Healthy Living March 2016

PLANNING FOR IT

e T

Once“Youonlylivetwice: Andwhenyouareborn. oncewhenyoulook deathintheface.”

Intheend,it'snotthe arsinyourlifethat unt.It'sthelifein youryears.

—AbrahamLincoln

“Thereportofmydeath wasanexaggeration.”

—MarkTwain

IT’S A LIVING

MEET PEOPLE WHO DEAL WITH DEATH FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD

houghtthatIwaslearninghow vebeenlearninghowtodie.

berLifeisn'tmeasuredbythe ofbreathsyoutake,but thenumberofmomentsthat takeyourbreathaway

—Leonardo da Vinci

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GOOD GRIEF!

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—Neil

“It's erbett to nbur out than to away.”fade

Itdie.tonothingistonotightfulfris live.” — Victor Hugo

people“Manydie twentyatfive and iedburen'taruntil earythe seventy-five.”

WE HAVE MANY EXPRESSIONS FOR DEATH BUT EVEN MORE WAYS TO AVOID TALKING ABOUT IT. SINCE IT’S PART OF EVERYONE'S LIFE, WE THOUGHT IT HEALTHY TO TAKE

death;“I’mnotafraidof wantIjustdon’t tobetherewhenithappens.”

—Confucius

“Deathisthecure

Eitherthismanisdead ormywatchhasstopped —GrouchoMarx

—WoodyAllen

“Iintendtoliveforever. Sofar,sogood.”

"Death is jus t natur e's way of tell ing you to slow down." ery certain esire of life rolongs it.

—Lord Byron

—GarrisonKielor iffoundIhavethatlife,youlove lifeywilllove ouback.

nice"Theysaysuch peoplethingsabout attheirmakesfuneralsthatit mesadmisthatI'mgoingto smineby justafewdays."

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rthurRubinstein

—HenryDavidThoreau

allDeathisthecurefor diseases

—ThomasBrowne

Cowards die manytimes before their deaths;the valiantnever tasteofdeath but once.

—William Shakespeare

Thereallyfrighteningthingaboutmiddleageistheknowledge thatyou'll growoutofit.

—Benjamin Franklin

—DorisDay

Andtheydieanequaldeath—the idlerand the man ofmighty deeds

Homer,Iliad

Thequality, thelongevity, ofone'slife iswhatis important.

— Martin Luther King,

Jr.

—ThomasBrowne equalAndtheydiean death–theidlerandthe manofmightydeeds —Homer,Iliad

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.

—John Lennon

— Steven Wright

“Nothing inlifeis certain except death and taxes.”

Lifeisreallysimple,butweinsistonmakingitcomplicated.

learWhileIthoughtthat beeninghowtolive nlearningh

Franklin—Benjamin

Infamous Last Words

of

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.

The Heart Institute

“I’ m just a little out

breath, it’ s nothing.”

Your partners for life

Dr. Theresa Mills has been an interv r en e tional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates since August 2008. For her, educating patients about the importance of taking their health to heart is the most enjoyable aspect of the job.

“

“There are few things more rewarding than helping patients with heart disease overcome their problems,” she said. “My goal is to help them live well and feel good.”

Therearefewthingsmorerewardingthan

Her duties range from placing stents in coronary arteries to radial approach of cardiac catheterization.

“My job is to encourage each patient to live a healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle and being proactive in their health is what it’s all about.”

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

22 // FACING DEATH

A death-row inmate and a church stuntman share how staring death right in the face has changed them as human beings.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

28 // YOUR LIFE, YOUR TERMS

Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, but having your wishes known and funeral arrangements in place will make it a bit easier

WRITER: SHEMIR WILES, LEIGH NEELY AND MICHELLE CLARK

HEALTHYBODY

SADNESS AND STRESS

44 Grief can trigger a sad state of affairs in our body.

PORTEBELLO MUSHROOM

MINI-PIZZA

46 It’s devoid of calories but full of flavor!

HEALTHYMIND

CAREGIVER BURNOUT

50 Take this test to see if you’re cool as a cucumber or totally toasted.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

52 Top exercises for your physical and emotional well-being.

32 // GOOD GRIEF

When a loved one dies, it’s natural to experience grief. Read about nine stages of grief and how to effectively cope through each stage.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

March 2016

HEALTHYSPIRIT

LOSING A PET

56 We identify some purrfect ways to cope.

LOSING A LOVED ONE

57 Strategies to cope with the loss of a family member.

THE DIGITAL AFTERLIFE

58 How various social media sites deal with a user’s death.

36 // IT’S A LIVING

You can certainly earn a living through death—and even be passionate about it. Read about the careers of a medical examiner, a funeral director, and a Hospice chief executive officer.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

HEALTHYFINANCE

SAVINGS STRATEGIES

64 When it comes to finances, you need to be right on the money.

DAVE SAYS

66 Financial expert Dave Ramsey talks inheritance, dental policies.

DIRECTION: JOE DELEON & JAMIE MARK

YOU FIT IT WITH A NEW ONE.

When you’re ready to shift from feeling old to feeling like your old self again, call the caring professionals of FMI.

Knee pain can create a vicious cycle of lopsided body mechanics and inactivity, leading to more pain and dysfunction. But before you resign yourself to being parked on the sidelines, consider what your life could be like with a brand new knee. I’ve performed thousands of knee replacement surgeries, including the unicompartmental knee replacement procedure. It has put countless patients back on the road to active, healthy living.

e with a brand new knee. I’ve ands of knee surgeries, ding the knee cement It has put less back on the road to e, living

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DIGITIZE YOUR LIFE.

SHOW YOUR LOVE.

GET YOURS.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $72. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $85 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

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IT’S A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

For most people, the word death instantly strikes fear and horror in their hearts. They think of the difficulty of no longer being around family and friends, and they feel there are too many unchecked items on their bucket list.

And then there is fear of what comes in the afterlife. Is there a heaven and a hell? Is there life after death? Will we come back reincarnated as a human or an animal and once again enjoy the pleasures of an earthly life? Does it bring an eternal void of nothingness?

Here’s something everyone needs to remember: When it comes to preventing death, we are completely powerless. Despite our mightiest and bravest efforts, trying to keep ourselves out of a casket or urn will ultimately end in failure.

That brings me to this month’s issue. For several years, our chief creative officer, Jamie Mark, has suggested having an issue of Healthy Living dedicated to the very topic I mentioned above—death. I was always hesitant to go forward with the idea because, like so many people, I felt it was too dark and grim of a subject.

In recent months, though, my thought process has changed. Death is a natural part of life, and it is certainly not a topic we should sweep under the rug. If we talk openly about death, then we will be better prepared to face the deaths of our loved ones and, ultimately, our own.

This issue is designed to show death in a more uplifting way. We’re highlighting several people, including a funeral director and medical examiner, who see death everyday and still love their jobs. We also talked to a death row inmate who, despite facing execution, has developed a relationship with God. We even delve into the importance of end-of-life planning so your loved ones won’t be left with the burden of handling your legal and financial matters.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll come away looking at death in a brand-new way. It is, after all, part of life and something that should not be universally feared.

Sincerely,

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 staff writer/copy editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHELLE CLARK staff writer michelle@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES staff writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

JOE DELEON creative director joe@akersmediagroup.com

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

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROZ ANDREWS KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN PASTOR DAVID BRABHAM

CIELE EDWARDS FRED HILTON DAVE RAMSEY

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

DAVD COTE director of marketing david@akersmediagroup.com

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MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

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DEB MATLOCK office manager deb@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS advertising coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

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SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

March is National Nutrition Month. You know the old saying: You are what you eat. Therefore, if you want to be healthy, you have to eat healthy. Fortunately, there is no shortage of health food stores in Lake County where you can shop for wholesome, nutritious fare.

The Health Basket 18040 U.S. Hwy. 441, Mount Dora 352.735.1166

Clermont Herb Shoppe and Day Spa 702 W. Montrose St., Clermont 352.243.3588

Lake Nutrition Center 914 N. 14th St., Leesburg 352.365.6477

PEDALING FOR A PURPOSE

There’s no other way to spin it: When you have a ‘wheel’ to help in the community, it can ‘chain’ge the lives of others for the better. And when young people are involved, you should take community participation to another gear.

The fifth annual We Bike for Kids—The Villages is April 2 at the Wildwood Community Center. The ride benefits two local organizations instrumental in making positive impacts on today’s youth: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties and the Sumter County Youth Center.

The Green Apple Health Foods 724 S. U.S. Hwy. 441, Lady Lake 352.350.2191

Country Meadows Health Foods 405 N. Bay St., Eustis 352.357.3790

Health Basket of Clermont 1050 E. State Road 50 Suite D, Clermont 352.242.4499

Living Green Health Foods 9726 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg 352.314.3234

Participants choose one of four rides that best suit their endurance and skill level: a 65-mile ride that begins at 8:30 a.m.; a 34-mile ride that begins at 9:30 a.m.; a 20-mile ride that begins at 10 a.m.; and a 10-mile ride that begins at 10 a.m. Post-ride activities include an auction, massages, chiropractic adjustments, and entertainment by Joint Venture. For more information, please call 845.825.1025.

845 825 1025.

FOOD THAT’S OUT OF SIGHT TEST YOUR MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE

Imagine what it feels like being blind for only several hours. That’s the idea behind New Vision for Independence’s unique event Dining in the Dark, coming April 1 at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. Diners will eat in total darkness and journey into a unique world where smell, taste, sound, and texture are enhanced by no sight.

The event includes a reception, silent auction, and cash bar followed by dinner that comes with a salad, entrée, and dessert. The lights will be off during dinner served by members of the Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT team. The organization hopes to raise $10,000.

New Vision for Independence provides rehabilitation, community education, and support services for people with blindness or low vision. Individual tickets for general seating are $70, or a private table for eight may be reserved for $600. For more information, call 352.435.5040

YEAH BABY!!

Congratulations to Jayden Ellington, the first baby to be born at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in 2016. The boy is the son of Holden Jay Ellington and Brandi McConachie of Lake Panasoffkee. Jayden was born Jan. 1 at 5:08 a.m. and weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces.

SPEAKING OF BABIES

The Florida Department of Health is implementing its 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding program at Florida Hospital Waterman, South Lake Hospital, and Leesburg Regional Medical Center. This baby-friendly initiative, a global program launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, enhances hospital maternity care practices that support and promote breastfeeding.

“It has been a very rewarding experience working with these hospitals,” said Mary Stickney, director of the department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

“I have been very impressed by the level of commitment and dedication the nursing staff has shown toward helping breastfeeding babies and mothers.”

Are you a history buff who possesses an infinite amount of knowledge about all things Lake County? Without peeking at the answers below, see if you know what years the county’s four hospitals opened.

• Leesburg Regional Medical Center

• Florida Hospital Waterman

• The Villages Regional Hospital

• South Lake Hospital

Answers: Florida Hospital Waterman (1938), South Lake Hospital (1947), Leesburg Regional Medical Center (1963), The Villages Regional Hospital (2002)

OFF THE ‘BEAK‘EN PATH

After working in television production at Walt Disney World, Bruce and Cathy Brown escaped the hustle and bustle of theme park life and immersed themselves in the serenity and peacefulness of the Clermont countryside.

It was 20 years ago this month when they opened BB Brown’s Gardens. Within the first year, they discovered something far more ‘magical’ than a manmade theme park could

offer. As they explored their 15-acre property, a grayand-blue bird about the size of a mockingbird landed on Cathy’s hand. For her, it was love at first sight.

“That moment instantly took me back to my childhood in Maine,” she says. “When I was an 8-year old girl I would go outside and feed bread to a Canadian jay. It always landed on my hand. So the first time I encountered this beautiful bird in Florida it rekindled fond childhood memories.”

The bird she encountered was a Florida scrub-jay, the only species of bird native to Florida that was federally listed as threatened in 1987. The Browns decided to take this beautiful bird under their wings. They made a trail on their property by clearing out invasive plants and replacing them with scrub oaks, the natural habitat for this species.

The trail, affectionately named the Florida ScrubJay Trail, officially opened in 2003. Since then, avid birders from as far away as

Japan, Britain, China, and Italy have visited the site so they can add the Florida scrub-jay to the lists of birds they’ve seen. In addition, the Browns have invited Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and local schoolchildren to their property to teach them about bird conservation efforts.

“Our main goal is to get both children and adults out here so we can educate them about the Florida scrub-jay and train them how to maintain the right habitat at their property so the bird can thrive,” Bruce says. “It’s definitely a bird worth saving. As the population of Florida increases, the bird continues losing its scrub habitat. The latest population numbers are between 5,500 and 6,500.”

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In October, Cathy was presented the Cox Conservation Heroes award at the studios of WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando. The award recognizes volunteers who create, preserve, and enhance shared outdoor spaces.

“The award would not be possible without the help we’ve received from the National Wildlife Federation and our wonderful volunteers,” Cathy says. “It’s like heaven where we live because we have 360 degrees of nature. To have a lake, a dock, and nearly 120 species of birds is the most rewarding lifestyle I can think of.”

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

DR. VATSAL INAMDAR

ERICA HARDEN, ARNP

BRYAN CARTER, MPA-C

DR. GEORG COUTURIER

SCOTT WOJCIECHOWSKI, PA

A- C

SCOTT W

DEVIN DISCALA ARNP

Medical Mysteries BUTTER ON THE BURN? GRANDMA WAS WRONG

Some of us are cursed with chronic klutziness. We constantly bang into things and have an assortment of small cuts and bruises.

Band-Aids are our best friends. We also seem to be attracted to heat sources— like burners on a stove. So what do you do when you have a burn? Grandma’s advice was simple and straightforward—slather butter all over it. It’ll relieve the pain and speed up healing.

No disrespect to the grandmas of the world, but this time she was dead wrong. The medical authorities agree. “Any greasy substance on a burn keeps heat in and could make it hard for a

burn to heal or be properly treated,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

“Putting butter or other greasy ointments on a burn may actually make things worse, since the grease will slow the release of heat from the skin. This causes more damage from the retained heat,” says the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. And Harvard University’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center echoes the thought: “Putting butter on a burn quite likely does more harm than good.”

While Grandma certainly helped spread the “butter on a burn” myth, it probably started with the Prussian Surgeon General Friedrich Von Esmarch.

The BBC said that Von Esmarch “recommended in his influential 19th Century handbook on battlefield medicine that burnt surfaces should be covered with oil, grease or butter. The idea was to seal the burn off from the air, keep it clean, prevent infection and help the healing process.”

The notion of using butter on burns is a fairly recent folk remedy but the idea of using exotic treatments to treat burns has been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks used rendered pig fat to treat burns while the Romans used a mixture of honey and bran followed by cork and ashes.

The ancient Egyptians, however, win the prize for coming up with the weirdest ways to treat burns.

Egyptian papyrus dating back to 1500 B.C. says they used mud, excrement, frogs boiled in oil, and fermented goat dung.

It is highly unlikely that Egyptians got their advice on burns from grandmas. It probably came from grandmummies.

Sources

“Should you put butter on a burn?” by Claudia Hammond, BBC, August 20, 2013, http://www.bbc. com/future/story/20130820-should-you-put-butteron-a-burn

“How to Avoid Common First Aid Mistakes,” Health Encyclopedia, University of Rochester Medical Center, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4543

“Will putting butter on a burn ease the pain?” Medical Myths, Health Library, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, http://uamshealth.com/ healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/butterforburns/

“True or False: Applying Butter to a Burn Aids Healing and Relieves Pain,” by Diane Stresing, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, http://www. bidmc.org/YourHealth/Holistic-Health/Health-MythsCenter.aspx?ChunkID=156971

“First Aid: Burns,” First Aid & Injury Prevention, FamilyDoctor.org, http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/ first-aid-burns.html

WRITER: FRED HILTON

WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins are unsightly smaller veins within the skin, which can take the form of blue, purple, or red webs. (Fig C & D) They rarely cause serious problems.

GET A LEG UP

Many individuals battle with the occurrence of spider veins and varicose veins. In addition to being unsightly, they may also be detrimental to your health. Often the presence of these veins results in ulcers, superficial vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis.

Fortunately, Samuel Bundz, MD, a board-certified general surgeon with Central Florida Health Alliance, offers endovenous laser treatment—the latest and most advanced technique for addressing spider and varicose veins. This highly specialized treatment works to maintain proper leg health by sealing faulty veins and rerouting blood flow through healthier veins.

Dr. Bundz has successfully treated hundreds of area residents with this minimally invasive procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis where patients receive a local anesthetic. Patients do not typically experience the discomfort, pain and scarring associated with vein stripping; the traditional method of treating varicose.

“When vein stripping was used, patients would have their leg wrapped and elevated for 48 hours. Endovenous laser treatment is much different,” Dr. Bundz stated. “I’ve performed the procedure on my patients in the afternoon, and the next morning they’re back to work. One reason this is so successful is because we first use ultrasound to pinpoint where there’s reflux in

the vein. Then we target that vein, taking part of the guesswork of where the problem is out of the equation, resulting in a recurrence rate that is extremely low.”

Numerous providers, including non-medically based facilities like salons and spas, now offer spider and varicose vein treatment. However, the level of education, training and certification of the providers at these facilities may vary. In contrast, patients of Dr. Bundz are having their procedure performed in the skilled hands of a board-certified general surgeon. He’s one of the most experienced physicians in the area, who offers endovenous laser treatment.

“I perform each procedure myself,” he said. “This has revolutionized treatment for spider and varicose veins. It takes about 20-30 minutes and patients can walk out of the office and go home.”

After graduating from medical school at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Bundz completed an internship at State University of New York at Stony Brook and his residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. He has practiced general surgery at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for 17 years and joined the Central Florida Health Alliance team in 2015. In addition to providing endovenous laser treatment, he performs surgical procedures for many surgical problems including breast

cancer, hernias, gallbladder and colon cancer to name a few.

“I love what I do and enjoy taking good care of my patients,” he said. “And I am honored to be able to partner with Central Florida Health Alliance to provide that level of care.”

BUNDZ, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board-Certified General Surgeon 8112 Centralia Court, Suite 101 Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.9111

SAMUEL

A SECOND LOOK AT

A BRUSH WITH DEATH OFTEN MAKES PEOPLE SAY, “I’M A DIFFERENT PERSON.” THE EVERYDAY TASKS DONE WITHOUT THOUGHT TAKE ON MORE IMPORTANCE AND THE VALUE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS GREATLY INCREASED. LIFE IS A CONTINUING STORY; YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL SEE “THE END.”

We all seem to have a natural instinct to be afraid of death. It probably stems from fear of the unknown, but that’s something we face in everyday life when we go to a job interview, meet a stranger for the first time, or asked to do something

that makes us naturally uncomfortable.

In these upcoming pages, you are going to read about one man who is a convicted killer and living life on death row inside a Florida state prison. Another man fell 16 feet off a ladder while demonstrating an act of faith in

front of a church congregation. Despite their circumstances, both have come away realizing it’s more important to live rather than merely live forever. Because they feel their lives now have more meaning, they don’t waste their time perceiving death as the enemy of life.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

FALL WITH GRACE

Pastor Terry Mahan of The Father’s House in Leesburg prepared the congregation for the excitement that was about to ensue.

“You’re going to see something you’ve never seen before.”

Those words proved to be quite prophetic.

During a Sunday church service, member Lon Dowis was supposed to jump off a tall ladder; his only lifeline was a wire above him attached to his harness. To him, this would be the ultimate way to demonstrate his faith. Ironically, it was April Fool’s Day 2007, but what happened next was certainly no joke.

As he stood atop the ladder, he delivered a brief sermon and shouted to the congregation, “No guts! No glory!” He took a leap of faith.

The harness broke.

Lon fell 16 feet, 2 inches and landed on his chest.

Faith didn’t overcome a faulty harness, but it could possibly explain why Lon escaped relatively unscathed. In fact, the only injury he suffered was a bruised jaw.

“My doctor said I should’ve been dead,” Lon says. “Months leading up to this my wife had been praying in the event something went wrong. I’m glad she prayed. It’s definitely a God thing that I lived through that.”

In his youth, Lon was

always a daredevil. He once performed a back flip off a football goal post and jumped 60 feet into a small body of water known as “Devil’s Hole” near Palatka.

But he slowed down with age. “Basically, I was just working and paying the bills,” says Lon, owner of The Upholstery Shoppe in Eustis. “Life had become kind of boring.”

That all changed after his accident at The Father’s House. The unexpected fall could have easily brought death; instead, it gave Lon new life.

“That accident made me realize that life is too short to just go to work everyday then go home and sleep. It was time to add some excitement to my life.”

Lon has done just that. Today, the 51-year-old competes in mud runs, frequents the gym, and dreams of one day opening a local zip line. And he recently applied to compete on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” a show that requires competitors to perform death-defying stunts.

“People think Christians are boring. You can have a blast in life and still do what Christ wants you to do. People often ask me what I would do if money was no object. I tell them I’d build a zip line and swing through the redwood trees in California for an entire week.”

“My doctor said I should’ve been dead,” Lonsays.

“Months leading uptothis mywife had been prayingin the event something went wrong.”

MAN ON THE STREET

If you were told you had 24 hours to live, what would you do?

“I’d spend it with my family, and then I would go to Chicago to see the rest of my family. I’d want to spend it with family and friends so I could say goodbye.”

—Sunshine Barcal, Tavares

“I think about that every day because I had a midair collision in 1980, and I shouldn’t even be here. I wrote a pamphlet about it called ‘Heaven is Our Greatest Adventure.’”

“Let everybody know that you love them. You don’t need to leave with something on your conscience or something bothering them.”

—Reid Howard, Leesburg

LIVING WITH DYING

Guard towers, steel gates, barbed-wire fences, and concrete buildings lead visitors of Union Correctional Institution to Florida’s worst crop of male criminals.

It’s here where inmate Jason Wheeler, 40, discovered life in the most unlikely of places— death row. That’s been his home for nearly a decade.

A burly man who’s built like an offensive lineman and sports a buzz cut, Wheeler rarely thinks about being executed and leaving behind his mother and two children.

“I don’t think about dying. There’s an inmate two cells down from me who has been on death row for 37 years. Another inmate in Wing 5 has been on death row for 40 years and just got another trial. I’m still alive and would rather concentrate my thoughts on living.”

Paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, Wheeler spends most of his time reading his Bible. He says his spirituality helped him discover a sense of freedom—freedom from the morally bankrupt, cold-blooded killer he once was.

“I just want to be the best man I can be with however much time the Father allows me to have. As rebellious as I was against authority, I have switched teams. Now I’m rebellious against the evil things in this world.”

His words seem genuine, but there might be justification for taking what he says with a dose of guarded skepticism. After all, what kind of man aims a shotgun at a complete stranger and pulls the trigger?

That’s what Wheeler did in February 2005 when three deputies responded to a domestic violence call at his Paisley home. Deputy Wayne Koester, 34, was fatally shot and two others were injured. Later that day, Wheeler fired on law enforcement officers tracking him through the Ocala National Forest. This time, Wheeler was shot and paralyzed.

After being sentenced to death, Wheeler attempted to expedite the process.

“Inside I already felt dead. In fact, I was much closer to death at that point than I am now. I tried to commit suicide three times—once by hanging myself, once by wrapping a plastic bag around my head, and once by choking myself with a cord. Each attempt failed. I realized after the third attempt that I’m still here for a reason.”

Thinking back, he says those near-death experiences ultimately gave him a newfound outlook on life and sparked a relationship with God. Faith helped him deal with his demons.

“I wasn’t a wise individual. I had very little wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.

I re-evaluated who I am, what got me here, and the mistakes I made. There is no rehab here on death row, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to become a better human being.”

Death row at Union Correctional Institution is a lonely yet crowded world where more than 300 male inmates are housed alone in tiny cells. Wheeler spends nearly every waking moment inside his cell—except for two times a week when he is allowed in the rec yard or when he receives occasional visits from his mother, stepfather, and son.

He spreads his newfound faith across the globe by writing anti-death row advocates from as far away as England, Switzerland, and France.

“My letters are more like sermons,” he says. “I rarely talk about anything secular. Most inmates in here center their conversations around food, sex, and money. Those things don’t interest me anymore.”

By no means does that take away from his guilt.

“I’d just like to ask the people of Lake County for forgiveness.”

NOTORIOUS LAST WORDS OF DEATH ROW INMATES

"Forgiveness: Giving up all hope for a better past."

–Robert Lee Massie, executed in California on March 27, 2001

"I'd like my family to take care of each other. I love you, Angel. Let's ride."

– Michael Richard, executed in Texas on September 25, 2007

"This is destiny. This is life. This is something Allah wants me to do. I'm not mad at you. When I get to the gates of heaven I'm going to be waiting for you. Please forgive me."

– Johnny Ray Conner, executed in Texas on August 22, 2007

"I am guilty. I don't deny that... They had good evidence. Witnesses saw me. What can I say?”

– Newton Anderson, executed in Texas on February 22, 2007

“I love you all, and I’m sorry for what I done. I’m sorry for killing your mom and what I done to you.”

– Rocky Barton, executed in Ohio on July 12, 2006

Source: CNN.com

“I’d do a whole lot of praying. Then I’d eat, drink, and be merry because you need to remember that old saying, ‘Live, laugh, love.’”

—Kenneth Davis, Davenport

“Lifefor me is blessed.If Iwakeup and have food served to me and clothes to puton, what do I have to complain about?

Thousands haveofpeople bombs falling around them, are andstarving, dying disofawful eases.”

YOUR YOUR TERMS

QUESTIONS TO PONDER: A FUNERAL

OR MEMORIAL SERVICE? WHO WILL

PONDER:AFUSERV YOURG IT’

A OUR IT’S NEVER EASY TO THINK OF LIFE

AND BURIAL PLANS IS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND REASSURANCE TO THOSE WHO

GOING ON WITHOUT YOU. HOWEVER, PLANNING FOR ONE’S DEATH CAN BE,

WILL BE CARRYING OUT YOUR FINAL WISHES.

GET YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S CHINA? NO MATTER HOW EMOTIONALLY TAXING DOCUMENTING HEALTH CARE, ESTATE,

WRITERS:

SHEMIRWILESANDLEIGHNEELY

In life, we plan for various events. We plan weddings, birthdays, careers, retirements, and vacations, but when it comes to endof-life decisions, many may find it hard to discuss, let alone organize.

Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, but having your wishes known and funeral arrangements in place will make an already stressful time for your loved ones a bit easier to navigate.

Over the years, Clermont attorney Merideth Nagel says she has seen firsthand the heartache and turmoil that can be caused when plans haven’t been made.

“In our office we say you have to reframe it and think of it as helping to take care of the people you care about the most,” she says.

When making plans for your death, there are two critical details you need to consider: what needs to happen after you pass away and what needs to happen if you become ill and are unable to make medical decisions for yourself.

IF YOU’RE ILL OR INCAPACITATED

Two of the most vital documents you’ll want to have if you fall ill and can’t make your own medical decisions are a living will and a health care surrogate designation. These forms are called advance directives.

A health care surrogate will be in charge of making important and sometimes difficult medical decisions for you if your attending or treat-

ing physician determines you are no longer able to make such choices for yourself.

According to Aging with Dignity, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit organization that advocates for quality endof-life care, a health care surrogate should be someone you know well and trust. It should be someone who cares for you, but can also make the tough decisions if or when it becomes necessary.

A living will states your desires when it comes to the kind of medical treatment you’d like to receive. This information includes everything from life support treatment, such as major surgery, blood transfusions, antibiotics, or CPR, to organ donation.

In addition to a health care surrogate and living will, another document to consider having is a medical power of attorney. According to Nagel, medical power of attorney is interchangeable with a health care surrogate, but can extend beyond medical decisions. He or she can act on your behalf on everything from health care to personal business decisions.

ONCE YOU PASS AWAY

To determine what happens with your assets after your death, Nagel explains that a will is the best way to lay everything out.

While some may think wills are expensive, most would be surprised to find out a simple will is actually quite affordable.

“The average person needs at least a simple will

A WILL

WILL

Other important materials to compile and have readily available in case of a death are lists of death benefits, insurance policies, and account (utility, cable, cell phone, etc.) information.

Once you’re confident your financial matters are in order, it doesn’t hurt to create an outline for your funeral or memorial service. For many, the biggest decision will involve choosing a burial or cremation. Keep in mind the average funeral costs roughly $6,500, so it may be wise to consider prepayment.

and while I don’t want to quote a price, you could probably draft a will with an attorney for as little as $95,” says Nagel.

It is possible for people to make their own will with the help of websites like LegalZoom and RocketLawyer; however, online wills are often one-size-fits-all resolutions that come with some major pitfalls. It’s best, Nagel says, to work with a lawyer to make sure all the documents are correct and legal.

In some cases, individuals may want a trust. According to Nagel, the difference between a will and trust has to do with the complexity of someone’s estate and if you’re wanting to avoid probate. Ultimately, the decision to have either a will or trust needs to be discussed with an attorney.

From there you can decide if you want anything specific executed at your service. Nagel says being the wife of a pastor prompted her to offer forms where people can indicate what personal touches they’d like at their funeral, such as what songs they want played or what scripture they want read. In addition, several local funeral homes offer preplanning services.

Deciding what happens after death or if you’re incapacitated is a very personal matter that shouldn’t be rushed. Taking the time to have your wishes firmly established and your estate in order will make things a lot easier on yourself and the loved ones you’ll leave behind.

“When people come to me after someone who didn’t have any plans has passed it makes things more stressful, not to mention more expensive and complicated. It’s heartbreaking,” Nagel says. “It’s important to make all these decisions now, no

A LIVING

STATES YOUR DESIRES WHEN IT COMES TO THE KIND OF MEDICAL TREATMENT YOU’D LIKE TO RECEIVE. THIS INFORMATION INCLUDES EVERYTHING FROM LIFE SUPPORT TREATMENT, SUCH AS MAJOR SURGERY, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, ANTIBIOTICS, OR CPR, TO ORGAN DONATION.

matter how old you are. It not only cuts down on disagreements between family members but it also helps relieve any added stress and pressure during an already difficult period.”

UNEXPECTED TRAGEDIES

Unfortunately, death can sometimes be unanticipated. Whether it’s accidental or due to an unexpected illness, sudden death is difficult. If there has been no time for preparation, it will feel like a monumental task just to take care of what’s needed, but there is help.

You never have to face an event of this nature alone. Call a trusted family member or friend to help you call everyone. Don’t feel you need to make all the calls personally, and give someone the task of answering the phone.

After notification is made and you’ve connected with a funeral home, you have immediate access to assistance. Funeral directors are trained to be compassionate, caring professionals who provide emotional support and assistance wherever needed.

During the initial call, the funeral director is your guide. He or she will collect the information needed, and

arrange for a time when you can come in and discuss the service and is available for questions when needed.

Another option for the body is a donation to science. If you wish to give your body to a specific university, check with that institute for proper procedures. For example, the University of Central Florida has a Willed Body Program. With Science Care, you can join a registry when doing preplanning, and there is no cost and it includes free cremation. Ten states participate in this program, including Florida.

A newer element added to some of the funereal options is a DNA memorial. This gives the family a final opportunity to retain a sample of the deceased’s DNA. This is a sample taken in a noninvasive manner such as a cheek swab or a lock of hair and it can be stored forever. This has become a trend with so many choosing to have their remains cremated. Many funeral homes are familiar with the process and can handle details.

The funeral director can ease the burden of paperwork by filing all certificates, permits, affidavits, and authori-

zations as required. He or she obtains copies of the death certificate, and keep in mind, many certified copies are needed as most government agencies, banks, and other institutes need proof and will not accept a photocopy.

In addition, after you decide on the service (funeral, graveside, memorial, celebration of life), the funeral director will help those needed to carry out your wishes. The funeral home also provides the register book, prayer cards, funeral folders, and acknowledgements the family requests.

Flowers will be coming from family and friends to express sympathy and love. The funeral director will take care of these. Flowers will be transported to the cemetery and distributed to family members as requested. The funeral director ensures the family receives the register book and all items related to the deceased.

Whatever your course of action following a sudden death, it’s best not to take the task on alone. Allow friends, family, and professionals to help you.

MAN ON THE STREET “Visit

What’s No. 1 on your bucket list?

“All I want to do is go to Mexico. I have so much family over there, and I’ve never met them.”

SOURCES:

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

Aging with Dignity agingwithdignity.org

Empath Choices for Care empathchoicesforcare.org

PRE-PLANNING

Page Theus Preplanning Guide pagetheusfuneralhome.com

Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory preplanning.info/beyersleesburg

BENEFITS

Social Security Administration 800.772.1213

You cannot apply for death benefits online

Veteran’s Administration (If decedent was formerly in the military) va.gov

BURIALS & MEMORIALS

To donate bodies: Science Care sciencecare.com

To secure DNA: dnamemorialorder.com

– Stephanie Valdez

The Future.

You can’t see it. You can’t predict it. You can’t control it. But you can prepare for it. Financial preparation is an essential part of caring for your family and helping them feel secure.

We begin by learning “what’s important to you”. Starting here allows us to get to know you and your financial picture. Without a clear understanding of your goals and risk tolerance, investing holds little meaning.

We can help you today, for a more prepared tomorrow.

Lets talk.

Everyone has to face the fact of death and that it’s natural for those left behind to experience some form of grief. However, research has shown grieving is a complicated process. There’s more than the ive stages people often reference. In fact, there are as many as nine components that have been identi ied, and understanding the different elements can make it easier for those grieving and those supporting them.

1. SHOCK

Shock is the irst reaction of many people as they try to absorb the fact someone close to them has died. It’s important to provide initial support to someone, see to their immediate needs, and even get them medical treatment if necessary.

2. DISORGANIZATION

Disorganization tends to follow shock as the individual inds it dif icult to focus on everyday tasks. A parent may struggle with the routine of getting children fed and ready for school, or an

employee might have dif iculty in carrying out their normal tasks.

3. DENIAL

It’s not uncommon for someone to deny the reality of the situation, preferring instead to believe a mistake was made. Some may need coaxing out of this belief if there’s a danger of retreating into it completely. Denial may be stronger if the death was unexpected.

4. DEPRESSION

Depression occurs when the individual suffers feelings

of despair and spends a lot of time pining for the deceased person. This does not mean the individual needs medication, but it does indicate the low feelings they may be experiencing.

5. GUILT

While it may seem illogical to outsiders, someone who is bereaved may believe the death is their fault and that perhaps it would not have occurred if they had done, or not done, something. This, in particular, is a problem for young children who don’t have the cognitive maturity

to understand they don’t control everything and bad things do happen. It can be an even bigger issue for those affected by suicide, and who convince themselves they should have noticed something.

6. ANXIETY OR PANIC ATTACKS

Sometimes the stress of bereavement can be overwhelming, especially if the individual relied heavily on the deceased, there were complications surrounding the death, or there are money and housing issues to deal with. Medication or other strategies, such as breathing exercises, may help here.

7. AGGRESSION

Feelings are sometimes released as aggression, hostility, or anger. These feelings may be directed toward others or focused internally. Allowing the individual to talk through their feelings can help them manage

and release emotions in a way that won’t damage themselves or others.

8. RESOLUTION Resolution occurs when the the worst of the grief has passed and an individual begins to accept the situation.

9. REINTEGRATION

This is the inal element of the

grieving process and can happen as soon as a couple of weeks after the death, or more often, about six weeks. The individual starts to rebuild his or her life, though it may feel disloyal moving on and starting to feel more positive about life and the future.

Any event as major as a death creates strong feelings and has an impact on those involved.

BEREAVEMENT COUNSELORS

Michele Delafranconi

Summit Mental Health Services

214 East Washington Street Suite A

Minneola, Florida 34715

(352) 364-5544

Summitmentalhealthservices.com

Andy Watson

In Harmony Counseling

2250 Old US Highway 441

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

(352) 458-4291

Samantha Lindmeier

100 South 11th Street Suite 101

Leesburg FL 34748

(352) 503- 1246

Dawn Kokernak

Villages Counseling Center

416 Teague Trail The Villages, Florida 32159

(352) 478-0407

Everyone is different and moves through the stages of grief at a personal pace; it’s normal for someone to experience different elements simultaneously and even to regress on occasion. The cause of death can be a key factor; it may be marginally easier to prepare for death when it’s expected and more dif icult when it’s due to murder or suicide. Some people may

Villagescounselingcenter.com

Jackie Ambrow

E Pluribus, LLC

Eustis, Florida 32736

(888) 315-1883

Hypnosisdoeswonders.com

Saundra S. Scott

Trinity Escape, LLC Counseling & Coaching

240 Mohawk Road Clermont, Florida 34715

(352) 553-4874

Trinityescape.com

Jasmine Parker 357 Plaza Drive

Eustis, Florida 32726

(321) 337-0454

Pamela Hand 4820 HWY 19A Suite 2

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

(352) 508-4337

Jerry F. Phillips

Upper Room Counseling

struggle more with feelings of guilt or thoughts of having to continue without the person they’ve lost.

Grief is rarely easy to deal with or to watch. Perhaps, however, it can be made more bearable for the bereaved and those who love them by having an idea of what’s involved and knowing that, given time, the worst of it will pass.

Center, Inc. 3420 US HWY 24/441

Fruitland Park, Florida 34731

(352) 435-4631

Upperroomcounselingcenter. com

Suzanne Howard

Central Florida Counseling & Psychological Services

1514 W. Main St.

Leesburg FL. 34748

(352) 503-0164

I MADE SURE THERE WAS SOMEONE IN MY CORNER

Cornerstone Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care with an emphasis on quality of life. We address the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of the individuals in our care. Cornerstone also offers guidance and support to the friends and family who share their lives. We provide comprehensive pain and symptom management, assisting patients

in living comfortably and pain-free in their own familiar surroundings. Through hospice care, patients maintain dignity, self-respect, and personal control over their lives. However, you do not need to be homebound for hospice care to be appropriate. Care is also provided in retirement centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and Hospice Houses. The earlier hospice care is started,

the more beneficial it can be to patients and their families. Services are scheduled according to the needs of individuals and families. As needs change, care is adjusted regularly to be of the most help. The hospice physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, hospice aide, bereavement counselor, and professionally trained volunteers provide for the comfort of patients and families. The Cornerstone patient care teams have been recognized among the top 1 percent of hospices for patient and family care, as determined by survey responses from families we’ve served.

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care has been specializing in quality care since 1984. Don’t miss any precious moments. It’s about living life to its fullest and Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care can help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

2445 Lane Park Rd.

Tavares, FL 32778

352.343.1341

cornerstonehospice.org

At Cornerstone, we are in your corner to make the most of life’s precious moments.

One

FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Stuart Force, John Roemmelt, Bill Ward, Jim Semesco, Jesika Pucino, Art Hilbish, and Matt Pierson.

IT’S A

MOST PEOPLE DON’T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT DEATH.

IT’S WHY THERE IS A RELUCTANCE TO MAKE FUNERAL PLANS OR WRITE A WILL. HOWEVER, THERE ARE THOSE FOR WHOM DEATH IS A PART OF THE DAILY ROUTINE. THEIR WORK-A-DAY WORLD CENTERS ON DYING AND DEATH. YET THE LIVING REALIZE WITHOUT THEIR INVALUABLE HELP IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE THAT JOURNEY TO THE FINISH.

WRITERS: JAMES COMBS AND MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

SHE SEES DEAD PEOPLE

Wendy Lavezzi, M.D., serves as a forensic consultant for ABC’s legal thriller “How to Get Away With Murder.”

Considering she has performed 3,500 autopsies since 2005, it’s easy to see why her expert opinion is highly valued.

As deputy chief medical examiner for District 5, she has seen it all—from elderly people dying of heart attacks to a small girl strangled by a python. And she relishes the challenge of her job.

“I’m part sleuth and part investigator,” she says. “There’s an investigative component that I really like. You truly have to know about so many medical conditions to perform a successful autopsy.”

While the thought of performing endless autopsies seems like a gruesome task to many, Wendy enjoys helping to bring closure to grieving families. And sometimes, she even saves lives.

“I examine dead people to help living people. Sometimes I may find a new com-

municable disease. In one instance, I examined a young girl who had blockages in her artery. I told her family members, and when they got checked it was discovered they had blockages, as well. Again, I help living people by looking at dead people.”

How long an autopsy takes depends on the cause of death. An autopsy on a heart attack victim may take only one hour, while a homicide case may take all day. During an autopsy, all organs are surgically removed and examined for presence of injuries or diseases.

For Wendy, it’s vitally important to be detached.

“I cannot allow myself to become emotionally involved because then I’m not thinking about what I need to do to get evidence that may convict a criminal.

What I am during an autopsy is scientifically involved. I have to have a clear head and gather all the information I need to accurately determine the cause of death.”

“I cannot allow myself to become emotionally involved because then I’m not thinking about what I need to do to get evidence that may convict a criminal. What I am during an autopsy is scientifically involved.” –Wendy Lavezzi, M.D.

‘URN’ING A LIVING

Engaged couples spends months—even years—planning the perfect wedding. But funeral directors such as Jim Semesco have only a few days to pull off the most important ritual in a person’s life. And he does this hundreds of times each year.

“People have no idea of how many details are involved to plan a good funeral,” says Jim, a third-generation funeral director and area general manager of Page Theus Funeral Home in Leesburg. “In a way, we’re like event planners because a funeral can have as many details as a wedding. But we have to do it all in three days.”

Many people have a deep misunderstanding of a funeral director’s work. Jim is not obsessed with death and corpses, nor does he walk around in a dark suit with a mournful look on his face. And although he has buried many people, he sheds a positive light on his industry by maintaining a genuine sense of satisfaction by helping families cope with their grief.

“People have always been my passion,” he says. “To help people during the most difficult time in their lives is rewarding and meaningful in a way most would not understand. If you do a good job with the funeral, you have made a friend for life. A good funeral director looks at this job as a ministry.”

While Jim loves talking to his clients, he realizes listening is the most important aspect of his job.

“As a funeral director, you have to listen to their needs and

anticipate their wants. I always tell people that I’m their guide. Once they tell me what they want, I begin moving forward.”

He must also be willing to adapt, especially considering

today’s funerals reflect the particular lifestyle of the deceased.

“Many services are nontraditional. Millennials want a customized and celebratory service where

a person’s personality is portrayed. When people walk out of these kinds of services they are smiling because they feel a person’s life has been honored.”

”If you do a good job with the funeral, you have made a friend for life. A good funeral director looks at this job as a ministry.”

–Jim Semesco

IT’S A PARTY

Grieving can cost you dearly, taxing your emotions and your finances. Traditional services are held to a quickened timeline, making the process even more overwhelming. For a number of reasons there is a rising trend in celebration of life parties, which allow family and friends to treat a loved one’s passing how they wish, when they wish.

Bob Tucker, owner of Events by Miss Daisy and operator of Opera House Events, says celebration of life parties are gaining popularity due to the convenience of cremation.

“Because of the cost, most people are choosing cremation. They hold on to the remains and have a celebration of life at a time

when it is convenient for all the family to get together. Sometimes it can be a week, three weeks, or even two months later,” he says.

This alternative is also favorable because of its approach to loss. Bob says they’re typically no different than a birthday or an anniversary. Complete with customized decor and catering, a celebration of life allows mourners to face bereavement from a different outlook.

“If a person who has lost someone has that little bit of personal time to grieve, when it comes time to do the celebration of life, they are in a far better frame of mind,” Bob explains. “It becomes more of a time when they really can reflect on the person and not on their own personal emotions.”

CARE WITH COMFORT

Chuck Lee fondly remembers the outstanding care his father-inlaw received from hospice while battling bone cancer.

“The caregivers were excellent and helped him with pain management,” Chuck recalls. “They brought love and compassion into the home. Although my father-inlaw succumbed to the disease, he received outstanding care during the end of his life. I said to myself, ‘I want to do what they do.’”

So Chuck switched careers and joined a hospice chapter in Pensacola as a marketing and outreach coordinator in 2001. Throughout the years, he worked his way up the organization, and three years ago, was named as chief executive officer of

Cornerstone Hospice.

When people think of hospice, they automatically associate it with death and dying. But that’s not what hospice is really about. Instead, the organization provides care and comfort while helping people focus on the life still left to live.

And that’s what makes Chuck’s job rewarding. The same goes for Cornerstone Hospice’s 650 employees and numerous volunteers.

“I love being part of an organization that focuses on our patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs,” he says. “We see people in their most vulnerable moments and consider it a privilege that they allow us to take care of them in their homes. Their well-being and happiness is at the forefront of every decision I make.”

“We see people in their most vulnerable moments and consider it a privilege that they allow us to take care of them in their homes.“

–Chuck Lee

“It becomes more of a time when they really can reflect on the person and not on their own personal emotions.”

–Bob Tucker

Look who’s talking about it.™

“It” refers to changes in gynecologic health and it happens to a majority of women. Now there’s something you can do about it that is clinically proven to bring relief. With the MonaLisa Touch laser treatment, gynecologic health is restored due to new collagen, elastin and vascularization. This quick, in-office treatment requires no anesthesia and results in virtually no downtime. Thousands of women have been successfully treated since 2012—and now, millions more don’t have to suffer. That’s something to talk about.

MonaLisa Touch is a registered trademark of DEKA M.E.L.A. Srl – Calenzano - Italy. ©2015 Cynosure, Inc. 921-7030-003 Rev 3

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

BODY

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”

—Tom Stoppard

Every one of us will lose someone we love. In addition, while we may not give any thought to how our grief affects us physically, it’s unlikely anyone who suffers personal loss will endure the grieving process without any effect on physical health.

Bereavement is a hugely stressful time, and it takes its toll on the body, causing all sorts of physical problems. The list of physical ailments associated with bereavement includes sleep disruption, shortness of breath, hair loss, recurrent infections, and high blood pressure.

Bereavement releases high levels of natural steroids in the body causing heightened activity in the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the body’s “flight or fight” system, the body’s mechanism that controls its readiness for action. The heart responds to this by increasing the pulse and blood pressure; so while someone suffering loss may seem slow and down on the outside, on the inside they could be in turmoil.

The body’s immune system is also affected by bereavement. Stress related

to loss can be responsible for a fall in the activity of T-lymphocytes, cells that are very important in fighting infection. Therefore, someone who’s bereaved may be more susceptible to catching colds and other minor infections. Additionally, chronic conditions that require careful monitoring such as diabetes and high blood pressure can go awry during the grieving process.

This partly explains why people who experience personal loss are at increased risk of dying within the first year. Men are at greater risk than women; this is thought to be because they have fewer support systems in place than women who suffer loss do.

Given that the mind and body are interlinked, the psychological problems associated with bereavement can manifest themselves as physical symptoms. Depression, disruption to sleep, and loss of appetite all cause the body to slow down. Anxiety is common during bereavement and causes hot sweats, poor sleep patterns, and loss of appetite. There’s also the risk

CTS OF GRIEF

of bereaved people turning to alcohol, or recreational or prescription drugs to help them through this difficult time, which just compounds their problems.

It’s not uncommon for those who are grieving to see and hear the person they’ve lost. This is a normal reaction to grief. Sometimes the individual has conversations with the deceased. Unfortunately, this is sometimes mistaken for dementia or psychiatric illness, and the bereaved individual is given unnecessary medications when all they need is a little help with the grieving process.

Grief affects everyone in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Knowing that the body, as well as the mind, can be affected by bereavement will help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to endure the grieving process. What your body goes through during the process is a natural response and one that is all part of learning how to cope without the person you’ve lost.

”KNOWING THAT THE BODY, AS WELL AS THE MIND, CAN BE AFFECTED BY BEREAVEMENT WILL HELP THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE TO ENDURE THE GRIEVING PROCESS.”

WELL THE CAN BE

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

Jaime Alonso, certified health coach

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM MINI PIZZA

SERVES 4

A

Wanting all the flavors in pizza but not all the calories? This quick and easy healthy alternative contains just six (or less) ingredients and is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes, including prep time. Using nutrient-dense, immune-boosting portobello mushrooms, zesty pasta sauce, protein-packed mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, you’ll get all the benefits without adding inches to your waistline!

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1

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. Clean the portobello mushroom caps carefully and remove the inside gills. Wipe the tops of the caps gently with a paper towel to remove any dirt.

2. Turn the mushroom caps over so the inside is facing up and place them in a lightly greased roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with a nonstick spray, and sprinkle with the salt, if desired.

3. Spoon the pasta sauce evenly into the mushroom caps, top with the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. Top with tomatoes and basil (optional).

4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool a few minutes and serve.

4 large portobello mushrooms

1/2 ball of fresh mozzarella

1 cup pasta sauce of choice

Fresh basil leaves (rough cut, optional)

12 grape tomatoes cut in half (optional)

sprinkle of kosher salt (optional)

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

MIND

“The monsters of the mind are far worse than those that actually exist. Fear, doubt, and hate have hamstrung more people than beasts ever have.”

—Christopher Paolini, Brisingr

Answer the following 12 questions, and add your score.

A=4 points, B=3 points, C= 2 points, D=1 point

1. Do you often find you have difficulty concentrating?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

2. Do you find you often feel irritable or lose your temper with others?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

3. Do you find you feel hopeless about the future?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

4. Do you find you get a good night’s sleep (seven or more hours)?

a. Every day

b. Often

c. Sometimes

d. Seldom or never

5. Can you relax without using alcohol or prescription sedatives?

a. Every day

b. Often

c. Sometimes

d. Seldom or never

6. Do you feel overwhelmed by all you have to do on a daily basis?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

7. Do you feel you need a cigarette or more caffeine to make it through the day?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

8. Do you feel you lack the energy to take care of everyday basics, such as cooking, cleaning, and so forth?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

9. Are you keeping up with activities you enjoyed before you began caregiving?

a. Every day

b. Often

c. Sometimes

d. Seldom or never

10. Do you feel happy?

a. Every day

b. Often

c. Sometimes

d. Seldom or never

11. Has anyone been critical of your caregiving?

a. Seldom or never

b. Sometimes

c. Often

d. Every day

12. Do you feel anyone is looking after or caring for you?

a. Every day

b. Often

c. Sometimes

d. Seldom or never

Now take a deep breath and add up your score: Each A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point

48-42 Cool as a cucumber (low risk)

Keep on taking care of yourself; however, remember caregiver stress has a way of creeping up on you without sometimes realizing it.

30-41 Temperature rising (elevated risk)

You seem to be managing stress levels well but remember to find new ways to take more time for yourself.

18-29 Hot ChaCha (elevated risk)

You may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and physical exhaustion, which can lead to compromised health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic depression. Find steps immediately to lower your stress level such as a shared workload (in home services) and outlets such as support groups or therapy.

12-17 Totally Toasted (burned out)

You are running on empty, but it is a blessing you found and took this quiz. You, my friend, need immediate help. Consult with someone you trust, a doctor, clergyperson, counselor, or therapist. At a minimum, you need to have a physical checkup. It may be time to look at a vacation away from your loved one, temporary respite for them or even permanent relocation for the person in your care.

Now, take some steps to manage the stresses involved in caregiving. This test is not diagnostic or scientific, but meant to assist you in identifying your stress level. You can find support group listings, counselors, physicians, and many other resources on this MyLocalNetwork website: mylocalnetwork.net.

BEST EXERCISES

FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Everyone knows exercise is essential for your physical health, but did you know it could also help keep your mind in good working order? According to the American Psychological Association, the evidence is mounting for the mental health benefits of exercise. Here are some exercises you could try to improve your physical and mental health.

YOGA

Yoga can help reduce stress and relieve depression, as well as improve strength and flexibility. There are several types of yoga. Try ashtanga yoga if you are looking for a challenge; moving continuously between the postures in this yoga style is a full-body workout. A gentler option is hatha yoga, which is great for beginners who need to learn the basic postures.

JOGGING OR AEROBICS

If you suffer from anxiety, cardiovascular exercise can help you to become more resilient against feelings of panic. The physical effects of exercise, such as sweating and increased heart rate, are similar to those of a panic attack. Researchers

claim that learning to associate those feelings with exercise, rather than with fear, can help you to break the cycle of panic and reduce your sensitivity to anxiety. Try jogging or a high-intensity aerobics class to get your heart racing. Regular cardiovascular exercise not only improves mood but also increases physical fitness. If you stick to your routine, you should see yourself getting faster, fitter, and more capable.

DANCING

Exercises that involve interacting with others, such as dancing, can help you make friends and reduce feelings of loneliness. If you are feeling blue, a dance class can be the perfect way to forget about your problems and get to know new people. Dancing tones muscles and gives memory and cognition a workout, too. There are plenty of styles to choose from, from fast-paced swing to elegant ballroom.

SUMMARY: GET MOVING, GET HAPPY!

Try a few exercises to find something that makes you feel joyful and happy. While exercising, pay attention to how your body feels. This awareness not only helps you sustain good technique and avoid injury but also takes your mind off problems, giving you the time out you need to beat the stresses of everyday life.

HIGH QUALITY SURGICAL CARE FROM PHYSICIANS WHO CARE ABOUT YOU…

Dr. Boardman specializes in general surgery with interest in breast disease, vein treatments, and minimally invasive surgery with emphasis on oncological procedures for the breast and colon. Along with Dr. Johnson, Dr. Boardman offers patients the latest in minimally invasive surgery for reflux/heartburn disease.

Dr. Johnson specializes in general surgery with interest in minimally invasive robotic procedures, and robotic single site surgery. His interest are in colorectal, bowel, biliary and hernia surgeries. Additionally, he provides care for patients with breast and endocrine disease.

Vein Treatment, Breast Biopsy, and Vasectomy are some of the procedures that can be performed in the office setting by the surgeons.

For more information regarding the surgeons and procedures can be found on our website at: www.midfloridasurgical.com

L. Florin, M.D.,F.A.C.S // Dr. Christopher Johnson, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S

Johnson, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S.

Boardman, M.D. F.A.C.S.

SPIRIT

”All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.“

– Havelock Ellis

GOODBYE, FRIEND: HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH PET LOSS

WRITER: CHRISTINA SUZANN NELSON

Every parent wants to protect their children but when a pet dies, there’s no good way around the hurt. All you can do is walk through it with them and help them move on when the time is right. Here are a few ideas that may help.

Give your children a chance to say goodbye. Each child will respond to the loss differently, but it’s important they be given the opportunity. A simple service where family members share special memories can be the first step toward healing.

Don’t tell your child the pet has gone to live somewhere else. Stories like these have a way of unraveling, leaving your child questioning your trustworthiness. If the animal is suffering and the choice is made to put the pet to sleep, explain clearly what this means. Be sure your child understands their pet will not be waking up, the heart actually stops with the veterinarian’s medication, and the animal dies.

Make a memory. Consider letting the child make a special collage from pictures of their pet. They can decorate their creation and hang it somewhere to remember the good times they shared. Make this art time a positive experience by providing fun stickers, glitter, and markers to add color to the project. Mount the collage in a frame and display it in a special location, maybe near your pet’s favorite spot.

Give it some time before getting a new pet. When the child seems ready, get them involved in the process. Talk about what you’re looking for in a pet. Be specific. If there are size or breed restrictions, be clear with your child about these. Remind him or her before you visit an animal shelter or pet shop that you’re just looking. This will help if the

right match isn’t available. For many children, the loss of a pet is their first experience with grief. Showing children it’s okay to be sad is important for their development. It’s also vital you model how to move forward while not forgetting the good memories.

With your guidance, your child can step through this tough time and come out a more compassionate and caring person.

COPING WITH A SIGNIFICANT LOSS

LIVING BEYOND THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE

When your husband or wife dies, there’s no doubt it is a life-changing event. Moving past the death of a spouse may be exceptionally difficult. The grieving process can be long and confusing. Learning how to cope with grief is important, and the following steps can help you grieve in a healthy and productive way.

ACCEPT WHAT CANNOT BE CHANGED

When a spouse dies, it is a permanent change. Accepting the changes can be difficult. Difficulty accepting a death is understandable; however, accepting the death of a loved one can help you move forward.

TALK TO PEOPLE CLOSE TO YOU

Talking through your feelings and emotions is a positive way to deal with them. It is not unusual to experience unknown feelings following the death of a loved one. Find someone you trust who will let you say whatever you want without judgement or negativity.

LET YOURSELF FEEL

After a spouses’ death, it is common to feel anger, sadness, and fear. It can be useful and productive to acknowledge these emotions when they occur. Acknowledging and

accepting your feelings is important to the healing process.

ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED

Asking people who are close to you to listen to you talk about your spouse is a good way to celebrate his or her life. It is normal to think of your spouse often and to reminisce about your life together.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME AND SPACE TO HEAL

Healing is a personal journey, and it can take time. It is important to recognize the need for space or to be alone. You may find a change of surroundings is needed.

START A JOURNAL

Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool when dealing with the death of a loved one. A journal is a positive form of self-expression that is completely private. There is no need to share a journal or the thoughts you express. The days and weeks after a spouse’s death can be a blur and a journal can be nice to look back on.

CREATE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE THEIR LIFE

Creating a memory box, scrapbook, video, or another memento can help honor your spouse’s life. The creative process can fill difficult times with productive activity. Sharing your

creation with family and friends can help everyone heal.

AVOID MAKING MAJOR DECISIONS IN THE FIRST YEAR

Making major decisions following a spouse’s death is difficult. Deferring decisions for at least one year may help avoid regrets later. It is important to remember rash decisions cannot be undone.

JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

A support group is a good way to meet new people who understand your feelings. It can be a relief to talk to others who have experienced the same things you have. Members of support groups are often at different stages in the healing process,

making them a valuable resource to one another.

ADOPT A PET

After the death of a spouse, a family home can feel empty and still. You may consider downsizing to avoid feelings of loneliness, but adopting a pet can also help.

Sharing your life with someone is a precious gift. Losing that person is not easy. But, by giving yourself the time and tools to heal you can learn to live as an individual again. Healing does not mean forgetting or letting go because you will always carry the memories of your spouse with you. Living without your spouse is difficult. However, healing does mean honoring your spouses’ memory by carrying on in their absence.

Death is inevitable and permanent, but there are paths through the grief process to make it somewhat easier.

THE DIGITAL AFTERLIFE PREPARING FOR THE

WRITER: SHEMIR WILES

Death is an inevitable part of life. It’s why we plan for it. From funeral arrangements to a last will and testament, it’s human nature to want to make sure no loose ends exist when we leave this world.

But have you thought about what to do with your Facebook page after you’re no longer living? Social media has presented a new set of challenges when it comes to planning for death and people aren’t sure how to approach it. On the one hand, keeping social media accounts alive after someone has passed can be a source of comfort as people grieve and eventually come to remember their loved one. However, if you decide you want to manage the content of your deceased loved one’s social media accounts, or if you want to shut them down completely, it becomes tricky. Without passwords to gain access, it’s difficult to control their online legacy.

However, more and more companies are offering options for people who want to create a blueprint for their online presence after they’re gone. Here are just a few tools and processes to help manage your digital afterlife:

FACEBOOK

Last year, Facebook rolled out a new feature that lets you assign a Facebook friend as your “legacy contact.”

Your legacy contact will have a special level of access

to your account. For example, your contact will be able to download your account’s archive, which includes your photos, and respond to new friend requests, but they won’t be able to post on your behalf or read your private messages.

Whoever you choose as your legacy contact will not be notified until you pass away. To set up this option, open Facebook Settings, select Security, and then click on Legacy Contact at the bottom of the page.

Facebook also offers the option to have your account entirely deleted upon your death.

TWITTER

Twitter strictly prohibits giving anyone access to the accounts of deceased Twitter users regardless of their relationship to the account holder. However, they will work with those who wish to have their loved one’s account deactivated.

On their website, people can fill out a privacy form to request the account be shut down. Once the request is submitted, Twitter will send an email requesting more information, including information about the deceased, a copy of the requestor’s ID, and a copy of the account holder’s death certificate.

GOOGLE

Google recognizes no one wants to think about death, but there’s nothing wrong with making plans for when it happens.

They have a feature called Inactive Account Manager (IAM),

which can be found on your Google Account settings page. There, you can tell Google what to do about your Gmail messages and data from other Google services if your account become inactive for however many months you choose.

If you chose to assign someone access to your Google account, they will be able to see your data but they will not be able to alter it or act as if the account belongs to them.

For those who failed to use the IAM feature before they died, people can still make a request to access or close someone’s account in the Google Accounts Help Center.

APPLE

Because Apple is notoriously strict when it comes to their privacy policies, issues involving a deceased loved one’s accounts are handled on a case-by-case basis.

The best way to start the process of retrieving any information, if at all possible, is by calling Apple’s customer service support number at 1.800.275.2273.

TOOLS

Afterword.cc allows you to send private and secure messages to people after you’re gone. The messages can include financial information, passwords, a list of contacts or anything you want to share.

Chronicles of Life lets users save digital files forever. People can upload photos, documents, written memories, and even emails that are permanently preserved. You can then set it up to allow family and friends to have access, or you can make it public.

Vuture can be used to create personalized video messages that are then delivered at the exact day and time you choose to the people you want to see it.

For a list of more digital death services, visit thedigitalbeyond.com.

Chris Osborne, Amanda Nelson and Calleigh with Banker Amy Bolt.

Chris Calleigh

FINANCE

“We teach about how to drive in school, but not how to manage finances.”

–Andy Williams

MAKING MONEY LAST: TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH THE MONTH AND BEYOND

If you’re already struggling with money, and it’s only the middle of the month, you need to change how you handle your finances. You need to learn to make smart choices. Following these tips will help you make your earnings last the whole month with enough leftover to set aside for a rainy day and invest in your future.

MAKE A BUDGET

The key to sound financial planning is to make a budget and stick to it. Operating without a

paper, cleaning products, and canned food. Take advantage of sale prices and buy in bulk instead of getting items in small, regularly priced quantities.

Coupons are a great way of claiming further savings. You can find them in weekly or monthly flyers, online, or even at the front of the store. Checking online gives you a chance to find which stores offer the best value for your money before you head to the markets.

DISCOUNT STORES

Not all stores are equal. Some are expensive for certain products and cheaper for others. For example, some stores may have inexpensive meat and expensive canned food while another offers the opposite. Identifying the specialties of your local stores is an excellent way to cut costs.

budget makes it easy to spend your money on unnecessary things. A carefully planned budget should cater to your needs, savings, and the creation of a fund for unexpected emergencies.

BUY IN BULK

Buying in bulk is simple and can produce excellent savings on nonperishable items, such as toilet

Don’t forget most stores have a small section offering further discounted items. There are usually nonperishables that are close to their expiration date. Look for these items and buy those with a decent amount of time before their use-by expiry. Whatever you do, don’t buy everything that’s on sale; buy what you need, and don’t be lured into grabbing discounted items you won’t eat or use.

NEEDS AND WANTS

Needs are items and expenses essential to your life while wants are nonessential items you’d love to have. Food, shelter, clean water,

and electricity are fundamental needs. New handbags, shoes to match, and desk gadgets are wants. When making purchases, identify the reason for each purchase.

Everyone needs a new handbag or a pair of shoes from time to time. Everyone likes to shop. But the key to making it work is to prioritize. Know your limit and spend within it. A great way to indulge your shopping urge without breaking the bank is to check local thrift stores. These places often have items at a fraction of their regular purchase price. While some of their stock is used and worn, you often find new items of excellent quality. You might even find expensive brands at inexpensive prices!

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE (YOLO) VERSUS INVESTING

It feels great to give in to your wants by justifying them with YOLO. Yearning for a newer or bigger car, expensive designer shoes that cost the same as two mortgage payments or a smart TV that costs thousands? YOLO says, “Life is short!”

It is important to temper your urges and invest in your future. Choose appreciating assets such as real estate and bonds and employ strict discipline. It’s easy to break down and use investments to indulge yourself, so start a small YOLO fund if you know you’ll struggle. You must invest in your future and ensure you have enough to cover emergency needs.

AVOID IMPULSE BUYING

Avoid carrying a lot of money in your wallet or purse. Use credit cards only when necessary. In fact, leave them at home to make it easier. Avoid getting into situations that tempt you into an impulse buy. Remember, making a budget is great but the real test is whether

you stick to it or ruin everything with impulse purchases.

LIVE MODESTLY

Living modestly may sound like an alien concept, especially in this era of consumerism and social media where everyone posts all the good things in their lives for you to see. That kind of pressure can tempt you into an expensive lifestyle that generates debt and stunts your financial growth. Get to know your budget and tweak it. You don’t have to become a puritan or a saint. You can have a good time, go shopping, and enjoy your hard-earned money, as long as you’re reasonable and have planned your spending.

If you’re tired of running out of money before the end of the month, it’s time to change your lifestyle. Take the first step today: make a budget and follow these suggestions for both your short- and long-term financial well-being.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Dear Dave,

My brother and I recently received an inheritance after our mom died. He’s never been very good with money, so I was proud of him when he used his portion to pay off his debts. But then he went out and financed a van I know he still can’t afford. I’m afraid he’s falling right back into the same old money problems, but I don’t know how to talk to him about it.

— Diana

Dear Diana,

I’ve learned after years of trying to educate folks about their finances you can’t make people listen to you.

I think you’re smart for realizing there are some boundaries here. But there’s no reason you can’t create a situation where he can ask your opinion. You might begin with talking about some of the mistakes you’ve made in the past. This could help him connect with you, and feel more comfortable opening up about his own

situation. Once he realizes you haven’t repeated the same mistakes, and have a better life for it, he might just ask how you did it. Then, the door is open. But you can’t become preachy every time someone does something dumb. That will only hurt their feelings and cause them to tune you out completely.

—Dave

Dear Dave,

Our daughter has really started turning her life around financially. Recently, she learned she needs to have some expensive dental work done. Since she just started trying to manage her money well, she doesn’t have enough saved up for the procedure or dental insurance right now. Do you think we should help by lending her the money?

— Dianne

Dear Dianne,

I like what you’ve told me about your daughter. She doesn’t need to worry about dental insurance though. You

almost never get back what you put into those policies. It’s the kind of stuff a good emergency fund will cover. If she has invested her time and money into what I teach, I’d say she’s pretty serious about getting her finances in order. I’d make the money for dental work a gift, not a loan, for turning her financial life around. In your description, you never mentioned anything about your daughter being lazy or unwilling to work. You talked about a young lady who’s just starting to build her life, and you’re rewarding smart choices. I think that’s a great idea and will have a major positive impact.

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books, including Smart Money Smart Kids. “The Dave Ramsey Show” is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

WRITER: DAVE RAMSEY

Yum Yum Cooking School

Florida Hospital Waterman is offering this nutritional class, which includes easy-to-prepare recipes, hands-on demonstrations by a professional chef, and nutritional advice from a registered dietitian. 5 to 7p.m. Cost: $85 for the series or $35 per class. 1000 Waterman Way, Mattison Conference Center. Information: 352.253.3367.

MARCH 3–MAY 5

Super Noggin

This class, offered at Conry CREATION Health Center on the Florida Hospital Waterman campus, includes 10 weekly sessions and allows people to participate in brain-healthy activities. 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50. Information: floridahospital.com/waterman/events/ supper-noggin

MARCH 3

Stroke Support Group

While suffering from a stroke presents many challenges, finding available resources and participating in group therapy goes a long way on the road toward recovery. This support group allows survivors to gain strength and knowledge from others who have suffered from a stroke. 2:30 to 4 p.m., LRMC North Campus conference room. Information: 352.323.5658

MARCH 5

Prepared Childbirth Class

This class focuses on the 28th to 32nd week of pregnancy when mother and partner work on breathing and relaxation techniques. They also tour the Life Center for Women at LRMC. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $50. 600 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg. Information: Karen Lynn at 352.323.5960.

MARCH 8

Better Breathers

The first step in lung disease management is learning about lung disease. This nationwide support group, sponsored by the American Lung Association, offers support and resources for those suffering from lung disease. Participants also learn techniques to manage the disease. 1 to 3 p.m. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.241.7109

MARCH 11–13

Pig on the Pond

This annual event provides fun for the entire family, including cooking competitions and a 5K run/walk. Proceeds go toward scholarship funding for South Lake County students. Waterfront Park, Clermont. Cost: $5 daily fee for adults; $3 for children ages 2-6. Information: PigOnThePond.org.

“Whether you need effective networking skills, seek a new career path, or plan to return to the business world, let me help.”

—Kathleen M. Bogolin, CPA Executive Director

MARCH 12

Round Robin Tennis Tournament

This tournament benefits the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, which ensures patients in South Lake County have access to health care. The tournament is at Summit Greens Tennis Club in Clermont. The morning round-robin matches begin at 9 a.m., while the afternoon matches begin at 2 p.m. Cost: $45 per person. Informtion: Susan Taylor at 407.257.9442.

MARCH 12

Rib Run for Education

The Rib Run for Education’s 5K run/walk will be at Waterfront Park in Clermont. Proceeds benefit the Pig on the Pond Educational Fund, which provides a fouryear, $10,000 scholarship and support of a mentor to deserving South Lake high school students. 8 a.m. Information: pigonthepond. org/rib-run-for-education-5k-runwalk/

MARCH 16

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Share stories with others facing challenges with this disease of the central nervous system. 10 a.m. to noon. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.242.2350

MARCH 19–20

33rd Annual Great Clermont Triathlon

If you’re ready to put your endurance to the test, give this event a “tri.” Athletes will swim 1,500 meters around a triangular-shaped course in Lake Minneola, bicycle a 24.8-mile course around Lake Minneola, and run a 10K course on the South Lake Trail. Information: 352.394.1320.

APRIL 2

East Lake 5K Run to Aid Community

This community 5K run, planned by Christ Community Fellowship, will help support disadvantaged people in the community. The course is planned along Prestwick Avenue and Troon Avenue in Mount Plymouth. 7:30 to10:30 a.m. Information: Earl Hammond at 352.735.5050.

“I have cystic fibrosis and underwent a double lung transplant in April 2003. I’ve recently had problems with mucus and infection. However, I star ted feeling much better since I started going to the Salt Room. I do back-to-back sessions five days a week. My secretion has thiinned, my pulmonary function has improved, and I have less inflammation. I would definitely recommend the Salt Room to anyone with pulmonary problems.”

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352.750.9909

SaltRoomVillages.com

Located in Kohl’s Shopping Plaza, next to Tuesday Morning