Healthy Living February 2013

Adoptions

The option of adoption offers hope to child and parent

Sandy Hook

Through the camera’s lens

True Love

I called her Doveys

Sy lv ia M cC C ul u lo ch h Ya a la ha h , FL F Em E er ge g n nc c y B By y pa p s ss s S ur ge e ry y

MORE LIFE TO LIVE.

combines experience with advanced technology to provide the highest quality of care. This is great news for patients like Sylvia who have a lot more life to live. Leesburg Regional Medical Center LeesburgRegional.org facebook.com/LeesburgRegionalMedicalCenter

Paul B. Goldberg, M.D.

Paul B. Goldberg, M.D., has been serving residents of Central Florida for over thirty-two years as a board-certified gastroenterologist. He moved his longtime practice in Volusia County to Tavares last year to join Dr. Lal Nagabhairu at Gastro-Intestinal Consultants. The practice serves Lake and Sumter counties with offices in Tavares and The Villages, and privileges at Florida Hospital Waterman, Leesburg Regional Medical Center, and The Villages Regional Medical Center.

fellowship status in the American College of Physicians (F.A.C.P.), the American College of Gastroenterology (F.A.C.G.), and the American Gastroenterological Society (A.G.A.F.). Dr. Goldberg has also been named as one of the Best Doctors in America by his peers, a singular honor only bestowed upon the top five percent of all U.S. doctors.

gastrointestinal consultants

Dr. Goldberg graduated summa cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York. He received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York City, and then went on to complete a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He has been chosen for

Dr. Goldberg has participated in multiple clinical trials and has been an “expert reviewer” in gastroenterology for the Florida Department of Health for over twenty-five years. He is highly skilled in the latest gastrointestinal procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s epithelium (a premalignant condition of the esophagus), as well as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. He has substantial experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. His many years of experience in providing compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients have helped Gastro-Intestinal Consultants become a leader in providing outstanding care to the residents of Lake and Sumter counties.

PAUL UL B GO GOLDLDBEBERG R , M. M D. D

YOUR EYES DESERVE the BEST safety, performance and convenience –

FROM LOCAL DOCTORS WHO GENUINELY CARE.

Lake Eye provides world-class experience, training and technology, right here in your neighborhood. Having your doctor close to home adds more than just convenience – it provides peace of mind.

Over the past decade, our physicians have provided thousands of patients with clearer vision and protection from vision loss. From glasses to preventive care to successful, complication-free surgeries, we have dedicated our practice to restoring clear, healthy vision to multitudes of satisfied patients.

Your Lake Eye doctor is always just minutes away, available for appointments 5 days a week, and accessible anytime after hours – whenever you need them.

Three state-of-the-art locations serving Lake County, plus the Santa Fe Surgery Center, which is owned and run by our eye surgeons here in The Villages.

We perform the most advanced surgical techniques, offering Toric®, TECNIS®, ReSTOR®. We are the first in the region to offer LenSx® refractive “bladeless” laser cataract surgery.

Our full-service optical centers feature a complete line of designer and specialty glasses and contact lenses.

Talk to our patients and they’ll tell you: Lake Eye is the only choice for a lifetime of healthy vision. See real patient reviews on our website: www.LakeEye.com

www.LakeEye.com

BOARD-CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS (from left to right):

SCOT C. HOLMAN, MD

MARK J. VOCCI, MD

SCOTT R. WEHRLY, MD

SHELBY L. TERPSTRA, DO

Dr. Sundeep Shah Board Certified

Dr. Florian Gegaj Board Certified

Dr. Ayesha Butt Board Certified

Dr. Amir Etemadnia Board Certified

Dr. Hazem El-Arousy

WE

352 259 2159 or 352 728 3939 352.259.2159 or 352.728.3939 www.pma-physicians.com

1. HOLD OURSELVES AND OUR STAFF TO A HIGHER MORAL, ETHICAL AND CLINICAL STANDARD.

2.

Give you your results on a timely basis.

3.

RETURN PHONE CALLS EITHER BY OUR STAFF OR US PERSONALLY WHEN NEEDED.

4.

Call in your prescriptions on a timely basis.

5.

MAKE MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE TO YOU 365 DAYS A YEAR (EVEN ON HOLIDAYS) BY KEEPING OUR URGENT CARES OPEN & HAVING COMPETENT PHYSICIANS AVAILABLE FOR YOU.

6.

Never order a test when not medically necessary.

7.

KEEP YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION IN MIND WHEN ORDERING PRESCRIPTIONS, OR TESTS, OR WHEN SENDING YOU TO A SPECIALIST.

8.

Keep your medical care under our roof as much as possible for your comfort and convenience and not make you run around to different places to get the care that you need and deserve.

9.

HAVE OUR PRACTICE COVERED BY A COMPETENT AND CARING PHYSICIAN WHEN UNAVAILABLE.

10.

Never take our patients for granted.

“Medical care to your door step”

352.508.1125

www.wellnessonwheelsfl.com

CONTE

FEATURING ADOPTIONS

February

Like a child taking that first tentative step, who is there to hold the hands of prospective parents as they begin the long journey down the sometimes arduous road to adoption? Who is there to reach out to the young woman who finds herself pregnant and alone? All over the world there are children who need the love, guidance, and protection of caring parents. All over the world there are parents longing to find children with whom to share their love. Adoption and adoption agencies provide the thread that can bind these two together to form the fabric of family.

WRITER: JIM GIBSON

Mary Greene of Leesburg seemed to be in a hopeless situation. While she suffered from severe aortic stenosis, her age prevented her from receiving life-saving, open-heart surgery. But thanks to a revolutionary new heart procedure offered by local cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists, Mary’s heart disease was successfully treated. No longer at death’s door, she is living life to the fullest.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

THROUGH

Healthy Living Chief Photographer, Fred Lopez, spent a good deal of his youth living just minutes away from Newtown, Connecticut and Sandy Hook Elementary School, the site of one of the most heart-wrenching mass shootings in American history. Fred provides an insightful look at Sandy Hook through his eyes… the lens of his camera.

WRITER: FRED LOPEZ

JAMIE MARK

PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

MODEL: MIA AND SABRINA CICERI

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONTI C

HEALTHYBODY

FITNESS

60 THE KETTLEBELL — FITNESS MADE SIMPLE

Tone your body with these handy weights.

WRITER: PHILIP HALL

SHAPE

62 HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

What is the best way to measure your body fat?

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

RECIPE

63 LAMB FOR LOVERS

Show how much you care with this delectable dish.

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

64 RUBY TUESDAY

Get all the flavor without the guilt.

WRITER: TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ, M.S., R.D., L.D/N.

INSIDE

66 CATCH THE RHYTHM

Learn how pacemakers help your heart stay on beat.

WRITER: ADRIAN FINOL, M.D.

AROMA

68 THE SCENT OF A WOMAN

Be the sweet-smelling example of perfume perfection.

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

LOOK

70 BRIGHT EYES AND BUSHY TAILED

Make your peepers pop with these helpful tips.

WRITER: WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

HEALTHYMIND

APPEAL

72 SMART AND GOOD LOOKING?!

The laws of attraction aren’t only skin deep.

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

COMMUNICATION

74 RELATIONSHIPS AND TECHNOLOGY

The battle to sustain healthy relationships in a digital world.

WRITER: CHRISANN REID

HEALTHYSPIRIT INNERVENTION

76 I CALLED HER DOVEYS

A tribute to lasting love.

WRITER: LOWELL WARD

IDENTITY

78 THE INS AND OUTS OF INTROVERTS AND EXTROVERTS

Misconceptions plague these contrasting personality traits.

WRITER: VICKI GRAY

MENCOURAGEMENT

80 CUPIDS AND DIAMONDS

True love is more precious than diamonds.

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET

FIXATION

81 DEFRIEND FACEBOOK

STALKING

Stop obsessing over your ex before it is too late.

WRITER: SUZANNE HOWARD, LCSW

HEALTHYFINANCE

DEAL

84 SAVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWERS

Cash in on blossoming bargains for your special someone.

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

WEALTH

85 FOR LOVE OR MONEY

Are diamonds really forever?

WRITER: ELLEN B WILCOX, GEPC

STRATEGY

86 WHERE IS MY MONEY?

THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT! Stay on budget with these helpful programs.

WRITER: JAMES ROACH

In last month’s HEALTH PROS, we mistakenly listed Kenneth Cohrn, DDS, MAGD, MBA, DABFO as Kenneth Cohrn, MD. We sincerely apologize for the mistake.

We help you yourbecome best self.

— Terri Blessing

PLASTIC

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW

As I begin to write this month’s Publisher’s Letter, I do so with a heavy heart.

Jeff Romnes, who has written several articles and exercise demos for Healthy Living magazine, passed away Saturday, January 19th. Jeff served as fitness director for Gold’s Gym and was highly respected by his peers. He was far too young to leave this Earth.

The terrible news concerning Jeff’s untimely passing prompted me to begin thinking about life. We never know what tomorrow may bring, and therefore, we should fully enjoy each glorious day God has given us on this beautiful planet. Take time to embrace those who bring joy to your everyday life such as family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. And finally, appreciate all you have when you have it because we are never guaranteed another day.

My heart truly goes out to Jeff’s family and friends. Please accept our sincere condolences.

In this month’s feature story, we take a look into the world of adoption and the available options for those desiring to make a difference in the life of a child seeking a loving forever home. You will also read about the lengthy and difficult process my friend and former Healthy Living executive editor, Sabrina Ciceri, went through to adopt a beautiful girl from China. However, it was well worth it. Her little girl, Mia, who today is 8 years old, has blessed the Ciceri household with an endless amount of love, joy, and happiness.

On the other side of the coin, you may be a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and feel you cannot provide your future child with the life he or she deserves. Remember, there are many couples out there looking to adopt. Choose life. There are loving families who want nothing more than to provide that child with unconditional love and a happy home.

I speak from experience. I became pregnant at a young age and strongly considered aborting my child. But after much consideration, I ultimately decided to give birth to my son, Michael. I raised him to the best of my ability, and today he proudly serves our country as a member of the U.S. Navy.

I chose life. Today, I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made.

KENDRA AKERS publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN

JIM GIBSON executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

TIFFANY ROACH managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES copy editor/writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com contributing writers

STEVEN J. CODRARO associate creative director steve@akersmediagroup.com

CIERRA CHAPPELL production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

TINA MORRISON production director tina@akersmediagroup.com

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ

RICK BOSSHARDT

RICHARD BURGUET

RUTH ANN BYRD

TRACY DRAPER

MARY EDWARDS

ADRIAN FINOL

VICKI GRAY

PHILIP HALL

FRED HILTON

SUZANNE HOWARD

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

CHRISANN REID

JAMES ROACH

LOWELL WARD

ELLEN B WILCOX

HEATHER TOOTLE office manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

CALEB WAYNE JENSEN graphic designer caleb@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

contributing photographer STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN

SALES // MARKETING

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

MIKE STEGALL senior marketing representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER marketing representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers publisher

kendra@akersmediagroup.com.

Vitreoretinal surgery can help patients who suffer from retinal eye diseases—such as macular disease, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy—regain lost sight. Now, an exciting advancement in vitreoretinal surgery—a new retinal surgery system—has made retinal surgery more effective than ever before.

Mid Florida Eye Center’s Surgery Center of The Villages is the only outpatient surgery center in Lake and Sumter Counties offering this advanced retinal surgery system on-site.

PATIENTS ALSO BENEFIT FROM:

Faster visual recovery and healing, without stitches

Dr. Luna Beck

Improved patient comfort

Convenient, tranquil outpatient setting

More affordable treatment—no hospital expenses

Jeffrey D. Baumann, MD

This new retinal surgery system enables me to work closer to the retina than ever before, while providing precision and confidence for the most delicate of procedures.

”

To schedule your consultation or learn more about this revolutionary surgical procedure, give us a call at 888.820.7878 (toll-free) or 352.735.2020

HONEY BUNNY, THE MIGHTY DUKRAS, AND OUR WONDERFUL BABY HANA

Every few days something very wonderful takes place in my life. I get married. Each ceremony is remarkably similar and yet each time it is just as special.

The bride is five-years-old, and even though my daughter named this bundle of energy Alani, I renamed her “The Mighty Dukras” before she could walk. That has now been shortened to Doot.

I am the proud groom.

It takes place like this: I come home from work and am immediately ready for my chair and supper. (Yes, I was born in Virginia.) Many times, Doot is there waiting for me, since her mother works the night shift at the hospital and her dad is not yet home from work. She greets me and never immediately mentions the upcoming wedding.

week it was The Field by Lynne McTaggart… and I know God smiled.

Hana solemnly says, “Jim, do you take Teresa to be your lawfully wedded wife?” (Doot insists on being named Teresa for each wedding.)

“I do.”

“Teresa, do you take Jim to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Doot beams. “Yes!”

“Please put on the rings,” Hana intones. We exchange rings. “You may now kiss the bride.” Doot kisses me on the cheek, and I kiss her on the top of her head. She then throws the plastic “bouquet” of flowers Hana keeps on hand just for the occasion.

Editors Letter

Hana, the only one in the room, catches the bouquet and the ceremony is complete. Doot is the happiest child on Earth. She says to me, “I love you Honey Bunny.” And my heart sighs…

She waits until I am almost through eating and then wanders over to whisper in my ear.

“Are you done yet, Old Pa?” Then she pauses and says, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

And if I have the strength, the preparations begin. My wife, Teresa, who Doot has determined is our youngest daughter, is now known as “Baby Hana.” She helps Doot find just the right dress. Doot also requires shoes, a hat, and a purse. I am required to also be properly dressed and Hana has to supply me with a ring for the bride, and I give Doot my wedding ring to hold.

She and I stand at the end of the hallway as child prodigy Baby Hana plays the wedding march on the piano in the living room. We slowly walk hand-in-hand to where Baby Hana awaits. I lift the bride-to-be gently up onto an ottoman so she will be somewhere near the proper height — and the ceremony begins.

The multitalented, piano-playing Baby Hana now becomes Reverend Hana. She picks up the nearest book, which will double as a Bible. Last

The last wedding that took place, I asked my son to video it on my phone. After it was over, Doot watched the video twice and smiled broadly each time.

I asked him to video it for her. When she is fourteen years old and full of herself, she will look at it and say, “Oh my God, what was wrong with me?” When she is twenty-four and I am no more than a distant memory, she may then have her own child. She will look at it and say, “Oh, how sweet!” And one day, when she is my age now, she will look at it and finally understand… and she will cry. She’ll cry because she will have her own grandchild, and she will feel in her heart exactly what I feel when The Mighty Dukras chooses me — when she honors me, Old Pa — to be the one to watch over her and take care of her in sickness and in health until death do us part.

Until next month — hold fast…

Jim Gibson editor

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Contributors

In memory of… In memory of…

Akers Media mourns the unexpected passing of contributing writer Jeff Romnes. Jeff was a regular contributor to Healthy Living magazine in the area of health and fitness. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and had earned a degree in psychology. He worked as a counselor, in the computer software development industry, and for the last nine years of his life in the fitness industry. Jeff was the Central Florida area director for group fitness with Gold’s Gym. He was a fitness and small group TRX instructor at their Mount Dora and Dr. Phillips locations. Jeff will be missed.

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ, M.S., R.D., L.D/N.

Tabatha Arcaro-Ortiz received her bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. She is a clinical dietitian who has worked at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for the past twelve years. For nutritional counseling, please call 352.323.5641 to make an appointment with an LRMC outpatient dietitian or email Tabatha at tortiz@cfhalliance.org.

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

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.

RICHARD BURGUET

Richard Burguet, B.A., M-Div., has been ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America for more than thirty years. He has served churches in South Carolina, Mississippi, Maryland, and Georgia. Richard is pastor of New Hope Presbyterian in Eustis and is co-author of Covenants Disciples Workbook. New Hope is at 19535 Eustis Airport Road and on the web at www.newhopepca.com.

RUTH ANN BYRD

Ruth Ann Byrd, owner of Aesthetic Skin Solutions in The Villages, is a licensed aesthetician specializing in skin rejuvenation and clinical treatment of sun damage, rosacea, and acne. She is also licensed in electrolysis, laser hair removal, and permanent makeup. Ruth Ann is dedicated to helping individuals look their best by improving the health and appearance of their skin. She can be contacted at 352.874.3653.

TRACY DRAPER

Tracy Draper is an AFAA certified personal trainer with over ten years of experience in the profession. Sports were a big part of her teen years. After having children, she rekindled her competitive fire and won titles in triathlons, aquabike, and cycling events in Central Florida. Visit her at www.TrainingWithTracy.net.

MARY EDWARDS

Mary Edwards is a wife and mother to four young children, a business owner, and a blogger. She strives to teach others how to save money and improve their budgets. Mary also enjoys sharing her knowledge in community outreach programs and coupon classes. Mary is the owner and author at www.couponersunited.com.

ADRIAN FINOL, M.D.

Dr. Adrian Finol graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Central University of Venezuela in 1999. He completed his general surgical residency at the Albert Einstein Medical Center/Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and his thoracic and cardiovascular fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He is also board-certified in his field.

VICKI GRAY

Vicki Gray is a licensed clinical social worker who provides counseling to individuals, couples, and families at Wellspring Counseling in Miami. She also teaches at Florida International University (FIU) in the School of Social Work. Vicki and her husband, David, have three lovely daughters, Marlee, Amanda, and Katie.

PHILIP HALL

Philip graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in sports and fitness. He has more than four years experience in the fitness industry. Philip is a nationally certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He specializes in rapid fat loss, nutrition planning, and boot camps. Philip is the director of fitness at Northside Sportsplex in Longwood. Contact him at 407.831.7627 or orphall87@hotmail.com.

FRED HILTON

Fred Hilton spent thirty-six years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and ten 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).

SUZANNE HOWARD, LCSW

Suzanne Howard is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist at Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida International University and a Masters of Social Work from Barry University. She is the current chair of the Lake/Sumter Unit of the National Association of Social Workers. Visit www.counseling-health.com.

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

Wendy Lyn Phillips is a beauty and image expert with more than twenty-five years of experience. As an entrepreneur for all of her adult life, she has coached thousands on the value of sales, communication, and a compelling presence. She is a speaker and author of the best-selling book, Naked to Knockout; Beauty from the Inside Out. Visit www.WendyLynOnline.com to find out more.

CHRISANN REID, LCSW

Chrisann Reid is the owner and clinical director of Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. Chrisann earned her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University in Virginia, majoring in both psychology and social work. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Florida International University in Miami. She is a licensed psychotherapist who works with persons experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Visit her website at www.counseling-health.com.

JAMES ROACH

James Roach is a 1996 graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in economics. He has been a Navy pilot for fifteen years and is currently a commercial airline pilot based out of Orlando. James lives in Lake County with his wife, Tiffany, and their four children.

ELLEN B.

WILCOX

Ellen B. Wilcox is a graduate estate planning consultant. Educated at Gettysburg College, the University of Maryland in Paris, France, and Arizona State University, Ms. Wilcox brings more than thirty-three years of experience to her clients. She is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, a full service financial advisory company in Lady Lake. Ms. Wilcox may be reached at 352.259.1547.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

February is American Heart Month. Remember the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips to prevent or fight heart disease:

• Choose lean meats and skinless poultry, and prepare them without added saturated or trans fat.

• Select fat-free, one-percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

• Minimize the amount of foods you consume that are high in dietary cholesterol. Try eating less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.

• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

• Try eating more foods that are low in sodium.

• Drink alcohol in moderation.

• Watch those portion sizes. ■

Reduce shingles risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one million cases of shingles occurs each year in the United States. Shingles is a localized skin rash characterized by painful blisters and is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles most commonly occurs in people ages 50 and older who have medical conditions which keep the immune system from working properly or anyone who receives drugs that may weaken the immune system. The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that accompanies the disease is to get vaccinated.

The Lake County Health Department offers shingles vaccinations at three locations. The Umatilla Health Center can be reached at 352.771.5500, the Leesburg Health Center can be reached at 352.360.6548, and the Clermont Health Center can be reached at 352.989.9001. ■

A taste of goodwill

The fourth annual Taste of the Villages will be held February 6th at the Wildwood Community Center. Attendees will enjoy specialty dishes from nearly one dozen local restaurants and enjoy live music and a live auction.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lazarus Free Medical Clinic, a program of Catholic Charities of Central Florida and the San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Mission. The clinic provides medical care, health education, and emergency prescription medications at no cost to residents of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties who have no medical insurance or those who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The event costs $25 per person. For more information, call 352.350.3527. ■

A heartfelt con-GRADulations

In November, The Villages Regional Hospital held its annual graduation celebration for past cardiac rehabilitation participants.

“Our goal is to bring together our cardiac rehab patients to share their stories and experiences,” says Kathy Rodriguez, secretary of cardiac rehab at the hospital. “It is always encouraging to speak with others who have experienced the same things you have and to hear what past patients couldn’t wait to get back to doing after completing the rehab program.”

Cardiac rehab at The Villages Regional Hospital is a customized program of exercise and education. Your doctor may recommend the program to help you return to better health after a heart attack, open-heart surgery, or if you have other heart conditions. The goal is to help patients regain strength, improve cardiac function, prevent the condition from worsening, and identify other risk factors for future heart problems. ■

The taste of death

The packaging is bright, colorful, and eye-catching. And with flavors like strawberry, peach, vanilla and chocolate, there is no denying candy-flavored tobacco’s appeal to teens. At times sold right next to the candy products children know and love, flavored cigars, tobacco leaves, smokeless tobacco, chew, snuff, snus, shisha, and dissolvable tobacco have become increasingly common inside convenience stores across the U.S.

According to a 2010 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, one in five youths between the ages of 11 and 17 have tried flavored tobacco in Lake County. In an effort to raise awareness and take a stance against candy-flavored tobacco products, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Lake County (TFP) has made the commitment to inform the public about the dangers and marketing of these deadly products.

After being awarded a community-based intervention grant in 2009, Melaine Chin, the Lake County Health Department tobacco program manager, says the TFP joined a grassroots movement that is sweeping Florida to urge convenience stores across the state to restrict or stop the sale of candy-flavored tobacco in their stores. So far, both the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Clermont has joined forty-one counties and 126 municipalities that have passed resolutions urging local vendors to cease marketing of candy-flavored tobacco products.

Though these products may look harmless, they still carry the same health risks as regular cigarettes and tobacco products, such as heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. In addition, these

products are as addictive as regular tobacco products and are not considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration. And while the tobacco industry denies using the lure of candy to target children, Chin staunchly disagrees, citing the flavors and styling of the packaging.

“A traditional 60-year-old cigar user doesn’t need a strawberry flavored cigar,” she says. “Ordinary people or parents may not notice these products inside a store because they are packaged to look like candy packaging, but it is tobacco that tastes and smells just like candy. The taste masks the harshness of tobacco, making it easier for youth to start using tobacco.”

Chin says children tend to think the smokeless, candy-flavored tobacco like snus and dip is safer than regular cigarettes since it doesn’t produce smoke. Plus, it is easier to conceal at school because it makes a person’s breath smell like candy instead of tobacco. Even parents searching their child’s backpack may not readily notice a candy-flavored tobacco product because it so closely resembles today’s popular candies.

To crackdown on candy tobacco use among youth, the TFP of Lake County is working closely with local schools and law officials to tighten enforcement against illegal tobacco use. Also, they urge parents to become more aware of these products so they can talk to their children.

For more information about candy-flavored tobacco, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or call the Tobacco Free Partnership at 352.357.1668.

BLOOD TESTS: SNAPSHOTS OF OUR HEALTH

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Leesburg will provide its annual blood screening event February 16th at the Leesburg Community Building located at 109 E. Dixie Ave. The cost of the basic blood screening is $40. For an additional $25, men can also have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.

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

For more information, visit leesburgsunriserotary.org. ■

A helping hand

Florida Hospital Waterman is one of the first hospitals in Central Florida to offer the MAKOplasty partial knee resurfacing procedure. It is performed using the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, which is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables alignment and placement of implants. The technology assists joint replacement surgeons in preoperative planning and in treating each patient’s knee pathology uniquely and with ultimate precision.

Surgeons use the robotic arm during surgery to resurface the diseased portion of the knee while sparing the healthy surrounding bone and soft tissue, thus allowing for a more natural feeling knee. The partial knee resurfacing implant is then secured in the joint to allow the knee to move smoothly once again.

“We are proud to be among the first to use this innovative technology in our area,” says Ken Mattison, president and CEO of Florida Hospital Waterman. “It is part of our commitment to provide our community with the best healthcare possible.” ■

A strong addition

Bill Pfingsten has joined Central Florida Health Alliance as vice president of ambulatory services. In this role, he will oversee the development of high-quality, patient-centered, cost-effective, and integrated clinical programs at the hospital. He will also be responsible for integrating the strategic plan of the hospital’s ambulatory clinics within the overall operational structure.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bill to our ambulatory services team,” says Don Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Central Florida Health Alliance. “He is a seasoned healthcare executive with a wide range of experience. We are confident he will provide strong leadership and help drive innovation to advance our already remarkable care.”

Pfingsten earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from Colorado State University and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Montana. ■

RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY

In the past year, nearly 48,000 patients have visited the twenty-four-bed emergency department at Leesburg Regional Medical Center. To meet these increasing needs, the hospital foundation initiated a $2 million renovation campaign to transform the emergency department into a more efficient and contemporary facility.

Patient areas will be planned with designated space for family and friends. In fact, every aspect of the design has been created with input from staff, patients, and visitors — all with efficiency, safety, and comfort in mind.

“When the renovation project is completed, our emergency room will offer additional patient beds all surrounding a centralized work area, strategically placed supply and medication areas, a more comfortable and safe waiting area, and added patient privacy,” says LRMC Foundation President Ted Williams. “We are renovating not just a facility but the overall patient experience.” ■

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S’motherhood

NOT-SO-LITTLE LOVE

Iam told true love is hard to find these days, but I am not sure I believe this. It seems my four-year-old daughter has found it amidst the glue and carpettime of her preschool classroom. His name is Hayes. I am not exactly sure of the details of when and where they first found one another. Maybe it was when their eyes met and their noses wrinkled as they put their tongues to the brightly colored piles of salty play dough. Maybe they realized they shared a joint affection for goldfish and Dixie cups filled with water. If I had to guess — knowing the two of them — I would say their love likely grew outside on the playground in the fresh air and sunshine and sand-filled shoes they both seem to love so much. But I don’t know. I wasn’t there when it happened.

I do know theirs is a unique love. Because while most “love” at their age is arranged by narcissistic, meddling mothers — theirs was not. Arranged marriages are a global phenomenon. Every 2.9 seconds, a mother somewhere in the world will dress her baby up in the finest monogrammed gear and super glue a giant bow to its head. Then she bundles and buckles her small child into a stroller, car seat, or sling and heads off to the play date market at the park or Kindermusik or the rice paddy field. Then the children are all placed on the ground, the mothers (with Starbucks in hand) surround them, and the wedding planning ensues.

One mother will begin the process exclaiming over her dimpled baby boy, “Oh my gosh! So cute! Did you just see how he smiled at her?”

Then, if the mother with the daughter can picture herself going on a cruise with the boy’s mother and can see past his case of cradle cap, she will respond with, “Oh my gosh! They are totally going to get married someday!” And then discussions of dowries and livestock and Montessori schools ensue.

However, if the mother with the daughter is horrified at the thought of spending high tea and another minute going over the ins and outs of lactation with the first mother, she will respond with, “Really? Because I am pretty sure it was just gas.”

And then some marriages are arranged between hypothetical, not-yetborn children. But this typically occurs in college sororities, at baby showers, or in the 14th century.

I am not judging these mothers — we have all done it. We get our kids together and watch them scoot and burp and poop themselves and hope for some sort of cosmic soul mate connection so we can have fun in-laws someday. My kid’s love life is all about me, and it is not dysfunctional at all.

But back to my daughter and her friend, Hayes. Like I said, their love is unique in many ways, but most notably because it wasn’t arranged.

“Hi, I am Hayes’ mom,” Hayes’ mom said as she introduced herself at preschool pickup one day. Since then, we have spent countless lunches at Chick-fil-A getting to know one another while the two fast friends scurry and climb in the play area playing Russian roulette with rotavirus as they beef up their immune systems.

Uncharacteristically, we mothers have never talked about a future marriage for these two. And it is not because we wouldn’t be thrilled to be in-laws. I think the reason lies somewhere in a place of curiosity and respect for their young love. Because while their love is young in relation to time — it is frankly so much more mature than the love we adults try at. I have never heard my daughter or Hayes talk about getting married. When my daughter talks about Hayes, it is never embarrassed or coy. “I love Hayes very much, and he loves me,” she will say confidently and matter-of-factly, so not a person in this world could refute this as truth.

One day, I asked my daughter why she loves Hayes. “I love him because he never makes me feel small,” she said without hesitation. I have thought about her insightful answer as I watch the two of them together. She is right — Hayes never makes her feel small. Hayes, in his laid-back, grinning manner, adores her. He doesn’t mind that she speaks her mind and spends the majority of her time believing she is a horse. He comes alongside and feeds her hay. Unlike her older brothers who spend a lot of time reminding her they are bigger and stronger and smarter and eighteen months older, it never crosses Hayes’ mind that my daughter can’t climb to the top of the monkey bars — and so he encourages her and she makes it to the top with him by her side.

I have overheard my daughter confess her deepest fears to him: “What if a bear comes in at night and eats all of the waffles and steals my new snow globe?” Hayes doesn’t belittle her fears or tell her she is being ridiculous. He just says, in his pragmatically optimistic way, “Well, I guess we should build a trap.”

How do you meddle in a love like this? We mothers don’t know how long their love will last — if it will grow past preschool or survive cooties. But we do know that we can learn from it and be inspired. We can look at our own husbands and see the loyalty and adoration in their little boy hearts. We can remember to be unabashed and confident in being loved and remember how important it is to listen and not judge confessed fears. As mothers encountering such a unique love, we couldn’t bring ourselves to interject our own expectations or desires into their friendship because to do so might make them feel small. And evidently, when you love someone, you never make them feel small. Besides, this love — no matter its size — is theirs.

WRITER: TIFFANY ROACH // ILLUSTRATOR: JOSH CLARK

TRUE LOVE CAN BE SICKENING

WRITER: FRED HILTON

When I was in the seventh grade, our class assignment was to give an oral report on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem Evangeline. I am sure we based the report on a synopsis of the poem since Evangeline is a bit demanding for seventh graders. If, like most of the world, you are not up to speed on Longfellow, Evangeline was a sweet, young Acadian lass in Nova Scotia in 1755 who was madly in love with a chap named Gabriel. Sadly, before they could be married, the big bad British deported all the French-speaking Acadians from Nova Scotia.

Evangeline and Gabriel were separated. Heartbroken, they spent years fruitlessly looking for one another. Finally, as an old woman, Evangeline was working among the poor during an epidemic in Philadelphia and found the dying Gabriel. They embrace and kiss once before Gabriel dies.

I read what I thought was a brilliant report and concluded by saying: “She kissed him and he died.” At this point, my teacher collapsed into absolute hysterics. Between guffaws and giggles, she blurted out, “It sounded like he died of the kiss.”

The purpose of this episode of life’s most embarrassing moments is a somewhat tenuous segue to the question of the day: Can you literally be lovesick? And the answer is yes, you certainly can.

“Falling in love affects your brain about the same way as smoking crack,” said Ethlie Ann Vare, author of Love Addict: Sex,

Romance and Other Dangerous Drugs. “It has essentially the same effect on what’s called the reward center of the brain.”

Jennifer Nelson, writing in Today Health, said that scientists have “learned that a chemical cocktail of neurotransmitters — phenethylamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin — are at work when we fall for someone. This powerful love potion is secreted when we feel that initial attraction and serves as an amphetamine, elevating our mood, keeping senses on high alert, and helping us bond with another person.”

Among the symptoms that lovesickness can include are: insomnia; poor appetite; lack of concentration; chest pressure; nausea; sweaty palms; weak knees; dry mouth; increased heart rate; and lightheadedness.

an include are: insommnia; poor appetiite t ; ack of f co c ncentration; cheest pre r ssure; nausea; weeak k knees; ; y mouth; increased heaart rate; e and ligght hheadedness.

Professor Alex Gardner, a Scottish clinical psychologist, said doctors need to be more aware of love sickness as a possible diagnosis in their patients.

“People can die from a broken heart,” the professor said. “You can get into a state of despair and hopelessness. You find yourself in such a state of despair that you just curl up and die.”

Professor Alex x Gardnerr, a Sccottish clinical said doctors s nee e d to be more awa w re of love sickness as a a possible diagnoosis s in theeir pat a ients. s can die e from a broken heart,” thhe e professo s r saaid. “You can a get into a st s ate e of and d ho h peless s ne n ss. Yoou u find yours r elf f n such h a state e of f desspair that yo y u s currl l up p and n diee.” ”

Maybe that’s what killed Gabriel instead of Evangeline’s kiss.

Ma M ybe thhatt’s s what t killed Gabbriel inste t ad d f Evaanggeline’s kiss.

suffer in ein

“An enlarged vein in my left leg caused painful cramping. When I couldn’t stand the pain anymore, I visited Comprehensive Vein Center and ultimately underwent laser surgery. The pain has subsided, and I now walk forty-five minutes a day on a treadmill. PA Tran and his entire staff are excellent. They always go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, and I truly appreciate their sincerity.”

ROSEANN CRISCIO VILLAGES RESIDENT

We Love to See You

“While eating dinner, my front tooth veneer broke off completely. I was mortified; my entire front tooth was missing. The next morning I called Dr. Barr’s office immediately. It was not a scheduled workday for their office, but his assistant, Ashley, was able to come into the office and within an hour had repaired my veneer perfectly. She is an angel. I have seen Dr. Barr for many years now, and I think he and his staff are simply the best.”

— Tricia Grace

Tell-tale hearts

Touching our hearts C

utting-edge technology, patient-centered care, state-of-the-art facilities, and education concerning every aspect of their treatment are what patients can expect when they visit The Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence. Dr. Qamar and his staff do more than just practice medicine. They conduct specialized testing and perform life-saving procedures — and new patients quickly learn what established patients already know — they take pride in building lasting relationships with each and every patient. Throughout the years, Dr. Qamar and his staff feel fortunate to have had the pleasure to cross the paths and touch the lives of those who make up the heart of their practice — the patients. With February being American Heart Month, the staff at ICE wanted to take time to share some of the moments and people who have made such a difference in their HEARTS.

Sylvia says hello

“As Dr. Ugarte’s secretary, I assist him by answering his phone calls and calling in all prescriptions. My responsibilities mean I am not directly in front of our patients but work behind the scenes. Sylvia Marsden has touched my heart both personally and professionally. She recently lost a loved one, and through it all, she has remained up-

beat and always makes sure I and the other staff members are doing well. She puts our friendship in front of her needs. Every time she is in the office, she makes it a point to see me before she leaves; we connect on a very personal level.”

— Dena Isom Secretary/Receptionist

“I have been here for 8 years, and due to my job, I see a lot of the same patients every 3, 6, or 12 months. I like to talk to my patients during procedures. I‘ve developed relationships with a majority of them by sharing stories about my kids and they share stories about theirs.”

— Kelly Singer Registered Cardiac Sonographer

Support that matters

up upp hatmatters

“When George Ciaramello has an appointment, no matter where I am in the building, he will find me just to say hello and ask how I am doing. He has been through a lot of procedures and surgeries

but always tries to make me smile, even when he doesn’t feel like smiling himself. He is always concerned about me and my family and asks how they are doing and feeling. Even when he is weak from treatments, he is concerned for me. He and his wife go out of their way to make us feel special. The biggest gratification in our jobs is healing our patients from the inside out, even the sickest ones. George never gives up, and he considers us his support system.”

— Brenda Faford Office Coordinator/Billing Specialist

Twirling Ann

“Ann Pelle is the captain of The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps. She is always very cheerful and loves to share her day with us as she participates in various community outings. I love to hear about all she has planned and the new activities she participates in. As busy as she may be, Ann is a model patient and stays active and up-to-date with all her appointments.

I

— Alicia Lockwood Office Coordinator/Medical Assistant

Like family

“Doris impresses me simply by her strength. She has been through so many hardships. She has become a widow, battled cancer, had open-heart surgery, and suffered other minor setbacks. She has always been open and compliant with recommendations from me and Dr. Ugarte when it comes to using either a holistic or conventional approach to different treatments. Doris has been a patient for nineteen years, and I have developed an especially close, family-like relationship with her.

Ugarte’s Office Coordinator and Medical Assistant

love herenergy!”

She is always positive and pleasant considering all the adversities she has endured throughout her life, both medically and personally.”

— Katie Gravante

Dr.

living miracle

“Mr. Webster came to our office after being in an automobile accident. From that he continued feeling bad and ended up needing to have an aortic valve replacement. Now he is doing well and he looks like a new man. Mr. Webster has a great support system in his wife and Dr. Abrantes, who both worked hard to help make sure he received

his

he

— Anita Vazquez Scheduler/Biller

MIA CICERI

Adoptions

Adoption is the perfect option, not only for an expectant mother facing an unexpected crisis pregnancy, but for nurturing, loving persons seeking a child with whom to share their lives, and most importantly for a child seeking a safe, secure family that will give them a forever home. If you are considering the adoption option, where do you begin your journey?

WRITER: JIM GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

After a sixteen hour flight across the Pacific with little to no sleep, she should have been tired. But as the plane taxied across the runway toward the massive terminal building in Beijing, Sabrina Ciceri was filled with excitement… and fear. This was the culmination of ten months of endless paperwork, a large amount of money (which included over $7,000 in cash hidden in a money belt strapped beneath her clothing), sleepless nights, and what seemed like a lifetime of dreams.

Sabrina and her husband, Joe, were in China to pick up their adopted daughter Lian Guo Chang. Lian was for Lian Jiang, the city in which she was found lying in a small box at the end of a bridge wearing nothing but a blue T-shirt and socks; Guo means China; and Chang described her as “developing well.” At the orphanage she was simply known as “Chang Chang.”

They spent several days in Beijing learning a bit about Chinese culture as they prepared to travel south to the city of Guan Zhou where their daughter-to-be lived in a state-ran orphanage. Once there, they discovered their daughter had been known simply as Girl #2064 before orphanage officials had given her the temporary name she now had.

When the orphanage director called their name, Sabrina and Joe walked forward, handed him $3,000 in cash (they accept cash only), and a worker handed them a receipt — and their daughter.

“I can’t describe to you what I felt when they brought her out to

us and put her in my arms,” Sabrina says. “I could say it was love at first sight but having seen pictures of her through the adoption agency, I was already in love with her before I ever touched her.”

Sabrina and Joe, who live in Yalaha, had gone through a long, arduous international adoption process that ended up costing them approximately $25,000 to adopt their now eight-year-old daughter, who they named Mia. Not all of the cost was immediate.

“We were relying on God to help us, and He did,” Sabrina says. “Each step we took, we prayed and somehow someway the money would become available.”

Sabrina was a part-time nurse and Joe was an electrician. Following the birth of their son, Tristan, in 1997, Joe had decided to have a vasectomy knowing Sabrina had adverse physical reactions to contraceptives. At the time the couple had a daughter, Sierra, and thought they would be content with two children… plus, financial times were hard. As time went by, their children grew, their finances improved, and they found themselves wanting a larger family.

When they found that the cost of reversing Joe’s vasectomy would be approximately $10,000 and carried only a twenty percent chance of being successful, they began to look into adoption.

“The first place I started was with local agencies and I just seemed to hit a brick wall,” Sabrina says. “So, one day I am standing in line at the grocery store next to a woman with an Asian child. I struck up a conversation with her and found she had adopted her Chineseborn daughter through an agency. Her name was Jane Glance and her daughter’s name is Josie. She gave me her phone number and I

began to consider an international adoption.”

Several weeks later, while talking with a friend, Sabrina learned the friend’s sister was baby-sitting for a neighbor, and that neighbor turned out to be Jane Glance. Sabrina took it as a sign to move forward with her attempt at an international adoption. She immediately contacted The Great Wall China Adoption Agency, a Texas-based agency specializing in connecting American families wishing to adopt with available Chinese orphans.

“You just can’t believe the paperwork involved in an international adoption,” she says. “It was so daunting. Then, Jane told me to contact Pam Eidson in Jacksonville who would assist us in preparing all the paperwork for approximately $500. I couldn’t believe it and I immediately hired Pam to help us. The work she did was tremendous. She had knowledge of the system, and she prepared in weeks what it would have taken us months to do. This is the part of the process that discourages most people and turns them away from adoption, but if they can get this type of professional help, it makes all the difference in the world.”

The process was daunting, but for the Ciceris, it paid off; they now have a beautiful eight-year-old daughter who brightens their lives daily. Many parents who have been languishing in the adoption process are surely thinking how lucky the Ciceris were to only wait a mere ten months to be connected with their daughter. For others, it can literally take years to adopt a child.

The changing face of adoption

International adoptions take place when the child is located anywhere in the world outside these locations. Each country has its own set of adoption criteria, and some of them are quite stringent. There are private agencies that can help you navigate the international waters of adoption, and there are also government agencies that can help you locate the ones that best fit your needs.

Domestic or international adoptions may be open or closed adoptions.

115,000

Open adoptions allow varying degrees of contact between the adopted child and his or her biological family. This contact can be as close as daily visits or as distant as occasional phone calls or cards and letters. This type of adoption permits the child to maintain some form of meaningful contact with biological family, which may include siblings who are still either at home with one or both of the birth parents or who have been adopted by a different family or are members of the foster care system.

2,700

22,990

423,000

The process and focus of adoption we see today is constantly evolving. In nineteenth century America, orphaned children who were homed in institutions were many times shipped from overcrowded cities to country farms as indentured labor. Not until President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s declared the sanctity of family as paramount did adoption reform begin to shape the process into what we know today. In present-day society, the American system of adoption has become the gold standard and is slowly but surely being utilized worldwide.

There are two overall types of adoption: domestic and international.

A domestic adoption takes place when the child is located within the boundaries of the United States or one of its territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Marianas, or American Samoa.

In closed adoptions, all court documents concerning the adoptive process are sealed and there is no contact allowed between the child and his or her biological parents. The adoptive parents have no information as to the identity of the biological parents, and this lack of contact extends to them, also. All parties, including the adopted child do have access to nonidentifying information concerning one another and in some states, at age 18, the child may gain access to both nonidentifying and identifying information from these sealed documents concerning their birth parents.

Nonidentifying information may include such information as the adopted child’s date and place of birth, a general physical description of their biological parents, along with their race, medical history, occupation at the time of the adoption, and their reason for placing the child up for adoption.

Identifying information includes all the above and the specific identities of the biological parents. Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Connecticut have varying restrictions concerning the release of identifying information. Different states have different restrictions and anyone desiring information concerning either nonidentifying or identifying information through finalized court documents should go to Child Welfare Information Gateway’s National Foster Care and Adoption Directory and search under Accessing Adoption Records: www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad.

The adoption process

In the State of Florida, any minor or adult may be adopted

Children eligible for adoption†

Children adopted to U.S. parents through international adoption in 2009†

domestically, and any minor may be adopted internationally through either the independent adoption process or through a state-certified agency. Any adult of any age who is considered physically able, of good character, and who has the ability to provide for and nurture a child may adopt a child, whether that person is married or single, straight or gay.

The independent process allows adoptions to take place privately between two consenting parties and is presided over by an attorney. Agency adoptions may be through either a public or private agency. Private agencies must be licensed by the state through the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and DCF is the only public agency with the legal ability to place a child for adoption. Every adoption that takes place, whether agency or independent, must be reported to the state court system.

The public system of foster care and adoption

According to William Russo, an adoption information specialist with Florida’s Adoption Information Center, in the past all adoptions that took place in the state used to be handled directly by DCF. “Nine years ago, DCF started contracting with outside private agencies called community-based care agencies to help handle the caseload in certain areas of the state,” he says. For residents of Lake and Sumter counties, that community-based agency is Kids Central, Inc.

Kids Central is a not-for-profit, private agency selected by the State of Florida to manage the care of abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Lake, Sumter, Marion, Hernando, and Citrus counties (Circuit 5). The preponderance of children who enter the adoption system enter through the state, and for our area, that means they come through Kids Central.

physically challenged. In this instance this is not the case. Special needs may simply mean the child is older than eight-years-old, they may be a black or racially-mixed child, or may have a sibling in the system with them. A person wanting to adopt a child needs to take a careful look at all the children available.”

2%

Adopted children who make up of the total U.S. child population under the age of 18†

65,000

Children in foster care who are placed in institutions or group homes, not in traditional foster homes†

Ms. Gibbs points out that virtually all the children coming through Kids Central are labeled special needs. “These children have been taken out of the family home by DCF personnel and put into foster care,” she says. “There can be several siblings, the children in the same family can vary widely in age, and in some cases they can have mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. We immediately try to place them with relatives if possible. If relatives cannot be found, then the child will be temporarily placed with one of the many families who have signed up as foster parents in this area. If the biological parents’ parental rights are terminated by the courts, then the child will be eligible for adoption. In some instances, the foster parents end up falling in love with the child or children they are keeping and end up adopting them. The majority of times relatives of the child come forward and adopt the child. Those left remaining in the system have to wait for an adoptive parent to come along.”

40%

Will spend over three years in foster care before being adopted†

33%

Children in foster care who have changed elementary schools five or more times†

Local public adoption

According to Kids Central Permanency Director Sharon Gibbs, these are the children who have suffered neglect in some form and are now in state care. If a parent chooses to attempt the adoption of a child in this system, they must contact Kids Central or Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA), a contracted agent with Kids Central that handles adoptions for this area.

The children can range in age from 0–18 years old. They may have siblings and it is state policy to only separate siblings after all other resources have been exhausted. According to Russo, most of the children will be labeled as “special needs.”

“Many people are fooled by the words ‘special needs’,” he says. “They think it means these children may be developmentally or

According to Ms. Gibbs, through the public foster care system, foster families are paid $517 per month for children aged 0–12 and $589 for children aged 13–17 per month to help defray the cost of raising the child for families of limited means who want to be foster parents.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, you can go the Kids Central website at www.kidscentralinc.org or call 352.873.6332.

Once a child is in the system and available for adoption that is where YFA comes in, and these are the steps you must take to become an adoptive parent utilizing the state’s child welfare system through YFA: Contact YFA at 352.253.5625. You will be provided information to any questions you may have, and you will be invited to attend the next scheduled orientation.

You must then attend an orientation meeting that will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about adopting and decide if this may be right for you and your family.

Next, you must attend a thirty-hour Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) class — a required ten-week class for all prospective or adoptive parents. MAPP classes are

provided free-of-charge and are held at different locations and times throughout the area. Generally, you will attend MAPP classes one night a week for three hours per session for ten weeks. Classes are held during weekday evenings and weekends to accommodate working families.

You must also satisfy all background screening requirements. A YFA adoption case management coordinator will assist you in this process. Generally, you and all members of your household will undergo a local law enforcement check, FBI and FDLE clearance, and abuse registry clearance. In addition, you must satisfy character references including personal and job-related references.

You must also provide information regarding your personal history. A YFA adoption case management coordinator will conduct a personal history interview in your home on at least two occasions. The information collected during these home visits will be compiled into a home study and submitted for approval. Public home studies are free but there can be charges when going through a private agency. Sabrina Ciceri notes that if you have a home study done through a private company it is very important to find the right person to conduct the study in order for it to be completed quickly. The cost for her home study was approximately $1,200 and was good for only one year..

You must complete all required paperwork and home inspections. Once again, a YFA adoption case management coordinator will assist you with this. In general, your home must pass a health inspection and be free from all safety concerns.

Once all criteria have been met, your home will be licensed to receive a foster child or you will be ready for an adoptive match.

Placement of a child in your home will be made based on the needs of the foster or adoptive child.

Once families adopt a child through the child welfare system, they receive a standard subsidy of $417 per month. Once the child reaches college age his or her tuition at any state university, community college, or vocational school in Florida is paid for by the state in an effort to encourage adoptive families to advance the children’s lives in a positive direction and to support adoptive parents with educational expenses.

Adoptive children receiving monthly subsidies receive Medicaid until age eighteen and the maximum federal adoption tax credit is $13,170 for each child. Eligible adoptive parents receive this credit even if they owe no tax for that year. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html.

Private Agencies

There are other ways children find their way into the adoption system. Some may be born in hospitals to women who choose not to parent the child or others may come by a woman choosing early in her pregnancy to create an adoption plan for a child born when she is facing an unexpected crisis pregnancy. She may then choose to go through either the public or private system by contacting an agency or an attorney who handles independent adoptions.

Private adoption agencies that handle many of these voluntary

adoptions. One such agency is the Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF). Many of the steps involved in adopting through CCCF mirror those of the public adoption system.

CCCF requires families seeking to adopt to attend a thirteenhour education and training program that is held on Saturdays. This is followed by a home study that usually takes three months to complete. As per Florida law, CCCF provides post placement supervision every thirty days until the adoption is finalized.

“Here at CCCF, we charge a $15,000 flat rate for adoptions,” says Pregnancy and Adoption Counselor Leesa Elliott. “Once the training program and home study are completed, we ask that adoptive parents pay $2,500. Then when the child is placed with them, we ask for an additional $7,500, and the remaining $5,000 is due in approximately six months later just prior to finalization in the court system.”

CCCF offers prices not readily seen elsewhere in the adoptive process. Virtually all domestic newborn adoptions range from $20,000 to $40,000 and most international adoptions range from

Love begins g locally y

area adoption agencies

Angels of Love Adoption Agency (Private)

140 South Main Street, Brooksville 34601

Contact Jill Bopp at 352.585.9988

(Infant, special needs, home studies)

Catholic Charities of Central Florida (Private)

1321 Sunshine Avenue, Leesburg 34748

Call 1.888.658.2828

(Infants, special needs, home studies)

Christian Home and Bible School (Private)

301 W. 13th Ave. Mount Dora, FL 32757

Contact Chuck Shepherd at 352.383.9906

(Infants/special needs/home studies)

Florida Adoption Service (Private)

531 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Contact Brian Welke at 352.357.4020

Great Wall China Adoption (Private)

2189 Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill 34609

Contact Susan Flemer at 352.666.4853

(Infants/special needs/home studies)

Kids Central, Inc. (Public)

2117 SW Highway 484

Ocala, FL 34473

Call 352.873.6332

Mother Goose Adoption of Florida, Inc. (Private)

327 West Alfred Street, Tavares 32778

Call 1.866.892.2229

(International, infant, special needs)

Youth and Family Alternatives (Public)

880 South Duncan Drive, Tavares 32778 Call 352.253.5625

SOURCES: John Boswell, The Kindness of Strangers: The Abandonment of Children in Western Europe from Late Antiquity to the Rena issance, University of Chicago Press 1998: Martin Gottlieb, The Foundling: The Story of the New York Foundling Hospital, Lanter n Books 2002: Domestic Adoption: The Types of Adoption Available in America; http://www.adopt.org/assembled/types.html: Adoption In Florida Pamphlet; http://www.fl oridabar.org/tfb/tfbconsum.nsf/48e76203493b82ad852567090070c9b9/40018bdf1f308fe985256b2f006c5c11?opendocument:

Adoption Cost? ;http://www.theadoptionguide.com/cost/articles/how-much-does-adoption-cost: Benefi ts of Adopting Florida’s Chil dren; http://www.adoptfl orida.org/benefi ts.shtml: Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent; http://www.yfainc.org/foster-parent.php

$25,000 to $50,000. Ms. Gibbs says there are very minimal costs associated with the adoption of a child through the child welfare system and no administrative costs whatsoever. For some adoptive parents this means no cost at all, as all fees are paid by the state.

CCCF also provides opportunities for those families who have adopted through Catholic Charities to meet at least one time each year to develop a support system for adoptive families. When needed they have a “cradle care” program to care for infants after discharge from the hospital. Infants stay with “cradle care parents” until they are placed with their adoptive parents, which is usually from one night to two months depending on the circumstances involved.

CCCF deals primarily with children less than one-years-old but can place older children in certain instances. Families wishing to adopt can call CCCF at 1.888.658.2828 or visit their website at www. cflcc.org/adoption/home.

The adoption alternative

When it comes to unplanned pregnancies, the adoption alternative is as important to a young pregnant woman who finds herself facing an uncertain future as it is to childless parents seeking to adopt a child to complete their family.

Women need to be aware of the fact they can choose to have their child and make extensive adoption plans following the birth. “Young women have many rights when it comes to offering a child for adoption,” says Russo. “In many instances they can choose the family, who is carefully screened to receive their child. Many times all the necessary medical bills are paid by either the agency they go through to assist in the adoptive process or the adoptive parents. They can also choose whether to have contact with the child in the future and the extent of such contact.”

Elliott notes that with the CCCF program, the mother must wait at least forty-eight hours until after the child is born to sign the papers releasing her parental rights. The birth mother can also choose how many days she wants to spend with the child before the child is placed, how much contact she and the adoptive parents can share during this transition period, and, up until that forty-eight hour period has elapsed, choose not to go through with the adoption at all and parent the child herself.

Elliott stresses the fact that to CCCF, their adoption program is a ministry and is designed to help protect mother and child, not to look for children for adoptive parents. “Our goal is to preserve life,” she says. “We want women who are pregnant to know that life is precious and that there are families out there looking for children to share their love with.”

Local availability

According to Ciceri, who is presently attempting to adopt her next child through the foster care system, there are approximately two children per week who are either abandoned at local hospitals or the mother chooses to put the child up for adoption in Lake County. “There are 92 foster children in the Lake/Sumter system right now and there are too few foster families available to house them all. Some are being sent as far away as Hernando County to find a home,” she says. “This area has a great need for more foster families.”

Ms. Gibbs says there are currently 120 children available for adoption in Circuit 5, and fourteen of those children are in Lake and Sumter counties. Of those 120 children, approximately seven to ten are sibling groups currently available and she says YFA and Kids Central are strong advocates for keeping siblings together.

The depth of love

Five hundred dollars of the $7,000 in cash Sabrina carried in her money belt on her trip to China was set aside to buy her new daughter Mia presents for the future. “I wanted Mia to have a part of her homeland as a part of her life here with us,” she says. “So I bought her a present for each of her birthdays for the first twenty years of her life. I bought her a dress for each year. I bought her earrings for her wedding day. I bought her a hand-carved wood chest to keep her things in.

I wanted her to have that connection with where she came from to where she is today. I want that to be a part of her life. She was born Chinese; she is now Chinese-American; she was born biologically to another woman, but I am now her mother. I am sure her biological mother loved her as being a part of her physically, but now she is spiritually more a part of me. I am her mother, and she is my beautiful daughter. I couldn’t possibly love her any more than I do.”

“…now she is spiritually more a part of me.”

How to take it easy

The right pill

This innovative new concept is like having a family pharmacist right there in your own home. Your meds and supplements are prepackaged in the exact dosages you need. It is unmistakably simple. Each prepackaged dose is sealed and clearly labeled with the date and name of each medication it contains.

The right time

With over 32 million Americans taking more than 3 prescription medications each day and 3 out of 4 not taking their prescriptions properly, Medicine-on-Time® is an idea whose time has come. It takes the guesswork out of taking your medicine. Each daily dose comes in color-coded packages that let you know the exact date and time to take each medication.

Every time

It is as simple as reading a calendar. When you waken, you simply reach for the easyto-open calendar package and take the right pills at the right time. Going to lunch with a friend? Simply tear off the midday dosage tab and take it with you.

Going on vacation? No more bulky bottles of medication to pack in your luggage. Simply tear off the days of medications you need to take with you.

Ease of mind

Monique Burschard, a nurse with Florida Heart and Vascular Multispecialty Group, knows the importance of taking the right medication at the right time from the viewpoint of a seasoned healthcare professional.

When her father Joseph, who lives alone, began exhibiting symptoms of new onset dementia, he began taking several medications and supplements throughout the day. Monique tried to prepare pre-doses for two weeks in advance, yet even though family members checked on him twice daily, she found herself being called to the Emergency Room quite often.

Since she started using Starx Medicine-on-Time® three months ago, the ER visits have become a thing of the past.

“I love this new Starx system,” she says. “I can simply call and ask Dad if he has taken the medicine in the yellow or blue package and if he says yes, then when I check on him later that day,

one quick look tells me if he has taken it. It has given me such ease of mind. And another thing I love about Starx is the fact they are a family pharmacy. When I walk in or call, there is no waiting; they always give me immediate attention and the help I need.”

Cost effective

Starx pharmacy monitors refills of both Rx and overthe-counter medications, coordinates patient care with physicians and insurance companies, and delivers the pre-packaged medications directly to your door. Starx is the region’s sole provider of the Medicine-onTime® innovative personal prescription system.

Judy Martin of The Villages is a woman on the go. She is a retired teacher, her husband is a retired dentist, and she visit locals in need with her loving therapy dog. Living The Village lifestyle means plenty of travelling and with Medicineon-Time®, Judy is ready to go anywhere, anytime.

“I love the ease of use with Medicine-on-Time,” she says. “Everything I need to know about my medication or supplement is written clearly on the back of each packet. I

just push through the paper on the tab and the meds I need for that day and that time are conveniently in my hand and ready to take.”

Judy also likes the fact that Medicine-on-Time® is cost effective and more organized than her former insurance provider.

“Starx is so organized! They call me to verify it is time to refill my meds and then they deliver them right to my door. They even call my physician when it is time to renew a prescription. My old medical insurance provider couldn’t find my name on their list of members even when I gave them my prescription order numbers off the bottle I was holding in my hand. And they wanted me to order three months at a time. Not with Starx. I get my meds each month, so if a medication is discontinued, I don’t end up paying for meds I am not going to use. And when it comes to cost, I am much better off than before. Starx and Medicine-On-Time® takes all the guesswork — and the work — out of receiving and taking my meds. Like they say, the right pill at the right time every time…”

For more information, call Starx Pharmacy at 352.323.9555.

ing to a new beat

Due to her age, doctors recommended that Mary Greene forego traditional open heart surgery and instead undergo a new procedure known as TAVI. Mary heeded their advice and today has renewed hope and renewed health.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTHONY CASTO

Mary Greene of Leesburg is not your typical 87-year-old. She is a bundle of energy who enjoys completing household chores and taking daily thirtyminute bike rides.

Within the past year, though, Mary was forced to slow down considerably when her health took a turn for the worse.

“I wasn’t getting good circulation, and my feet felt like chunks of lead,” she says.

Europe several years ago, is less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011.

Mary had the surgery in November 2012. Following the operation, she spent several days in the hospital but had the strength and energy to walk three or four times a day down the hallway. When she returned home several days later, she felt “almost normal.”

“I was cooking dinner,

they have successfully performed twenty-five TAVI procedures since January 2012. Their facility already serves as a training center where cardiovascular surgeons from around the country come to learn minimally invasive valve surgery.

“TAVI is the biggest development in heart surgery in the last twenty years,” Dr. Moore says. “There is nothing that has revolutionized heart surgery like this. It is wonderful for patients who cannot tolerate open-heart surgery.”

as it leaves the heart. When symptoms occur — typically chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or fainting spells — surgical intervention is oftentimes necessary.

With traditional open-heart surgery, a patient’s chest is opened, and a heart-lung machine is used to support the body while the heart and lungs are stopped. The old aortic valve is removed and an artificial valve is sewn into place as a replacement. Many patients are simply too frail to undergo such a rigorous procedure, and for many years there was no alternative.

“My hands would go numb or tingle, and sometimes I would experience shortness of breath.”

After undergoing tests, she learned her aortic valve had severe blockage. Unfortunately for Mary, openheart surgery was not a viable option because of her age and other high-risk conditions.

It was determined by her surgeon and interventional cardiologist that she was a candidate to undergo a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This procedure, which was first studied and developed in

cleaning, and doing everything else I normally did before,” she says. “It wasn’t long before I was riding my bicycle again every day. I was very surprised at how well the recovery went. I recovered much faster than my husband, who had open-heart surgery several years ago.”

A change of heart

Cardiovascular surgeons

Drs. Tim Moore and Duane Cook of Leesburg-Ocala Heart Institute were the first physicians in Central Florida to perform the TAVI procedure. As of this writing,

Leesburg Regional Medical Center is one of only four facilities authorized to offer the TAVI procedure, and other cardiology practices such as Florida Heart and Vascular Center and Citrus Cardiology Consultants are also performing the technique locally. Each procedure requires a collaborative team approach between cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists.

As patients age, many endure narrowing of the aortic valve, which acts as a one-way door, opening and shutting with each beat of the heart to keep blood flowing in one direction. When narrowing occurs, the valve becomes tight and obstructs blood flow

“This innovative procedure has revolutionized care for patients with critical aortic stenosis who were considered surgically inoperable in the past,” says Dr. David Lew, founder of Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group. “Having this option available to them can extend their lives and restore their health.”

How TAVI works

An artificial valve made from a cow’s pericardium, or heart, is mounted on a flexible wire cage. The artificial valve is then compressed onto a catheter, much like the stents in coronary arteries. The catheter is passed across the aortic valve, and a balloon

I was cooking dinner, cleaning, and doing every before I was riding my bicycle again every day. I

inside is inflated and deploys the valve. This new valve is held in place by the patient’s old calcified valve.

There are two ways to perform a TAVI procedure. The first is called a transfemoral TAVI, which entails inserting the catheter through the femoral artery in the groin and then passing it up and around the aorta until it crosses the valve. This was the first version approved by the FDA.

Unfortunately, this is not an option for patients who have severe blockages in the arteries to the legs. They must

is at high risk for standard surgery,” Dr. Moore says. “In addition to age, these patients may have risk factors such as bad lungs and bad kidneys. Some may have a history of strokes, and others are frail and weak. Some may have had a previous surgery, and it may be determined that going back into their chest would be extremely dangerous.”

So, do TAVI patients typically recover faster than open-heart surgery patients?

“A TAVI still requires an incision and still requires anesthesia,” Dr. Moore says. “However, it does appear to

average mortality rate for a TAVI is near ten percent. If you only perform TAVIs on people who are too sick to have open-heart surgery, the results are going to be worse.”

Moreover, whether TAVIs will continue being performed in the future remains a dicey issue.

“As it stands right now, a TAVI procedure is very expensive,” says Dr. Moore. “A standard aortic valve used in open-heart surgery costs about $6,500, whereas a valve used in a TAVI procedure cost about $30,000. On average, a TAVI procedure ends up costing

undergo a transapical TAVI, which involves making a small incision in the left side of the chest and exposing the apex, or tip of the heart. The catheter is then inserted directly into the apex and out across the aortic valve, where the new valve is deployed.

Both procedures are specifically for patients with aortic stenosis. Several factors determine which patients are eligible for TAVI, including a scoring system by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) that identifies high-risk patients. The selection process is quite complicated.

“Essentially, patients have to be evaluated by a surgeon and cardiologist who both agree that the patient

be less traumatic. In a TAVI, we use a smaller incision and do not stop the heart and lung during surgery, which definitely has some benefits for the patient.”

At this point, though, comparing the results of the two procedures is the classic apples-and-oranges argument, especially since TAVIs are performed on patients who are high-risk, elderly, and frail. Also, since TAVIs are still in their infancy, it is impossible to analyze the long-term outcomes.

“Our results in Leesburg have been perfect; we have had no operative or thirty-day mortality,” he says. “But other places around the country have not done as well. The

the hospital $80,000, so the hospital ends up losing money. With everything going on with healthcare and planned cuts, it will be difficult for hospitals to continue this procedure in the future.”

A life changed

That would be a real heartbreaker for patients like Mary, who regained her health and happiness as a result of the procedure.

“I remember waking up in the recovery room, seeing my daughter’s face, and saying to her, ‘I made it,’” she says. “Without this procedure, my quality of life would have been poor, and I probably wouldn’t have been around much longer.”

— Mary Greene

thing else I normally did before. It wasn’t long was very surprised at how well the recovery went.

In the Forefront of CARDIOVASCULAR CARE

When it comes to concerns about your heart or circulation, it is imperative to seek care from well-trained medical professionals who possess vast experience, stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field, and provide appropriate care for your individual needs.

Vishnu Yelamanchi, M.D., FACC and Shrikanth Upadya, M.D., FACC, meet those criteria. In the past decade, both doctors have provided outstanding care to meet the needs of their cardiovascular patients. Now, they’ve joined forces by opening Cardiac and Vascular Consultants to be available to and better serve patients in Leesburg and The Villages.

Their vast array of comprehensive cardiovascular care includes consultative cardiology, diagnostic testing, cardiovascular screening and preventive (non-invasive and invasive) treatment options so their clients can enjoy optimal health and achieve an active lifestyle. As university-trained, boardcertified physicians, they possess the skill and knowledge to ensure any cardiovascular problem is thoroughly examined, completely understood, and successfully addressed.

Because Drs. Yelamanchi and Upadya diagnose and treat existing cardiovascular problems, patients enjoy a wealth of services under one roof. If necessary, both doctors have the capability to treat patients through procedures such as atherectomy and stenting. Stenting involves placing a small metal coil in a narrowed artery to improve blood flow. This procedure is performed in arteries of the heart, arteries of the neck for preventing stroke, and arteries of the leg to improve circulation. They also stent pelvic arteries in carefully selected patients to treat erectile dysfunction.

Their cardiovascular practice is one of the few to perform cardiac catheterizations through the wrist. Through this state-of-theart procedure, complications are drastically reduced, recovery time is improved and patients can sit up immediately after the procedure. They also screen and treat patients for peripheral artery disease, which is extremely important since 30 percent of people with this disease die within five years of diagnosis. This disease is treated through the use of balloon angioplasty or stents.

Most importantly, they blend oldfashioned, personalized care with comprehensive technology. For instance, their practice is one of a small number of practices worldwide to utilize the TandemHeart® stenting procedure in critically ill patients who have no other treatment options available. This is a shining example of how they go the extra mile in patient care and bring cutting-edge procedures to the area. Drs. Yelamanchi and Upadya spend quality time with their patients and get to know them on a personal level. This helps streamline patients’ disease management and overall care.

Cardiac & Vascular Consultants, M.D., P.A. 352.633.1966

1050 Old Camp Road, Suite 270

The Villages, FL 32162

709 Physicians Court

Leesburg, FL 34748

Cardiovascular Consultants

Cath Lab

510 CR 466, Unit 105 Lady Lake, FL 32159

Visit us online at www.cvcfl.com

Local doctors available 24/7 at local hospitals to adequately serve you in times of emergencies.

DR. VISHNU YELAMANCHI

Dr. Yelamanchi specializes in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease. He is board-certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the America College of Cardiology. He completed his residency in 1996 at Chicago Medical School, which is where he also underwent fellowship training as a chief cardiologist. He completed a fellowship in coronary and peripheral intervention in 2000 at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South located in Houma, La. and served as a senior research specialist in health science at the University of Chicago-Illinois. He is professionally affiliated with the American College of Cardiology.

DR. SHRIKANTH UPADYA

Dr. Upadya specializes in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also board-certified in Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography and in Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He completed his fellowship in general cardiology at Yale University. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Cardiovascular Computer Tomography and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Cardiovascular Consultants

CAROTID ARTERY STENT

By utilizing carotid artery stenting, Drs. Upadya and Yelamanchi helped save the life of a patient whose right carotid artery was 100 percent blocked and left carotid artery 99 percent blocked. They possess the knowledge and expertise to help even high-risk patients with severe blockages return to a normal lifestyle.

ATHERECTEMY AND ANGIOPLASTY

This patient suffered from peripheral artery disease of the thigh. Drs. Upadya and Yelamanchi used atherectomy and angioplasty to successfully treat this patient. The quality of their work helped improve the patient’s circulation and decrease pain. They’ve enjoyed many successful outcomes treating peripheral artery disease.

Blending comprehensive, cutting-edge technology with old-fashioned, personalized care.

bypassing open heart surgery

For years, Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute has set itself apart for excellence in cardiovascular care. The center brings together an expert team of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, as well as the latest technology, to effectively treat all diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system.

Now, Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute has taken care to an even higher level by becoming one of the first hospitals in the country to perform transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This procedure involves replacing the valves of patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis. It is used on patients who cannot undergo traditional open-heart surgery because of their age and other high-risk factors. In the past, such patients would have been left with few options.

But with TAVI, they are given renewed hope and a second chance in life. Furthermore, those who have the procedure experience minimal cutting and no stoppage of the lungs and heart. As a result, they typically enjoy a quicker recovery time.

In January 2012, Leesburg Regional Medical Center became the first hospital in Central Florida to perform the TAVI procedure.

“We are excited to bring such an innovative procedure here to Lake County,” says Dr. Tim Moore, a cardiovascular surgeon at LRMC. “Before, these patients were stuck with a fatal problem, and there was nothing we could do for them. Now, they are feeling better, enjoying life once again, and staying out of the hospital.”

There are two types of TAVI procedures. The first is a transfemoral TAVI, which involves accessing a patient’s leg artery and advancing a new heart valve across the diseased valve. Of

course, this approach is unrealistic for those with severe blockages in leg arteries. Therefore, they would undergo a transapical TAVI, which involves making an incision in the left side of the chest and deploying a new valve near the apex, or tip of the heart.

Patients are evaluated by a team of cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists to determine if they are candidates to undergo the TAVI procedure. This same team is present in the operating room while the procedure takes place.

In addition to Dr. Moore, other local physicians who participate in TAVI include cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Duane Cook and interventional cardiologists Dr. David Lew and Dr. Srivinas Attanti.

“Aortic stenosis is one of the more commonly encountered disease processes in valvular heart disease, affecting more than 300,000 people worldwide,” Dr. Cook says. “The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement has come to the forefront of cardiovascular therapy, providing a viable option primarily for those at high surgical risk.”

Without question, this is another shining example of how Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute is a pioneer in the treatment of heart disease. Once again, the team remains committed to getting to the heart of cardiac care.

PRBLEMS WITH YOUR PROSTATE?

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a downto-earth urologist with twenty-nine years of experience at Urology Associates of Lake County in Eustis. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.”

“When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive,

office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than thirty minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 1,200 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty years) you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.

Practicing in Lake County for over 31 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

EDUCATION

Board Certification: American Board of Urology, February 1984

Medical Degree: University of Arkansas, 1977 College: University of Mississippi, 1973. B.A. Chemistry and English

RESIDENCY

University of Arkansas, 1978-82. Urology

INTERNSHIP

University of Kentucky, 1977-78. OB/GYN

CURRENT MEDICAL LICENSURE

Florida and Arkansas

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Medical staff of Florida Hospital Waterman Florida 1982 – present

Vice-Chief of Medical Staff 1987–88 Waterman Medical Center

Chief of Medical Staff 1988-90 Waterman Medical Center

352.751.4990

920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201, Lady Lake, FL 32159

352.357.6786

801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

ProstateEvaluation.com

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Chief Photographer, Fred Lopez, lets his camera tell the story of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Through my eyes

“I had purchased a ticket to visit my sister in Waterbury, Connecticut, a town just minutes from Newtown. She was preparing to give birth to my nephew, and I wanted my visit to be a big surprise. As I was preparing to leave for what to me was to be a trip filled with happiness, the news broke. Twenty-six people, most of them children under 7 years of age, had been killed by a crazed gunman. What a day of sadness.

“Once I got to Meriden, the town where my sister was in the hospital, the doctor who was inducing her labor told us it would be well into the night before she gave birth. My close friend Ernesto drove me to Sandy Hook, and I took the photos you see here. This was a town where I had spent much time as a young man. I had gone on dates in some of the town restaurants. To see the hundreds of news media from all over the world and the hundreds of people who came to town to pay their respects was surreal. Could this really be the place I had once called home?”

“As we entered town, there were makeshift memorials on every corner. Townspeople and strangers were seeking a way to cope with an act so atrocious that it left many of them stunned, unable to speak… leaving only tears to say what hearts so strongly felt. To the left is a photo of six-year-old victim Noah Pozner, who left behind his twin sister and best friend, Arielle.

“Everywhere we went in town there were tributes to the fallen. In the early evening, candles lit street corners and yards, their soft light symbols of hope in the heavy darkness.”

“From the moment we entered town, I was struck by the number of signs. The tributes, both written and symbolized through pictures, seemed endless.

“On a small hill, we came across twenty-six cardboard and wooden angels, sentinels standing guard over a silent offering of toys and flowers. Only then did it strike me just how many children had died. And I was stunned. That hill has since become a rallying cry for peace and an end to meaningless violence.

“The bottom photo shows the only road leading to the school that law enforcement officials had left open to the public. The road was open only to foot traffic, and the stream of people visiting the site was endless. As I watched those finding their way toward the school, I could see the dull look of tragedy in their faces, but as I passed by those returning, I could see the true evidence of pain realized.”

Go to page 93 and see the reason for Fred Lopez’s bittersweet journey to Connecticut.

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Comprehensive Care:

People from all over the United States and countries around the world have come to Dr. Vrej Manoogian for total knee and hip replacement. He designed “The Living Hip”, a unique hip prosthesis that is unmatched in its ability to imitate the natural functions of the hip joint. The direct anterior approach, combined with “The Living Hip” prosthesis, has provided a revolutionary treatment for patients with hip arthritis. Since opening his Mount Dora-(near Orlando, Florida) based practice in 2001, Dr. Manoogian has paid meticulous attention to the proper alignment and ligament balancing for his total knee replacements, giving his patients outstanding results. Dr. Manoogian is boardcertified and fellowship-trained.

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THE KETTLEBELL — FITNESS MADE SIMPLE

WRITER: PHILIP HALL // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

The kettlebell has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years in the fitness world. However, many people still wouldn’t be able to recognize a kettlebell if they saw one. Some very good reasons why it has gained such popularity is because it is small, inexpensive, portable, and allows you to train the entire body with very little space. These things make for a very useful piece of equipment in our increasingly fast-paced society. Here are a few exercises to help you get started with the kettlebell.

KETTLEBELL SWING

STEP 1: Hold one kettlebell in both hands, arms fully extended, and stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart.

STEP 2: Hinge at your hips by pushing your butt back first, and bend your knees slightly. Then swing kettlebell between your legs.

STEP 3: Fully extend knees and hips, and swing kettlebell up to shoulder height while keeping arms straight.

STEP 4: Let kettlebell drop, and swing between legs. Repeat. Perform three sets of 12–15 repetitions

MUSCLES USED: Glutes, hamstrings, lower back, and shoulders

TRAINERS TIP: Always keep your back flat, chest and shoulders up, and arms fully extended.

KETTLEBELL UPRIGHT ROW

STEP 1: Hold one kettlebell in both hands, arms fully extended, and stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart.

STEP 2: Lift kettlebell up toward your chin, and raise your elbows above your shoulders while keeping kettlebell below chin.

STEP 3: Lower kettlebell down to starting position, and repeat.

Perform three sets of 12–15 repetitions

TRAINERS TIP: Keep your core tight and the kettlebell close to body as you perform the movement.

MUSCLES USED: Shoulders, traps, biceps, and forearms

KETTLEBELL WALKING LUNGE WITH PASS THROUGH

STEP 1: Hold one kettlebell in right hand on right side of body, standing upright with both feet together.

STEP 2: Lunge forward with left foot, and pass kettlebell between legs to left hand at bottom of lunge before returning to standing position.

STEP 3: Lunge forward with right foot and pass kettlebell between legs to right hand at bottom of lunge before returning to standing position. Repeat.

Perform three sets of 10–12 repetitions on each leg

TRAINERS TIP: Keep core tight throughout movement, keep body upright, and don’t let knee past front toe while lunging.

MUSCLES USED: Quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes

SHA

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Not unlike the military, there are many confusing acronyms in the world of fitness: DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), MET (metabolic equivalent), BMI (body mass index), and BF% (body fat percentage), just to name a few. It can all be quite mystifying especially when other fitness terms are tossed into the mix. Just recently, I overheard a trainer at the gym telling her client, “If you will remember to work your opposing muscle groups when you lift, concentrate on your VO2 max while doing cardio, and monitor your EPOC at the end of your workout, you will find that you will reach your fitness goals more quickly.” What, pray tell, is a normal human being supposed to do with that?!

Perhaps the most confusing terms that need to be deciphered are BMI and body fat percentage. While both start with a “b,” one is very general and one is very specific when it comes to body composition. BMI stands for body mass index. It is a measurement to denote general health by using one’s

height and weight to determine whether this person is obese. It does not take into account the percentage of body fat, lean body mass, or whether someone is muscular. It is not a very accurate method of measuring body composition as it was developed as a simple way to classify degrees of obesity for large groups.

Body mass index can be calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by body height in meters squared (weight/height2). A BMI of less than twenty-five is optimal. A BMI score between twenty-five and twenty-nine dictates that one is overweight, and a BMI score greater than thirty is a warning that one is considered obese.

Body fat percentage is a much more specific tool for measuring body composition: how much fat versus how much lean muscle is on a person. There are quite a few methods for measuring — some very technical and expensive and others, while a little less reliable, available for the average gym member.

Hydrostatic weighing (underwater) is one of the most reliable methods of measuring body composition because fat floats. It is very difficult to find a vendor who has such a device, and unless you are an elite athlete, there are more practical ways to find your BF%. There is a mobile unit that can come to you, but you must live in the Los Angeles area and be prepared to pay a pretty penny.

Near-infrared interactance is a method that is portable and used at many health clubs across the country. It simply uses a laser beam on the bicep wherein the body fat can be measured quickly; however, it has a high rate of error (+/- 5%).

Skinfold caliper testing is a more reliable method of testing body composition, but if not done by a professional who has been trained adequately, it will produce erroneous results. It takes much experience for a fitness professional to be able to develop the correct technique. Margin of error is +/- 3.5%.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis is an inexpensive device that sends a very mild electrical current through the body with body fat slowing it down. Lean muscle tissue is a very good conductor of electricity so the belief is that the faster the current travels through the body, the more lean tissue. It, too, has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%. Factors that influence this particular test are the hydration level of the subject, meal timing, caffeine use, humidity, and other environmental factors.

While none of these testing procedures are fail-proof, they will give the client a little peace of mind or a little incentive to change their body’s composition. So try not to let your BMI, DOMS, and MET equivalents confuse you. Simply use an online tool or find a fitness professional to have your body composition tested so you know how you measure up!

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER // ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

LAMB FOR LOVERS

Yield: Four servings

Preptime: Thirty minutes

Cook time: Eight hours, thirty minutes

Ready in: Nine hours

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil (used as three twotablespoon servings)

Directions:

To make demi-glace: Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, and add trimmings from lamb. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the fat, reduce heat, and add four cloves minced garlic, onion, carrots, celery leaves, port wine, red wine, and chicken broth. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, and simmer on low for eight hours, or overnight.

Strain the slow cooker mixture into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Mix in

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 1,246

Carbohydrates: 68.4 g

Cholesterol: 192 mg

Fat: 79.4 g

Fiber: 3.2 g

Protein: 45.3 g

Sodium: 422 mg

RECIPE

BODY

2 (7-bone) racks of lamb, trimmed, fat reserved

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, diced

4 carrots, diced

1 cup celery leaves

1 cup port wine

the spearmint, rosemary, and mint jelly. Simmer, adding more port wine, red wine, or broth as needed until mixture leaves a syrup-like coating on the back of a spoon. Strain once more, and keep warm while lamb roasts.

To roast the lamb: Place a cast iron or ovenproof skillet in the oven, and preheat to 450F. Rub lamb with two tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Coat with panko breadcrumbs.

1 cup red wine

1 (14½ ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth

5 sprigs fresh spearmint

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 cup mint apple jelly

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

4 sprigs fresh mint

Carefully remove the heated skillet from the oven, warm two tablespoons olive oil in the skillet, and sear lamb on both sides. Return the skillet with the lamb to the preheated oven, and continue cooking five to ten minutes to an internal temperature of 145F. Pour a small amount of the demi-glace on a platter and arrange lamb in a crisscrossed fashion. Drizzle with more demi-glace, and garnish with fresh mint to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com. Submitted by TheIsraels.

Sheep is the oldest domesticated meat species. Sheep have been raised by humans beginning about 9,000 years ago in the Middle East.

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

RUBY TUESDAY

Ruby Tuesday restaurants have been around for forty years. After opening their first restaurant outside the University of Tennessee campus in 1972, they have now grown to approximately 900 restaurants around the United States. Their focus is fresh food, served in a casual dining atmosphere. The menu is nicely varied from soups and salads to burgers and pasta dishes. Today, we are going to take a closer look at the handcrafted burger selections.

Many people who are focused on health dodge burgers because they are often an abyss of calories, fat, and salt. Generally, I would agree. However, which ones are better for you? There seems to be a lot of variety. Are they all equally indulgent?

BE AWARE THE SMOKEHOUSE BURGER

The Smokehouse Burger definitely falls into an “overindulgent” category. While the size of burger is not provided on the menu, the burger does come with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise and a side of French fries. With the burger alone, you will consume:

1,155 calories

71g fat

77g carbohydrates

4g fiber

52g protein

1662mg sodium

A serving of Ruby Tuesday’s French fries is:

396 calories

18g fat

55g carbohydrate

5g fiber

5g protein

909mg sodium

Wow! This totals to be more than what many should have in one day. There are better choices.

BETTER TRIPLE PRIME BURGER

A better choice would be the Ruby Tuesday’s Triple Prime burger. While still high in calories and fat, the sodium content drops significantly. This burger tallies:

876 calories

56g fat

54g carbohydrate

4g fiber

40g protein

767mg sodium

Remember it is still served with hips and thighs… I mean French fries.

BEST AVOCADO GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Under the “Fresh Handcrafted Burger” section, Ruby Tuesday offers an Avocado Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This is probably the best item in this section of the menu. While avocado isn’t low calorie, it is high in vitamin C and monounsaturated fats (which are a more healthful kind of fat), as well as B vitamins. This sandwich will cost you:

831 calories

39g fat

56g carbohydrate

5g fiber

65g protein

1088mg sodium

It is also served with fries, but keep in mind, most restaurants are happy to substitute fries with a salad for a small fee. Another alternative is to save half for your lunch tomorrow!

WRITER: TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ, M.S., R.D., L.D/N.

BODY INSIDE CATCH THE RHYTHM

WRITER: ADRIAN FINOL, M.D.

The idea seems counterintuitive. Our bodies are made of flesh and blood, organs, tissues, and cells. Our bodies regenerate, degenerate, and respond to light, water, and temperature. It is all so very natural — organic, if you will. Yet, this natural, organic system is regulated by an elaborate electrical system.

Take heart rhythm, for example. In order for our bodies, organs, and brains to work properly, we need our heart to beat at a certain interval. When that interval is too fast or too slow, we have problems, and these days, a computer is often the cure — we call it a pacemaker.

The medical procedure of inserting a pacemaker into the body has become a fairly safe, effective, and common medical procedure. But what is a pacemaker, and how does it work? This is where patients start wondering about these “unnatural machines” being placed in their bodies. If the entire concept seems like science fiction to you, know you are not alone. I frequently have discussions like the one below as I do my best to explain how pacemakers fit into the big physiological picture.

Patient: Doctor, I have been very dizzy and lightheaded. Doctor: It is possible you have an electrical problem.

Patient: An electrical problem?

Doctor: The heart works because there is an electrical system that keeps it beating at the right pace. Sometimes this system fails and your heart does not beat as fast as it should. This means the heart can’t pump as much blood as the body needs, and when this happens you can have symptoms such as lightheadedness, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting spells.

Every heart beat starts with an electrical signal. The signals are sent and received by special electrical cells within the heart called nodes (the sinoatrial (SA) node or atrioventricular (AV) node). As the signals move through the heart they tell the chambers that pump blood to contract. When you are active, the signals speed up to pump blood faster; when you are resting, the signals return to normal pace.

Patient: Do I need batteries to make my heart beat correctly?

Doctor: Sometimes. If you do, the device is called a pacemaker. There are different reasons your heart fails to beat at the pace you need it to beat, but most common is when there are problems with the nodes in your heart. In some cases, the heartbeat is slow once in a while; in other cases, the heartbeat is slow all of the time. Sometimes the heartbeat fails to rise during activity. The cause of these problems could be changes in your heart due to aging, heart disease, previous heart surgery, medications, or even an undetected heart defect.

The most common reasons to get a pacemaker are sick sinus syndrome or heart block. Sick sinus syndrome occurs when the SA node: is too slow (sinus bradycardia); skips a beat (sinus pauses); or alternates between very fast and too slow (tachy-brady syndrome). Heart block occurs when the electrical signals don’t pass from one chamber to the other.

Doctor: Okay, so I have the results of your electrocardiogram (EKG), and you have a heart block. I think we should place a pacemaker.

Patient: What is that? How does it work? I have seen some of my friends with it, and it looks like a “lump in the chest.”

Doctor: A pacemaker is a small, lightweight electronic device. It has a tiny computer that senses the beats of your heart and it sends an electrical signal to the heart to start the beat if it becomes too slow. Also, the sensors in the pacemaker keep track of your activity level and can adjust the signals as needed. The pacemaker consists of a generator with a computer and wires (leads) that connect the generator to the heart.

Patient: How is it placed? Is it dangerous?

Doctor: The placement or implantation of the pacemaker is done in the hospital. It could be placed in different places but most commonly is in the left chest. Also taken into account is whether you are right-handed or left-handed, as well as the types of

activities you participate in, like hunting or shooting a rifle.

It is usually performed in the operating room under sedation and local anesthetic. An incision is done beneath your collarbone, and a “pocket” is created under the skin to fit the generator. To place the leads to your heart, the doctor will access a vein that leads to it. The leads are guided inside your heart with the help of X-rays. The leads are then attached to your heart with small anchors at the end or with a very small screw and then to the generator before being placed in the pocket beneath the skin. Next, the incision is closed. The pacemaker is “interrogated” to make sure there is good communication with the leads and good reading of the electrical conduction of the heart. Once this is done, you are transferred to the recovery area and then to your hospital room where you usually stay for twenty-four hours for antibiotics and another “interrogation” the following day.

The placement of a pacemaker is usually a safe procedure with low risk of complications. However, like any other surgical procedure, complications could happen — such as bleeding, infection, bruising, puncture of the lung or heart muscle, damage to vein or artery, or dislodgment of the leads and need for reposition.

Patient: What happens after? How I do take care of it?

Doctor: Usually you will need a little pain medication. Once home, you could be discharged with an arm sling or told not to raise the arm on the side of the pacemaker above shoulder level.

The reason is to avoid movement or dislodgment of the leads. It is normal to have some bruising, and normal activities are encouraged after discharge. Each doctor has his or her own routine for incision care, but usually after forty-eight hours, it is okay to shower and let the incisions get wet and “patted” dry. No bathing or swimming is allowed until instructed by your doctor. At any sign of infection, you should call your doctor right away.

Once the incision is completely healed (around six weeks), your doctor will place you in a “pacemaker clinic.” Depending on the individual, this could be every six months. At this time, the pacemaker will be interrogated and settings may be changed as needed. Also, some devices can be constantly checked at home, and results are sent to your doctor.

Contrary to common misconceptions, most machines will not interfere with your pacemaker. Microwaves, ovens, computers, radios, television, hair dryers, electric blankets, and power tools should not have an effect on your pacemaker. However, some equipment could cause momentary changes of settings like cellphones or strong magnets. In addition, most pacemakers are not MRI compatible, and you will want to keep your pacemaker ID with you at all times.

Patient: Does it last forever?

The life of the generator lasts five to ten years, depending on the use. The replacement is usually a simple outpatient procedure.

AROMA THE SCENT OF A WOMAN

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD // ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

Long before modern science perfected the art of synthetically reproducing fragrances, our ancient ancestors had already learned the pros of applying botanical extracts to their skins. Over time, the art of perfumery has evolved into a worldwide, multibillion-dollar industry. Modern perfumes are made with essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stems of plants. Fragrance oils are laboratoryproduced synthetic versions of every imaginable scent known to man. Both have their pros and cons when it comes to the manufacture of aromatic essences.

Essential oils are more difficult to obtain, and aroma strengths may vary, making commercial production more complicated. On the flip side, essential oils can be used for medicinal purposes and mood-enhancing effects while synthetic scents do not have this positive attribute. For example, lavender extract is used for a calming effect while rosemary can produce

an uplifting effect. Due to an unending variety of fragrance choices and ease of production, most modern perfumes are made from synthetic fragrances.

Commonly referred to by the generic term perfume, commercial fragrances have five categories of concentrations: perfume, which is the strongest and most expensive, ranges from fifteen to forty percent concentrated perfume oils; eau de parfum averages ten to fifteen percent; toilet water, or eau de toilette, contains about eight to ten percent; cologne has three to five percent; and aftershave can be around one to two percent. Stronger concentrations may cost more per ounce but require less product per application and have longer-lasting fragrance.

In 1984, fragrance expert Michael Edwards created the Fragrance Wheel. This established four distinct families of fragrances: floral, oriental, woody, and fresh. Fourteen subcategories fall under the basic four, which are grouped according to their dominant scents. Florals

remain the all-time favorite, with scents ranging from feminine single floral notes to traditional mixed bouquets. Orientals are full-bodied, sophisticated, and sultry, filled with exotic spices and incense. Woody blends are filled with earthy scents ranging from sandalwood and patchouli to dry leather, cedar, and pine. The fresh category is filled with sporty scents of fresh-cut grass, clear water, and tangy citrus.

Keep in mind that each individual is different, and your best friend’s fragrance may not smell so great on you. Body chemistry, medications, diet, and even the amount of oils in your skin will all affect the final “base” scent, which is achieved by applying the fragrance directly on your skin.

When choosing your fragrance, first decide which of the four categories you prefer. Limit testing to no more than three scents per session because your nose will begin to lose the ability to differentiate. Apply a small amount of your first choice to one wrist, and wait ten to twenty minutes for the “base

notes” to appear. Then apply your next choice to the other wrist or inside of your elbow and so on.

Once you have chosen your favorite scent, apply it to key pulse points —wrists, nape of neck, inner elbows, or behind the knees. The body heat generated at your pulse points will help disperse the fragrance. You should apply enough fragrance to radiate to your fingertips when extended, no more and no less. This is considered by those in the know to be your personal “scent circle.”

Try to be considerate of others who may have fragrance sensitivities, especially when you will be in close quarters. Some chemicals in perfumes can trigger severe asthma attacks. Individuals who suffer from fragrance allergies may consider trying organic essential oils. Although this is not an allergen-free guarantee, they would not contain the harsh chemicals and upperrespiratory irritants found in commercial fragrances.

BRIGHT EYES AND BUSHY TAILED

WRITER: WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

Alluring. Intriguing. Conniving. Mysterious. Enlightening. Blissful. Weary. Old.

Since eyes are the window to our soul, they outwardly reveal much about what is going on inwardly. Whether it is using the latest and greatest eye cream with retinol, knowing how to use eye makeup to minimize deep-set eyes, or drinking more water and getting more sleep, there are tricks anyone can use to enhance their pretty peepers. When engaging in conversation, a person’s passion becomes very obvious with expression from their eyes. Your eyes often articulate what your words cannot.

Read on to find out secrets the stars use to brighten their pooped-out peepers.

For starters, take note of your eye shape. Are they close-set, deep-set, or wide-set? Do you have a hooded lid? Are the whites of the eye more yellow or even red from obvious veins? Do you have noticeable crow’s feet at the corners, bags underneath, or prominent dark circles? Any of these issues are ones that can be improved by monitoring amounts of product intake, utilizing proper application, and overall product use.

Let’s talk about the items/products you’re ingesting. Truly, drinking more water can help detoxify and enhance the liver, which is often the cause of yellow, dark, dull, or red eyes. Drinking too much alcohol or not eating enough fruits and veggies is another reason they are not

bright! Avoid sugar to further help the liver do its job. Using eye drops can help lubricate and soothe tired, stressed eyes. Also, avoid smoking areas as this can irritate and dry out the eye area and make them pale. To make the whites of eyes look brighter through product application, use a blue liner on the top and bottom lid, and add silver or a white shimmer to the lid. Lastly, a home remedy of using pure, fresh lemon juice on a cotton ball as an antioxidant one to two times a week will help brighten the skin.

One of my most asked questions as an image consultant is how to make eyes “pop”. These steps will ensure that happens for you.

Use a good concealer. Dark under eye circles are a major culprit in making your eyes look tired. Pat with the ring finger to apply (don’t rub), and remember to include the inner part of the nose as you come under the eye into an inverted triangle shape and blend downward on top of the cheek bone.

Use an illuminator. An illuminator with a slightly pink tone in it will add a bit of shine to sallow skin tones. It can also catch the light to reflect it, which helps to brighten the face as well.

Use an anti-wrinkle cream, especially good for the delicate eye area. Many of the eye creams today have ingredients that address the big three areas all in one product: puffiness, crow’s feet/lines at the corners, and dark under-eye circles.

Highlight the inner corner of the eye.

When you haven’t gotten enough sleep, you can fake a bright, wide-eyed look by using some well-placed shimmery eye shadow. Highlighting the inner corner of your eyes near the tear ducts instantly makes your eyes look wider and adds some much-needed brightness to a spot that is often dark. You can use an ivory or cream-colored shadow that has a shimmer or satin finish that catches the light. If your skin is darker, a gold tone color will look more natural. Also, use the highlighter on the brow bone just in the middle of the arch of your brow. This application tip will give your eyes instant lift by creating a vertical line.

Using three colors for a basic look is ideal — a base color, a contrasting color to create depth in the crease, and a highlighter. And the real secret is: Blend, Blend, Blend... then use at least two coats of mascara!

If the chamomile tea bags or cucumber slices don’t work, make sure to get nine hours of sleep and see if that helps! Open those eyes to more meaningful conversation and appear more bright-eyed and bushytailed this year. Here’s to peepers that are worth keeping.

SMART AND GOOD LOOKING?!

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

This article is for every boy who, in high school, wore thick glasses, carried a slide rule (or calculator) in his pocket, and used a pocket protector for all those pens. It is also for every girl who survived high school with a “grill” (braces) and whose only dates were those where she was tutoring one of the jocks in algebra. Take heart, there is justice in the universe.

I have friends who seemingly “peaked” in high school. It was the peak of their social life, and some peaked in other areas — athletics, relationships, etc. Their adult lives have been a study in unrealized potential and failed personal relationships. On the contrary, many of the so-called “nerds,” whose names seemed to populate the rosters of the chess club and debate teams and who were overwhelmingly represented in the honor society, have blossomed as adults and done some incredible stuff. Does the name Bill Gates sound familiar?

In high school, athletic ability was prized while intelligence was, more often than not, seen as a handicap or, at best, an awkward, somewhat embarrassing trait. Even today, in our supposedly enlightened age, it is still distressingly common to hear of children who try to hide their intelligence so as not to stand out among their peers. Appearances play a huge role in the interpersonal dynamics of youth, too. I remember that at one time I would have killed to have a real Gant shirt or a pair of Bass Weejun loafers. These were

de rigueur for the cool crowd, of which I, of course, was not a part.

Fast forward to today. How does athleticism, physical attractiveness, and intelligence rate among adults when choosing a mate? Given that human beings are divided into male and female of the species (some would go so far as to say that men and women are different species altogether), it is not surprising there are gender differences in how mate selection is made. Social psychologists have studied for generations what men and women find attractive in the opposite sex. Their conclusions are consistent across generations and cultures… and very interesting.

With respect to physical attractiveness, it seems intuitively obvious this is more important for men than women. How many times have you found yourself saying, “How could she be with a man that ugly?” as opposed to the opposite?

Whether consciously or unconsciously, the physical features men tend to find most attractive are those associated with fertility. Youthfulness is one as confirmed by the sheer number of middle-aged and older men making fools of themselves with much younger women. Waist/hip width is an interesting feature. Men asked to rate attractiveness of the female form consistently prefer women whose waists are less wide than their hips. As waist width approaches hip width the perception of attractiveness declines. Weight enters in but is of interest because men prefer

women that are not too thin, as well as those that are not too heavy. We can call this the “Goldilocks” paradigm. Are you paying attention, fashion world? Those malnourished waifs, aka models, with boyish hips and no curves parading on the runway are not attractive!

While women don’t go out of their way to seek out unattractive men, they do place a premium on other assets besides looks. What attracts women is usually income, material possessions (think nice car), and social status (think educated men in whitecollar professions). Before you accuse me of labeling all women as status-seeking gold diggers, there are legitimate reasons for this. Women are the nurturing segment of our society. If you doubt this, just observe a group of guys watching the kids versus the mothers. The former are more likely to be distracted by the football game on TV and let the little ones roam the neighborhood, while the moms will be focused on those kids.

Women’s liberation notwithstanding, women are biologically designed, both physically and emotionally, for the propagation of the species. Along with that comes an ingrained desire for food, shelter, and security. This is more likely going to come from someone who is a good provider. In primitive cultures, this may be a good hunter. In our culture, it is someone like Steve Jobs.

Yes, some studies have suggested that women are attracted to men who are “edgy.” These are the risk takers, extreme

sports enthusiasts, rock stars, those who shave and bathe infrequently, etc. When it comes to the long haul, however, women prefer men who are more stable and reliable.

Where men and women converge, however, is in the areas of intelligence and personality. Both sexes are attracted to opposites who have a pleasant personality and good sense of humor, and who are generous, considerate, and interesting. While physical attractiveness wanes with time, the opposite typically happens with intelligence and, often, with personality.

Intelligent people tend to be successful at what they do, and as a consequence, their confidence goes up and they feel free to express their personalities.

IQ and attractiveness are related to a degree that is surprising and increasingly supported by studies. Don’t take the generalization too seriously, but it appears that attractive people are intelligent and vice versa. Which comes first is uncertain. It may be as simple as the fact the men who are more intelligent and successful will be more likely to marry beautiful women and, of course, their children are more likely

to be both bright and good-looking since appearance and intelligence are highly inheritable traits.

Despite all the talk, studies, conclusions, etc., which seem to place such an emphasis on looks, wealth, athletic ability, and such, if you take a moment to look around, you will note that most people are not stunningly attractive, athletically gifted, extremely wealthy, or unusually intelligent. And yet, there still seems to be a “soul mate” out there for them, someone who thinks they are a “hunk” or a “babe.” As someone said, “Ain’t life grand?”

COMMUNICATION MIND

RELATIONSHIPS AND TECHNOLOGY

WRITER: CHRISANN REID

At

first look, one might think that technology and interpersonal relationships would be a great fit. Technology has enhanced our ease of access to communication, and, let’s face it, good communication is the core principal of a great relationship. Cellphone calls, texts, emails… anytime anywhere just to say, “I love you,” “Thinking about you,” or “Miss you.” How could this be a bad thing? Used appropriately and respectfully, it is not! But like many things, if used inappropriately, problems can arise.

Which types of communication are appropriate for text or email? How about a personal disagreement with your partner that starts at home before work? Should that be continued on throughout the day through texts? I can tell you that this has become a more common expectation of couples that I see in counseling. This appears to be tied to the idea that if you are accessible through technology and this is important to me, you should be available to talk about it now. But does this promote effective communication and intimacy with your partner?

Couples need to agree that important discussions need to take place face to face when they can be truly focused on each other and the issue at hand. Communication is much greater than just the spoken or written word. Body language is a key component to any communication. Not to mention that expecting an important discussion to occur during work can be impacted by many distractions and cause a response that will most likely be misinterpreted.

Regarding technology and our expectations of personal space and our right to privacy, technology appears to have flirted with this on many levels. On the one hand, how private are our personal texts to our partner? Have you ever shared a “personal” text from your partner with a friend or coworker because it just didn’t seem to make sense or even be reasonable?

On the other hand, when is our personal time our own? Expectations of accessibility is not just about our partners expectations but can be impacted by the expectations of our boss, friends, or other family. Too many people have started assuming

that if you are accessible through technology, then your availability is limitless. In fact, the sense of urgency in communication seems to go up when there is the expectation of complete availability.

When was the last time you were out at dinner and at least one of you was on his or her cellphone? It would appear that as a result of technology and its creation of “limitless” accessibility, we now need to specifically designate time to be alone with our spouse... no technology allowed!

We are all aware of the requests pilots make of flight passengers to turn off all electronic devices so as not to interfere with takeoff and landing. Why not have a similar request where relationships are concerned? (“Couples, please turn off all electronic devices as they may interfere with the most significant relationship in your life.”) Like any good thing in life that can be taken to excess, appropriate boundaries are always the best solution. Discuss it with your partner… face to face!

Source: http://www.loyolamedicine.org/newswire/news/facebook-used-evidence-large-number-divorce-cases-united-states

A survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that “Facebook holds the distinction of being the unrivaled leader for online divorce evidence with 66 percent citing it as the primary source.”

INNERVENTION R

I CALLED HER DOVEYS

Sixty years were not enough. You are a part of me even now in the early morning when I turn to leave and the grass on your grave is heavy with dew — I want to believe it is your tears pleading for me not to go.

I want the world to know us as that couple whose path led all the way to “’till death do us part.” I would have cared for you at your worst forever. In everyone’s life there comes the chance to fly free, to soar, to hear and touch things that pass all too quickly. Mine was when I met you.

It was but a speck of time — me (a recently discharged sailor looking for the prettiest girl in town) seeing you (the newly crowned “Harvest Queen”) standing on the corner in front of the post office — but that little tick was the beginning of my life. That confluence changed forever all things yet to come… those seconds grooved the riverbed of our lives.

A week later I asked if I could take you home from the Hilltop Ballroom. You refused, explaining you never went home with anyone except who you came with. Intrigued, I called the next day, and we had our first date at the Hilltop Ballroom. Dimmed lights, crowded dance floor, stretched moments holding each other close — we were only subtly aware when the magical song Dancing in the Dark entered our private world, filling our souls with rapture forever. I first called you “my Lovey Doveys,” and then for the rest of our days, just “Doveys.”

Others warned us we were too different.

You were a joker; I… a loner. You were fiercely political; I just voted. You loved the camera; I froze. You were a night person; I went to bed. But, we knew we were each other’s glove. We contracted “encouplelitis” early and never found a cure. It was love made in Heaven where the stars are dots in the sky, where angels dwell… and when I connect the dots, you appear. We eloped to the Little Brown Church in the Vale (Nashua, Iowa). After the ceremony, Reverend Hanscom asked us to pull a rope hanging in the corner. We pulled together, a bell began to ring, and for us, the ringing never stopped.

Everything was stacked against us from the start. I was a jobless college student, so we bought our wedding bands on the installment plan. Our brief honeymoon visit with my sister in South Dakota made us parents. We shared home duties from the start, even diapers. We were simply husband and wife with no operator’s manual and only the dictionary definition of “partners in marriage” to guide us. We took to marriage with purpose, resolve, and intent. Not a snowflake marriage — here today, gone tomorrow — we handcuffed ourselves to each other and threw away the key, mortgaging our future with daily payments of a touch, a smile, or both. We marooned ourselves in an exclusiveness no one was ever privy to. We were what young couples wish for as they walk down the aisle. The proof: If the sky were to light up with all the “I do’s” in the world, ours would be the brightest.

We engaged in spontaneous little antics bordering on the childish, making no sense to anyone except us. It was our way of keeping the edge while others went for flowers and chocolates. I would include with your lunch a few walnuts with a note that read, “I’m nuts over you.” Those were crazy and frivolous times — secret (sometimes), silly (yes), juvenile (probably) — but all our very own. Our marriage survived neither by accident nor miracle.

Fast-forward, turning tomorrows into yesterdays and making decades disappear, and a far distant future scene emerges: us on another crowded dance floor. Ladies in slacks leading guys gazing upward looking for clouds all move to and fro in an unrecognizable Lindy Hop. Every couple blissfully oblivious that — sooner rather than later — one will be a widow or widower. Now a simple routine of leaning and tottering is but a bittersweet mimicry as we — and all our retirement-home friends — try to recapture the impossible.

Doveys and I struggle to synchronize heel and toe into some kind of harmony in the crowded cafeteria with tables and chairs pushed against the walls. But in our minds, we are at the Hilltop Ballroom, and the song playing is Dancing in the Dark.

Ridiculous in our feeble attempt to relive yesterday, we clutch in a sad reenactment of the way it used to be — first dance, first kiss — neither noticing nor caring that our shuffling is more holding each other up than dancing. The last tremor and twitch of a past rhythm, we dance the night away

WRITER: LOWELL WARD // PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTHONY CASTO

until a bell rings signaling 9p.m. curfew. The cafeteria, where just a few hours earlier we were eating meatloaf with spoons, is closing.

The crowded dance floor begins thinning as couples depart for their separate units. We are among the last to leave. Halfway along the tiled hallway we stop and kiss. Our friend wheels by. I give him a sly wink and shoo him on his way. Waiting for the elevator we hold hands and kiss again; our touching reawakens a dream barely alive. Alone in our little world, energies soar, and we need neither band nor song, silk nor lace… just a dream fast becoming real.

Now you are gone, and I often wonder when flowers bloom, is it from your touch? Does dawn await your nod to start the day? My life is about over, but my one wish would be to wash the clothes you wore, to clean the plate you ate from, to make the bed we slept in. I shall look for your iridescence in every rainbow, your essence in each flower, a trace of your soul in every shower until I find the path to you — and we are together again someplace out there where the days never end.

Yes, the years were good… the months great… the weeks better… and the days not long enough.

Lowell Ward has lived in The Villages for twenty years. He was born in South Dakota but grew up in Minnesota before joining the U.S. Navy. He worked for the state welfare department in Minnesota for several years before he retired at the age of 50. His favorite hobby is adding to his historic newspapers collection, which he shows around Lake and Sumter counties.

“Truelovestoriesneverhaveendings.”—RichardBach

SPIRIT IDENTITY SPI

THE INS AND OUTS OF INTROVERTS AND EXTROVERTS

WRITER: VICKI GRAY

SOURCE: Facebook Surveillance of Former Romantic Partners: Associations with PostBreakup Recovery and Personal Growth; http://w ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3472530/: Facebook Stalking Statistics 2012; http://ansonalex.com/infographics/facebook-stalking-statistics-2012-infographic/: Can Facebook users show popu larity of Windows Phone 8?; http://www.neowin.net/news/can-facebookusers-show-popularity-of-windows-phone-8 (Accessed January 6, 2013)

Humans are hardwired for social interaction; what varies from person to person is the degree to which an individual finds the interaction energizing or exhausting. Imagine this scenario: you are headed to an acquaintances’ house for a cocktail party on a Friday evening. Are you in the car thinking how terrific it will be to meet some new people and have fun while engaging in small talk over a glass of wine, or are you planning how you can leave after just one hour of meaningless surface talk (regardless of how good the cocktail tastes) to get back to that good book you were reading or the game that is on TV? Which of these two situations better fits your attitude? The answer to this simple question might determine whether you are more of an extrovert or introvert.

The labels extrovert and introvert were first introduced by psychologist Carl Jung nearly a century ago to describe how people are predisposed to particular personality types, which, in turn, affects the amount and type of social interaction needed. Jung asserted that it is helpful to view an individual somewhere on a continuum rather than absolutes. However, over time, these labels and theories have been distorted and misconceptions have resulted.

It might be helpful to imagine that we all carry around a social gas tank, figuratively, and the goal is to keep this tank full. How this is accomplished is very different for the introvert than for the extrovert. An introvert would refuel with “alone time,” whereas the extrovert would refuel through interactions with others.

Research suggests that up to seventy-five percent of our population is comprised of extroverts and that a mere twentyfive percent would describe themselves as introverts. Anytime such a disparity exists in numbers, a majority and minority occur. Unfortunately, as it is typical with minority groups in general, introverts have been marginalized. Extroverts have historically been viewed as more likeable and friendly and introverts as shy and aloof. Thus, leaving introverts in a position of needing to defend themselves and their inherent personality style.

Before you decide to place me in the introvert’s camp, given that I am in some small way defending the underdog, I am an ambivert! A WHAT? You read correctly. An ambivert is a person who shares, equally, tendencies from both the introvert and extrovert personalities. I believe this places me in an unbiased position to reflect fairly on both personality styles. Let’s explore some common myths surrounding these two types of personalities.

DISPELLING THE MYTHS

EXTROVERTS

Myth: Extroverts are overly dependent on others.

Truth: While extroverts prefer to be with people, they are capable and content to have their “alone time,” as well. They thrive in social settings; yet, this is not to be confused with needing constant interaction with others.

Myth: Extroverts must dominate conversations.

Truth: If extroverts receive energy from outside sources, then when they are around other people they naturally want to engage in conversation. Attempts at filling in silence are not meant to dominate the conversation but rather to connect and draw energy from that exchange.

Myth: Extroverts are confident at all times and in all social settings.

Truth: Confidence can be described as believing in one’s self and abilities. People’s moods and feelings are not fixed but rather fluid, so extroverts also experience self-doubt. To an outsider, the extrovert appears to be easily engaged with others and enjoying the social event. However, they might be battling with internal thoughts of negativity or criticism, such as, “I just know I am boring this person.”

INTROVERTS

Myth: Introverts are loners who don’t enjoy the company of others.

Truth: Introverts crave and need human connection and benefit from relationships just as much as the extrovert. In fact, introverts tend to create very strong emotional bonds with a small network of friends and derive an immeasurable amount of satisfaction from these interactions.

Myth: Introverts are shy.

Truth: The terms introvert and shyness are not synonymous. Shy individuals crave connections with others but experience anxiety about these interactions. Introverts need a reason to leave their inner worlds, which is rich in emotion and thought.

Myth: Men are more likely to be introverts.

Truth: Men and women make up both personality styles equally. However, women have had to adhere to social norms of hospitality and friendliness, stereotyping them as extroverts. Historically, men have been depicted as the introvert type, such as “the strong, silent type,” “a man of few words”…you get the point.

Both groups are able to engage socially and be alone successfully. We all have memory foam personalities. Our personalities fit us uniquely and perfectly.

We deviate, when needed, in order to function relationally and adhere to societal

norms, but most prefer to stay within their comfort zone. So, you will find that while an introvert tends toward introspection, he or she can be the “life of the party” in small spurts and with lengthy recovery times in between. Conversely, the extrovert, who tends toward seeking the company of others, can experience blissful moments of solitude, so long as human interaction is anticipated to take place in the very near future.

Which personality type is more advantageous? If you were to browse the Internet, you would find countless articles, sites, and sources in defense of extroverts and in defense of introverts. But at the heart of this debate is the need for individuals to be understood, accepted, and embraced for their individuality.

So… here we are on the ride home after that cocktail party. The extrovert has already excitedly arranged for plans with new friends for tomorrow, whereas the introvert is relieved to be headed home with no plans for the remainder of the weekend… and their respective social gas tanks are full.

M URAGEM

CUPIDS AND DIAMONDS

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET

We recently discovered that the diamond had fallen out of my wife’s engagement ring. She was in tears, searching everywhere she could think to find the stone. We checked the vacuum cleaner bag; we looked in the couch cushions; we ran a flashlight across the hardwood floors hoping to see more than a dust bunny, all to no avail. In talking about the loss, she said it brought her sadness because the ring was a token of our relationship. I admit that it does make me sad to have lost a diamond, but the reality is that the diamond was only a symbol of my love and commitment to her and to our lifelong relationship.

When I decided she was the “one” for me, I knew she was the only woman I was willing to commit to love and live with until “death do us part.” I also knew I should purchase a ring and ask her to marry me. Like most young men, I did not have a great deal of extra money and wondered how I would ever afford to buy an expensive engagement ring, but because I valued our relationship so much, I was determined to find a way to do it. I went to the jewelry stores, shopped around, and finally settled on purchasing the stone with one jeweler and having a ring fabricated by another. The only problem was gathering the cash to pay for it. I saved. I worked odd jobs in addition to my eight-to-five work. I made payments and finally arranged to borrow an old car from my father to drive for a while so I could sell my present vehicle all to pay for the ring. I was willing to sacrifice whatever it might take to cement my relationship with my wife-to-be. Today, those things are four children, two grandchildren, seven moves, and thirty-five years past. Our relationship continues to grow and deepen. That lost diamond, in a very small way, was only a little insignificant picture of a lifelong commitment to our love relationship.

I truly do love my wife, but hard as I may, I don’t love her perfectly. February is the month of hearts and valentines, wine and roses, chocolates and cupids… the season we think about love. It is when our schoolchildren make cards to share with all their classmates. (“Yes son, you even have to give a valentine to that creepy girl!”) In thinking about love and relationships, I am reminded of what the New Testament says about love. In the

original Greek, it uses two main words to talk about love. We who speak English are deprived when it comes to a vocabulary for love. You know that we overuse the word. I love riding my bike, good hamburgers, music, my truck, my children, my wife, and I love God. Now, I hope it goes without saying that the way I love my truck is much different from the way in which I love God. My love for my wife is a higher love than the love I have for bike riding, too! Generally, the New Testament words for love are phileo and agape. They form good categories for defining relationships and love, starting with the lesser to the greater.

The first term, phileo, is the kind of general love we have toward things and those relationships that are not as close or dear to us. It has been called “brotherly love,” and that is accurate to some degree, but it extends to the way we love things, as well. Phileo can mean our emotions of attachment and affection. It is a response to something we find delightful.

The higher type of love is what the New Testament calls agape. That word is used to describe the love God has for His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the way God loves humanity. It is an unconditional love like a parent has for a child. It is giving, forgiving, selfless, altruistic, and gracious. It is the kind of genuine love that the Apostle Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Relationships built on the foundation of genuine agape love are the kinds that endure the stresses of life and time. As I imitate the kind of love God has for His children toward my wife and my children, even toward those relationships that are more of an armslength away from my heart, I am reflecting the best kind of love. The little stone may have fallen out of the setting of my beloved’s engagement ring somewhere along our way, but that doesn’t in any way mean that my relationship with her is diminished or that my love for her has faded. Maybe this is another time for me to love her in much the same way that God loves me.

DEFRIEND FACEBOOK STALKING

WRITER: SUZANNE HOWARD, LCSW

Facebook is part of the daily routine of over nine million people worldwide. In 2012, it was estimated that sixty-three percent of profiles are visible to the public. It has been described as “a mirror of real life” and “a forum for egos.” It is used in many positive ways: keeping families in touch and allowing people to share knowledge and talent. It is often the first place many people go when seeking answers and solace after a breakup, or while experiencing rough spots in a current relationship. A mixture of curiosity mingled with an ego needing a boost can kindle the appeal of searching for a former boyfriend or girlfriend. With just a click, the face of a recent ex, or photo of an old flame, appears. And another Facebook stalker is born!

Facebook stalking is a way to maintain a connection with someone after a romantic relationship has ended. The loss of that special person leaves a huge void. Loneliness and sadness can lead to wishing for contact with the former partner. In a 2012 survey of U.S. college students, eighty-three percent reported regularly checking the profiles of exes, and seventy percent used a mutual friend’s profile to check on an ex after being defriended. The profiles of new significant others in the lives of exes were checked by seventy-four percent of the students. In older populations, a similar pattern is emerging.

As a therapist, I hear the subject of Facebook stalking discussed by clients of all ages. When people reconnect with a high school sweetheart, it is often during a time when a long-term relationship is problematic or after a divorce or widowhood. Looking back over the years, everything about that previous relationship seems ideal. As one woman said, “Well, I’ve known him for thirty years!” She had not seen him since age 18 but felt she really knew him through Facebook. This often leads to decisions made with very unrealistic expectations. In Great Britain, twenty percent of divorce documents filed in 2009 referred to Facebook infatuations and affairs.

After a breakup, it might seem comforting to keep an ex in your thoughts by taking in information about them. In this way, the ex

continues to be a part of your life and closure is prevented.

Stalking after a breakup can keep pain alive. It robs people of their present lives as they spend time and energy dwelling on what might have been. While the stalker focuses on a relationship that has ended, life is passing by. Opportunities for new experiences and friendships disappear with each click of the mouse. Instead of fading into the background, feelings of pain and loss continue, and grieving is extended.

In some cases, people have become so entrenched in the stalking mentality they get involved in monitoring the ex’s new partner. Curiosity about the new partner’s lifestyle and looks can become consuming. The surveillance can go on for years after stalking the ex has discontinued. Meanwhile, the stalker is not living in the present, and emotional recovery, personal growth, and adjustment are put on hold.

While checking-up on an ex, you are placing your heart in jeopardy. In a sense you are volunteering for whatever the ex might be presenting — photos of a now-happy life or even a new love are possibilities. There are also people who post photos and mean wall comments that are directed at their ex. You roll the dice by looking. Instead of taking such a risk, you can choose to have either “protective ignorance” or “toxic knowledge.” Toxic knowledge can be a burden, as it is useless and hurtful. Protective ignorance — not knowing about life details at all — is a much healthier mindset. You have the power to choose!

The payoffs of refraining from stalking are enormous and lead to healing the heart and spirit. Start by hitting defriend and taking care of you. Develop positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself. Practice substituting positive ideas for the negative thoughts you have been experiencing. Create a list of your good qualities. Treat yourself with respect and compassion. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. You can change your thoughts, words, and actions. Take a break from the computer, and spend time on enjoyable activities and conversations with live people. Believe in the strength of your spirit.

SOURCE: Facebook Surveillance of Former Romantic Partners: Associations with PostBreakup Recovery and Personal Growth; http://w ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3472530/: Facebook Stalking Statistics 2012; http://ansonalex.com/infographics/facebook-stalking-statistics-2012-infographic/: Can Facebo ok users show popularity of Windows Phone 8?; http://

www.neowin.net/news/can-facebook-users-show-popularity-of-windows-phone-8 (Accessed January 6, 2013)

Our Patients Say It Best...

Hilda Frano of The Villages loves putting her best foot forward. For her, there are few things as pleasant, peaceful, and relaxing as taking a simple walk. This is a hobby she enjoys every day of the week.

Unfortunately, she was forced to put her hobby on the back burner when she developed a dull ache in both of her lower legs and feet. “The ache was unbearable, and I could hardly go any distance without complaining,” she says. “Eventually, I had to quit walking altogether. That got me down.”

So she decided to go to Tri-County Podiatry to see Dr. Felix Esarey, where she had enjoyed a wonderful visit several years earlier.

“He paid attention to my complaints and questions thoroughly,” she says.

Dr. Esarey ordered her special shoe insoles and recommended she undergo physical therapy. Mike Palma, a physical therapy assistant at Tri-County Podiatry, worked with Hilda at their in-office therapy clinic to help relieve her pain. Mike also taught her efficient exercises she could perform at home to prevent and relieve pain in the future.

“Dr. Esarey is fantastic,” she says. “He understood what I was going through and acted on it immediately. Mike, the physical therapy assistant, was also great. I would definitely go back because the entire team genuinely cares about you as a patient and a person.”

SAVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWERS

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

Most women love to get flowers on Valentine’s Day. But during the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, prices are highly inflated. So how can we save money on flowers?

Go non-traditional

If you plan to send flowers for Valentine’s Day, consider getting a non-traditional bouquet over the traditional red roses. Not only will it save you money, but also you can get a bouquet of flowers you know your loved one will simply love. Plus, roses are in such demand, getting a less popular flower means your pickings are going to be that much better.

If you must have roses, check into alternate colors. You can get roses in pretty much every color and size. If you are willing to mix up colors within the bouquet itself, you will lower the price quite a bit.

Hand deliver

Go to a local florist, and pick up your flowers... then handdeliver them yourself.

Consider visiting a local florist instead of a big website. You will be able to see what you are getting, the flowers will be much fresher, and you will also be supporting a local business. Picking up the flowers yourself will save you quite a bit on shipping and handling fees. Shipping and handling fees can be outrageous.

Early or late delivery

Check with your local florists so see if they offer any type of discount on the arrangement you are looking into if you agree to have them delivered the day before or day after Valentine’s Day. Also, consider skipping the expensive vase the florist offers, and pick up your own at a local craft store, thrift store, or dollar store. You will save quite a bit!

percent of adults purchased flowers or plants as gifts for Valentine’s Day 2012; of those, 64% were men and 36% were women. SOURCE:

FOR LOVE OR MONEY

With the holidays not very far behind us, many of us can easily remember the little velvet box tenderly presented, sometimes on bended knee, containing that most popular of all holiday gifts — the engagement ring! A world famous diamond company has long advocated and enticingly advertised, “A diamond is forever.” That same well-known company also advocates that her diamond should cost “about two months’ salary.” That being the prescribed ratio, then the ubiquitous diamond engagement ring tells a lot about the family financial circumstances… and is often “read” by others in that very same way!

In other words, those with means show it with meaningful, and sometimes more importantly, visible tokens of their own prosperity. As Lover’s Day, a.k.a St. Valentine’s Day, approaches, it’s a sure bet that those who didn’t turn Christmas dinner into an engagement party may decide to pop the age-old question on February 14th. To be sure, every jeweler in town is alert to the sparkling possibilities this Hearts and Lace Day presents.

It’s tempting to ask if, in fact, the purchase of jewels and jewelry is just a luxurious or frivolous gift-buying endeavor, or whether there is both real and intrinsic value in such items.

In researching information for this article, I spoke at length to several of my favorite jewelers and gemologists. I even tendered a few of my own gems to learn their current market value. What I learned may surprise my readers!

The stone in the jewel setting carries most of the value because all gemstones are unique. Created by nature, natural gemstones, like snowflakes, are one of a kind. Gemstones are both quantified and qualified in a variety of ways, but generally, their value is based on size, weight, color, and the absence of flaws. Even so, gemstones come and go in popularity… that is, except for the diamond gemstone. Truly, a diamond would seem to have earned its right to the slogan quoted above. Like all commodities, supply and demand may produce price swings. Price volatility notwithstanding, there is likely always to be a market for a quality diamond. Other precious gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds may hold significant value, too. Semiprecious stones such as amethyst, topaz, and opal typically have less value; though a large, good quality semiprecious stone may have more value than a small, low-quality diamond. (Check out Kate’s sapphire wedding ring against any diamond at the mall jewelry counter!) Pearls are another story. Whole books have been

written about pearls…and the pearl industry of today changes more rapidly than books can be printed!

Conversely, my jewelers tell me that gem settings are of least importance because they are most often trendy and easily mark a style or an era. Like ladies’ hemlines, jewel settings rise and fall in popularity, often within a short space of time. What doesn’t go out of style, however, is the metal in the setting. As with any purchase, go for quality. Though big is wonderful and shiny adds to the bling, flawless is more important. The old adage of “know your jeweler if you don’t know your jewels” is good to remember.

Whether male or female, surprising your loved one with a gift of beautiful jewelry is certain to be a winner on the home front, but it may also serve to produce more than a happy smile in the years to come. Check out your grandmother’s gems. Who knows, they may be worth as much or more than grandpa paid for them. An odd earring or a broken chain may also be a small treasure.

While the traditional engagement diamond, regardless of size or quality, clearly says, “I love you,” it never hurts to have a shiny jewel in your repertoire. Happy Valentine’s Day! May all your diamonds be as flawless as the one who gave them to you, and may all your settings be 24K!

WRITER: ELLEN B WILCOX, GEPC

B Wilcox is a Graduate Estate Planning Consultant and a Registered Principal with, and offers securities through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Ms Wilcox is President and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, in Lady Lake, FL, which is not affiliated with LPL. She may be reached at Ellen@EllenWilcox.com or www.ellenwilcox.com .

$ TRATEGY

WHERE IS MY MONEY? THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT!

WRITER: JAMES ROACH

Every year I resolve to get our family’s finances in order. However, because I spend more time at work on the road than at home, this means inputting data onto a desktop spreadsheet is never going to be an effective way to keep our money “situation” organized. Evidently, I am not alone. With the growth of technology and the need for portable offices, there are now ways to keep your finance books managed on your phone and PC.

I decided to look into the different “apps” available for budgeting. After a bit of research, this is what I learned:

For a Mac, there are multiple options for software budgeting:

YNAB (You Need A Budget) is recommended because it is easy to use.

Drawback: YNAB does not connect with banking institutions.

Mint and Quicken are both products from Intuit (the maker of Turbo Tax). Quicken stores information on a hard drive, while Mint uses a cloud-type format. Reviews indicate that for Mac users, Quicken (for Mac) is extremely limited, while Quicken for Windows has many more features and is more easy to use.

Mint: One website recommends Mint for all Mac users over Quicken. Mint is free software that can be used to track and manage a budget. Mint provides mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android

products and automatically updates spending by syncing to your bank accounts. Mint will alert you if your account balance is low, or if suspicious spending is identified.

Drawback: Mint cannot print checks or pay bills.

Quicken: From what I have read, it seems Quicken would be a good choice for those who are not as comfortable with the cloud data type set up and prefer all their information be secured on a computer at home. Mint is for users comfortable with trusting the Internet data transfer. Quicken also has many more features to manage more complex investments or properties.

Drawback: My research indicates Quicken costs $50-$120 per license and is usually updated every year or two. Also, Quicken does not have any apps to note.

The website www.imore.com/top-5budget-finance-tracking-apps-iphone lists the top five apps for iPhone: iReconcile: $2.99 to purchase, $19.99 a year. to sync with bank accounts, and offers an online backup. Does yearly, monthly, weekly, or even daily budgets via its budget tracker tool. Easy to set up.

Expenditure: $1.99 to purchase, no listed usage fees. Has ability to include a photo or other information when recording a new transaction. Has some additional features that makes it better than just basic budgeting.

Moneybook: $2.99 to purchase. Offers free cloud backup service. Offers ability to export finances and password protect accounts.

Toshl: Free. Uses online syncing to bank accounts and automatically saves to the cloud, although there is an option for manual only sync. Has the ability to upgrade to pro option for $19.95 a year.

Moneywise: Free ($7 for pro version). Manages everything on the phone. Easy access, easy ability to change budgets “on the fly,” has ability to export.

Because almost every website I visited listed Mint as an option and most ranked it highly in design and usability, I decided to try it. The problems I have encountered so far have to do with the limits on how much input I have available. Also, Mint takes a few minutes to set up all the bank accounts... and I still haven’t figured out how to set up a budget.

It seems these apps assume some intuitive tech-style ability.

Here are some website’s you might find helpful:

www.lifehacker.com/5873325/the-bestbudget+tracking-app-for-android

www.personal-finance-softwarereview.toptenreviews.com

Is Your SPECIALIST… REALLY A SPECIALIST?

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Kerina, MD Board Certified, Fellowship Trained, Advanced Joint epl p accemen e t Surgerry of f the Knenee e an a d Hip

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD Board Certified, Fellowship Trained, Shoulder/Upper Extremity & Sports Medi d ci c ne n

Claudia L. Thomas, MD Board Certified, Fellowship Trained, Orthopaedic Trauma, General Orthop o aedics

Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD

Board d Ceertified, Fellowwship Trainnedd, Sporrts Meddic i inne e annd Ca Carttillag a e Rejuvenation

John n T. W Will l iams, Jr J ., MD

Boaard Ceertified, Fe F llowship Trained, Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery of the Hip

FEBRUARY 2013 1

Wekiva River Paddling Trip

Enjoy the beauty of the Wekiva River during this paddling and waterway cleanup excursion. Participants traveling the river can experience the abundant wildlife of Florida’s National Scenic River while also helping maintain the health of the river by picking up litter along the way. Meet at 10a.m. at Katie’s Landing at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park in Sanford. For more info call 352.343.3777 or visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

Open Bowling Tournament (February 1–3)

Grab your shoes and shine your bowling balls because local bowlers are welcome to play with the professionals during this three-day Professional Bowlers Association competition at Break Point Alley in Tavares. Saturday is pro-qualifying, and there will be a $5 cover charge Sunday for the finals. Call Richard Kosto at 352.343.5333.

5 Weight Loss Challenge

Keep that New Year’s resolution to lose weight with E-Z Nutrition. This twelve-week weight loss program will educate and motivate participants to lose weight and keep it off!

Everyone will meet each week for weigh-ins and educational topics. At the end of twelve weeks, winners with the biggest percentage of weight loss will win cash and prizes. Contact Lisa Johnson at 352.516.9855 or email eznutrition101@aol.com.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is when the heart can’t keep up with its workload. If the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood, it cannot meet the body’s demands for blood and oxygen. Join Dr. Mark Rothschild to learn more about how heart failure develops and what treatment options are available. Preregistration is required, but the class is free. Held 1–3p.m. at Comfort Suites in The Villages, 1202 Avenida Central North. Visit www.cfhalliance.org to register.

Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga (February 5–26)

For those looking for a new and interesting fitness challenge, yoga on top of a stand-up paddleboard may be it. Each Tuesday class includes paddleboard instruction, as well as the opportunity of learning the poses of yoga from a registered yoga instructor. This is the perfect time to relax and renew. The cost for the class is $35, including the use of a paddleboard. Call Mary Prescott at 352.406.0904 or email mary@ floridafromakayak.com for additional information.

9 Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale

Want some new reading material? The Friends of the Cooper Memorial Library will host a book sale with a large selection of books, CDs, and videos. Prices range from twenty-five cents to $1 per item. Items not sold during the sale and various other items will be available at further reduced prices during the library’s normal operating

hours the following week. Money earned helps provide funding for special projects and programs at the Cooper Memorial Library. The sale is 9a.m.–2p.m. at Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont. Call 352.536.2275 for more information.

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The Mount Dora Music Festival (February 14–17)

In keeping with its mission to make music available to everyone in the community, The Mount Dora Music Festival is an annual four-day celebration of music that entertains and educates through musical performances, lectures, and workshops. The headline act Jefferson Starship, the counterculture band that initially rose to fame in the 1960s as Jefferson Airplane, will take center stage in Saturday’s Showcase Concert at 7:30p.m., at the Mount Dora Community Center. Tickets for all performances are now available online at mountdoramusicfest.com or by calling 352.385.1010. Advance tickets are available at the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce and Donnelly Euro Footwear. For more information, contact Nancy Howell at 352.383.2627.

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Blood Screening

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Leesburg will provide its annual blood-screening event at the Leesburg Community Building, 109 E. Dixie Ave. The cost of the basic blood screening is $40. For an additional $25, men can also have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Funds generated are used for numerous community projects. Preregistration is required no later than February 13th. For more information, call 352.365.3714 or 352.787.3076 or visit www.leesburgsunriserotary.org.

23 Open Your Heart

From 9a.m. to noon, The Father’s House in Leesburg will host a large foster and adoptive informational fair highlighting the accomplishments of local foster families, the need for foster and adoptive homes, and the necessity to increase Lake County’s licensed homes. A light breakfast will be served before guest speakers take the stage. Afterward, professional staff, volunteers, and foster/adoptive parents will be available for personalized meetings with families interested or curious about becoming foster or adoptive families. Call 352.315.1815 for further info.

Pain Free, Worry Free, Live Free

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This varicose veins seminar features Sebre Gabre-Madhin, M.D. (Dr. Sebby). Learn all about how to live “pain-free and worry-free” at the Florida Hospital Waterman Garden Conference Room A and B. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, please call Amy McCrory 352.343.2141. Light refreshments will be served.

Grief Support Group (Every Wednesday)

The free Lake Grief Group meets at the First Church of Christ at 10a.m. The church is located at 510 W. Minneola Avenue, Clermont. The 2013 program, which began January 9th, features thirteen weekly seminars with nationally recognized experts on grief recovery covering the journey of grief. For more information, call 352.658.1408.

COOKING FOR A CAUSE

The Signature Chef’s Auction, an event put on by the March of Dimes, was held at Mission Inn Resort and Club. This year’s theme was “A Recipe for Healthy Babies.” The event featured six of the area’s finest chefs and caterers who presented their signature dishes. Money raised from the silent auction, live auction, and tasting reception went to the March of Dimes, an organization that attempts to prevent premature births.

1. Sydney McWilliams, Dr. Al Moffitt, and Linda Tucker

2. Dawson and Leslie Kirkland

3. Jennifer Weber, Elizabeth Pabarroo, and Pamm Campbell

4. Amanda Walsh

5. Brian and Vicki Wynns with Bill and Monica Wonus

PHOTOGRAPHER: STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN

LET’S TALK TRADE

The Lake Sumter Medical Society’s Expo 2012 allowed vendors, physicians, and practice management personnel to network and share ideas. The annual trade show was held at Mission Inn Resort and Club. During the event, South Lake Hospital showcased its da Vinci Surgical System robot, which can perform minimally invasive surgery.

1. Chris Thorpe, Jennifer Fortuno, and Terri Cleaver

2. Shane Carr, Nancy Cornelius, and Mary Mizelle

3. Carol Millwater and Dr. Pete Marzek

4. Kim Couch and Amanda Cowan

5. Joy Eley, Dr. Jason Boardman, Connie Welch, and Ali Fender

PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER TOOTLE

SHOW OFF YOUR BRAIN

Cognitive skills were put to the test at Sterling House in Leesburg’s Brain Bowl MMXII. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of challenging and fun activities that taught them about the six areas of cognitive function. These hands-on activities addressed language, motor skills, vision, attention span, and more. The event also included a special presentation of Cross Train Your Brain by renowned geriatrician Dr. Kevin O’Neil.

1. Kevin Mahany and Seth Colpoys

2. Debbie Flaherty and Maegan Safford

3. Kelly Wise

4. Marie Ellis, Dr. Kevin O’Neil, and Rosemary Brown

5. Pat Steinberg, Jackie Frugè, Janet Couch, and Licia Sterbinsky

6. Jean Miller and Angie Duncan

7. Angela Lindsay, Lisa Archer, Dori Hanna, Carol White, and Rosemary Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER TOOTLE

NEED HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS

FRED LOPEZ CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Above is my sister Crystal with her husband Melvin and their newborn baby boy Melvin Rosado III. At left is Melvin and I.

Chris Stanley, MD, FACOG Board-Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology

Seble Gabre-Madhin, MD, FACS Board-Certified General Surgeon

Gary Allen, MD, FACS Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from painful early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee, total knee replacement may NOT be your optimal treatment solution. Now available at Florida Hospital Waterman, MAKOplasty® Partial Knee Resurfacing is an innovative option that spares healthy bone and surrounding tissue, resulting in rapid relief from pain, rapid recovery, and rapid return to daily activities.

Osteoarthiritis shouldn’t slow you down. If you have knee pain or stiffness with activity and have not responded to anti-inflammatory medication or other treatments, you may be a good candidate for the MAKOplasty® procedure.

Call 352.253.3388 for more information or to find a seminar near you.