ y and fitness TNT my everyday energy and fitness. TNT has been wor king with my doctor and has been working with my doctor and at this time I have been able to stop at this time I have been able to stop two of my medications I am looking two of my medications. I am looking forward to continuing this experience forward to this to maintain these improvements and to maintain these and suppor t my future needs. support my future needs.

LANALEE SCOTT —

I was frustrated with years of not feeling well. My stomach would hurt a lot, and my energy was decreasing more and more. The science behind the program at TNT gave me the answers I needed to make healthy lifestyle changes tailor made for my body and nutritional needs. I’m on a recovery journey that gets better with each day and each lifestyle choice I make. Lori Esarey and everyone at TNT are passionate about what they do and are there for me every step of the way. Each week I learn something new about nutrition or my test results. They show me how to apply that new knowledge to my personal lifestyle choices. Without TNT, I was guessing at how to solve my health issues. They’ve taken the guesswork out of it so now I can put my energy toward being the healthy and vibrant person I want to be.

— GERI PAXTON

At 50, I found myself overweight and

At 50, I found myself overweight and lacking energy. I also dealt with hot energy. I also dealt with hot flashes, insomnia, and an underachieving and an thyroid I called TNT desperate for thyroid. I called TNT desperate for help, and these ladies went above and and these ladies went above and beyond! I had a plan tailored to my I had a tailored to my specific needs Lori spends so much time needs. Lori spends so much time counseling and educating her clients I and her clients. I have learned so much from her about so healing with food, how my body works, healing with how my body works, and what it needs Thanks to this amazing and what it needs. Thanks to this team, I have lost weight, balanced my team, I have lost balanced my hormones and thyroid levels, and feel hormones and thyroid levels, and feel AMAZING! Thank you TNT for all you have AMAZING! Thank you TNT for all you have done to teach me the skills I need to lead to me to a long and HEALTHY LIFE! a and HEALTHY LIFE!

RENEE BARNES —

GOING BEYOND WEIGHT LOSS TO ACHIEVE WELLNESS FOR LIFE

SPINACH PESTO CIABATTA WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

BALSAMIC GLAZE

Make first.

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar

3 T. dark brown sugar

Heat both ingredients in small saucepan on high until sugar dissolves. Simmer another 10 minutes or until mixture has reduced 1/3 size and thickened slightly. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat.

SPINACH PESTO CIABATTA

1 fresh loaf of unsliced Ciabatta bread

2 c. (2 all-you-can-hold handfuls)

fresh spinach

½ c. grated Pecorino cheese

4 garlic cloves

1 bunch of fresh basil

¼ tsp. Sea salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

3 T. olive oil

¼ c. pine nuts

2 large sliced tomatoes

Fresh sliced mozzarella

DIRECTIONS

Put all spinach in a food processor or blender. Blend for 10 seconds.

Add next ingredients: cheese, salt, pepper, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil. Adding the olive oil as you blend will provide the pesto with a more consistent texture.

Slice bread length wise all the way through to give you two long pieces of bread.

Spread pesto generously over the open bread. Top with tomato and mozzarella. Bake in oven on a cookie sheet for 5-7 minutes or until toasted.

Top with fresh Basil.

Drizzle Balsamic Glaze.

Slice into rectangular pieces. Makes 8 servings.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Boardman are part of a group of trained surgeons performing minimally invasive surgeries with the use of robotic technologies. One of the procedures is TIF.

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) treats the underlying cause of GERD without incisions. This innovative procedure uses the EsophyX device to reconstruct the antireflux valve and restore the body’s natural protection against reflux.

TIF is performed under general anesthesia and requires patients not to eat or drink several hours prior to the procedure. The procedure itself generally takes less than an hour.

Typically, patients can go home the following day as well as return to work and most normal activities within a few days.

For more information regarding this minimally invasive procedure, along with other surgical procedures performed by the group, please visit our website: www.MidFloridaSurgical.com

TIF: AN INCISIONLESS SURGICAL SOLUTION FOR GERD If you have heartburn more than once a week, you may have chronic acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:

• Regurgitation

• Pain or discomfort in chest

• Trouble sleeping

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

• Frequent swallowing

• Persistent cough

• Intolerance of certain foods and liquids

• Gas and bloating

• Excessive clearing of the throat

• Excessive salivation

• Hoarseness or laryngitis

• Asthma or asthma-like symptoms

• Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation

Jorge L. Florin, M.D.,F.A.C.S // Christopher Johnson, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S. Jason Boardman, M.D. F.A.C.S. // Joseph Armotrading, M.D., F.A.C.S. David Wright, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S.

Sponsored By:

MIND

You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.

– Aristotle

SOCIALIZE YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY

WRITER: KIM

BADEN-KRISTENSEN, FOUNDER OF BRAIN +

If you go to the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona, el Barrio Gótico, with its small winding cobbled streets, and you look into one of the many small cafes early in the morning, you’ll see a hustle and a bustle of people. They’ll be sitting at the bar, standing at the tables, chatting, conversing, laughing with the person next to them, or with the waiters. The customers are often on a firstname basis, and if you walk in as a stranger, it’s not uncommon for people to nod and welcome you.

A scene like this is notable because socializing with other people is one of the most important aspects of what it means to be human. We’re designed to be social.

According to evolutionary theory, our ability to socialize is vital to our survival and to our success as a species.

At some point in history humans realized the value of working together. By sticking together in groups we became more efficient, more stable, more protected, and more innovative. This part of our evolution required the human brain to evolve to a new level of complexity.

To be social we need to use some very advanced brain functions. Imagine the complexity of actually trying to understand another human being. Looking at body language is only the tip of the iceberg. When you try to understand another human being, you want

to know how they’re thinking and what they’re feeling. But it doesn’t stop there, you can even figure out why they’re thinking and feeling the way they are.

Psychologists call this the “Theory of Mind.” It’s the ability to understand thoughts, feelings, beliefs, desires, motivations, and the intentions of others. It’s also the ability to predict people’s future actions. It may be one of the most complex abilities your brain has.

THE THING TO TAKE AWAY FROM ALL OF THIS IS YOUR BRAIN IS BUILT FOR SOCIALIZING.

Being social is one of the most stimulating things you can do for your brain. It is one of the most effective and basic forms of brain training you can do. Staying socially active prevents or delays the onset of dementia.

Apart from the obvious brain benefits, there are also significant general health benefits to being social. Socializing is associated with reduced mortality rate and a reduced depression risk. You can think of the positive emotional and psychological impact of socializing as taking vitamins for your heart and mind. Socializing stimulates your immune system and protects you from disease. What’s good for your general health is mostly good for your brain health as well. Socializing, like physical exercise, is a double-impact activity that strengthens both general health and brain health.

In our fast-paced day and age, socializing may be dismissed as a secondary, lazy, or unproductive pass time. This view is dangerous to your health. Being social is not only the spice of life, it’s also fundamental to your health and well-being.

So don’t hesitate to go have some laughs with friends, family, and strangers; your brain is laughing with you. Learn more at Brain-plus.com.

HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE

WRITER: SCOTT PERKINS, PERKINS PERSPECTIVE

The fall of 1989 is a time etched in my memory. Having just started college, I was flush with independence, football games, new relationships, and classes. Into the midst of this came some news that would shape the trajectory of my family for the rest of our lives. It would also transform how I viewed those with special needs.

My 14-year-old-sister, Denise, was in a diving accident that severed her spine. After numerous surgeries and six months in the hospital, she came back into the world and the care of my parents. Cognitively, she was unaffected, but physically my sister was limited to the use of the muscles in her neck and her biceps. She could feel nothing below her neck area.

I don’t remember how I viewed those with disabilities before my Denise’s injury, but I can tell you what I learned from being with her and seeing her interactions with others.

A DISABILITY

The special need does not define the person. Whether it is Down ’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, being a quadriplegic, or some other disability, humanity remains the same. In a culture that more frequently views the worth of people through the lens of production and consumption, it is essential to remember life is a fragile miracle. Yes, it may cost more for care in terms of money and manpower for those with special needs, but that does not diminish the worth of the person.

Do not be afraid of the special need. In the case of my sister, when she met someone new she offered them her hand to shake. Even though her hand hung limp, this was her effort to make people comfortable with her and remind them she was just like anybody else. Yet, it also gave her insight into how they viewed her. Many people recoiled or avoided her hand as if her disability was communicable. Those who took

her hand and shook it were communicating their choice to see her through the lens of humanity.

Do not offer the special needs individual your pity. First, they don’t want it. Pity comes from focusing on what the person with special needs cannot do, rather than what they can. Denise learned to paint by holding the brush in her mouth and she graduated college with a degree in hospitality management. She was witty, smart, and worked very hard—not worthy of pity at all. However, you have to take a moment to get to know her beyond her disability to see that.

Ultimately, how we react to and treat those with special needs is a commentary on how we perceive ourselves and what makes us valuable. It is a useful to become aware of negative reactions and understand what the source is. This enables you to grow spiritually and emotionally.

The Swedish Dentist Swedish Dentist Receives Another 5-Star Review Review

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352.391.9897

1116 Bichara Blvd., The Villages

Teeth Grinding

Ringing

PLUS:

GOLF CART ACCESSIBLE

DR. PERRY EKSTRAND

STEADY BEAT

Ablation sets the stand fibrillation. New safety

Ablation sets the standard of care for atrial fibrillation. New safety procedures improve its administration and results. t common arrhythmia o in the atria ch the heart, is on the ri

Atrial Fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia originating in the atria (upper chamber) of the heart, is on the rise. Physical stress, excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even caffeine all contribute to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

even con atria to Dr. Va a clinical cardiac elec at Heart of The Villag fibrillation is essentia of each indiv

According to Dr. Vatsal Inamdar, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Heart of The Villages, atrial fibrillation is essentially an irregular beating of each individual muscle

fiber of the top chambers of the heart. The concern is that the irregular beating could lead to blood clots. It could also lead to high heart rates, which in turn could lead to other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle). With advancements in procedural techniques and technology, have improved safety measures with atrial fibrillation ablation

procedure, to assure the best treatment outcomes.

“We take a personalized approach to patient care,” said Dr. Inamdar.

Dr. Inamdar has been in practice for four years. Ten years when including his training: internal medicine and cardiology at Winthrop-University Hospital, an echocardiography fellowship at the University of Alabama and fi nally an electrophysiology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Upon completion of his training, he worked with a private practice in Jacksonville before moving to The Villages area to be closer to his family. He has been with the Heart of The Villages for one year, joining Georg Couturier, MD FACC and Mark Rothschild, MD FACC, in the area.

According to Dr. Inamdar, there are various causes of atrial fibrillation. Hypertension, valvular atrial fibrillation (which occurs when you have a problem with one of your heart valves leading to atrial enlargement), sleep apnea, excessive alcohol, caffeine, and there is a genetic component.

“After the age of 65, almost 10 percent of the population will endure atrial fibrillation at some point in their life,” said Dr. Inamdar.

normal rhythm. Medication works approximately 45-50 percent of the time. If that does not work, then the next step is consideration for an ablation. A cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation is not a surgery, rather a catheter-based treatment option.

“We take a catheter from the femoral vein near the groin and go all the way up to the right side of the heart and then go across the inter-atrial septum to enter the left upper chamber – the left atrium,”

left side,” said Dr. Inamdar. “We visually see where the septum is and the other related structures to help minimize risk.”

They also use 3D Mapping. “This allows us to recreate, in real time, a 3D map of the left atrium to accurately mark and track where we put our ablation lesions. This in turn helps create a more complete lesion set to improve outcomes,” said Dr. Inamdar.

The latest innovation is the tactile sensory catheter. It is known as the Smart Touch by Biosense Webster, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company.

“This catheter allows us to directly get the force in grams being applied by the catheter tip in the heart,” said Dr. Inamdar. This decreases the chance of perforations or trauma to the heart and allows for more effective lesion delivery. “You are monitoring it in real time, accurately, not just going by feel,” he said.

The treatment options depend upon how long the patient has had atrial fibrillation. There are three main categories. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, where the arrhythmia last a week or less. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation symptoms last for more than a week and remains in the condition throughout the duration. Permanent Atrial Fibrillation occurs when a patient has been in atrial fibrillation for years. Over one year, 20 percent of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can progress to persistent atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Inamdar’s, treatment progresses from an initial conservative to a more invasive approach depending on response. An attempt is made to use medications first to restore

said Dr. Inamdar. “There are four pulmonary veins, which are the veins that drain oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. The area where these veins connect to the atrium is where we target our ablation for atrial fibrillation. There are various vagal ganglion plexi, that are adjacent to these veins, which play a role in triggering atrial fibrillation in the patient.”

The catheter is used to provide radio-frequency lesions to small areas of the heart tissue that are generating and triggering abnormal electrical activity, causing the irregular heart rhythm.

“We have several measures now, such as intercardiac echocardiogaphy, which gives us a direct visualization of the inter-atrial septum before we go across to the

Dr. Inamdar says flouroscopy usage is minimized during the procedure so there is less radiation exposure for the patient. “In the past, patients would receive up to an hour of radiation per every procedure,” said Dr. Inamdar. “Now, I rarely go over 15-20 minutes.”

Ablation sets the new standard of care for most symptomatic atrial fibrillation patients. These improved safety procedures keep complication percentages during ablation treatment very low, ranging from 1 to 3 percent.

352.674.2080

“After the age of 65, almost 10 percent of the population will endure atrial fibrillation at some point in their life,”

SPIRIT

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

– Charles Spurgeon

BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS

How can you truly make this holiday season a memorable and special one?

Simple.

You take time to help those less fortunate. Not only will you add holiday cheer to their lives, you’ll feel even better about yourself.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

1. IF YOU LOVE to bake or cook, make extra portions of your holiday treats and take them to your local Ronald McDonald House (www.rmhc.org) to share with the families whose children are ill.

2. IF YOU LOVE to do crafts, make some extra-special holiday cards and take them to a local hospital or homeless shelter.

3. IF YOU LOVE to decorate, gather some of your friends and family and ask your church or nursing home to find out which resident cannot decorate a tree or home themselves and would appreciate the surprise.

4. IF YOU LOVE to de-clutter, go through your closets and donate your gently used items to a children’s home, women’s shelter, or Goodwill.

TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT

WRITER: DR. JEFFERY

This month is about giving “back.” Get it? Chiropractor, giving “back”? Clever right? OK, maybe not so much. In all seriousness though, this is the time of year when most of us try to give back to our community and others in need.

A lot of us do this throughout the year, but we try to go above and beyond this time of year. There are many things we can do to help others and not break the bank. Giving support to your local church or a civic group you’re familiar with is a positive way to go.

My Rotary Club, for example, adopts needy families so each child gets a Christmas present and the family gets a week’s worth of food. This is not one person doing this; collectively we are stronger and can do much more.

Some people offer money to buy gifts, some offer their time wrapping presents, others offer to help drop food and gifts off to the needy families. Not all parts involve the actual giving of money. One’s time is the most precious gift given.

thahat t will ng your un undidivviide d d n famillyy.

5. FINALLY, IF YOU JUST LOVE to be with your family, why not organize an extra-special family fun night that will start a great tradition and begin giving your undivided attention wholeheartedly to your own family.

In the above scenario, I can tell you the actual act of doing something, helping to prepare, or delivering to those families did much more for me than I did for them. They say you get back what you put into things, I disagree. I believe you truly get more back in knowing that you have helped your fellow man.

WRITTEN BY: PARENTS EVERYWHERE

“When we choose not to focus on what’s missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present…we experience heaven on earth.”

—Sarah Breathnach

‘TIS THE SEASON

GLOVER

STHE

MAKE CHRISTMAS SPARKLE

WRITER: PASTOR ALLEN SPEEGLE

Unfortunately, the holidays are a time when people are most prone to depression. Because of commitments and financial stress, people anticipate the holidays with dread rather than joy. Fortunately, there are several things we can do to ensure we enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year” rather than suffer through it.

REMEMBER WHY WE CELEBRATE

Large Christmas trees, lots of presents, and tons of food typically signify Christmas. The fun and frills are great, but they do not overshadow what this time of year is actually about—God’s love for us and our love for one another through him.

MAKE IT ABOUT FAMILY

Life can certainly be a rat race, but it is imperative to spend Christmas with your loved ones. Make new traditions and celebrate old ones. One idea is for families to sit down with each other and share what they’re thankful for— without distractions from television and cell phones.

DON’T SPEND MONEY YOU

DON’T HAVE Is putting a smile on someone’s face in December worth extra debt and frustration in January? Are you going to cringe when your credit card bill appears in the mailbox? It’s important to carefully evaluate your finances before Christmas. That way, when January rolls around, you can meet your financial goals instead of being deeper in debt and regret.

MAKE CHRISTMAS ABOUT OTHERS

Acts 20:35 says, “You’re happier for giving than getting.” In a world that is often selfish and selfseeking, acts of kindness are refreshing. They can be something as simple as donating food to a shelter or inviting a friend to church. These small acts mean the difference between being depressed or being happy during the holidays. The things that matter most are not the things we can wrap and put under a tree.

TREATING CANCER WITH EXPERT CARE

DECEMBER 5, 12, 19

Leesburg Saturday Morning Market

Looking for ways to eat healthier? Then consider attending this event, where local farmers sell fresh produce. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Town Square in downtown Leesburg. Information: 352.365.0053.

DECEMBER 5

Prepared Childbirth Class

encouragement to patients, survivors, and family members in a friendly, nonthreatening forum. Survivors discuss their situations, coping strategies and hopes. 3-4 p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute Conference Room, 400 Waterman Way, Tavares. Cost: Free.

Information: 352.253.3605

DECEMBER 8

Newborn Care Class

InterCommunity Cancer Center has come together for coordinated cancer care at a single location in our Lady Lake, Florida, facility. Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink, has cared for patients in the Leesburg community for several decades and will continue to provide cancer care at the Lady Lake location, just a few minutes from Leesburg. Coming together at one location allows us to provide even more options for advanced technology to you, our patients. InterCommunity Cancer Center will continue to provide evidence-based, radiation therapy treatment ensuring the use of best practice guidelines in our patients’ cancer treatment. Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

Class focuses on the 28th-32nd weeks of pregnancy when mother and partner work on breathing and relaxation techniques. They also tour the Life Center for Women at LRMC. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $50. 600 E. Dixie Ave. Leesburg. Information: Contact Karen Lynn at 352.323.5960 or email KLynn@CFHAlliance.org.

DECEMBER 8

Mended Hearts Support Group

Mended Hearts offers hope to heart patients, their families and caregivers. 12:302 p.m., Florida Hospital Waterman, 100 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3399

DECEMBER 8

Quality, Personalized Cancer Care In Our Community

922 Rolling Acres Road | Lady Lake, FL 32159 855.403.2519

www.icccvantage.com

Oral Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

This is a support group offering information, support, and

This single-evening class provides expectant parents with the basics of newborn care. Topics include bathing, diapering, and infant CPR. 6:308:30 p.m. Cost: $15. Class is held inside Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Life Center for Women classroom. Information: Contact Karen Lynn at 352.323.5960 or email KLynn@CFHAlliance.org.

DECEMBER 10

Breast Cancer Support Group

A breast cancer diagnosis is a time filled with fear and uncertainty. Fortunately, you don’t have to battle breast cancer alone. Share your stories with others battling the disease and learn effective coping strategies. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont. 7-9 p.m. Information: 352.227.4410.

Dr. Herman Flink Radiation Oncologist

Double Board-Certified in both Radiation Oncology and Radiology by The American Board of Radiology

DECEMBER 14

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Patients with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their family members, receive emotional support and education. 1-2:30 p.m.

Florida Hospital Waterman Conroy CREATION Health Center, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3685.

DECEMBER 16

Diabetes SelfManagement Support Group

Certified diabetes educator

Debra Dudley helps prediabetics and diabetics learn how to manage the disease. 5-6 p.m. Conroy CREATION Health

Center at Florida Hospital

Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Cost: Free. Information: 352.253.3685.

DECEMBER 19

Santa’s Twilight 5k

Shed some holiday pounds by walking or running this 3.1-mile luminary course that winds through the paved streets of Lake Louisa State Park. 7 p.m. Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 South U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont. Information: www.sommersports.com/ Events/Running/SantasTwilight-5K-Clermont

Where do our graduates go from here?

Annmarie Benigno Class of '10

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellow: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Let’s Tackle Your Hip Pain Head-on.

When it comes to hip replacement, I’m a big fan of the direct approach. I’m referring to anterior approach hip replacement, a specialized technique that accesses the hip from the front, causing less trauma to tissue than traditional hip replacement surgery. Patients are usually up and mobile the same day of surgery, and heal quicker with less discomfort.

This procedure is truly revolutionary. How do I know so much? I was the first local surgeon qualified to perform it.

Potential Benefits1:

CARL O. OLLIVIERRE, MD, FACS

When you’re ready to get back to enjoying life without pain, give me a call.

Pain can cause you to miss out on life’s most important moments.

Impressions

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

– Mother Theresa.

team of specialists and caregivers at Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute dedicated to helping patients and their family navigate cancer from diagnosis to survivorship. Utilizing the latest technology and advanced techniques in cancer treatment, we’re committed to treating each patient with an individual treatment plan including support services to care for body, mind and spirit. To learn more ways our specialists and expert care are greater than cancer, visit FHWatermanCancer.com.

rit. To learn more ways our and m.