Healthy Living June 2016

We explore the facts about these popular devices. Is there really a smoking gun?

Infamous Last Words

“I’ m just a l ittle out of breath, it’ s nothing.”

In most cases of a heart attack, your body tells you to ask for help. Yet people dismiss the signs, with serious consequences. At The Heart Institute at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, we’re on a mission to get people to speak up by calling 911. Immediately. Because minutes saved can equal lives saved. And we think that sounds pretty good.

Your partners for life

Miguel Bryce, MD, FACC, is our electrophysiologist. He specializes in heart rhythm disorders, and was the first electrophysiologist in our area, joining our practice in 2002. In the EP Lab, he uses the newest technology to diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias, performing EP studies and Cardiac Ablations. He has a vast experience in implantation of cardiac devices, such as Pacemakers, Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICD’s), and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices (CRT’s). Dr. Bryce is well recognized by his colleagues, who trust the care of their patients and family members to him.

As one of the oldest private cardiology practices, Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County, we are dedicated to bringing innovations in cardiovascular care to our patients. Since 1992, we have been your partners for life

YEARS OF SERVICE TO LAKE COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: Total Joint Replacement // Arthritis Evaluation // Non-Surgical Back Evaluation // Osteoporosis Evaluation // Physical Therapy Diagnostic Radiology // Sports Medicine // Shoulder Surgery // Foot & Ankle Surgery // Trauma & Fracture Management // Arthroscopic Surgery

J. Mandume Kerina, MD

Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics. Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Advanced Joint Replacement Therapy

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Shoulder/Upper Extremity and Sports Medicine.

Claudia L. Thomas, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Orthopaedic Trauma and Spine, National Osteoporosis Foundation Member.

Cedric J. Tankson, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Foot and Ankle Specialist, Joint Replacement of the Ankle.

Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Cartilage Rejuvenation, Shoulder Surgery, and Sports Medicine.

John T. Williams, Jr., MD

Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics. Joint Replacement Therapy, Past Director of Total Joint Program at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia

Einstein Medical Cent n er, Philadelphia

ENTS

FEATURES

22 // CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING

You want to quit smoking. You’ve tried quitting cold turkey, using the patch, and chewing nicotine gum—all to no avail. Now, you’re considering an increasingly popular alternative known as e-cigarettes. However, you’re unsure about this product because a cloud of controversy surrounds it. Healthy Living answers the question so many want to know: Are e-cigarettes safer than traditional cigarettes?

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

HEALTHYBODY

08

BATTLE OF THE BULGE

44 How to achieve a flatter stomach.

TIC TOCK, TIC TOCK

46 How long should men wait to have children?

WHERE’S THE BEEF?

48 Beef and cabbage stir-fry is a wholesome, nutritious meal.

EVEN hings ar and rn

STAY A ‘HEAD’

30 // CURRENT EVENTS

s ar He ab

TS happen hy Livi .E. T

Lots of exciting things are happening around Lake County, and Healthy Living has them covered. Learn about B.E. Thompson’s recommitment to losing weight. Read about two Clermont doctors who drive across the country to promote men’s health, a bicyclist who was named a Duathlete of the Year, and a local firefighter who saved a drowning toddler’s life.

WRITERS: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, MORE

HEALTHYMIND

52 Tips for keeping your brain in tip-top shape.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

56 Five steps in mental health first aid.

MAKE A MENTAL NOTE

56 Healthy habits to achieve optimum mental health.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

GET YOUR HOPES UP

60 It’s time to can the defeatist attitude.

SEE THE LIGHT

62 Important ways to become more spiritually enlightened.

HEALTHYFINANCE

TAKE IT TO THE BANK

66 Bankruptcy and your credit score.

EASY MONEY

68 How budgeting can save you from financial hardships.

@YOUR SERVICE

DIGITIZE YOUR LIFE.

SHOW

GET YOURS.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@ akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

BACK ISSUES: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

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

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

LEIGH NEELY managing editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHELLE CLARK staff writer michelle@akersmediagroup.com

THERESA CAMPBELL staff writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

JOE DELEON creative director joe@akersmediagroup.com

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

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

AIMIE ALONSO BONNIE CONRAD CIELE EDWARDS GAIL FERO

THE TRUTH ABOUT VAPING

Lately, I’ve seen a barrage of information about electronic cigarettes and vaping. When this product first hit the market, it was deemed a miracle invention and a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. Most recently, the tone has changed. Now it has become a very controversial topic as the public is flooded with media questioning the safety of the delivery device and the chemicals in the vape juice.

KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN LINDA PAULL DAVE RAMSEY

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

DAVID COTE director of marketing david@akersmediagroup.com

We wanted to know what our readers thought about this issue, so we reached out to our social media friends and asked them for their opinions about vaping and electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). The results were overwhelmingly negative. There were a few people who said they felt it was a healthier alternative to smoking, but most felt the product was more harmful than smoking and extremely dangerous.

Why the sudden change? As a result of the feedback we received, we decided to do our own research. Therefore, this month’s cover feature is about Vaping; the good, the bad, and most important—the truth.

MIKE STEGALL senior account representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

LYNNE KELLEY account representative lynne@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK office manager deb@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS advertising coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

SHAENA CHASTAIN receptionist shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Healthy Living magazine is not condoning or condemning the use of e-cigs in any way. However, we feel it is our responsibility to offer a nonbiased look into the facts since there seems to be so much misinformation filling the media.

Is vaping completely safe? Too early to tell, but one truth remains clear: cigarettes claim over 80 million lives a year worldwide. You would be hardpressed to find a medical expert to argue that electronic cigarettes come even close to matching that lethal statistic.

If you are a smoker or have a loved one who smokes, I strongly encourage you to read this month’s issue, and get informed so you can form your own conclusions on this issue. Being more informed could save your life. Stay

SUPERIOR SURGICAL CARE

Dr. Yin Luk and the surgical staff at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages ® Regional Hospital work together to deliver quality patient treatment.

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. According to Yin “Tammy” Luk, MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon with Central Florida Health—the parent company for Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital—she performs these surgeries several times a week.

A hernia is a condition that is fairly common, especially in people who engage in strenuous activities that involve heavy straining for work or exercise. Other risk factors include medical conditions such as obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, emphysema, immune suppression, or chronic constipation. “A hernia usually occurs at the belly button or groin area,” says Dr. Luk. “It can also happen in an area where a person has had prior surgery. If there is a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall, a fatty tissue or organ, which is commonly the bowel, can protrude through this defect. If a patient notices that she/he has a bulge in any of these areas, along with pain and swelling, the best thing to do is to have it evaluated immediately.”

Using the latest state-of-theart equipment, hernia repairs at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital are performed using minimally invasive techniques. This approach generally provides less pain and a faster recovery time for the patient. “With the laparoscopic method, we use a high-definition, fiber-optic camera to visualize the operative field,” says Dr. Luk. “From there, we use gas inflation to gain a wide view of the defect and surrounding structures. Afterwards, the content of the hernia is reduced back into its intra-abdominal location. Finally, we use a mesh to cover/repair the defect.”

Using this surgical technique, Dr. Luk explains that patients are generally able to go home the same day as their surgery. They also experience less pain, swelling, and scarring when compared to the traditional, more invasive, open surgeries that are performed on hernias.

“For the groin hernia especially, we work purely within the layers of the abdominal wall, without having to enter into the abdominal cavity. The recovery is much quicker with little to no discomfort,” Dr. Luk explains. As a general surgeon, Dr. Luk also performs a variety of procedures, which include

surgeries on the gallbladder, breast, stomach, bowel, and wound, to name a few. Dr. Luk has nothing but high praises for the surgical support staff of Central Florida Health.

“It is a team approach; from the nursing staff to the technical support/equipment. We are able to give patients the best possible outcomes,” she says. “I often

receive positive feedback from my patients about how the hospital staff treated them before and after their procedure. The team members are good at describing to the patients and family what to expect during and after their surgeries. Also they help in reminding the patients of the appropriate aftercare at home to ensure a good recovery. This relieves the anxiety a patient may experience before their procedure. It is a stressful time, especially for someone who may not have family support close by. Most importantly, Central Florida Health has an excellent surgical team (scrub tech, nurse, and technical/equipment support) that assists me in providing safe and high quality care during surgery to ensure the best outcome for my patients.”

After graduating from The Ohio State University with her medical degree in May 2003, Dr. Luk went on to complete her general surgery residency at the world-renowned University of Louisville in June 2008. Desiring to move to a warmer, snow-free climate, Dr. Luk relocated

to Lake County. She has practiced at both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital for close to a decade. When asked what she loves most about her job, Dr. Luk is quick to say that she enjoys problem-solving and fresh challenges.

“As a surgeon, I enjoy having the ability to see a problem and fix it,” she says. “Many of the cases that I perform are life-saving and it is very rewarding to see the immediate and positive result. That is why I love what I do.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

YIN (TAMMY) LUK, MD, FACS General Surgeon

601 E. Dixie Ave., Suite 801 Leesburg, FL 34748

1400 US Hwy 441 N. Sharon Morse Bldg, Suite 526 The Villages, FL 32159

352.323.1405

“It is a team approach; from the nursing staff to the technical support/ equipment. We are able to give patients the best possible outcomes”

A TOMATO A DAY MAY KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY

Lycopene is part of the carotenoid group that gives tomatoes and other foods their deep red color. However, lycopene is best known for its health benefits, including being a powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting agent. Lycopene also helps prevent:

*Plaque build-up, which narrows and hardens arteries

*Diabetes

*Age-related macular degeneration and cataracts

*Aging of the skin

*Osteoporosis

In addition to tomatoes, high concentrations of lycopene can also be found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, rosehips, and pink guava. Locally, fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the Leesburg Farmers Market, which is in Town Square every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Downtown Clermont Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FIGHTING THE BIG “C”

The Florida Cancer Data System awarded both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital with its prestigious Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration. The award acknowledges the quality, timeliness, and completeness in the way cancer data is reported to the statewide cancer registry.

“This award recognizes our ongoing commitment to a healthy community by accurately tracking the health of our cancer patients,” said Elizabeth Jernigan, cancer program director of Central Florida Health. The award is given in honor of Jean Anne Byers, who passed away in 1996 following a long career dedicated to promoting oncology research and education in Florida.

BIGER AND BETTER

South Lake Hospital has announced major expansion plans. This fall, construction begins on the hospital’s emergency department. Additional exam rooms and several new observation rooms will nearly double the emergency department’s treatment capacity.

The hospital will also construct a freestanding emergency department and an urgent-care facility in the Four Corners area, as well as a health pavilion where U.S. Highway 27 intersects with the northbound entrance to Florida’s Turnpike. The pavilion will include an urgentcare facility, outpatient imaging, and laboratory and rehabilitation services.

“We’re expanding our services so patients in all areas of South Lake County have improved access points to health care,” says South Lake Hospital President John Moore. “These plans are driven by current needs and projected future needs based on the accelerating growth of our county.”

TRIVIA TIME

Can you name the Lake County hospital that originally opened in 1933 to provide medical services for handicapped children? Here’s a hint: The hospital was located in Umatilla and closed in January 1999. Please make an educated guess before looking at the answer below.

THE SKINNY ON EXERCISE

With basketball courts, dance studios, hiking trails, fitness gyms, and beautiful waterways, Lake County offers ample exercise opportunities. If you’re looking to lose weight and/or get in shape, here’s a look at how many calories a 200-pound person can burn in one hour by doing the following exercises.

NO CHILD LEFT “BEHIND“

Explaining why he left a lucrative job as mission pastor of an Atlanta church two years ago, Michael Wahl displays a sense of enthusiasm rivaling an excited child on Christmas morning.

“I invented mean, poopcatching machines!”

The machines he’s referring to are actually quick-dry, reusable diapers that are sent to Haiti and other impoverished countries. Through his company, affectionately named DriButts, he hopes to prevent infant deaths from fecal-related diseases.

“I never thought I’d venture into the diapermaking business, but after two years I can honestly say I’ve never been happier with what I’m doing,” says Michael, a 1994 graduate of Leesburg High School. “This has already changed many lives.”

His foray into the diapermaking industry began two years ago while installing water filtration systems in remote Haitian villages. He saw something that troubled him.

“A mom was holding her baby when all of a sudden the baby began pooping. Afterward, the mom bent down and threw the baby’s fecal matter outside the home.”

Upon returning to the United States, Michael learned when children are not properly diapered, their feces contribute to the spread of deadly diseases, bacteria, and parasites. He was also startled to discover, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that 2,195 children die each day of diarrhea—mostly due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

Within months, Michael and his wife Starla invented a reusable diaper made of polyester and spandex that doesn’t trap bacteria and can easily be washed. A bamboo insert is placed inside the diaper for superior absorbency. The couple made the first 800 diapers from the comfort of their home, but today the diapers are mass produced in China.

Recipients are taught how to wash the diapers

hang them to dry, a process that takes 45 minutes. They are also instructed to bury waste in areas where people do not go.

Although each diaper costs $15 to make, the Wahls ask for $30 donations so each family can receive at least two diapers.

“We want our donors to know where their money

someone donates, we send them a picture of a mother and child who benefitted from their contribution,” Michael says.

Right now, most diapers are being sent to Haiti. However, Michael would like to expand his worldwide reach into Africa, Central America, India, Thailand, and Fiji.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Our team…

…has the highest level of education and skill. …uses top-notch technology and equipment. …provides the best possible care to our patients. …is getting bigger.

Meet the newest team members.

DR. ROBERT L. PURDON

Dr. Robert Purdon, a radiation oncologist for 30 years, loves being part of RBOI. While he feels honored to offer patients advanced technologies and techniques, the most rewarding part of the job is interacting and forming genuine relationships with patients.

DR. HERMAN FLINK

We’re excited to announce the addition of Dr. Herman Flink, a radiation oncologist for nearly 40 years who is board-certified in both radiology and radiation oncology. He completed his residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

THE VILLAGES 352.259.2200

OCALA 352.732.0277

TIMBER RIDGE 352.861.2400

INVERNESS 352.726.3400

LECANTO 352.527.0106

RBOI.COM

WHAT BIG EARS YOU HAVE, GRANDPA

Odds are fairly high that somewhere in your attic there’s a picture of great-uncle Cletus when he was very, very old. You remember the picture. In it, his ears are humongous. They look like two flesh-colored flying discs.

Great-uncle Cletus’ appearance comes at no great surprise. Old men’s ears inevitably appear to be gigantic. For years, the conventional wisdom has been your ears—and your nose— continue to growth after the other parts of your body have stopped. The explanation is ears and noses are primarily cartilage and it keeps growing.

Dr. Arthur Perry, a New York physician, writes: “Bones stop growing after puberty and muscle and fat cells also stop dividing. But cartilage—that’s the plasticlike stuff in ears and noses— cartilage continues to grow until the day you die. Not only does cartilage grow, but the earlobes elongate from

gravity. And that makes ears look even larger.”

More recent thinking disagrees with the old theory about cartilage. According to an article in “The Medical Journal,”the ears and noses of older people appear to be larger. “In fact, they are. There is a common misconception this growth is due to cartilage continuing to grow as you age. In reality, this isn’t true. The real reason our noses and ears keep growing is the result of that red-headed-stepchild of fundamental forces, gravity.”

The story about cartilage “doesn’t even make much sense,” Allison Ford wrote.

“In old age, our bodies start conserving their resources for the most vital functions; hair thins, skin wrinkles, and vision blurs, all in an effort to keep the brain firing and the heart beating. Why would the body expend its precious energy to grow two nonessential parts?”

Writing for the website “Divine Caroline,” Ford says the reason older people’s

ears “appear so large is that as we age, our skin produces less collagen and loses elasticity, and when you throw the forces of gravity into the mix, what you get is sagging. Our earlobes and the tips of our noses stretch and droop, just like everything on the body not being held up by bone.”

A study done in Germany measured photographs of 1,448 people’s ears. The study said that ears never stop growing or, at least, looking bigger. The study concluded that the ears of women appear to increase in size less than those of men.

And this explains why great-aunt Tillie doesn’t look quite as goofy as great-uncle Cletus.

Sources:

“Noses and Ears Continue to Grow as We Age, by Arthur Perry, MD, FACS, The Dr. Oz Show http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/arthurperry-md/noses-and-ears-continue-grow-we-age

“Do Your Ears and Nose Continue to Grow as You Age?” The Medical Journal, TodayIFoundOut.com http://www.todayifoundout. com/index.php/2014/02/ears-nose-continuegrow-age/

“Your Ears and Nose Keep Growing: Say What?” by Allison Ford, DivineCaroline.com http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/wellness/ your-ears-and-nose-keep-growing-say-what “Improbable research: here’s an earful,” by Marc Abrahams, April 25, 2011, The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/ apr/25/improbable-research-ears-big-old

“Did you know that your Ears and Nose never stop growing?” by Eslam Mahmoud, Pulse, Linkedin.com https://www.linkedin.com/ pulse/did-you-know-your-ears-nose-never-stopgrowing-eslam-mahmoud

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Dr. Reginald Griffin sits at a surgeon’s console while controlling two joysticks with his hands and foot pedals with his feet. Robotic arms wrapped in sterile plastic hover above a patient who happens to be undergoing an inguinal hernia repair.

Guided by 3-D camera, he controls the robot’s “wrists” to operate inside the patient, cutting fat, moving tissue, and applying surgical mesh before closing the wound with sutures.

This scene perfectly captures the future of robots in American medicine and especially surgical procedures. When it comes to abdominal wall and groin hernias, the robotic technique reduces wounds, complications, and recovery time when compared to both conventional hernia surgery and laparoscopic hernia repair.

“Patients experience less postoperative pain and a quicker return to normal activities,” said Dr. Griffin, a board-certified general surgeon who opened Concierge Bariatrics nearly two-and-a-half years ago.

Dr. Griffin has been performing robotic surgery since 2013 and

is certified in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. He said this specialized surgery offers advantages for both physicians and patients.

“The 3-D field I’m looking at gives me better visibility,” said Dr. Griffin, who is also fellowship-trained in metabolic and bariatric surgery. “Also, I can get into tighter spaces in the abdomen and can function with more precision.”

Patients find satisfaction in knowing that most robotic hernia repairs are considered daytime, or outpatient, procedures. That’s because the operation is performed through three small incisions that are eight millimeters wide. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery on an abdominal wall hernia requires eight or more small incisions.

“Being able to go home on the day of the procedure is very comforting for patients because they don’t want to stay overnight in the hospital,” Dr. Griffin said. “Before robotic surgery, we had to make larger incisions, which meant patients sometimes had to stay one or two nights in the hospital, depending on the patient and how complex the hernia is.”

So, when is hernia surgery necessary? Traditionally, family doctors encourage “watchful waiting” for patients who have asymptomatic or painless hernias. However, complications can arise, especially if part of the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia and causes bowel obstruction.

“Watchful waiting may not always be the best option,” Dr. Griffin said. “For an abdominal wall hernia, the earlier it’s repaired the better chance you have of preventing complications later in life.”

In an effort to reduce chances of a recurring hernia following surgery, Dr. Griffin repairs abdominal

wall and groin hernias with mesh. Medical studies show a recurrence rate of about 20 percent without mesh and about 2 percent with mesh. He also treats incisional hernias that occur at the incision site of a previous hernia surgery.

Many smokers are turning to vaping as an alternative to cigarettes. There’s no question that graduating from cigs to e-cigs to no cigs is the healthiest decision smokers can make. Of course, some people cannot quit altogether. For these people, the question remains: is vaping a safer alternative than traditional cigarettes?

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Acigarette smoker of 15 years, Lady Lake resident Corey Chancellor understood he needed to quit.

For starters, he was spending about $42 a week, or approximately $2,184 a year, on packs of Marlboro Menthol Lights. In addition, he had developed the dreaded smoker’s cough and occasionally had high blood pressure, a side effect of smoking.

Kicking the habit proved difficult. He tried quitting cold turkey, chewing nicotine gum, and even

wearing nicotine patches. Nothing worked.

Then, three years ago, he purchased a batteryoperated device that delivers flavorful vaporized nicotine with the simple touch of a button. This latest alternative to smoking, known as e-cigarettes or vaping, does not include tobacco, tar, and other dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes.

For the first time, he discovered an effective solution that not only allowed him to quit smoking cigarettes but also yielded positive results.

“I haven’t smoked a real cigarette in three years,” says Corey, a graduate of Leesburg High School. “Within months, I regained my sense of smell and taste and stopped hacking up mucus. My blood pressure is lower.”

He also has more money in his pocket. Corey spends only $23 a week on a 30-milliliter bottle of e-juice and replacement heating coils—nearly half of what he was paying for packs of cigarettes. And he no longer has to deal with overflowing ashtrays, odor on his clothing, and the

dreaded smoker’s breath.

Corey believes in the product so much that two years ago he opened his own e-cigarette company, Purity Vapor, in Lady Lake. Inside his shop are batterypowered vaporizers and nicotine-infused e-liquids that come in flavors such as strawberry milkshake, Kentucky bourbon, and maple syrup. The e-cigarettes contain short bursts of nicotine, but the ultimate goal is to use the nicotine on a decreasing basis until it is eliminated altogether.

“It’s common for people to continue using e-ciga-

“IF WE COULD GET ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO SMOKE TO COMPLETELY SWITCH ALL OF THEIR CIGARETTES TO NONCOMBUSTIBLE CIGARETTES, IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR PUBLIC HEALTH.”

—Mitch Zeller, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products

Joe Braga

Corey Chancellor, Owner of Purity Vapors in Lady Lake

rettes even after they’ve weaned themselves off nicotine,” Corey says. “They still enjoy that habitual hand-to-mouth routine, which for many smokers is part of the addiction. I would say that 95 percent of my customers have been able to quit cigarettes altogether.”

A CLOUD OF CONTROVERSY

Are e-cigarettes safe? Sometimes misleading and sensationalistic campaigns by various agencies—namely antismoking groups and Big Tobacco—have convinced many Americans that traditional cigarettes and ecigarettes are one in the same and wreak an equal amount of havoc on the body. They outright condemn e-cigarettes. In defense, vaping proponents argue that most of the toxic components that cause bodily harm from smoking cigarettes are either absent or present at much lower levels in e-cigarettes.

Hearing conflicting stories, statistics, and reports may leave many wondering whom and what to believe. Therefore, whether vaping is 100 percent safe is not the most relevant ques-

tion in this debate. The $64 million-dollar question is this: Is vaping safer than smoking? There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes is less harmful to a person’s health.

Perhaps the most compelling arguments come from ex-smokers themselves. Joe Braga, a resident of Mount Dora, smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 18 years. Three years ago, he switched to e-cigarettes and is now vaping at the lowest nicotine level. From a health standpoint, it was one of the best decisions he ever made.

“Six months after I quit smoking I ran a 5k for charity,” says Joe, accessories manager of Plaza Cadillac in Leesburg. “I was amazed how much better I could breathe and how much better I could smell. I never gained any weight, either. Many people who suddenly stop smoking raid the cupboard and gain like 30 or 40 pounds.”

E-cigarettes have proven beneficial for other types of smokers, as well. Joe Gould, who was born with asthma, formerly smoked three packs of Black and Mild cigars each day. Experiencing mild breathing problems, he began using e-cigarettes two years ago and hasn’t

KICKING BUTT(S)

Having smoked a packand-a-half of Marlboro Black 100s each day, Valorie Graham of Ocala grew tired of spitting up mucus, being short-winded, and staring at stained teeth in the mirror. So the 18 year old made a life-changing decision. She quit smoking and switched to e-cigarettes.

“I didn’t want to one day end up on an oxygen tank,” said Valorie, who drives from Ocala to Purity Vapor in Lady Lake to purchase her vaping products. “Also, seeing my father’s disappointed face every time I smoked was another reason I wanted to quit. And I found that I couldn’t run for 30 seconds without having to stop.”

Healthy Living actually interviewed Valorie the day after she stopped smoking. She has already noticed positive benefits.

“The flavor I’m vaping is Harvest Berry, so I actually smell like fruit instead of tobacco. At this point, I still have a desire to light up a cigarette, but the craving is not so intense that I’m giving into it. I can attribute that to my e-cigarette. It is helping satisfy my craving for nicotine.”

VAPING BY THE NUMBERS

2,750,000 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF E-CIGARETTE SMOKERS IN THE U.S.

6.7% OF ADULTS WHO HAVE TRIED E-CIGARETTES.

12% OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE TRIED E-CIGARETTES. $2,875,000,000 THE AMOUNT OF E-CIGARETTE SALES IN 2015.

Valorie Graham

RELATIVE HARM OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS

smoked another cigar since.

“Food tastes a lot better these days,” says Joe, a resident of Hernando County who works at Vapor Warriors in Leesburg. “Also, I can take deeper, fuller breaths and no longer have to use an inhaler or other breathing treatments.”

SMALL CIGARS 66.6 PIPES 22.2 CIGARS 15.9

E-CIGARETTES 3.4

NASAL SPRAYS 1.6

ORAL PRODUCTS 1.2 PATCHES 1.0 Source: Public Health England

E-CIGS ARE 95 PERCENT SAFER

Evidence exists as to why those who vape feel better than they did while smoking cigarettes. The biggest landmark study was conducted in 2015 by the Public Health England, an agency of Britain’s Department of Health. The study concluded that e-cigarettes are 95 percent safer than traditional cigarettes and could one day be dispensed as an anti-smoking product.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not produce carcinogenic tars and toxic gases—including carbon monoxide—that increase risk of cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes do contain varying levels of nicotine (which is determined by the user), but nicotine is only dangerous because it causes addiction, not cancer or heart disease. What famous tobacco researcher Michael Russell said in 1976 stills holds true today: “People smoke for the nicotine, but they die from the tar.”

The study also noted that two of the main chemicals found in e-ciga-

FLAMING OUT

Danielle Harris had stopped smoking Marlboro Reds for twoand-a-half years when she strongly considered starting again. She was raising two children by herself, working full-time, and taking several nursing courses at College of Central Florida.

“I was stressed and felt cigarettes could relieve my stress,” said Danielle, a resident of Lady Lake.

Instead, she began using e-cigarettes. That was nearly three years ago and she has no regrets.

“I don’t cough up mucus in the morning, and I no longer have any wrinkles around my mouth,” said Danielle, who today is 27. “Cigarettes were actually starting to age my skin. But the main reason I quit is because when my son was nine months old he began reaching for my cigarettes and lighters. That bothered me.”

Also, smoking cigarettes was not conducive to her active lifestyle. Danielle enjoys outdoor activities, namely mountain climbing and diving at local springs.

“The great thing about e-cigarettes is that you don’t crave nicotine the way you do with cigarettes. With cigarettes, your whole day is centered around them and making sure you can get away to enjoy a cigarette break. It’s not like this with ecigarettes. I carry my e-cigarette around with me all the time, but I only actually use it several times a day.”

rettes—vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol— have not been associated with any serious health risks. In fact, vegetable glycerin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is widely used in low carbohydrate foods to add moisture and sweetness. Propylene glycol is also FDA-approved

for use in food, and it is also commonly used in cosmetic products and pharmaceutical inhalers. However, propylene may cause allergic reactions resulting in minor skin irritation in a small percentage of people.

Another study was conducted by Lorillard Tobacco Company, which

INCLUDE MORTALITY, MORBIDITY, AND ECONOMIC COSTS)

Danielle Harris

TANOPPORTUNITYFORHARMREDUCTIO

—Excerpt from a 20-page report released by the American Heart Association

bought the e-cigarette manufacturer, Blu. The company hired Drs. Rana Tayyarah and Gerald Long to examine and compare the toxicity of vapor released from e-cigarettes to the smoke emitted from cigarettes. Using a smoking machine to carry out the study, the doctors concluded that levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in cigarette smoke were 1,500 times higher than the levels found in ecigarette vapor. This 2014 study was published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.

LESS FORMALDEHYDE

Levels of formaldehyde in e-cigs are also 250 times lower than tobacco cigarette smoke. This was determined in 2015 by worldrenowned cardiologist Dr. Knostantinos Farsalinos, who has been conducting scientific studies on ecigarettes since 2007. His study was in response to a Harvard University study claiming e-cigs produced large quantities of formaldehyde. However, Dr. Farsalinos discovered that the Harvard University study was flawed because the vaporizers were fired at extremely high temperatures with no liquid,

causing the cotton wick to combust and producing false results.

SECOND-HAND E-CIGARETTE SMOKE

At some point, you’ve probably seen an e-cigarette user blowing a large cloud of smoke in a public venue. How dangerous is it to be exposed to secondhand vapor?

Constantinos Sioutas, a professor at the University of Southern California School of Engineering, and his colleagues at the National Institute of Cancer Research in Italy conducted a study in 2014 to better answer this question.

During the study, volunteer subjects gathered in offices and rooms—the environments where people are likely to be exposed to second-hand e-cigarette smoke—and smoked regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes. After researchers had collected particles in the indoor air, they studied the chemical content and sources of the samples. When examining secondhand smoke from e-cigarettes, they concluded there was a 10fold decrease in exposure to harmful particles and close-to-zero exposure to organic carcinogens.

A GATEWAY TO SMOKING?

Staunch critics feel the vaping revolution may ultimately lead users into smoking and becoming addicted to real cigarettes. However, the truth is that most e-cigarette users are already smokers or former smokers. That was proven in a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the study, only 0.4 percent of people who never smoked currently use e-cigarettes. But here’s the big news: The study also showed that 55.4 percent of smokers who quit tobacco did so by using e-cigarettes and vapor products.

In other words, e-cigs are much more effective in helping people quit traditional cigarettes rather than getting them hooked.

POPCORN LUNG

E-cigarette opponents often claim that those who vape risk developing “popcorn lung,” a chronic respiratory disease. That’s because some of the ecigarette flavors contained the chemical diacetyl, which is found in popcorn, butter, beer, and candy. In 2002, eight workers from a Missouri popcorn plant developed this irrevers-

ible disease, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Traditional cigarettes contain twice the amount of diacetyl. However, neither vaping nor cigarette smoking have been linked to popcorn lung. Moreover, nearly all e-liquids no longer contain diacetyl.

TO VAPE OR NOT TO VAPE?

Non-smokers and nontobacco users—as well as children and teenagers— should not start vaping if they never have. After all, becoming addicted to nicotine is an expensive habit, and there have been no long-term studies conducted to reveal what years of vaping may do to a body. But for cigarette smokers who are turning to e-cigarettes to help them quit, there is enough evidence to support the claim that vaping is less harmful to the body than traditional cigarettes. The toxic components that make traditional cigarettes so dangerous are either absent from e-cigarettes or present at much lower levels. That said, the ultimate goal for any smoker is to no longer smoke or vape.

“E-CIGARETTES PRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HARM REDUCTION IF SMOKERS USE THEM AS SUBSTITUTES FOR CIGARETTES.”

THE WILLIAMS BOYS ARE AT IT AGAIN!!!

The technology is called Tomosynthesis, which is a 3D mammogram. Most imaging experts are predicting this new 3D technology will, within the next five years, replace the present standard 2D mammography technology. 2D technology is the technology currently offered in most imaging facilities. It’s this type of leadership in imaging technology that the Williams’ boys (Larry, Chris, and Matt) and their Diagnostic Outpatient Centers, (DOCs) have continued to be at the leading edge of imaging technology for 40 plus years. DOCs offices are located in Leesburg, Eustis, Ocala. and St. Petersburg.

After interviewing and meeting with the nation’s top 3D mammography providers, DOCs chose Siemens 3D technology as the superior option. The Siemens Tomosynthesis technology has a larger arc, which scans 35% more of the breast than its competition. When the Williams’ boys discovered there was this new advanced technology available through Siemens, they decided to build and customize a luxurious mobile mammography vehicle, which will service their existing offices and begin an immediate outreach to the community.

This new venture is called DOCsTomo. It is the first mobile facility with Siemens technology in the country and it’s hitting the road in Central Florida.

DOCs Tomo’s mission is to change the way women view breast cancer screening, detection and survival.

Advantages of Tomosynthesis

• Up to 30% of cancers go undetected by standard 2D mammograms

• TOMOsynthesis is 42% more accurate than standard 2D mammograms

• TOMOsynthesis reduces recalls and biopsies by 40%

• TOMOsynthesis is the most advanced technology for women with dense breasts and implants.

• TOMOsynthesis by Siemens has the greater

sweep (Siemens = 50 degrees vs competitor at 15%), larger sweep, more information, better diagnosis.

• TOMOsynthesis images are assembled into a 3D format, which allows our specially trained radiologist to see breast tissue in the finest detail available.

It’s no secret that early detection is key to surviving breast cancer, and one in eight women will be diagnosed during her lifetime. That is why the Williams boys and their new DOCsTomo venture are passionate about spreading the word to not put off getting a 3D breast screening, because it will save lives.

Why a mobile facility?

DOCsTOMO overall mission is to “Change the way women view breast screening, detection and survival” and by bringing this service to you, your business, your church, your civic group and your community events. By being mobile, we will reach more women and save more lives.

If you want to schedule a visit to your organization, just visit www.docstomo.com or call us at 844.454. TOMO (8666) and we will come to you.

Will insurance pay for it?

Although this is by far the most advanced technology on the market, many insurance carriers are slow

to reimburse for the 3D component. If your insurance reimburses for a standard 2D mammogram, we will bill your insurance for the 2D component and charge an additional charge of $100 for the 3D component. Certainly, we think this undisputable new technology is a small price to pay for the advantages mentioned in the previous paragraph. However, if you are Medicare age, since January 1 2015, Medicare covers payment for 3D breast Tomosynthesis, so as long as it is performed in conjunction with a 2D digital screening mammogram.

Do I need a prescription?

We prefer patients have a prescription, but we also accept self-referral patients. There are certain established criteria for self referrals, inclusive of having a doctor in the event of a positive finding. In the event you currently do not have a physician, we can provide a local physician.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Whether you are scheduling a visit for yourself or your organization, please call us at (844) 454TOMO (8666).

The Nation’s first mobile facility offering 3D mammogram technology is here in Central Florida… And the results are 43% more accurate than standard mammograms

CURRENT

They say yesterday’s news is old news. So when it comes to the latest developments and events in Lake County, we’re going with the current. Find out what’s happening RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW in the world of fitness, sports, and health and wellness.

NEVER STOP B.E.LIEVING

B.E. Thompson became an iconic figure in Lake County when he tipped the scales toward a healthier lifestyle by losing 320 pounds. Adoring fans watched as a man who once weighed 540 pounds achieved feats once deemed impossible for someone his size: pulling a full-size Hummer with a rope, taking nightly eight-mile walks around his hometown, and competing in numerous 5k races. His accomplishments inspired countless Lake County residents to begin their own weight-loss journey.

For B.E., this lifestyle change represents a lifelong commitment, and he understands encountering bumps and detours along the road is inevitable. In December 2015, he experienced his first setback after stepping on a scale and discovering he gained 58 pounds. Truth is, his weight had been slowly creeping up for a year and a half.

Much of that was attributed to a busy schedule. His career as director of development of LifeStream Behavioral Center and his involvement in a variety of community and charitable organizations demanded much of his time.

“I found myself attending so many meetings and social functions that it became impossible to keep up with my training schedule,” he says. “My diet never got out of control, but I was no longer balancing my caloric intake with physical activity. When you wane from doing your exercises and workouts, it has a negative impact.”

Family members and friends inspired him to get back on track.

“I became very frustrated when my weight gain impacted my wardrobe

BEFORE

selection. Also, friends approached me delicately, asked about my weight gain, and wondered if I was OK. I’m glad they said something because that motivated me to lose these unwanted pounds.”

B.E. let temporary failure become a steppingstone to success. In March, he spearheaded the 2016 Business Wellness Challenge, a competition between the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. He’s not only chairman of the Leesburg event; he is also a participant.

“I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t participate,” he says. “I want to serve as an example to others [to show] that having setbacks is not a reason to give up.”

Each day, B.E. dedicates six to eight hours to what he calls “fat-burn time.” He achieves a daily average of 14,000 steps by walking three miles at lunch and running in the evening. His hard work paid off because B.E. has lost 42 pounds.

“When I initially lost all my weight, I had so many people who prayed for me. I owe it not only to myself to stay healthy, but also to the people who have been so supportive. The biggest thing I’ve learned from my setback is having balance in my life. I cannot apologize for saying no when someone wants me to attend an event, especially when it impedes my need to be physically active.”

AFTER

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

RIDE LIKE THE WIND

WRITER: LEIGH NEELY

Clermont City Council member Diane Travis is a woman on the move. Not only does she have a successful real estate agency beside the Citrus Tower, she is a competitive duathlete, meaning when she’s competing, she runs, rides her bike, and runs again. She recently was selected as an honorable mention for USA Triathlon’s Women’s Grand Masters Duathlete of the Year.

This award puts her among the nation’s best age group, junior, and elite run-bike-run athletes

in sprint distance. Sprint is a shorter distance than olympic.

“I qualified for nationals last year; in fact, I won the gold metal in distance and qualified for the world championships in Spain,” Diane says. “I don’t think I’ll be going to Spain because it’s two weeks before nationals in Oregon, and that’s too much traveling.”

In the future, Diane and her fellow athletes hope to see these competitions become part of school sports. It would be great to have the program in all of the schools.

For her, much of the enjoyment comes from meeting people and making friends around the world.

TAYLOR’S HERO

WRITER: THERESA CAMPBELL

Lake County Fire Rescue Lt. Shannon Bush doesn’t believe his swift actions of saving a little girl from drowning were extraordinary, but the family of Taylor Washburn thinks otherwise.

They call him a hero.

The emergency medical technician, a 1992 Leesburg High School graduate, was recently honored as Firefighter of the Year at the second annual Lake County Fire Rescue Awards Ceremony, and he was also lauded by Elks Lodge No. 1578 for his heroic efforts.

Shannon, 42, says he was doing what he was trained to do.

“None of us are heroes in our eyes; we’re just doing our jobs,” says the veteran EMT, who works at Station No. 53 in Fruitland Park. “I think I was put on earth to do what I do.”

Shannon was on vacation with his wife, Krista, and their son, Jordan, now 2, at an Orlando resort in May 2015, when he sprang into action after Krista heard someone yell, “Call 911!”

Once he noticed a lifeless, unresponsive little girl being pulled from the pool, Shannon immediately began administering cardio resuscitation. He continued to do compressions while others took turns giving her breath.

After about two minutes, the child had a strong pulse and she began moving. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes to take Taylor Washburn, 4, of Columbus, Ohio, to the hospital. She was treated and released the next day.

Lake County Public Safety Director John Jolliff, said law enforcement officers, EMTs, and firefighters are always expected to be ready to act in emergency situations, even when they are off duty.

“Lt. Shannon Bush is a true testament to the notion that firefighters are never off duty. Although he continually shies away from being labeled a hero, his actions that day were nothing short of heroic, and will forever impact the lives of the family he touched,” says the chief. “Lt. Shannon Bush is a prime example of the caliber of firefighters that make up Lake County Fire.”

Shannon says it was “amazing and pretty cool” to be honored by his peers and named Firefighter of the Year.

He was surprised and touched that the Washburn family drove from Ohio to be present and cheer for him when he received his top award.

Taylor, who will soon turn 5, was photographed hugging her favorite firefighter on stage in front of hundreds. Her family gave Shannon a teddy bear with a little

heartbeat to remember her by.

It’s not likely he’ll ever forget Taylor.

“Her family constantly thanks me and praises me,” Shannon says. “We’re friends now, friends for life.”

He delights in getting regular text messages and updates from Taylor’s mother, who recently told him Taylor will be in kindergarten in the fall, and that she passed academic tests geared for the first-grade level.

Taylor was the first child Shannon has saved in his nearly 15year career, though he has saved the lives of several adults.

He hopes his actions in saving little Taylor inspires others to learn CPR.

“Definitely there’s a value in CPR. It’s the best thing for anybody who is unresponsive and the heart is no longer beating. Quick CRP saves lives,” he says.

FACTS

• Each day in the U.S., 10 people die from drowning and two of these are children under the age of 14.

• Florida has the highest drowning rate in the nation for children under 14, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

• For information about CPR classes, see www. heartsoflakeco.com to find one near you.

A ROAD TO BETTER HEALTH

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

Drs. Sijo Parekattil and Jamin Brahmbhatt are driving home the importance of men’s health.

In fact, they’re set to embark on a 6,000-mile journey this month to educate men about the importance of regular screenings and other preventive health measures.

The two Clermont urologists, who are co-directors of the Personalized Urology and Robotics (PUR) Clinic at South Lake Hospital, will drive from Florida to California and make various stops along the way to host health lectures, educational activities, and men’s health rallies.

Their initiative—called Drive for Men’s Health—is in its third year. The idea originated because the doctors were continually treating men who waited too long to seek medical attention and faced dire consequences.

“It’s sad, but the reality is that we diagnose men with testicular cancer and colon cancer that could have been prevented or caught in earlier stages,” Dr. Parekattil says. “So many men do not want to admit they may have an illness and try to tough it out. We want men to know going to the doctor does not have to be a burden on their lives.”

During their cross-country trip, they travel in an electric Tesla Model S, which needs to be recharged every 150 miles. They hold mini-rallies at every charging station, using the car to attract the attention of men and engage them in conversation.

That’s a sound strategy, especially considering that 80 percent of men can remember the make and model

of their first car, while only half can remember the last time they visited a doctor for a check-up, according to a national survey commissioned by Orlando Health.

“The message we’re sending is that men constantly take preventive measures on their vehicles, such as having regular oil changes or changing out the transmission fluid,” Dr. Brahmbhatt says. “Similarly, they need to take preventive measures when it comes to their health. They can always buy a new automobile; they cannot buy a new body.”

In addition to mini-rallies, the doctors visit hospitals and medical colleges, where they make presentations or invite expert physicians to talk about various topics relating to men’s health. Some of the stops during the 2015 cross-country campaign included Emory University in Atlanta, Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and the University of Chicago. A large social media campaign—as well as live videos, webcasts, and media coverage—helps them publicize each event and allows fans to follow their journey from beginning to end.

“We estimate that we reached over 430 million people last year,” Dr. Brahmbhatt says.

This year’s Drive for Men’s Health begins June 9 with a special classic car show held in the parking lot of South Lake Hospital at 7:30 a.m. Clermont country music singer Patrick Gibson is accompanying the doctors on the trip and will perform at Hard Rock Café venues in Orlando, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Manhattan, Cleveland, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

“We really love doing this,” says Dr. Parekattil. “We might see 20 patients in a day in our office, but it’s wonderful to look beyond our office and impact 20 million people.”

Follow the doctors’ journey, log onto www.driveformenshealth.com.

AIMING FOR OLYMPIC GLORY

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, slated Aug. 5-21, will be worth following since 15 world-class athletes from around the globe have ties to south Lake County.

“We are the ‘Choice of Champions,’” Clermont spokesperson Doris Bloodsworth says of her city’s logo, which pays tribute to the thousands of athletes who traveled from 25 countries since 2001 for the opportunity to train at the National

Training Center in Clermont.

Among the Olympic hopefuls: Gymnast Sydney JohnsonScharpf, 15, a Montverde Academy junior, is a contender to become one of five gymnasts (or up to three alternates) to qualify for the United States women’s squad for the Summer Olympics. Sydney is already making history. She’s following the footsteps of her mother, Brandy Johnson-Scharpf, who was on the USA gymnastics team at

FAITHFUL FITNESS

WRITER: MICHELLE CLARK

Searching for a healthier spiritual life rarely begins with the physical aspect. But spiritually integrated physical fitness programs are where many local churches go in hopes of building stronger children and youth programs.

When you view your body as a temple, it’s easy to understand the importance of keeping it healthy with regular exercise. But that is not the only reason churches are developing programs,

the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Brandy placed 10th in the all-around competition, the highest all-around finisher for USA. Sydney trains about 32 hours a week, under the watchful eye of her mom and Kelly Pitzen as her coaches.

Olympic swimming hopeful David Lambert typically spends more than 12 hours a day in and out of the NTC’s Olympic-size pool. When he’s in the water, he’s devoted to working on his freestyle technique.

they see a need in the community for health and recreational resources, and believe it’s their job to fill it.

LifePointe Church of Tavares recently opened Skip Haymans Recreational Park. The park features athletic fields, a trail, pavilions, and more. The church also offers children kindergarten through sixth grade a chance to play basketball, flag football, or soccer and be a cheerleader through Upwards Sports. For adults, there’s a softball league.

The Salvation Army’s new location in Leesburg will be fully operational this summer with a num-

When he’s out of the water, he’s serving as a lifeguard to earn a little spending money. David took a year off from college to be able to work with his coach, Don Gibb, to train for the Olympics.

Mark Parrish is training for the steeplechase event, an obstacle race of distance running, hurdling, and long jumping, and he credits the NTC for having the ideal amenities to help him and other athletes aim for their Olympic goals.

ber of seasonal programs. The new building has a gym with indoor basketball courts. For others, they will offer Zumba classes and other activities aimed at serving recreational and physical needs.

These resources are for the community, not just church members . Churches are intent on developing ways to worship through exercise, and consider these facilities a mission field.

For more information and programs offered, checkout their websites:

www.lifepointechurch.me/recreation/skiphaymans-recreation-park/ www.salvationarmyleesburg.com/

WRITER: THERESA CAMPBELL Mark Parrish

Sydney Johnson-Scharpf

David Lambert

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worsened in the nig When her fathher I made sure my lifeline was there for me.

Michael A. Freedman, DO Otolaryngology

S. Dwight Vaught, MD Otolaryngology

Judith Milstead, MD Otolaryngology

Dino Madonna, MD Surgery, Otolaryngology

ATTENTION!!

WE’RE LOOKING FOR LAKE COUNTY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS 20

We’ve all met that awesome person in the world of health and fitness who made such a big impact on our lives.

• A NUTRITIONIST WHO HELPED YOU SHED UNWANTED POUNDS.

• A PHYSICAL THERAPIST WHO RELIEVED YOUR UNRELENTING BACK PAIN.

• A PERSONAL TRAINER WHO HELPED YOU ACHIEVE GOALS YOU NEVER THOUGHT WERE ATTAINABLE.

• A FAMILY DOCTOR WHO TREATS YOUR CHILDREN’S ILLNESSES AND HAS A WONDERFUL BEDSIDE MANNER. Okay, you get the picture.

Healthy Living wants to recognize Lake County’s top 20 influential people in health and wellness. And we’re asking for the help of our readers.

This month, we want you to visit our website (www.lakehealthyliving.com) and/or our Facebook page so you can list your nominee. You have a full month to make your nomination. From there, we will select the top 20 people who receive the most nominations, and their names will appear on Healthy Living’s website and in the August issue of Healthy Living. We ask you to vote for the person you feel is the most influential in the health and wellness field.

The most influential person will be revealed on the cover of our September issue along with the names and profiles of the other 19 nominees. We’re really looking forward to this because we’ve never done anything like it in the history of Healthy Living. Please understand this effort cannot be a success without YOUR participation. Thanks so much for your help, and we look forward to reading about your nominee!

BODY

Pasta doesn’t make you fat. How much pasta you eat makes you fat.

—Giada De Laurentiis

Five tips to beat belly bloat

When you were a kid, all you

was a with your every reached became difficult

One of the most common have when is bloat. Your abdomen protrudes, and harder fit into a of bloat often comes with other such as reflux, or diarrhea. If you have this and want flatter here are five tips of belly

hen you were a kid, all you had to do to stay trim and fit was kick a ball around with your friends every day after school. But once you reached a certain age, it became increasingly difficult to maintain your healthy shape. One of the most common complaints people have when they get older is belly bloat. Your abdomen protrudes, and it gets harder to fit into a pair of jeans. Belly bloat often comes with other symptoms, such as gas, indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhea. If you have this problem, and you want to regain your old, flatter stomach, here are five tips for getting rid of belly bloat.

1. GET ACTIVE AGAIN

AGAIN

Ask anyone who suddenly developed belly bloat about their activity level over the past few years and chances are they’ve had an extended period of inactivity or lessened activity. The first

Ask anyone bloat about activity level over the years chances are had an extended of inactivity or

thing you must do to get rid of your protruding belly is get active again. You don’t have to feel pressured to take on a full-scale aerobic routine. You can start with 1-mile walks around the park or your neighborhood. The key is consistency. Just because your belly doesn’t go away after one week doesn’t mean you should stop exercising. Make it a new habit and have fun with it.

2. TAKE A PROBIOTIC

Sometimes belly bloat is caused by what is called an “angry gut.” The stomach is “angry” because bad bacteria have taken over the balance of bacteria in your intestinal tract. One simple way to resolve this problem is to take a probiotic pill every day. Invest in a probiotic supplement that is highly rated and recommended by your doctor.

you must do to of be don to feel to ta a ro can start 1-m walks around the par T is Just b doesn’t go one doesn you stop exer a new it bl caused is ca sto because b o balance of bacteria in intestinal tract. One s way to resolve this pr to take a pil Invest in a probi that is hi rated and recommen your doctor.

3. STOP EATING CHEESE

Some deve bloat because o intolerance. can eat or c other pro because their digesti systems don’t make e of a necessary enzym lactase. Think about current Does it i a lot of cheese or milk

Some people develop belly bloat because of lactose intolerance. They can’t drink milk, eat cheese, or consume other dairy-based products because their digestive systems don’t make enough of a necessary enzyme called lactase. Think about your current diet. Does it involve a lot of cheese or milk, and

if so, do you have problems with gas and diarrhea after eating these foods? Limit your consumption of dairy products to see if that helps with belly bloat. If you’re having a hard time giving up cheese completely, take a lactase supplement to make it easier to digest.

4. LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE

Monitor alcohol intake if you want your belly to go back to normal. Drinking too much alcohol causes fatty deposits to develop around the abdominal area. Enzymes in the stomach turn alcohol into storage-ready fats called triglycerides. This phenomenon is most common in men, which is why they are often plagued with “beer belly,” but it can also affect women.

5.

DO YOGA EXERCISES

To get rid of belly bloat, start doing yoga, which is effective because it works muscles and stimulates organs in the body. Doing yoga exercises at least three to five times a week can help you tame that bulging belly over time. Here are three basic stretches you can do to increase your chance of reducing belly bloat.

• The Open Triangle: Stand with one leg in front of the other, then point one arm toward the floor in front of you and the other to the sky.

• Cobra Pose: Lie face-down

on the floor, then lift the front of your body upward with your hands.

• Pontoon Pose: Sit on your mat and then lift your legs and torso into a “V” shape. Reach your hands forward toward your knees.

Getting rid of belly bloat may require you to exercise consistently, take some probiotics, and consume less dairy and alcohol. By following these tips, you may start to see results in just a few months. Maintaining a positive mindset will help you be confident in your ability to get your belly back to normal. Also, remember to consult your doctor before starting a new diet or workout routine.

NO TICKING, BUT THE RISKS ARE THERE

Should men put off having children?

Only if they consider the health risks

Men, unlike women, have no upper age limit on being able to sire children. Historically, men were often older than their partners, sometimes by decades.

In times when men worked to provide for the family and women needed to produce children, it made sense for an older, experienced man to have a younger wife. And now with second or third marriages or postdivorce relationships being common, older men are again becoming parents. But scientists warn that older fathers may be responsible for significant health problems in their children.

Increased age of fathers has been linked to genetic disorders, low birth weight, pregnancy problems, mental illness, autism, and low IQ. Although much research is inconclusive, new advances show a clear relationship between older fathers and genetic mutations. Statistics reveal that older fathers are becoming more common, which increases the likelihood of children born with physical or mental health problems.

In 2016, a team from

Oxford, England, published a paper that explained how “selfish” mutations in sperm were replicated in a similar way to cancer cells so that apparently random mutations appear more frequently than explained by pure chance. Crucially, they showed the rate of mutations was linked closely to the age of the father.

Although women have known for a long time that advancing age might create complications in pregnancy, a 2012 American study found women whose partners

were aged 40 to 45 were 24 percent more likely to have stillborn children—almost 50 percent more likely to have a stillborn child by a man aged over 45. Men over 45 are also more likely to father children who have low birth weight and are born preterm. Other studies reveal a link between the age of fathers and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Numerous studies continue to support this. A 2014 study, published in “JAMA Psychiatry,” looked at outcomes for over 2 million children born between 1973 and 2001 and found older fathers were much more likely to have children with ADHD, who had low academic performance, or who dropped out of school early. There was also evidence that the children of older men are more often born with serious mental health problems such as autism, schizophrenia, and being suicidal.

These problems occur more likely because of the different ways eggs and sperm are produced. Women are born with all the egg cells they will need for life. At puberty, the ovaries begin releasing egg cells and continue until menopause, when the supply of eggs is finished. In contrast, men produce a new supply of sperm roughly every two weeks. Sperm-producing cells split, creating one sperm and one sperm-producing cell, which then splits again. Because this process continues throughout a man’s life, the risk of genetic

abnormalities rises. A man and a woman in their 20s will both, on average, pass on about 20 mutations to their children.

There is no reason older men shouldn’t have healthy, happy children. There are some advantages to having an older father: They are often more financially secure, more emotionally mature, and more committed

to relationships. But any couple considering putting off children until they’re older should consider the health risks associated with older fathers. The decision shouldn’t just be about the ability of the parents to provide for children materially and emotionally, but also their ability to provide the best possible genetic inheritance.

THERE IS NO REASON OLDER MEN SHOULDN’T HAVE HEALTHY, HAPPY CHILDREN. THERE ARE SOME ADVANTAGES TO HAVING AN OLDER FATHER: THEY ARE OFTEN MORE FINANCIALLY SECURE, MORE EMOTIONALLY MATURE, AND MORE COMMITTED TO RELATIONSHIPS.

BEEF AND CABBAGE STIR FRY

SERVES 4 TO 6

A simple, one-pan meal with a lot of options for a customized taste your family will love.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• Brown beef in a large skillet or wok, adding spices to taste as you go.

• When beef is almost completely browned, add sliced onions and grated carrots.

• When onions/carrots are starting to soften, add cabbage and spice well.

• Cook about 10 more minutes, stirring often until cabbage starts to soften. Serve. Can be topped with salsa or sour cream, if desired.

“My favorite thing to do is teach how to cook easy, healthy, budget-friendly meals with minimal ingredients!”

Jaime Alonso, certified health coach

I received my initial training and certification as a wellness coach at Spencer Institute. I then continued my training as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge health coach training program. During my training, I studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovating coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. My teachers included Dr. Andrew Weil, director of The Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willet, chair of nutrition at Harvard University; Geenan Roth, best-selling author and expert on emotional eating; and many other leading researchers and nutrition authorities.

My responsibility at TNT is to help you create a “sustainable” lifestyle change. Meeting you where you are in your journey and equipping you with practical tools to grow and learn new strategies; teaching you how to shop and meal plan; helping you create new ideas; and learning how to go out to eat are a few of the hands-on lessons you receive. I teach you how to life well for life!

1 pound ground beef (or turkey, venison, etc.)

2 carrots, grated

2 onions, thinly sliced Spices to taste: salt, pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, etc. (I use at least a teaspoon of each.)

1 small head of cabbage, chopped

A HEALTHY, QUICK, AND EASYTO-MAKE MEAL THAT’S READY IN MINUTES

MIND

If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.

— Lao Tzu

STYLE YOUR LIFE FOR BRAIN HEALTH

The way you live your life has a massive effect on your brain health. To get the most out of your noggin, consider adopting some of these beneficial lifestyle principles.

WRITER: KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN

LIFESTYLE PRINCIPLE 1: Exercise your body to keep a healthy brain.

Physical exercise is your health foundation.

When we talk about the brain, it’s easy to think of it as something isolated and separate from the rest of our body. It’s easy to forget your brain is really a highly integrated part of your body, and is sensitive to however you treat your body. The reality is your body’s health condition is one of the most direct ways you can affect your brain’s health and performance. When you train your body’s

circulatory system, you’re also strengthening the circulatory system of your brain. When you strengthen your body you also strengthen your brain. When you go running or lift weights you stimulate not only the muscles, but also the growth hormones of the brain.

Physical activity protects your brain. By exercising your body and heart, you can reduce the risk of brain disease significantly. People who exercise and have higher physical fitness levels have a much-reduced risk of developing dementia.

So staying physically active has a real protective effect on your brain. A study with participants in their 70s found those who exercised more had less brain shrinkage and fewer signs of decline in memory and thinking skills. An added benefit of cardiovascular exercise is it reduces potential dementia risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

The bottom line is the better your physical shape, the better your brain health will be.

LIFESTYLE PRINCIPLE 2: Sleep well for good brain health.

Sleep is your primary source of mental replenishment. Sleep is important for brain health because that’s when it repairs and strengthens itself. Things

you learned during the day are replayed while you sleep. Your brain is uncluttering and processing your experiences. During this process, the patterns and connections in your brain’s neural networks are getting stronger. If you don’t allow yourself the full benefit of sleep, it would be like going to the gym and then refusing to eat afterwards.

Sleep protects your brain.

Studies have also linked sleep disturbances to Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to anxiety and depression. Having poor sleep patterns leads to detrimental brain changes over time. A scary study showed poor sleep quality in people over 60 years

of age was associated with widespread increases in brain shrinkage. The conclusion was maintaining good sleep hygiene throughout life is essential for slowing and preventing the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and a wide range of other cognitive conditions.

So plump up your pillows and prepare for a nap! If you want to give your brain the best conditions for brain health, get your hoursof high-quality sleep!

LIFESTYLE PRINCIPLE 3: Managing stress is managing your brain health.

Stress is your most insidious mental enemy. Stress is perhaps the best know and least treated health condition of modern time. Stress can be used for the good,

but only if you have a great self-awareness and know how to control it, and the task you need to do is fairly straightforward. Prolonged stress is like a wild horse trampling through the beautiful, wellkept garden that is your brain. Stress affects your general health and thus your brain health, and it can actually directly cause the destruction of brain cells.

Managing stress protects your brain.

A long-running Swedish study found that women who experienced frequent stress over several

years were more than twice as likely to develop dementia years later. Learn to pay attention to your stress level. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and take it seriously. Dealing with stress is easier said than done, so I encourage you to start by learning more about stress. I bet you already know a handful of people who have suffered from severe stress. Start by talking to them. Listen to their stories and ask their advice. Most work places don’t have active stress prevention programs, so you’ll most likely have to take action on this one yourself.

IT’S EASY TO FORGET YOUR BRAIN IS REALLY A HIGHLY INTEGRATED PART OF OUR BODY, AND IS SENSITIVE TO HOWEVER YOU TREAT YOUR BODY.

IT F B A

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

STORY: DEBI MACINTYRE, M.ED.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently released the good news that Lake County is the 14th healthiest county in Florida out of 67 counties! While celebrating good strides in improving our physical health, it’s important to keep in mind the importance of our mental health, too!

Be Free Lake was awarded the “Now is the Time—Project Aware” Grant in October 2015. The purpose of this award is to increase mental health literacy of adults in Lake and Sumter Counties. To accomplish this goal, we trained 28 Mental Health First-Aid instructors from key stakeholders within Lake and Sumter Counties and the 5th Judicial Circuit including Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Families, Kids Central, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties, and LifeStream Behavioral Center. Through these partnerships, we plan to address mental health issues in our community.

“You’re not Alone” is the media campaign. The words, “mental health” are not bad words. We need to take care of our minds as well as our bodies. Part of that is finding the courage to talk to someone if you have feelings of sadness or feel stressed. Having a mental health issues is so common that even some historical figures experienced mental

health issues throughout their lives. For example, Abraham Lincoln suffered suicidal thoughts and was the 16th President of the United States. Isaac Newton suffered from manic depression and discovered gravity!

Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour certified training course that teaches participants a five-step plan to assess a situation, select and implement interventions, and secure appropriate care for the individual. The course introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. This CPR-like program will increase your knowledge of mental disorders while reducing stigmas and increasing the amount of help provided to others.

As community members, we each play a role in becoming a preventionfocused community. As family members, service providers and key stakeholders, we are the heart of our community.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a free public education training that teaches recovery and resiliency—the belief that individuals can and do get better and use their strength to stay well. Just as CPR helps an individual having a heart attack—even if you have no clinical training— MHFA helps an individual in a crisis situation.

Being armed with a basic understanding of what different mental illnesses and addictions are, how they can affect a person’s daily life, and what helps individuals experiencing these challenges get well, can allow us to move forward in becoming a strong and healthy community.

FIVE

STEPS IN MENTAL HEALTH

FIRST AID

1. Assess risk of self harm or suicide

2. Listen without judgment

3. Reassure and provide helpful information

4. Encourage professional support

5.Suggest self-care techniques

For more information about receiving this free training and certification, contact Dr. Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro at Jenenne@befreelake. MHFA classes are offered on an ongoing basis. MHFA will also provide speakers for your community group or organization. Contact:

Be Free Lake, Executive Director 352.408.2009 or Debi@ befreelake.org

HEALTHY HABITS FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Maintaining your mental health, or recovering it, is important to your daily life. Stress, poor mental health, and an overwhelming amount of negativity can affect your physical health, as well as your ability to function. Though society seems to operate around success and hard work to the detriment of rest, this isn’t a healthy attitude. As much as you need to look after your body, you need to look after your mind, too.

A necessary step to look after your mental health is giving yourself permission to do so. It can become easy to push yourself and your needs aside to care for others, but you can’t allow responsibilities

to swallow up your resources and time. Take care of yourself, meet your needs, and unwind so you have the resources necessary for your day-to-date life and whatever extraordinary circumstances you find yourself in. You can’t depend on anyone else to make yourself a priority. How people process themselves and the environment around them comes from the narrative in their heads. It translates our experiences and interprets our senses into a story. In this story is how we see ourselves. Many people talk about hearing a disapproving parent or adult figure scolding them when they’ve done something wrong. It’s also this voice that tells you how you feel about yourself. But this voice and the story it tells isn’t permanent.

Try focusing on the positives, correct the voice when it tells you something negative, and learn to change the story in your head. You’ll be surprised by what a difference it can make in your life and how you feel about yourself.

A lot of people don’t have time for hobbies or enjoyable activities anymore. With TV becoming cheaper and with a wider variety of shows, it’s easy to waste free time “unwinding” in front of a screen. However, the boost a hobby can provide to your mental health is priceless. Find one or two things you like to do—sport, reading, something creative, cooking, going for walks, or writing—and spend some time with it. Allow yourself time to enjoy it. You don’t have to do something productive all the time, but instead of zoning out in front of the TV, engage with the world around you, which will help you slow down and improve your mental health.

Mental health is something people have slowly become more aware of in the last 10 years, but it’s always been a part of life, and a big one. Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health, and should be as much a priority. For those who are feeling stressed or too negative, there are a few things you can do to help find balance. But if nothing seems to help and you’re feeling in a rut, don’t be afraid to speak to someone. Mental health issues aren’t as taboo as they have been and you may not realize the cloud you’ve been operating under until it starts to clear. The difference will be surprising.

WRITER: GAIL FERO

TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS AS IMPORTANT AS TAKING CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND SHOULD BE AS MUCH A PRIORITY.

SPIRIT

The world is starving for a new spiritual truth - a truth that works in sustaining life, not a truth that brings an end to life.

—Neale Donald Walsch

GET YOUR HOPES UP

How many times has someone said to you, “Don’t get your hopes up?” The rationale being that getting your hopes up leads to disappointment when something doesn’t happen.

If you’ve been familiar with the concept of manifestation for a while, you’ll know this is a defeatist attitude.

What have we got to lose by keeping our hopes up? Sure, we may experience a little disappointment if something doesn’t go our way, but if this is the only

downside to keeping your hopes up, then what do we have to worry about?

There are two things that stand between humanity and the belief in miracles. The first problem is people have been conditioned toward negative thinking more than positive thinking. One example of this is our ability to believe in miracles. Miracles are something Jesus did, and we don’t consider ourselves as worthy of miracles as Jesus. But Jesus was human just like the rest of us, and He was adamant that His ability

to manifest miracles was something we all had.

The second thing is rationality. It has often been said the thing that sets humanity apart from the rest of the animal world is our ability to be rational. Well, that may be true from a completely evolutionary viewpoint, but our faith in rationality has overtaken our faith in our ability as conscious creators. This had a devastating effect on our acceptance of anything that lies outside of the limited parameters of the rational mind, including how to use the law of attraction.

Getting your hopes up is what life should be about. Being hopeful is life affirming and can produce results beyond your wildest dreams. In fact, you should not only keep your hopes up, you should also elevate them to the point where you expect miracles to happen daily.

The sad truth is people are often afraid of their power. On some level, we all intuitively understand we are powerful beyond belief, and this is what frightens us. One of the human race’s biggest challenges is learning to set aside fear and embrace our status as powerful creators. But connecting with the source can only do this. Make the choice today to live with this new knowledge and to expect miracles and happy events to flow into your life regularly. The universe has given us this power. Don’t waste it by expecting predictable outcomes.

WRITER: LINDA PAULL

High-Tech Health Care

A group of trained surgeons performing minimally invasive surgeries with the use of robotic technologies.

Da Vinci robot features a magnifi ed 3D HD vision system and special instruments that bend and rotate equal to the human wrist. The features enable our surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control, through a minimally invasive incision.

One of the many procedures performed is the treatment for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). The most common signs and symptoms of GERD are frequent acid reflux and heartburn.

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

Clermont

1804 Oakley Seaver Dr. Suite A

Clermont, FL 34711

352.243.2622

Ocoee

10000 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 288

Ocoee, FL 34761 407.521.3600

TIPS FOR BECOMING MORE ENLIGHTENED SPIRITUALLY

1 MEDITATION THROUGH PRAYER OR CHANTING

Studies show individuals who make time to meditate each day have a higher reported level of satisfaction in their life. They also experience fewer instances of depression and illness.

2. FASTING

This may not be an option for everyone, but if you are healthy enough for a short-term fast, it can be an immensely enriching experience. Many individuals report achieving higher levels of consciousness through fasting. Studies also how intermittent short-term

fasting can help your body combat illness.

3. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

This is one step every person can take today to remove negative energies from their lives and reach a higher level of satisfaction in their spiritual journey. It is said that forgiveness is not a gift you give your oppressor, it is a gift you give yourself. It is hard to achieve spiritual enlightenment if you are holding negative energy due to past hurts and experiences.

4. CONNECT TO OTHERS WHO ARE ON THE SAME PATH AS YOU If other individuals in your

life seek to enrich their life spiritually, listen to what they say and join them on their journey. It is possible they are only meant to be in your life temporarily, but even if they are only here for a season, chances are they will impart a new facet of spiritual enlightenment to you.

5. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO FEEL LIFE MORE DEEPLY

Many of us shut ourselves down spiritually without even knowing it. It is important to allow yourself to experience life on a deeper level. When you are on a spiritual pilgrimage, you may experience the

most exhilarating highs or occasional very deep lows. Don’t push these feelings aside. You can learn something new from every emotion and season you experience.

Regardless of what measures you take in becoming a more spiritually enlightened person, it is important to recognize your journey quite often can be the true destination. To be a more spiritually enlightened person requires you to make a choice each day to experience life on a deeper level. When you open yourself up to all the world around you has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!

No matter who you are or where you are at in life, everyone can benefit from pursuing a path of greater spiritual enlightenment. This can mean many different things to many different people, but here is a simple list to help guide you into a more enriching spiritual journey.

DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

DR. VATSAL INAMDAR

ERICA HARDEN, ARNP

BRYAN CARTER, MPA-C

DR. GEORG COUTURIER

SCOTT WOJCIECHOWSKI, PA

A- C

SCOTT W

Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani offers a new life-changing treatment for women experiencing post-menopausal vulvo-vaginal pain.

After menopause, or even breast cancer treatments, it isn’t uncommon for women to experience bothersome vaginal discomforts such as dryness, itching, burning, and urinary incontinence and painful intercourse. Sadly, too many women have felt it necessary to suffer through these symptoms in silence—that is until now.

Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani of the Female Continence & Pelvic Surgery Center in The Villages now offers MonaLisa Touch, a cutting-edge novel fractional CO2 laser therapy that stimulates a healing process in

the vaginal canal. By reactivating the production of new collagen, complete tissue regeneration can begin to tone and re-establish elasticity in the vaginal walls that, in turn, will help improve one’s quality of life and personal relationships.

MonaLisa Touch is a safe, simple, in-office procedure that requires no anesthesia and has no downtime. Patients can expect to receive three treatments that are spaced six weeks apart. Many woman report symptom improvement after the very first treatment and even greater relief

after the second and third treatments. The entire procedure itself lasts less than five minutes and is virtually painless with no side effects.

After completing the full course of treatment, patients are typically asked to have a single procedure done annually for maintenance. This can be performed quickly and conveniently during an annual checkup.

For more information about MonaLisa Touch and how it can improve your gynecological health, call the Female Continence & Pelvic Surgery Center at 352.633.0703.

Female Continence & Pelvic Surgery Center

FINANCE

Every family in America knows they have to do a budget. Every small business in America knows they have to do a budget. Every local government, every state, knows they have to do a budget.

—John Boehner

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

How bankruptcy affects your credit report

WRITER: CIELE EDWARDS

Bankruptcy is a last resort when financial pressures become too intense to manage. Depending on which type of bankruptcy you file, this process allows you to either reorganize your debt or eliminate it entirely. While bankruptcy carries considerable benefits for those overwhelmed by debt, those benefits come with consequences. Bankruptcy has disastrous effects on your credit reports and credit scores that impacts your financial freedom for many years.

INITIAL CREDIT REPORT IMPACT

The degree to which a bankruptcy will affect your credit scores depends entirely on how high your credit scores are when the bankruptcy initially appears on your report. The higher your credit scores are, the greater the impact a bankruptcy will have. This is true not just of bankruptcy but of all negative credit report entries.

On average, you can expect a bankruptcy to have an impact of anywhere from 100 to 300 points, depending on your initial credit scores. By the time most people file for bankruptcy, they’ve already defaulted on numerous debts. This causes credit scores to drop and, as a result, decreases the bankruptcy’s negative effect once it appears on their credit reports. The cumulative effect, however, remains the same.

BANKRUPTCY TYPES AND THE CREDIT REPORTING PERIOD

There are two different types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 10

and Chapter 7. Chapter 10 is the more common of the two and doesn’t directly eliminate debt. Rather, it requires the debtor to submit to a stringent repayment period lasting three to five years. Because this form of bankruptcy requires, at least, partial repayment of debt, it remains on the debtor’s credit report for only seven years.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, by contrast, allows debtors to eliminate most or all of their debts without repayment. This type of bankruptcy indicates an individual is a higher financial risk for future creditors and is one of the few negative entries that can remain on an individual’s credit report for 10 years.

Fortunately for those who’ve had to file either form of bankruptcy, damaging credit entries have less of a negative impact as time passes. Because of this, it is possible for individuals to at least partially rebuild their credit ratings even if their credit reports contain a past bankruptcy. Potential

creditors, however, can still see the bankruptcy and will take it into consideration when making credit and loan decisions.

REBUILDING CREDIT AFTER A BANKRUPTCY

Many individuals make the mistake of ignoring their credit reports because those reports contain a bankruptcy. Once the credit reporting period passes, the credit bureaus remove the bankruptcy. Your credit scores then rest on the strength of the other information that appears on your credit report. Because any other negative information connected to the bankruptcy will be deleted either along with or before the bankruptcy’s deletion, it is imperative that you begin to repair your credit rating before the bankruptcy’s deletion. The best way to build good credit is to pay your current creditors on time. During bankruptcy, however, most or all of your creditors are eliminated. In some cases, you can retain your mortgage or even your auto loan. If this

occurs, paying these debts on time is crucial since obtaining new accounts can be challenging immediately following a bankruptcy.

If you lack any accounts in good standing, consider waiting a few years and then applying for a secured credit card. Although secured credit cards carry much greater restrictions than the unsecured variety, they can be instrumental in helping those with damaged credit increase their scores.

While there are ways to mitigate the damage bankruptcy causes to your credit rating, there is no way to eliminate the damage in its entirety until the credit reporting period runs its course. Even then, you’ll likely find yourself rebuilding your credit from scratch. The best way to protect your credit from the damage bankruptcy will inevitably cause is to manage your finances in such a way that you never find yourself facing bankruptcy in the first place.

STICK TO YOUR BUDGET PLAN

Like diets and gym memberships, the best-laid budget plans are useless if you don’t stick to them. With just a few dedicated minutes a week, you can keep your money streamlined and efficient.

1Pick the right space. Find a place to store your list of expenses and receipts until you’re ready to reconcile them. No need to build a separate study or install a mahogany desk: a space on the kitchen counter or the dinner table will do just fine. Be sure the space is clean and without distractions. Consider a shoe box or cheap office bin to keep the bills, receipts, and canceled checks together. Remember, don’t remove the bills from the bin until you’re sure they’ve cleared your account.

2 Keep budgeting simple. A budget must track incoming cash and outgoing expenses. Additionally, you might want to subtract anticipated expenses like groceries, day care, or

entertainment. You can record your budget with a professional software package, but you can do just as well with a basic spreadsheet program or a good old fashioned notebook and calculator. Whichever you decide, keep it consistent; don’t mark last week’s budget on a spreadsheet and this week’s on a napkin. If you want to successfully track spending over time, keep it neat and in one place.

expenses, and reconcile any recent checks from your checkbook. When you’re finished, reward yourself. Good habits are built through repetition and reward. Save that cup of hot chocolate or that favorite movie until these tasks are done. Train your mind to associate budgeting with a reward rather than stress and boredom.

4

Make your budget a routine, not a chore. A good budget simply means sticking to a routine. Once a week for about 15 minutes can make all the difference. Sit down with your bills, receipts, and checkbook. Prepare any bills that need to be mailed, record your latest

3

Don’t be ambushed by avoidable mistakes. Nothing blows a budget like a late fee. Look at the dates on the bills. If the bills are being mailed, give yourself two or three days, so they arrive on time. Order personal checks well before you get to the end of the checkbook. Consider placing a new order when you start the final book.

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PROSTATE?

Does this sound familiar? As you grow older, do you realize you are getting up more often at night to urinate? Have you come to accept this as in inevitable part of aging as your father did or his father before him?

There is no need for men to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older. Dr. James Young, a down-to-earth urologist in Lake County since 1982, has successfully treated thousands of patients who suffer with enlarged prostate (BPH). What’s even better is that treatment options are more numerous and far less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Dr. Young is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in Prostiva RF Therapy, an in-office procedure for the treatment of enlarged prostate in men. Prostiva utilizes low-level radiofrequency energy to destroy the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate The procedure allows men to stop taking medications for their prostate issues without undergoing major surgery.

That distinction has placed him on Castle Connelly’s prestigious Top Docs list for five consecutive years.

“Dr. Young is one of the pioneers and current leaders of in-office BPH therapy, particularly with the Prostiva RF therapy system,” said Greg Fluet, former CEO of Urologix, Inc. “He has been a consistent and committed champion. For that, I have significant respect and admiration.”

Dr. Young has performed more Prostiva procedures than any urologist in the United States and possibly the world. In 2014, he performed nearly 400 Prostiva procedures, accounting for approximately 5 percent of the 8,000 performed worldwide.

The procedure is performed in Dr. Young’s office under local anesthesia. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for many patients using Prostiva RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated nearly 3,000 patients with this procedure.

Not only is Dr. Young happy; patients are extremely satisfied, as

well. That’s evidenced by the glowing reviews he receives on healthgrades. com and vitals.com from patients who underwent the procedure.

“His revolutionary procedure was easy with very little discomfort,” wrote one patient.

“My urinary problems have disappeared, I sleep better, and have significantly more energy,” another patient wrote.

Dr. Young encourages all patients to visit vitals.com and healthgrades. com to find for themselves what patients are saying. Dr. Young’s Healthgrades online profile was visited 2,311 times between January 2015 and January 2016, ranking him 18th among 978 urologists in Florida.

Always striving to be on the cutting-edge of therapies to treat enlarged prostates, Dr. Young will soon be offering a new procedure called Rezum. This safe and efficient treatment uses thermal energy in

water vapor to remove obstructive tissue surrounding the prostate. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia or oral sedation. Dr. Young will be the first urologist in Central Florida to offer this cutting-edge treatment.

“It takes less time to perform and destroys even more of the obstructive tissue. It also has rapid symptom relief and minimal discomfort. I’m usually not a doctor who jumps on new technology, but I’ve talked to many urologists who have studied this procedure in clinical trials and are now using this therapy at their practices today. They are extremely pleased with the results they’re receiving.”

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board-certified Urologist

Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

Comprehensive care

If you are a first-time patient of Dr. Young, you will receive a detailed examination.

“When I see a new patient I perform physical examinations and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” Dr. Young said. “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 enlarged prostate 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, officebased therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

With an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor

Nationally recognized board-certified urologist

(many have worked with Dr. Young for 25 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 patients’ time as much as we do our own. 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 waking up at night and have difficulty falling back asleep because you’re worried what may be wrong, then it is time to check in with Dr. Young and have him examine you.

“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.”

Prostate Cancer Screening

Annually over 50 years of age (At age 40 if family history or African American) Second opinions offered

James W. Young III, M.D.

I FACED CANCER

AND DISCOVERED THE STRENGTH OF MY COMMUNITY.

JUNE 4

Cool Summer Mornings 5K Series #1

a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 19239 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont.

Information: 1.800.768.WINE

JUNE 14

As a prostate cancer survivor, I know how to stand strong. When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my doctor referred me to InterCommunity Cancer Center.

“I heard about InterCommunity Cancer Center from my friend who received personalized care from their physicians and staff. The wonderful staff made me feel like family. The biggest advantage in receiving treatment with InterCommunity Cancer Center was having the center located right here where I live. And I loved the convenient parking.”

Now cancer-free, I want others to know the strength and quality of personalized cancer care in our community.

Contact InterCommunity Cancer Center to discuss your treatment options.

InterCommunity Cancer Center is accredited by The American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards developed by ACR after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

This walk/run begins on the residential streets of Clermont before picking up on the South Lake Trail. The event concludes with an awards ceremony, and all participants receive colorful event shirts. Start time: 8 a.m. at Clermont’s Waterfront Park. Information: sommersports.com/Events/ Running/Cool-SummerMornings-5K-Series/CoolSummer-Mornings-5K-1

JUNE 4

Fit Track Family Fitness Fun Day

Leesburg Regional Medical Center is dedicating fitness stations on the walking/ running track located at the LRMC Urgent Care Center. The event includes free demonstrations, blood pressure screenings, and informational booths to help with losing weight and quitting smoking. Cost: Free. 9 a.m. to noon. Information: 352.323.5506.

JUNE 10–12

26th Annual Harvest Festival

Mended Hearts Support Group

Mended Hearts offers hope to patients with heart disease, as well as their families and caregivers.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares.

Information: 352.253.3399.

JUNE 14

GYN Cancer Support Group

A cancer diagnosis begins a journey that is both physically and emotionally challenging. This group provides an opportunity to be with other cancer patients and survivors and receive encouragement and support. Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman’s Cancer Institute Conference Room, 4000 Waterman Way. Information: 352.253.3605.

JUNE 14 & 16

AARP Drivers Safety Program

922 Rolling Acres Road | Lady Lake, FL 32159

855.403.2519

www.icccvantage.com

Grapes are said to reduce risk of cancer and blood pressure. Immerse yourself in grapes galore at Lakeridge Winery’s flagship festival. Enjoy a grapestomping contest and live entertainment. Cost: $2 donation to benefit Hospice Foundation. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11

This is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers ages 50 and older. The course helps them remain safe on today’s busy roads and gives them a muchneeded “tune-up” about the highway laws. Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. LiveWell Fitness Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Information: 352.294.0250.

JUNE 16

Breastfeeding Class

A class on the basics of breastfeeding such as getting started in the hospital, positioning, and breastfeeding management.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15. Leesburg Regional Medical Center, 600 E. Dixie Ave. Information: 352.323.5960

JUNE 21

Establishing Breastfeeding

Learn the basics of how breastfeeding works, how to put your baby to a breast for feeding, how to recognize feeding cues, and how to troubleshoot problems.

6:30 to 9 p.m. at South Lake Hospital, 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Information: 352.241.7109.

JUNE 28

Newborn Care Class

This single-evening class provides expectant parents with the basics of newborn care. Topics include bathing, diapering, and infant CPR.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15. Class is held in the classroom at Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Life Center for Women. Information: 352.323.5960

JULY 1

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, P.U.N. (Pity Us Not)

MS patients join others with similar challenges and discuss improved lifestyle management techniques. This support

group is designed to be fun, educational, and positive. 10 to 11 a.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman Mattison Conference Room F, 1000 Waterman Way. Information: 352.343.8110.

JULY 6

Eating Well With Diabetes

Led by a registered dietitian, this free community class helps diabetics and pre-diabetics learn proper nutrition. LiveWell Fitness Center at South Lake Hospital, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Information: 352.241.7109.

LIVING’ IN LAKE AND LOVIN’ IT

BY JAMES COMBS

In October, I’ll be able to say that I’ve proudly called Lake County home for 30 years. I was only 10 when my dad landed a banking job here and uprooted the family from our Old Kentucky Home in Louisville.

Much has changed in Lake during the past 30 years.

The Villages proudly claims the title of the country’s largest retirement community.

Clermont is one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Florida and has enjoyed a population growth of 112.88 percent since 2000.

Leesburg Bikefest has become the world’s largest three-day motorcycle and music event.

The Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival in Tavares is the largest vintage boat show in the United States.

Downtown Tavares, once known as a site for government offices and not much else, has transformed into the “seaplane capital of the world.”

And yet, despite the growth and all the exciting things that have happened in this county, it still maintains a stigma among some as being very redneck and very backwoods. My former college roommate

at the University of Central Florida perfectly demonstrated this misguided way of thinking.

“You ought to move away from the sticks and move back to Orlando,” he told me several years ago.

The sticks? Lake is the 18th most populated county in the country’s fourth-most populated state. If Lake is the sticks, what would that make Florida’s 49 counties that are less populated than Lake?

Then there’s those hilarious Facebook posts from former high school classmates who moved from the county years ago, have no idea what’s going on here, but have no trouble bashing Lake nonetheless.

“I’m glad I’m in California now because the people here are so much more open-minded and tolerant,” wrote one classmate whom I graduated with from Tavares

High School in 1994. “I couldn’t move back and feel sorry for the people who never left. Lake County is full of small towns and people with small minds.”

Okay, so you detest ignorant people but see no problem with applying stereotypes and generalizations about the county’s 308,034 residents? Oh, the irony! I’m so glad you’re one of those open-minded, tolerant Californians.

Then you have some who find fault with Lake County because there’s not as much to do here as in a large metropolitan area. Unless you’re an avid outdoorsman, there’s obviously some truth to that. But it’s also one of the biggest no-crap-Sherlock statements anyone could possibly make. Nobody with half a brain stem would expect Lake to have the extensive selection of restaurants,

museums, and attractions found in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Duh!

Rather than cling to the tired, old stereotypes of Lake, it’s time for some people to open their eyes and focus on all the positive attributes this county offers. They’d see a county that hosts top-notch festivals and events. They’d see a county full of innovative business leaders who gainfully employ thousands of residents. Finally, they’d see a county with compassionate people who enthusiastically exhibit community pride and support wonderful causes.

And did I mention the Harris Chain of Lakes is one of the country’s biggest fishing hotspots that continually attracts anglers from all over the world?

If you don’t appreciate that, you can kiss my bass.