Healthy Living May 2013

Wildwood Kitchen and Bath’s Denise Berlin shares her recipe for a

HEALTHY HOME

DR. MOM

Local health-conscious super moms share what it means to do it all.

LEARNING TO LIVE GLUTEN-FREE

A mother’s discovery of her child’s severe sensitivity to wheat.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Who’s better behind the wheel… men or women?

LET’S PLAY PICKLEBALL

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

Joint Center

only practice

PROCEDURES:

Colonoscopy: Colo-Rectal cancer screening • HALO: Treatment of Barretts/Gastric AVM

Bravo PH: Study of acid reflux • Esophageal Manometry: Testing motility and non-cardiac chest pain evaluation

Anorectal Manometry: Testing for incontinence/Anorectal disorders

EGD/Enteroscopy: Procedure to view upper GI tract • ERCP: Pancreatic/Biliary tract evaluation

Video capsule studies: Procedure to study the small bowel

IRC: Treatment for internal hemorrhoids • PEG: Feeding tube insertion into the stomach

EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF:

Reflux • Colon screening • Internal bleeding • Abdominal pain • Hepatitis • Gallbladder • Colitis

Crohn’s Disease • Swallowing difficulties • Barretts/Gastric AVMs • Non-cardiac chest pain

SHAMS S. TABREZ, MD

PAUL B. GOLDBERG, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Board-Certified in

FREE SCREENING FRIDAYS

A ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR SPECIALISTS

CONTENTS

FEATURING

Dr. Mom

This month, “Healthy Living Magazine” is serving a Mother’s Day treat for health-conscious moms. We recognize that mothers do so much more than change diapers, cook meals, and clean homes. They are also caretakers who play a critical role in their child’s well-being and serve as role models to encourage their kids to lead healthy lifestyles. Therefore, we are recognizing several shining moms throughout Lake and Sumter counties who go above and beyond to raise healthy and active children.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

42 A GRAIN OF TRUTH

When registered nurse Samantha Spiker noticed something wasn’t quite right with her son Matthew, she did what any concerned parent would do: she took him to see a doctor. But when no one could provide her answers for her son’s behavioral and physical changes, her sister’s chance diagnosis shed light on the reality that he was suffering from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that is estimated to be found in one in 133 Americans.

WRITER: SAMANTHA SPIKER, RN, BSN

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

46

Wildwood Kitchen and n Bath

If you are looking for a recipe for a healthy home, Denise Berlin of Wildwood Kitchen and Bath has the necessary ingredients. Through her company, she can help clients maintain clean and healthy homes, as well as transform their house into a dream home

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONT C

HEALTHYBODY

SHAPE

54 SCULPTING A CHISELED CHEST

Pump up your pecs with these power-packed exercises.

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

58 PROTEIN BARS

Find out if these popular snacks pass the nutrition test.

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

INSIDE

60 GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND GLUTEN-FREE DIETS

What does it mean to go against the grain?

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

HEALTHYMIND

BOOST

64 REJUVENATE AND RENEW — YOU!: A DAY AT THE SPA

Give your mother the gift of relaxation this Mother’s Day.

WRITER: SANDRA BOCK

INTERACTION

66 RECOGNIZING ASPERGER SYNDROME

Learn the facts about this high-functioning form of autism.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

INNERVENTION

70 THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

Aim to inspire others to practice goodwill; then pass it on.

WRITER: DAWN CERNEY

FULFILLED

72 SHATTERING THE MYTH OF PERFECTION

Attaining flawlessness is nothing but a fairytale.

HEALTHYFINANCE

EFFICIENT

78 TO GO GREEN OR NOT TO GO GREEN: IS THAT THE QUESTION?

The pros and cons of sustainable living.

WRITER: ELLEN B. WILCOX, GEPC REDEEM

80 GETTING THE MOST OUT OF COUPON BOOKS

Don’t let these cost-cutters go to waste.

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

COURAGEMENT

MENCOURAGEMENT

74 YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? Put your pride aside and just do it.

Putyourprideasideand Put your aside and do it.

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET

“I went to Comprehensive Vein Centers to have both spider veins and varicose veins treated. I was very uncomfortable with how my legs looked. However, after numerous treatments, my legs now look better than they have in a long, long time. I actually look forward to going to Comprehensive Vein Centers and feel it is my home away from home. The staff there is great, treats you with respect and courtesy, and always makes you feel welcome. I feel like a different person today. When I am out linedancing, people are always commenting on how great my legs look.”

BEV PETRINA VILLAGES RESIDENT

ONCE A MOM, ALWAYS A MOM

As I read this month’s feature and learned about the amazing moms we were able to highlight, I found myself becoming very envious of the role these mothers have in their children’s lives. My children are all 16 and up and seem to no longer need me to be their caretaker.

My oldest son, Michael, left home when he was 18 and joined the military in 2008. This was the very first time we had ever really been away from each other for a long period of time. I could not speak to him for several weeks as he went through boot camp. I didn’t know if he was happy or if he was home-sick; I couldn’t even find out how his day went. It was the most difficult “motherhood” experience of my entire life. He was no longer my responsibility. He no longer needed me to take care of him. We had always been very close, so the immediate separation made me feel as if he was permanently gone.

After a couple of weeks, Michael was able to contact me. As it turned out, the military knew exactly what they were doing when they kept us from talking. Michael shared his feelings with me and told me that if he had been able to hear my voice that first couple of weeks, he would have dropped out and came rushing home. He was very homesick and doubted whether he had made the right decision by joining the military. He said that every time he was sad or scared, he would look at a picture of me and his will to make me proud always overcame his desire to leave and come home.

Now it is 2013, and Michael has served five years as a U.S. Naval Corpsman. He has received multiple rank increases and recognitions, and he has become a leader among his peers. Michael will be coming home in June with an honorable discharge. He has served his country and made each day that he served a day to be remembered. He has had many ups and downs, highs and lows, but he overcame them all.

I am very proud of my son and cannot wait until I get to see him every day. It won’t be like it was before he left for the military because now he is his own person: an independent young man. But one thing that Michael assured me of is that he still needs me. He needs me to love him and encourage him. He needs me to continue to help him on his journey through life. He needs me to continue to be his educator, his mentor, his coach, his nurse, his counselor, and his cheerleader.

Michael has taught me that even though my children may become independent and become their own caretakers, they will still always need me to be their mom — a role I will gladly accept.

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

TINA MORRISON editorial/community relations director tina@akersmediagroup.com

MARY ANN DeSANTIS editor-at-large maryann@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES copy editor/writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

HEATHER TOOTLE office manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

contributing writers TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ

SANDRA BOCK

RICK BOSSHARDT RICHARD BURGUET

DAWN CERNEY

TRACY DRAPER

MARY EDWARDS

FRED HILTON

SAMANTHA SPIKER ELLEN B. WILCOX

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

CIERRA CHAPPELL production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

CALEB WAYNE JENSEN graphic designer caleb@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

contributing photographers

ANTHONY CASTO HEATHER TOOTLE

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

MIKE STEGALL senior marketing representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

LORI STRONG marketing representative lori@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER marketing representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

TERRI GORDON sales coordinator terri@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Welcome home, Michael. You always have and always will make me a very proud mommy.

Kendra Akers publisher

M

Simply egg-cellent

Women for Hospice hosted its first-ever Easter Room at the Hospice Hope Chest in Mount Dora March 11th–16th . Those who attended the event were able to purchase Easter decorations, gifts, and baked goods. In addition, a Tree of Remembrance was displayed at the store, allowing visitors to memorialize a loved one by placing an angel on the tree.

Throughout the past 20 years, Women for Hospice has raised more than $2 million for Cornerstone Hospice. They conduct numerous fundraising activities, including monthly luncheons and the popular Season of Trees event in downtown Mount Dora. The group also manages the Hope Chest, an upscale antique and resale shop. ■

A home at the state level

Governor Rick Scott recently selected Steve Smith to serve on the board of the Florida Council on Homelessness. Smith is president of New Beginnings of Lake County, a nonprofit organization that has provided clothing, shoes, household items, and counseling services to more than 40,000 local people during the past two years.

Smith founded the organization in 2007 to provide housing and recovery services to those who lost their jobs and faced the possibility of homelessness. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he also serves as treasurer of Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition and is a board member of the Lake County Affordable Housing Board. He and his wife, Linda, have four children and 10 grandchildren. ■

This man is golden

Some may think being in your 90s means being housebound or bedridden. Thomas Parks would beg to differ. While some in his age group are thinking about walkers and canes, he is thinking about running shoes.

The 91-year-old Mount Dora resident recently finished in first place at LifeStream Behavioral Center’s inaugural Healthy Mind and Body 5k/10k/Fitness Walk. Competing in the 80+ age division, Parks completed a 3.1-mile course around Silver Lake, and the near-centenarian bested quite a few younger runners.

More than 221 people participated in the event, which raised awareness about teen suicide prevention and funds for various children’s services provided by LifeStream. ■

REST FROM SICKNESS

When a child suffers from a serious illness, it impacts the entire family. Family members sometime need as much attention and support as the child diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness. Each year from September through April, more than 550 families from throughout Florida attend one of Camp Boggy Creek’s 17 family retreat programs.

These programs allow family members the opportunity to participate in all the camp’s therapeutic activities, including swimming, archery, woodshop, ropes courses, theatre, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and arts and crafts.

Camp Boggy Creek, which is located in Eustis, is a yearround camp for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. The organization creates memorable, exciting, fun, and empowering camping experiences at no charge.

For more information, visit www.boggycreek.org. ■

How sweet

Haley Gerig, owner of a custom design clothing company, recently raised $10,000 to provide scholarships for at-risk ninth graders so they can participate in school arts programs. Her fundraising event, Sweet Treats for a Cause, was held in January at Lake Receptions. The event featured a fashion show fundraiser, an ultimate shopping experience, and a dessert bar.

Unfortunately, many local students are unable to participate in arts programs due to costs. Thanks to Haley, ninth-grade students will have an opportunity to enjoy displaying their musical skills in band or showcasing their acting talent in theater. Haley’s mother, Shelly Gerig, an employee of the Safe Climate Coalition, helped her organize the fundraiser. ■

A beacon of hope

George J. Hagerty is the new president of Beacon College. He brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations. He is also the recipient of many awards and designations, among them the 1989 National Leadership Award from the National Council on Disabilities and the 2009 Fitzwater Medal for Leadership in public communication. In addition, he has authored numerous scholarly articles, book chapters, and policy papers on a range of subjects relating to special education, governance, and public finance.

He earned a master’s degree and doctoral degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

“It is his creative energy, entrepreneurial acumen, academic standing and insight, as well as his repertoire of administrative and external advocacy skills that make him an ideal president for Beacon College,” says Eileen Marinakis, who serves as a board chairwoman for the college.

Located in downtown Leesburg, Beacon College is the first four-year accredited college in the United States exclusively for students with learning disabilities. ■

An eye on philanthropy

In February, the Mount Dora Community Trust awarded a $3,168 grant to New Vision for Independence. Funds will be used for scholarships to provide low vision services to 10 residents of Mount Dora. New Vision is a nonprofit agency that provides rehabilitation, community education, and support services for people with low vision or blindness and their families in Lake and Sumter counties. To inquire about the organization’s services, call 352.435.5040. ■

IT’S AN EMERGENCY!

In the past year, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Emergency Department handled 48,000 patient visits. That number is projected to rise in the coming years. In order to adequately meet these increasing needs, a $2 million renovation project has been initiated.

The LRMC Foundation kicked off the renovation campaign in March by presenting a check for $150,000. “Renovating the emergency department is desperately needed to modernize the ER,” says Sharon Garbaravage, director of the hospital’s emergency department. “The expansion will make the emergency department more patient-focused and aesthetically pleasing for patients and staff.”

Philanthropic support is being sought from all areas of the community, including individuals and corporations. “Raising funds for the expansion will take the efforts of the entire community,” says Gerald Tucker, chairman of the LRMC Foundation. “We hope everyone will support the capital campaign to make these planned renovations a reality.” ■

We help you yourbecome best self.

“It is so important to me to have a good rapport with a doctor’s office, and I have such a great one with Bosshardt & Marzek. I know that they really care about me. I have had several procedures done, and I am so pleased with every one of them. I wanted a procedure done and they actually talked me out of it… now where can you find doctors like that?”

— Gloria Gauthier

PLASTIC

T.

M.D., FACS and Peter A. Marzek, M.D., FACS

LOOKING GOOD, FEELING BETTER

All her life Kathy Rhoden had always been mindful about what she put in her body, but it did not keep her from packing on the pounds as she aged.

“I’ve always been a healthy eater and a label reader, but I was still gaining two-to-three pounds every year,” says the 58-year-old Leesburg resident. “Last year, I reached my alltime high with weight, and I didn’t feel good. I was carrying abdominal fat and nothing I did to take it off worked.”

As summer approached, Kathy dreaded the thought of having to spend another year wearing her bathing suit in her backyard. Moreover, she was sick of wearing jackets and sweaters to cover up her body. Determined to lose weight, she began researching different weight loss programs. “I wanted to find the very best program for me,” she says. “It had to be all-natural. I did not want to use anything that had things like artificial sweeteners, stimulants, or soy.”

Then someone told Kathy about the Isagenix Cellular Cleansing Diet, an organic “food system” that naturally removes toxins and other impurities from the body. Though she was skeptical at first,

she decided to order it. “By the fifth day I was feeling remarkable. I went on to drop 37 pounds and I’ve been able to maintain that for six months,” she says. “But more importantly, I have increased energy. It’s amazing how when you fill your body with the proper nutrition, you can feel so good.”

KATHY’S ADVICE:

“Do your research. Take a real hard look at the food you put in your mouth because knowledge is power. Also, make better food choices. Limit your sugar and salt intake and avoid processed foods and trans fats. Every good choice you make is a step toward a better life.”

KATHY’S DAILY DIET:

• FIRST THING IN THE MORNING: A NUTRIENT-RICH TONIC.

• BREAKFAST: BREAKFAST SHAKE.

• MID-MORNING: A 100-CALORIE SNACK, AN ACCELERATOR PILL, AND A VITAMIN PACK.

• LUNCH: A LARGE SALAD TOPPED WITH A GOOD PROTEIN (CHICKEN, TURKEY, OR SALMON).

• MID-AFTERNOON: A 100-CALORIE SNACK, AN ACCELERATOR PILL, AND A VITAMIN PACK.

• DINNER: ANOTHER SHAKE OR A WELL-BALANCED MEAL (A PIECE OF SALMON, A SWEET POTATO WITHOUT BUTTER, AND STEAMED BROCCOLI).

• BEFORE BED: A FLUSH PILL, WHICH AIDS IN DIGESTION.

David M. Campione

Harry T. Hackney

SOURCES: Who Are Better Drivers: Men or Women?; http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=788126: 10 Reasons wh y Men are Better Drivers than Women; http://www.cheapcarinsurance.net/10-reasons-why-men-are-better-drivers-than-women/:

Medical mysteries

Q: WHO ARE BETTER DRIVERS — MEN OR WOMEN? A: YES.

WRITER: FRED HILTON // PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

It’s offi cial: Men are better drivers than women; http://articles.timesofi ndia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-14/man-woman/35819131_1_uae-reside ntsmen-and-women-drivers-gender-stereotypes: New UK study suggests women better drivers than men; http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/ 08/new-uk-study-suggests-women-better-drivers-than-men/ (Accessed March 25, 2013)

Today’s question is one that could be a bit tricky to answer — maybe even dangerous if you are married. The question: Are men or women better drivers?

The answer is really pretty simple. The answer is “yes.” That seemingly impossible response is explained by a famous phrase: There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. As a one-time public relations man, I can guarantee you that statistics can be used to prove anything and everything, no matter how contradictory the points might be.

For proof of the flexibility of statistics, the website for Cheap Car Insurance has one study titled 10 Reasons Why Men are Better Drivers than Women and another study titled 13 Reasons Why Women are Better Drivers than Men.

The argument for the men includes the following: men are involved in fewer crashes than women per mile driven; women are more likely to drive while using a cellphone; men pass the driving test faster; men have more experience with cars; and women are more likely to drive with pets in their cars or obstructions in the mirrors. Another reason cited is that women with PMS can become irrational drivers. (You would be wise not to bring that one up while playing couples’ bridge.)

Arguments for the women include: men feel like they “own the road”; women have fewer accidents; scantily clad women are more of a distraction to men than women;

motherly instincts give female drivers an edge; women have longer attention spans than men; and women are more likely to wear seatbelts. And, to offset the PMS claim, women can argue that testosterone leads to aggressive and dangerous driving.

osterone

Some sources do make a case for members of one sex being better drivers. A survey in the United Arab Emirates interviewed 750 people who were evenly split between the genders. Of those, 44 percent felt that men were the better drivers and only 10 percent said women were better. (The remaining 46 percent took the safe approach and said gender did not make any difference.)

better drivers. ab Emirates ho Of those, 44 he better drivers en were ent took der did not ning, er men are choed on ely

On the other hand, Quality Planning, a company that validates policyholder information for auto insurers, said women are clearly better drivers. That opinion is echoed by Carrentals UK, a car rental comparison company in Great Britain which conducted a study that concluded women are definitely superior drivers.

Being of the male persuasion, however, I must point out that the study done in Great Britain was in a place where people drive on the wrong side of the road.

s an ve attention men are to offset the PMS at testosterone leads to rous d ke a ng ra ho O the wome percen d gende lity Planni ers, said wom t is ech ntal which conducted omen are uasion, however, I udy in ere d.

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

ON spent 36 years as the James sity d editor for s ia. in The s their de s her Paris

“I suffered for years, but FMI got me back in the swing of things in no time.”

Over the past 30 years, I’ve performed thousands of successful minimally-invasive surgeries, from arthroscopy to full joint replacement. Still, my philosophy remains conservative, and I always approach surgery as a last resort. 9 out of 10 patients can return to their normal activity level without surgery, and I have the success and safety stats and patient approval ratings to prove it.

Natural hormone therapy for women

Options for improving your quality of life

Women enter menopause when their ovaries cease producing estrogen. Menopause can occur naturally or surgically (when the ovaries are removed) and the loss of estrogen can bring on symptoms that include depression, decreased energy, insomnia, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Estrogen can be reintroduced into a woman’s body through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (B-HRT) to help alleviate these un-

Compounded B-HRT is:

is to meet the needs of each individual patient.

Are you coping with hot flashes/ night sweats, decreased libido, difficulty sleeping, moodiness, feelings of depression, or anxiety? Do not allow these symptoms to become the new standard in your life. While STARx Pharmacy cannot reverse the aging process, they can help you explore a host of options for a better quality of life. Through its Patient Interaction Program (and for a nominal fee),

• Identical to the hormones produced by the human body.

• Customized to the dose that is right for each patient.

• Can be formulated in dosage forms to bypass liver metabolism, thereby delivering the correct dosage needed by the body

comfortable symptoms. Natural bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, such as soy and yam, and they are rich in molecules that are easily converted into hormones. The chemical and molecular structure of these hormones matches the natural hormones they are intended to replace and are indistinguishable from those produced in the body. Bio-identical hormones include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, pregnenolone, and testosterone.

Our goal of compounding hormones in convenient dosage forms

one of STARx’s highly qualified consultant pharmacists can learn about your condition, your doctor’s recommendations, and custom blend your prescription to address your individual needs. To get started, visit www.starxpharmacy.com and click on Compounding Services.

STARx pharmacists are always willing to discuss your compounding needs in detail, provide consultation, and answer any questions you or your doctor may have.

For more information, visit www.starxpharmacy.com or call 352.323.9555.

Q& Awith Bill Gray,

R.Ph Senior Pharmacist

Q: Will B-HRT help my bones since I am older and don’t have symptoms any longer?

A: Yes, the natural estrogen helps prevent more bone loss. Testosterone can help with good strong bone formation; progesterone can help build bone. DHEA helps to build bone, also.

Q: Will B-HRT cause me to get blood clots or have a heart attack?

A: Not usually, especially if you are not a smoker, regularly exercise, and eat a good, balanced diet. Some women do add in an aspirin 81mg E.C. to take along with the regimen every morning. This is even less risky if you start therapy and stay on therapy before you become fully menopausal.

Q: How can I improve my libido and energy?

A: DHEA can improve energy and libido. Then to be balanced correctly with the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the natural form is usually a very good way to help with those issues.

Q: Can I just use progesterone to build bones and help with sleep?

A: Progesterone can build bone, but without the estrogen, the results won’t be as good. Progesterone is not a sleeping pill; it only has drowsiness side effects for some women, not all women. We advise it not be used alone as a sleep aid.

Q: What are some of the downfalls to using DHEA and some of the advantages?

A: It may help protect against heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. DHEA can also:

• Increase and enhance energy levels, libido, memory, and immunity.

• Protect against the effects of stress.

• Aid in weight loss.

• Help prevent wrinkles and dry eyes. However, too much DHEA can cause some acne and hair loss.

Q: What hormones do I need to use if my uterus was removed years ago?

A: Estradiol or Biest can be used along with testosterone and DHEA. Women without a uterus do not officially need progesterone, but we oftentimes recommend a low dose of progesterone to get a good balance in the body. Of course, the progesterone could be stopped if a patient experiences bloating, breast and nipple tenderness, and weight gain. Those who get headaches from estrogen oftentimes use progesterone to achieve balance and stop the headaches.

Q: Will natural B-HRT help my moods and/or depression?

A: Estradiol does help increase serotonin and endorphin levels, so yes. Progesterone often has a calming effect, which can help with bad moods. Too much progesterone can cause a down feeling, which can be confused with increased depression. In most women, if you achieve a balance of all the hormones needed by their bodies it will help alleviate mood swings and depression.

w of a I felt first cle pr I w proc

I went to Dr. Vaziri at the recommendation of a friend to have crown and bridge work. I felt extremely comfortable with him on my first visit. He spent lots of time with me and clearly and thoroughly explained how the procedure was going to be performed. I was pleasantly surprised how easy the procedure was. I felt no discomfort. Dr. Vaziri has great bedside manner, and his entire office staff is always upbeat and positive. I feel extremely confident about putting my oral health care in the hands of Dr. Vaziri.

— Daniel Sloan, The Villages

IV Sedation “Pain-Free Dentistry”

From a simple cleaning to complete full-mouth reconstruction, Dr. Vaziri can use IV sedation to put his patients to sleep, thus turning a stressful or lengthy appointment into a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Implants

Conventional and Mini Implants.

Cosmetic

Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Bonding, and Veneers.

Immediate Dentures

Dentures and Partials delivered immediately after extractions.

General

Dentures, Root Canals, Extractions, Same-Day Relines and Repairs, Crown and Bridge, Cleanings, and Fillings.

Personal matters

No matter how long one has been married or in a relationship, you experience many of life’s joys and challenges in the journey together. You share in the excitement and nervousness of becoming parents for the first time, as well as the happiness and comfort in simpler moments such as an evening walk holding hands or a loving glance exchanged across the dinner table.

Spending quality time together and being attentive takes work in today’s world, where hypertasking and smartphones are commonplace. With my commitment to ICE, I also struggle with that balance. I find that the key to keeping a relationship solid and a love strong are evergreen: communication, trust, honesty, and making time for each other.

These are the facets of a relationship that can make or break this partnership, which is why tackling misunderstood issues such as erectile dysfunction in an open and honest way is extremely important. For men and women, honest communication makes you vulnerable, but you’ll find that being vulnerable can also feel quite liberating.

The value this openness has on a relationship and your overall health is incomparable to any dinner reservation or tangible gift you can present to your better halves. Besides, when you bottle up your emotions, this added stress negatively affects your hearth-health and, simply put, can only make intimacy more challenging.

I encourage you to open up and love with your whole heart. Overcome the fear that is “now” and know that on the other side of that tough conversation lies a stronger, healthier heart and relationship.

Yours,

Asad U. Qamar, MD

FACC, FCCP, FSGC, FACP, FSCAI Cardiologist

The hard truth – Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a very intimate and often intimidating condition. Because of its personal nature, it is often left untreated and misunderstood, causing great emotional distress. This makes it even more important to understand that erectile dysfunction does not necessarily happen because of age and that it is most likely the result of a heart-health issue, not a psychological one.

As many as 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED with 64 percent of those men over the age of 60, according to the National Institutes of Health. But while incidences increase with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging, rather a signal that your

vascular health needs some serious attention.

Vascular disease is a broad term for any disease that affects the circulatory system. The circulatory system is made up of arteries and veins that spread from the heart through the body to the tips of our extremities. The heart pumps blood away from itself through the body by way of our arteries and our veins are responsible for returning the blood back to our heart. It might also help to know that the main artery that branches off into the pelvis is called the internal iliac artery, which extends into the penis as the internal pudendal artery. If any artery in the vascular

system is compromised, the pudendal artery may not receive the necessary blood flow required for creating and sustaining an erection. For example, men with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels are at an increased risk for erectile dysfunction.

Rest assured. Erectile dysfunction can be treated at any age. Treatment options vary from exercise and a healthy diet, smoking cessation and medication, to surgical procedures. But the first and often-dreaded step is to have a serious and open conversation with a doctor who can help identify the root

of erectile dysfunction and provide comfort and clarity while helping to solve it.

Source: “Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease?”: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/ HB00074/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Source: “Erectile Dysfunction – Your Choices”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/erectiledysfunctionyourchoices/ur029205.pdf

CASE STUDY

One Pleased Patient!

When it comes to cardiac health I put my trust in the hands of Dr. Qamar at ICE. From a health standpoint, this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

If you ask him a question, he explains things in layman’s terms so you can understand what he is saying. He is a very dedicated doctor who is very low key and gentle. I always feel comfortable when I’m in his office.

In 2002, when I was living in Seminole County, I had a stent placed in my heart artery. One year later, I moved to Ocala and needed to find a cardiologist who could provide follow-up care. Fortunately, Dr. Qamar was recommended to me.

Throughout the years, Dr. Qamar has performed several heart catheterizations on me to check for plaque

build-up and blood flow.

He performs different scans to make sure my arteries are functioning properly. My wife, Nancy, accompanies me when Dr. Qamar performs these scans. He always refers to her as ‘young lady,’ and she loves that!

Dr. Qamar’s charm and friendliness is easily matched by his talent as a physician. During one scan, he noticed that I had an enlarged prostate and bladder. Dr. Qamar referred me to a local urologist.

He is an exemplary doctor and if a problem arises, I know he is going to help me take care of it. He has an excellent reputation, and he surrounds himself with a staff that is equally talented and genuinely cares about patients.

“Dr.Qamar’scharm and friendliness is easilymatchedbyhis talentasaphysician.”

— Paul Furia

The younger you are, the more likely that erectile dysfunction signals a risk of heart disease. Men younger than 50 are at especially high risk. In men older than 70, erectile dysfunction is much less likely to be a sign of heart disease.

About 1 in 4 men above the age of 65 are affected by erectile dysfunction.

Kim cares

At ICE, my team manages the schedules and performs all the ultrasounds for both our Marion County locations. We also do the transcranial Doppler study and take care of people in the best way we know how. Our team philosophy is simple: we all care and treat our patients as we would treat our family. I moved to Ocala after graduating from Santa Fe Community College in 1987, and I started working at the catheterization lab at Munroe Regional Medical Center. I enjoyed it, but ultrasound was a better fit for me. I met Dr. Qamar at another practice and have worked with him ever since. I have seen Dr. Qamar’s practice grow, which I think is a sign we are doing things right. I consider my teammates a part of my family. We have all been together for so long that we have actually watched each other’s children grow up.

Whoa, Nellie!

Echo testing has been my career since 1995, but I found my first professional “home” at ICE in 2009. I am an echo supervisor, which means I am part of a team that runs echocardiograms and carotid, arterial, renal, and abdominal scans. I ensure that our patients’ schedules and equipment run smoothly and my goal is to treat patients the way I would want to be treated. We realize no one wants to spend time in the doctor’s office. This is why we try to make it as pleasant as possible. It’s what Dr. Qamar expects and we all agree. That’s what makes us a good team that appreciates our patients like Nellie Rhodes. Nellie has been a patient at ICE for several years and used to own a fish camp in Dunnellon. I am a sportsman and can relate to her amazing stories and her funny jokes. She just enjoys living, and I would never want to let her down.

Gary

—

Lancaster Echo Supervisor

— Kimberly Terrell Vascular Supervisor

We Love to See You

“I have been a patient with Dr. Barr for years — from llings to cleanings, he has always made my dentistry experience a positive, calming one,” says Sandy Turner. “He displays nothing but professionalism every time I see him. Plus, he has such a caring staff.” Ed Turner, Sandy’s husband, agrees. “I have been going to Dr. Barr since we have been married, and I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful dentist and his charming staff. We both feel like family every time we are in his of ce!”

YOUR EYES DESERVE the BEST safety, performance and convenience –

FROM LOCAL DOCTORS WHO GENUINELY CARE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accepting new patients!

A CELEBRATION OF THE WOMAN WHO COOKS, CLEANS, CARPOOLS, KISSES BOO-BOOS, AND TAKES CARE OF THEIR FAMILY LIKE ONLY A MOM CAN.

Moms do these things not for any accolades or appreciation, but because they instinctually want the best for their families. There is no gift expensive enough or no words powerful enough to ever repay a mother for her years of sacrifice, dedication, hard work, and struggles. Since Mother’s Day falls this month, the staff at Healthy Living Magazine feels it is an appropriate time to shine the spotlight on several local women who embrace the role of motherhood and provide their children with a healthy environment and unconditional love. You’ll laugh, smile, and cry as you see what being a mother and caretaker is like through their eyes.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

It did not take Lady Lake resident Jenny Ducharme long to realize that motherhood would have its challenges. She was all packed to take her newborn baby, Kayleigh, home from the hospital when something unexpected occurred.

“My husband and I laid her on the bed to change a ‘poopy’ diaper. We wiped her clean and right after we put the new diaper under her bottom, she started pooping again. We wiped her again and as soon as she was cleaned, she pooped again. It was like a volcano of poop, which just kept spewing out. We finally got her cleaned up and ready to leave. It was hilarious then and unforgettable now.”

Of course, that wouldn’t be the last time she played the role of pooper scooper. The family went on a hike in Oviedo when child number two, Christian, went number two.

“Christian was in the baby carrier and filled up his diaper. The carrier kept pushing the entire poopy mess upward. He had to be changed before we had an explosion. So there we are in the woods with Christian lying on my lap while I’m squatting on the side of the trail. My husband, Kevin, changed his diaper.”

For poop’s sake, do mothers ever get a break? Fortunately for Jenny, the days of cleaning messy diapers are now a thing of the past. Kayleigh is 7-years-old and Christian is 4.

These days, the 32-year-old mother stays busy incorporating healthy habits into her children’s daily routines. A fulltime yoga instructor in Ocala, Jenny has allowed her children to embrace the yoga lifestyle.

“I don’t make them practice yoga, but I do encourage them to practice when I am practicing,” says Jenny, who spent 13 years as a gymnast and ballet dancer. “They see me doing it and usually will just join in. I feel that yoga helps them bring peace, stillness, and grounding to their lives.”

Her little yoga devotees are particularly adept at performing handstands. “When they are upside down they can get an entirely different perspective on life,” she says.

Of course, as with any activity children are involved in, accidents are bound to happen. Jenny discovered that when she invited her mother to photograph her and the kids performing yoga poses.

“We were setting up to do some pictures in the water,” Jenny recalls. “I had the kids each in the water about ankle deep. After setting them up on their poses, I stepped back to get into my pose and just before my mom snapped off the picture, Kayleigh lost her balance and fell face first into the water. She splashed Christian and I. We were all wet. It was so funny how the whole thing happened that I couldn’t get upset. Thankfully it was a warm day so we dried out pretty quickly.”

From a nutritional standpoint, Jenny introduced vegetables and fruits into her children’s diets when they were both infants. Today, grilled or steamed vegetables come with every meal.

“Ninety percent of the time, vegetables are the first thing gone on their plates,” Jenny says. “We don’t have pizza very often, but their favorite topping is mushrooms.”

For Jenny, the single most important aspect of being a mother is ensuring that the family spends quality time together. The Ducharmes love spending time outdoors and often hike at places such as Alexander Springs, Pear Park, and Carney Island Park.

While the role of motherhood is extremely rewarding, it does not come without its fair share of challenges. Whenever times get tough, Jenny heeds an important piece of advice once offered by her mother.

“She told me that when kids drive you crazy — and they will — to take a deep breath and count to 10 before you react.”

Jenny DUCHARME

32-year-old mother of two

Single-parent rewards: I can give all my attention to my daughter. I do not have to divide my attention between my daughter and spouse.

Single-parent difficulties: The first time I called myself a single mom in front of my mother, tears ran down her face. She said, “Do not define yourself that way.”

Working motherhood: I take my daughter to work every day. I own a chiropractic practice. She greets the staff with a big smile and says hi to the patients in the waiting room. I designed a room in my office so I can breast-feed my baby and still run a busy practice.

Favorite wholesome snack: Chia chips.

Best song to sweat to: Give It 2 Me by Madonna.

My ‘she’ro: Oprah Winfrey. She comes from a very difficult background but always rises to the occasion in life. She refuses to let her past define her.

Jessica GIANNINI

26-year-old mother of a 4-month-old baby

Funniest baby moment: When Annabelle was 3 weeks old, my husband, Dominic, was changing her diaper. She kept farting and smiling the entire time. It was the cutest thing ever!

Favorite baby moment: When Annabelle started smiling and cooing at me. She knew who I was and was genuinely happy to see me. It makes my heart melt every time she smiles.

Bottle making perfected: Use warm water first, then formula. A couple swirls (not shakes) and you are good to go. If it is frozen breast milk, I store it in freezer bags. It’s easier to thaw that way. Just run the bag under hot water and it thaws and warms up pretty quickly.

Favorite healthy treats: Fresh strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, and grapes.

Favorite not-so-healthy treat: Oreo cookies.

Model health guru: Jordan Rubin. He wrote the book The Maker’s Diet and is founder of The Garden of Life, one of the most reputable supplement companies in the world.

My stress buster: Soaking in a nice, hot bath with candles lit and Zen music playing softly in the background. That always seems to help relinquish the worries of the day.

Five-minute break—Sleep, snuggle, or snack: Snuggle

Favorite health activity: Energy medicine, which I studied under Deepak Chopra, who is a famous newage health guru. Energy medicine is good for anti-aging, and I would think all women can appreciate that!

Pregnancy pounds: I gained 55 pounds when I was pregnant and tried everything from Krispy Kreme doughnuts to Cheetos. I’m a health nut, so for me it was a strange and wonderful time to eat bad stuff.

Mommy advice to men: If a woman possesses greatness, it does not have to be intimidating or a competition. The most important thing to understand with women is that we want to be loved and supported.

Favorite mother-daughter activity: Dancing together.

Secret mommy time: My daughter does not like to be cuddled. I wait for her to fall asleep to steal a kiss and hold her. I love to have her near me.

Dr. Ramah WAGNER

36-year-old single mother of a 1-year-old baby

Photo by Priya Shil, Tavares High School

Shannon DECKER

Advice for raising a special needs child: Breathe, breathe, and breathe. God gave this child to you for a reason. You were hand-picked because you can do it.

Greatest challenge: Finding the help she needs. It’s a constant battle with the insurance company, and we do a lot of running from doctor to doctor. I have been unable to find a pediatric gastroenterologist or pediatric neurologist in Lake County.

Funny mom story: My autistic child, Reagan, went through a phase where she did not think anyone who looked older than her parents could drive. My mother-in-law was trying to take her somewhere, and she refused to get into the car, insisting “old ladies cannot drive.” It was a little embarrassing, but my mother-in-law found it funny, as well.

Memorable moment: Reagan is very aware when someone is hurt or upset. There was a wasp during a picnic at school, and her teacher was trying to swat it. As afraid of bugs as Reagan is, she ran to the teacher and wouldn’t leave her side.

My nutritional approach: I am not a hardcore calorie counter. I am more of a fat content person.

Best mommy trick: Reverse psychology! Children need to think something is their idea.

Guilty pleasure: A pedicure.

Favorite healthy treat: Chobani Greek yogurt.

Favorite not-so-healthy treat: Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Best advice from mom: Do not waste time worrying. Worry will not change any outcome.

Disappointing mommy moment: I do not, and never will, dwell on disappointments. We take what we can from every disappointment ever handed to us and learn from it.

34-year-old mother of four girls, including a 5-year-old autistic child

AliciaCOSTA

36-year-old single mom of two daughters

Single-mom joys: Knowing I can raise two daughters on my own.

Single-mom nightmares: When they question me about their father, and I don’t always have the answers.

Single-mom hardships: You have to provide the tender, loving care of a mother and provide the discipline of a father. It is a dance, but if you lack in one area, so will my girls. I have no problem providing discipline. Children are always going to test boundaries; it is just knowing how much you are willing to let them get away with.

Favorite song to sweat to: Just Like a Pill by Pink

Best exercise excuse: I have nobody to watch my girls.

Favorite nutritious treat: Asparagus.

Favorite unhealthy treat: Plain M&M’s and a Coke.

Favorite junk food: Pizza.

First ER visit: I tried convincing my daughter that a CT scan was a spaceship and we were going for a ride. Sheer panic!

Best mommy trick: Making my children think that I really did not want them to do something anyway.

Quick go-to meal: Baked ziti.

Guilty pleasure: Shopping.

Favorite mommy moment: When every school paper my daughter brings home from school says, “I love you, mom!”

Worst mommy moment: When other children say mean things to your children and you cannot do anything to protect them from cruel people.

Finding “me” time: It is very hard. I try to make the most of the opportunities that I do get because they are few and far between. I feel guilty on the same hand when I do get “me” time. So, if anyone ever sees me having too much fun it is because I am making up for lost time. Ha ha! Balancing work & motherhood: I don’t think a mother ever feels as if she has had enough time for her children, even if every second of her day was devoted to them.

Photo by Crissy Roe of C. Roe Photography

Best exercise excuse: Saying “I have six kids and no time” pretty much covers every excuse needed!

Favorite nutritious nibble: Carrots and broccoli in ranch dip

Favorite not-so-healthy treat: Anything chocolate!

Healthy role model: My husband, my two oldest sons, and I decided to eat healthier and exercise. Since January 1st, we have lost a combined total of 99.5 pounds.

Memorable trip to the ER: I took my oldest child who had suffered an injury from horse playing. The triage nurse told me I looked familiar and I replied, “Remember the child who was in here last week with a broken collarbone from being pulled off a bike by his brother on a moped? Well, this is the brother who was driving the moped.”

My stress buster: Praying and eating. I always try to do more praying than eating!

Guilty pleasure: Taking time for myself. That may only mean a trip to Wal-Mart, but when you have to coordinate babysitters/activities for six children, date nights and alone

time for yourself come few and far between!

Favorite mommy moment: When my daughter was three, she decided in the middle of a Disney movie to ask Jesus to live in her heart. She was so young but had such a real understanding of what that meant.

Worst mommy moment: The twins were born eight weeks premature, and there were many times over their first three months of life that we were unsure whether they would make it. Those were the darkest days of my life.

Easier to raise — boys or girls: I have five boys and one girl. I always say my girl is tougher than all of my boys combined. She is strong-willed and outspoken!

Practical jokers: Once, I went outside to take the garbage out, and my children saw this as their perfect opportunity to lock me out of the house. I instructed sternly, begged, and pleaded with them to let me in and all I received in turn from them was laughter.

SonyaBERDING

33-year-old mother of six children

KymberlyJENSEN

40-year-old mother of 10 children

Dividing attention 10 ways: I take them with me individually to run errands and make a point to talk while we are together. Sometimes we do something fun like get a treat. The fact that I homeschool my children leaves me more time to stay in tune with them and their needs, wants, and desires.

Benefits of a large family: The children are each other’s friends, and I always have someone who is willing to help me.

Mom & teacher: It is very rewarding to homeschool my children and be the one to teach them to read, write, and do math. We learn together.

More difficult — babies or teenagers: That depends on which baby and which teenager we are talking about. Mostly they are similar because they both require lots of time and attention.

DelaneyFOSTER

31-year-old mother of six children

Favorite healthy snack: A RAW bar.

Favorite not-so-healthy snack: Cheetos and Reese’s Cups.

My nutritional approach: We limit sweets and junk food and always try to make good food choices.

My stress buster: Chocolate and a few minutes alone, or a date with my husband.

Favorite book: Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp.

Favorite healthy treat: I have a recipe for healthy chocolate chip cookies.

Favorite unhealthy treat: Chocolate.

First ER visit: Our 1½-year-old daughter pulled her elbow out. Doctors performed an X-ray and then relocated the elbow.

Best mommy trick: No tricks. I just stay consistent in requiring my children to obey, and I always follow-up with them.

Favorite mommy moment: When my children get to that age when they purposely smile at me.

Healthy role model: In August, my husband and I began the first day of the rest of our lives by starting a program called the “24-Day Challenge.” As of today, we have both lost 50 pounds. We are healthier, feeling better, more energetic, and above all, setting a much better example to our kids.

Sharing the love: Just spending three to five minutes with each child can be sufficient. They can help me with tasks around the house, such as drying dishes, loading clothes into the washer, or shopping with me at the grocery store. They go from unruly child to mommy’s wonderful little helper in no time flat. Never

underestimate the power of one-onone time.

First ER visit: We have been blessed to only have one emergency room story — knock on wood. Our son, Damon, decided that he wanted to be the youngest acrobat ever. At age 2, he climbed out of his crib and landed face first on the hardwood floor, cushioned underneath only by concrete. He had a concussion, a huge knot smack dab in the middle of his forehead, and a swollen area around his eye.

Favorite health flick: Facing the Giants. It is all about growing and conditioning athletes physically, mentally, and spiritually. We often revisit that movie for inspiration.

My stress buster: Cleaning because it burns quite a few calories.

Best mommy trick: It’s called the paddle. And it’s not a trick.

F

Guilty pleasure: Going out to sing karaoke, although it hardly ever happens.

Favorite book: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

Healthy living: I minimize the amount of sweets and white processed carbs my children consume. They are excited to be training for their first 5K race… not because we are making them, but because they came to us and asked!

Worst mommy memory: I lead the music at my church and had planned to go over to the piano player’s house to plan music one night. When I arrived it was raining, so I hunkered down, ran into her house, and got to work. It was a good while later that it hit me like a lightning bolt — Daisy, my youngest, was still in the van. Thank the good Lord above she was still sleeping and the temperature was neither hot nor cold. It goes to show that no mom is perfect.

Carrie BLEVINS

Favorite healthy treat: A bowl of strawberries and blueberries.

Favorite not-so-healthy treat: Chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and melted peanut butter. Eat your vegetables: My kids love carrots; I do not think they realize carrots are a vegetable. Green beans are also great because they consider that a finger food.

My stress buster: Going for a jog can change my entire outlook on a situation. Being in nature, having a little sunlight, and allowing my brain to release some much-needed serotonin alleviates a lot of stress.

Favorite mommy moment: Any moment when one of my children does or learns something for the first time. The look of wonder, excitement, and pride on their face is priceless.

BWorst mommy moment: Any time one of my children has her feelings hurt. With a scraped knee, all my child needs is a Band-Aid and a kiss. However, when another child says something hurtful, it really breaks my heart.

Guilty pleasure: A cheesy Lifetime drama that my husband would call “completely predictable” is at the top of my list.

Go-to stress food: Ice cream! Memorable mommy advice: My mom used to tell me to “let it go.” It’s easy to get stressed out with a busy schedule. Trying to balance work, kids, home, and still have enough time for my husband and myself are hard sometimes. I have to learn to let some things go and try to focus on what is most important in the moment.

Best mommy trick: My children are ages 5, 3, and 1, so all I have to do is ask my children not to do something and nine times out of 10 it is done pretty quickly. I’m sure that will not work in a few years.

Oh baby!: My husband and I were flying with our first baby for the first time, and she needed a diaper change. My husband was trying his best to help me get her diaper off, which cast a stench all the way to the front of the plane. He inadvertently swiped my arm and shirt with the dirty diaper. It was a stinky mess, and for the first time, I realized we were those people — the ones who should have driven in a car …. alone.

34-year-old mother of three children.

JennaHAWKINS

26-year-old stay-at-home mom of a 17-month-old boy

My nutritional approach: I cook organic dishes such as stir-fried veggies and baked pub-style chicken with onions. Everything I make is homemade. If you can buy it in a store, you can make it at home and have it be so much healthier for your family. It just takes a bit more work and dedication to live a healthier lifestyle.

Favorite organic food: Bananas, because they have a different texture. And organic sweet potatoes are definitely much sweeter.

Where I shop: Veggie Table Co-Op in Eustis. The cost is very reasonable. Biggest inspiration to eat organic: Other moms. I love learning from them and seeing how organic food works for their families.

Favorite health guru: God. I try to eat what He has given us, which means no processed fake junk!

‘Green’ cleaning: I use vinegar to clean most things and make my own laundry soap.

Favorite mommy moment: When my son, Easton, first laughed. He has the best belly laugh.

Not-so-favorite mommy moment: When Easton pooped in the bathtub.

Five-minute break — Sleep, snuggle, or snack: Snuggle.

Favorite healthy treat: Fresh fruit

Favorite not-so-healthy treat: Sweet tea.

Favorite junk food: Ice cream.

Favorite fast meal: Salad.

Sneaking veggies: Easton loves vegetables, but if he is not eating enough of them I will sneak them into his food. For instance, he loves yogurt, so I can pretty much put any veggie into his yogurt and he will devour it!

Best exercise excuse: I’m a stay-at-home mom, so when I have free time I would much rather relax or get something done that Easton would otherwise not allow me to focus on.

A grain of truth

Matthew was behaving differently. Up until now, our oldest son had been what seemed to be a normal, happy 5-year-old boy, but lately he had become noticeably grumpy with a sour attitude.

When teachers said “Good morning” to him, he would walk past them and not even acknowledge their greetings. To an outsider, his behavior appeared rude and as his parents, we felt it reflected poorly on our parenting skills. My husband, Jim, and I are both positive people and we just could not understand how our son was so negative and grumpy.

Our friends laughed and told us Matthew’s behavior was okay, but we struggled with how to best handle the situation. He seemed

indifferent to any type of discipline or reward and that made it even more difficult. I am a nurse and I had a gut feeling that something just was not right — but I had no evidence to prove it.

Then he began to lose weight. He had been quite chubby and when we brought this to his pediatrician’s attention, he just attributed it to Matthew being very active. We had to agree that Matthew was very active, so we thought maybe the doctor was right. The problem was our son ate ravenously — he would eat three plates of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. He would eat an entire box of macaroni and cheese and still be hungry. He sometimes complained of a stomachache, but we simply attributed it to the

large amount of food he ate at each meal.

Matthew soon began to exhibit focus and attention problems in elementary school. He was eating well and growing, although he was smaller and thinner than other boys his age. It was a constant struggle to maintain his weight and we noticed his ribs were protruding when he would swim with friends.

He soon became pale and gaunt with dark circles under both eyes. When I look back at photos of him, it brings up deep emotions to see him so sick. At the time, whenever I spoke to his doctor, I had nothing defi nite to say. How could I say to the doctor, “I just feel something is wrong?”

I was afraid I would seem like a mom who wanted something physical to be

wrong with her child just to justify his bad behavior.

In the fall of 2009, my sister, Mary Sue, was diagnosed with celiac disease. She had been to many doctors for many years and was fi nally diagnosed by a functional medicine practitioner. Functional medicine deals with discovering the underlying cause of disease by looking at things such as environmental concerns, the mind/body connection, and possible genetic factors.

I immediately began researching the disease. Celiac disease isn’t covered in great detail in nursing school, and all we were taught is that the disease’s symptoms are fatty stool, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. My sister had none of those symptoms.

WRITER: SAMANTHA SPIKER, RN, BSN PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

When celiac disease strikes, you may not even be aware of the symptoms — and neither may your doctor or nurse.

We were also taught that the treatment is to eat only glutenfree foods.

To support my sister, I went out and bought several gluten-free items and, as a family, we tried them… we were sorely disappointed. Poor Aunt Mary Sue.

As I researched deeper, one day I suddenly thought, Matthew has celiac disease. I wasn’t prepared for that realization and hoped it was

not true. I kept researching and soon became completely convinced it was true. We had tried the food… it was terrible. What would he eat?

I met with his pediatrician, told him what I had found and was met with skepticism. He asked if Matthew had diarrhea or abdominal pain and I told him no. But because I had worked closely with this doctor in the past, when I asked him to run a battery of

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CELIAC DISEASE

Many health professionals were, and still are, taught that gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are the most common presenting symptoms for celiac disease (CD). Doctors familiar with CD would argue that these symptoms are many times the exception and not the rule. To quote Dr. Peter Green, “Celiac disease can have varied modes of presentation, or can even be asymptomatic, making diagnosis more elusive. A timely diagnosis of CD is essential to treating or preventing its complications.”

CD is not a food allergy. It is an autoimmune disease inherited or triggered by a breakdown in the immune system.

Once you are a “celiac,” you are a celiac forever — no matter what age you were diagnosed. Years ago doctors thought that if you were diagnosed as a child you could outgrow it. Recent research has proven this is simply not the case.

Today, there are more options for gluten-free foods, and of all diseases to have, it truly is one of the easiest to deal with once you master the cure — a lifelong glutenfree diet.

Individuals should not start a gluten-free diet prior to confirming the diagnosis of celiac disease. It is important to confirm the diagnosis first, for you and second, because if you are truly celiac, there is a good chance someone else in your family is too (initially think children and parents).

tests he supported me and sent Matthew to be tested. I found that doctors are basically taught the same things concerning celiac disease in medical school that nurses are taught in nursing school… very little.

Matthew tested positive for celiac disease. I was overjoyed to find a cause for his illness, but still very apprehensive concerning his future diet. Later, Matthew’s doctor told him that I knew more about celiac disease than he did. Although this may sound disappointing, it is often true that doctors aren’t fully educated on the intricacies of this disease. I applaud this doctor for recognizing my passion and listening to me in our time of need. A good physician will do that.

An endoscopy revealed that Matthew’s intestine, stomach, and esophagus were visibly flat and inflamed. He had no folds in his small intestine and the villi — the tiny hairlike projections that absorb nutrients — were shrunk and flattened. This was why our son was malnourished; his body could not absorb the nutrients in his food.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder found in persons who are intolerant to the gluten protein found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and oats. His body was attacking his small intestine and this reaction came from a protein that was in virtually everything we were eating: the spaghetti, macaroni, cereal, and sandwiches. It was everywhere.

Although initially a diagnosis of celiac disease can be devastating because you have to alter your diet so dramatically, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are many foods you can still eat. Plus, there are gluten-free (g-free as we like to say) flours available to help you recreate your favorite foods. Matthew says that when he found one he liked, it tasted even better than the “gluten-y” version he once liked.

Today, Matthew is a healthy 14-year-old boy who stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. He has embraced the g-free diet better than we could ever have imagined. He looks so healthy and says he feels great. If you ask him, he will tell you that he grew up thinking that feeling “bad” was normal. He has been healed for three years now. His mood and attitude have slowly improved and he has a wonderful sense of humor.

I am so thankful for the doctor who diagnosed my sister’s problem; otherwise, Matthew might still be suffering today. If you, your child, or someone you know or love has problems similar to Matthew’s, ask to be tested for celiac disease as soon as possible. Our lives have changed… and so can yours.

If you have celiac disease and live in Lake County, you have support!

For more information email Gail Harrison at gailsgalley@ yahoo.com, Samantha Spiker at gfreemaven2b@ embarqmail.com, or call 610.248.3203.

FACTS ABOUT CD

1 percent of the world’s population has celiac disease. It is the most common genetic disorder of humankind.

1 in 133 Americans are believed to have celiac disease.

95 percent have yet to be diagnosed.

Classic symptoms taught in medical school:

• Abdominal cramping/gas

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)

• Steatorrhea (fatty stools)

• Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12, or iron deficiency (or all)

• Unexplained weight loss with large appetite

Symptoms in children:

• Developing slowly, not gaining weight, losing weight

• (Under 3-years-old): growth failure, diarrhea, projectile vomiting, bloating

• (Older): crankiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, poor memory

Other non-intestinal symptoms:

• Dental enamel defects, osteopenia/osteoporosis, fatigue/ weakness, infertility in both males and females, depression, mouth ulcers, bruising easily, delayed puberty, tingling/ numbness in hands or feet, migraines, malnutrition (can be under or overweight with this), weight loss or gain, joint pain, and seizures

• Effects if left untreated — vitamin and mineral deficiencies, pancreatic insufficiency, gall bladder malfunction, intestinal lymphomas and other gastrointestinal cancers

SOURCE: http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=25; http://www.celiacdiseasecenter.org/C_Do ctors/C03-Diagnosis.htm http://celiaccenter.ucsd.edu/aboutcdadults.shtml; http://www.celiaccenter.org/children.asp; For doctors who are interested free CME for Celiac Disease is available at: http://celiaccmecentral.com/

Matthew pre-diagnosis

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA DROZ

Matthew currently

DENISEBERLIN’S RECIPE FOR A HEALTHYHOME

You have undoubtedly heard the expression that home is where the heart is. Unfortunately, home can also be a place where mold, mildew, and bacteria are found in every nook and cranny. Family members who come in contact with these germs can potentially suffer from headaches, respiratory problems, sinus congestion, eye irritation, and allergies.

Denise Berlin knows this all too well. When she and her husband, Greg, moved from Illinois to Florida five years ago, Denise quickly realized that the high humidity levels can lead to unwanted mildew, mold, and other germs.

So she drew upon her experience and expertise as a professional home designer, a career she and her husband, Greg, have enjoyed for nearly 23 years. She and Greg are owners of Wildwood Kitchen and Bath, which offers one of the area’s most complete selections of designer cabinetry, countertops, and custom showers.

Denise has taken necessary steps to maintain not only a clean home, but a healthy one, as well.

• She cleans her refrigerator on a weekly basis to prevent mold and mildew.

• She regularly uses a steam mop to clean her porcelain floors, a necessity since the Berlins own two dogs.

• She cleans her faucets by using a special paste (baking soda, lemon juice, and water), which she places on any corroded areas, and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes. Denise then gently buffs off the paste with a soft nylon brush and dries the area. This helps eliminate the growth of bacteria.

• She always keeps her utility room ventilated to keep mold from growing around the washer and dryer and from attaching to wallpaper.

• The Berlins installed a non-porous Jetta Stone Solid Surface shower in their master bathroom. It is resistant to mold and has no grout lines! Wildwood Kitchen and Bath manufactures and professionally installs these showers.

• They installed both quartz and granite countertops in their bathrooms and kitchen. The granite countertops are offered with a 15-year sealant that helps eliminate stains, bacteria, and mold. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any maintenance. These products can be viewed inside Wildwood Kitchen and Bath’s 10,000-square-foot showroom.

“I enjoy coming home to a clean house every day,” Denise says. “We like to entertain in our home, and it is rewarding to have family and friends appreciate the efforts I do in keeping a clean environment.”

Denise takes equal passion in working with clients at Wildwood Kitchen and Bath. Many come to the thriving company in hopes of having their kitchens and bathrooms redesigned or remodeled. Using a computer-aided design program, Denise works closely with clients from beginning to end to ensure their remodeling dreams become reality.

“It’s exciting to see the excitement in people who want to make an investment in their homes,” she says. “I love seeing what their homes look like before their remodel project and then seeing what their homes look like after we are finished. I help pick out colors and also make suggestions that our clients might not think about doing. Because it is a big investment on the client’s part, we consider it an honor and privilege that they trust our expertise and service to get the job done right. More importantly, we play a role in helping our clients maintain both a happy and healthy home!”

Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers all the newest and most popular styles of kitchen cabinetry for all tastes and budgets. The company carries an extensive selection of better quality lines of cabinetry that are sure to please and can help clients achieve any specific design they are looking for.

As one of the largest and most trusted kitchen cabine-

CABINETRY

try and remodeling firms in Central Florida, Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers the area’s lowest prices on beautiful, top-of-the-line cabinetry. The company backs its sales with experienced service and professional installation that is unmatched. The desire to be the best is evident in every finished kitchen and bath installation.

An in-house team of de-

signers and installers provide the personal attention and quality service clients expect and deserve. Another reason to choose Wildwood Kitchen and Bath is because you can find a selection of cabinets made by leading manufacturers such as Merillat, Shiloh, Mid Continent, Home Crest, Quality Cabinetry, and others.

COUNTERTOPS & KITCHENS

With more than 120 colors and 600 slabs of granite in stock, Wildwood Kitchen and Bath offers one of the largest granite selections in Florida. Plus, the company offers lines of quartz,

solid surface, and laminate countertops by the world’s leading manufacturers.

Those who are long overdue for a kitchen remodeling also rely on the expertise of Wildwood Kitchen and Bath,

which provides clients with the latest remodeling design trends. The company also designs and installs outdoor kitchen cabinetry and is an authorized dealer and installer for Nautilus Cabinetry.

BATHS AND SHOWERS

For those of you who want to renovate or install a new shower in your bathroom, it is important to know that Wildwood Kitchen and Bath is the area’s largest manufacturer and installer of custom Jetta Stone Solid Surface shower bases and wall material. The Jetta Stone Solid Surface showers feature one-piece construction. There are no grout lines to clean on this durable, sanitary, non-porous surface. The showers are affordable and are available in both custom and standard sizes. Clients can also choose from a wide selection of colors and styles.

The company also features top-rated walk-in and whirlpool bathtubs that have unique features not found in any other whirlpool bath.

They have mastered the ergonomics of body comfort and perfect jet placement, giving you luxury at a reasonable price, as well as the warmest bath experience possible. In fact, you are guaranteed a hot bath every time. And unlike other whirlpool baths, you won’t need to buy an in-line heater to keep warm. High-density foam insulation and a unique passive warm air induction system allow these tubs to stay hot. Gently contoured lumbar support and spacious bathing wells combined with maximum hydromassage provide the ultimate escape and relaxation.

WHETHER YOUR GOAL is simple hair removal or the desire to enhance or restore your “look,” we can help.

VOICE

THYROID

BODYSHAPE SCULPTING A CHISELED CHEST

The pectorals are one of the body’s larger muscle groups found in the chest. Keep them strong and lean; the more lean muscle mass in your body, the more efficiently you are able to burn calories. You call upon these famous muscles any time you need to hold your arms in front of you, give someone a hug, or rotate your shoulders. To get size and power, perform 4–6 repetitions for mass and to get long, lean muscles, perform 8–12 reps and build strength and endurance with less bulk and more tone.

BENCH PRESS

1. Lie on a workout bench with your back flat and abs contracted.

2. Place your arms directly above your chest with elbows straight but not locked.

3. Slowly lower the dumbbells toward the outside of your chest while inhaling.

4. When elbows are parallel to the floor (at the same level as your shoulders), exhale and press them back up to start position.

5. Contract the chest and tricep muscles as you work them for better results.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Incline the bench to work on a different angle of the muscle.

• Be sure to keep your back pressed into the bench.

• Use blocks under your feet, or put your feet on the bench, to keep your back flat.

Start position

Second position

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ // ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

MUSCLE GROUPS TARGETED Main muscles used: pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, anterior deltoid, and tricep

Start position

FLIES

1. Lie on the bench with your back flat, abs contracted, and weights in hand (palms facing in) directly above chest.

2. With elbows slightly bent, inhale and lower weights perpendicular to your torso.

3. Exhale and bring them back to start position while flexing your chest muscles.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Be sure to keep your upper arm aligned with your shoulder girdle to avoid injury.

• By keeping elbows “soft” you will protect that joint from strain.

• Want a challenge? Tuck your feet up toward your torso and make the core do some work!

Second position

MUSCLE GROUPS TARGETED

Main muscles used: pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, serratus anterior, and pectoralis minor

Start position

CABLE CROSSOVER

1. With arms wide and shoulders perpendicular to the body, place feet in a staggered lunge.

2. Exhale and bring the handles toward your midline.

3. Keep palms neutral and facing in.

4. Shoulders should be pressed down and back, further isolating the chest and shoulder.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Keep movements slow and steady.

• Exhale on exertion; inhale as you return to start position.

• These can be done unilaterally (one arm at a time).

Muscle groups targeted: pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and coracobrachialis

TRACY DRAPER is an AFAA certified personal trainer with over 10 years of experience in the profession. Sports were a big part of her teen years. After having children, she rekindled her competitive fire and won titles in triathlons, aquabike, and cycling events in Central Florida. Tracy is also organizing a cross-country bike ride in 2014. Visit her at www.TrainingWithTracy.net.

MODEL: Ken Vida and Tracy Draper on loacation at Golds Gym, Mount Dora SOURCES: Know Thy

Second position

worldfi tnessnetwork.com/chest-pec-training-muscles/: Your Best Chest: Working your chest muscles; http://exercise.about. com/cs/weightlifting/a/bestchest.htm (Accessed March 23, 2013)

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

PROTEIN BARS

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

When choosing a protein bar, you have a lot of options and need to ask yourself a few questions. First, what is your intended purpose for eating a protein bar? Second, will others in your household be eating these protein bars, as well? Last, when will you be consuming the protein bar?

On a random stroll through Publix, I selected a few of the more popular brands of protein bars to take a closer look. At first glance, I thought to myself, if I were going to consume 250 calories, I would rather have a Snickers bar. Is there any benefit to choosing these as

a treat or snack? While I am an active person, I am not a body builder. I consume plenty of protein through my diet, as do most Americans. What role would these serve in my diet?

It appears the majority of these bars are marketed to two kinds of people: 1) the very busy, on-the-go kind of person who has little time to stop for food and 2) the avid athlete who needs a jolt of calories and protein before, during, or after training. It is hard to generalize these bars not knowing the purpose they will serve you individually; however, there are always red flags we should pay attention to.

BE AWARE THE POWER BAR

The Power Bar is categorized for “before,” “during,” and “after” training. They are advertised for athletes, which most folks are not. The Performance Energy Bar (chocolate peanut butter flavor) will run you:

240 calories

35 calories from fat

3.5g fat

1g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

200mg sodium

44g carbohydrate

1g fiber

26g sugar

9g protein

While it is fortified with some vitamins and minerals, and it does not appear to have artificial flavorings or colorings, the very first ingredient is sugar. This bar seems to be high in sugar and low in fiber. In general, most people would not need this amount of calorie boost for their usual workouts.

BETTER LÄRABAR

A better choice is the Lärabar. While still in the higher calorie range — all bars tend to run around 200 calories each — they are made with no more than nine ingredients. The company prides itself on simple ingredients with unsweetened fruit, nuts, and spices. The cashew cookie flavor will cost you:

230 calories

110 calories from fat

13g fat

1.5g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

5mg sodium

23g carbohydrate

3g fiber

18g sugar

6g protein

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ received her bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. She is a clinical dietitian who has worked at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for the past 12 years. For nutritional counseling, please call 352.323.5641 to make an appointment with an LRMC outpatient dietitian or email Tabatha at tortiz@cfhalliance.org.

BEST CLIF BAR

The best one I stumbled upon at the store was the Luna bar, which is made by Clif Bar and Company. The Clif company makes a number of bars (as do the others above) and the Luna bar stuck out. I tried the caramel nut brownie, which was delicious. Most of the Clif products are organic. The Luna bar is 70 percent organic and designed with women in mind. It has your entire days’ worth of folic acid and is high in calcium and iron. This bar was:

180 calories

50 calories from fat

6g fat

3g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

160mg sodium

26g carbohydrate

3g fiber

13g sugar

8g protein

Keep in mind, there are many other protein bar companies worthy of your time. When looking at them, remember your purpose for buying them and who is going to be eating them. Some companies have produced “mini bars” to respond to consumers’ desires to cut out extra calories and fat.

INSIDE

GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND GLUTEN-FREE DIETS

It seems everywhere you turn people are talking about gluten intolerance and following a gluten-free diet. What is this all about? Is it just the latest dietary fad like the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, or other specific dietary regimen?

You have heard it before: “You are what you eat.” This is true in both a literal and figurative sense. Everything you eat is converted in your body into substances that either provide fuel for the vital functions of life or make up the building blocks that constitute your physical body. Like the Plains Indians who used every bit of the buffalo they hunted for food and shelter, our bodies waste very little.

Humans are omnivores. That is to say we can eat just about anything. This makes it difficult to prescribe the “best” human diet. The range of human diets extends from the Inuit, who eat a diet comprised almost entirely of fish and meat from marine animals, to vegans, whose diet is entirely plant-based. All claim health benefits because of what they eat, and do not eat. While very adaptable, our bodies are subject to a variety of disorders related to what we eat. One of the common ones is gluten intolerance.

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, specifically wheat, barley, and rye. This protein gives these foods some of their physical properties such as the stretchiness and stickiness of dough. Proteins have the property of being antigenic. This means our immune systems can recognize foreign

proteins when they enter our body and, in some cases, mount an immune response to their presence. Allergies are all basically this — an immune response to the presence of a particular protein which is foreign to our body. This may be one found in pollen or other environmental substances, in drugs such as penicillin, or in food substances such as peanuts, strawberries, or gluten.

The immune system produces substances called antibodies, which circulate throughout our bodies. Each antibody is specific for a certain protein. When an antibody encounters that protein for which is was targeted, it attaches to it in a lock and key fashion. This triggers a change in the antibody, which, in turn, initiates a cascade of events leading up to a reaction. The process is elegant and incredibly complex. We do not fully understand it. The resulting reaction may be as minimal as a mild rash, swelling, or sneezing all the way to a frighteningly rapid, severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest and death.

Gluten can trigger such an immune response in some people. It is estimated that somewhere between 1 in 300 to 1 in 500 people have some sort of sensitivity to gluten. The numbers are hard to come by because many cases of gluten sensitivity are not obvious. While many people experience notable signs of gluten sensitivity, many do not.

Gluten sensitivity is typically first manifested in children. During early life,

the immune system is developing. Many variables play a role in gluten tolerance or intolerance. Breast-feeding seems to be protection against gluten intolerance. The age at which children are first exposed to gluten plays a role. Genetic factors are very important. Gluten intolerance runs in families. Adults, however, can develop gluten intolerance at any time in life. Much is not known about gluten intolerance.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance run the gamut from intestinal problems to such seemingly unrelated conditions as depression, seizures, and canker sores in the mouth. Some people have no symptoms whatsoever, making the diagnosis elusive and determining the extent of the problem in the population problematic. Intestinal symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. Non-intestinal symptoms include anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, infertility, rashes, migraine headaches, irregular periods, and abnormal tooth enamel, to name a few.

A serious form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease. It is estimated that one percent of our population has this condition. In celiac disease, the immune response against gluten also targets the lining of the small intestine. The normal architecture of the lining is damaged, hindering the absorption of nutrients from food we eat. Studies have shown that people with celiac disease have a higher risk of serious medical problems and even early death, even when they do not have symptoms of this condition. This raises

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

the question, how does one know whether they are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease when they have no symptoms?

Several very sophisticated blood tests can detect gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Some test for the presence of certain genetic markers and others for antibodies to gluten. A biopsy of the intestinal lining may provide the diagnosis. At present, screening everyone in the population at this time just is not practical or cost effective. In people who are having any symptoms for which gluten intolerance may be at least a possibility, one simple test is to go on a gluten-free diet for a couple of months. If the symptoms subside or resolve, this is a good indication that gluten is playing a role.

Avoiding gluten is not easy to do. Wheat, barley, and rye are obvious in foods associated with grains, such as breads, pastas, and other baked goods. Less obvious is gluten in many prepared foods, such as sauces, lunchmeats, soups, salad dressings, etc. It can be found in food additives, candies, cosmetics, and some medications. Alas, beer has gluten, too.

A gluten-free diet is really not overly restrictive as there are many foods allowed; however, it does take some time to learn what to avoid, and those who wish to try it need to learn to carefully check ingredients in all processed foods and ask about gluten when dining out. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options on their menus. If you feel better avoiding gluten, then this is something you should consider as a permanent lifestyle change.

ResearchfromtheCenterforCeliacResearch&Treatmentindicatesthatglutensensitivity affectsapproximately18millionpeople,orsixpercentofthepopulation.SOURCE:http://www.celiaccenter.org/ gluten_faq.asp#howmany

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

DR. FRANK BONO

DR. JAMES RONZO

BOOST

REJUVENATE AND RENEW — YOU! A DAY AT THE SPA

WRITER: SANDRA BOCK

It is Mother’s Day. You realize your husband and kids are fishing for clues as to what you might like on this day of recognition, and you allow yourself a few nanoseconds to consider what it is you might actually like. If you are like most mothers, you have put yourself and your body on hold as you meet the needs of your family. When it comes to you, it is hard to know where to begin.

Mothers tend to forget they are human and that the human body and spirit require rest and maintenance to function not just properly, but efficiently. All too often women fall into a cycle of fatigue and discouragement because they have forgotten to take care of themselves. Sometimes, taking a day for some rest, relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation found in a day at the spa can easily break this cycle.

How do you maximize your one day of indulgence? Take this quick quiz to see if you would benefit from a spa visit and which treatments to ask for.

1. Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired?

2. Has the barrage of anti-aging products led you to wonder if your face needs a lift or a buff?

3. Do you have skin conditions such as breakouts, dryness, or oiliness that need treatment?

4. Would you like professional help navigating the overwhelming number of “miracle products” on the market?

5. Do you long for a break from the stress of everyday living?

6. Are your aching joints and muscles yearning for relief?

7. Are you looking for ways to improve circulation?

8. Do you have trouble sleeping?

9. Do you want longer, healthier nails and hair?

10. Would you like to look in the mirror and love what you see?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, it is time to quiet the voices telling you I don’t have time; the children need me; I don’t want to waste the money to visit a spa. WebMD cites multiple studies indicating that a visit to the spa can translate into better health. These studies show that frequency in spa use is linked to better physical and mental health, reduced work absenteeism, fewer hospitalizations, and aids in better quality of sleep.

Look back at the questions and ask yourself which one is most closely related to you. If questions 1–4 fit, consider asking

for a facial or a specialty treatment such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel that can provide a long-lasting, healthy glow to the skin.

If questions 4–8 apply to you, then you may benefit from body treatments such as massage therapy, lipomassage (which is a mechanical simulation of the circulatory system promoting and soothing several health concerns), or acupuncture. Each of these specialty services provides relief for aching joints and muscles in its own way. Studies have shown that physical touch is a prime factor in relieving stress.

If question 9 concerns you, know that spas offer many answers to nail and hair health and beauty. And lucky you, if you are looking for that pick me up as in quiz question 10, you would benefit from all the above!

Beginning a spa routine is as simple as going online or searching the local Yellow Pages. Remember that a licensed esthetician should perform spa services. When you call, ask if they provide the services that pertain to your needs and wants. Then circle a date on the calendar and take the first step to an emotionally and physically healthier you!

PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MIND

INTERACTION

RECOGNIZING ASPERGER SYNDROME

as is a autism t set of ocial deficiencies,

Asperger syndrome — also known as Asperger’s syndrome and Asperger disorder — is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a distinct set of development brain disorders characterized by social deficiencies, communication problems, and repetitive, fixed behaviors.

People with Asperger’s may find it difficult to interact socially, suffering from deficits such as lack of the normal back and forth conversation; lack of typical eye contact, body language, and facial expression; and trouble maintaining relationships.

t to interact mal y facial ships.

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havior. This can lead essive attentiveness to eather, or Most h or nterests.

People with Asperger’s will also sometimes show a repetitive pattern when it comes to their interests or behavior. This can lead to the development of an intense, nearly obsessive attentiveness to only a few areas, such as sports schedules, weather, or maps. Most often, it will result in their mild desire to finish a certain task or work on one thing to the exclusion of other interests.

As far as linguistic and cognitive skills, they are often unhindered and persevered in individuals with Asperger’s. However, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the difficulty comes with understanding non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expression. They may also use certain words or language in an odd or peculiar way.

Younger people who have Asperger’s may show little empathy for other people, though NAMI assures it does not mean that they are devoid of all compassion, but rather have a more self-centered attitude that can range from indifference to deep concern. They may also seem clumsy and have poor motor skills as a child. However, with either therapy or an attentive and understanding mentor, the child will may grow up to be better adjusted.

y are often ith on Mental Illness ding non-verbal cues, liar way y show es a more self-centered skills as a child. and ter adjusted because, currently, eason for it, nherited factors.

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Pinpointing the cause of Asperger’s is tough because, currently, there are no known physical or psychological reason for it, though recent research points to brain abnormalities, inherited genetic mutations, and environmental components as possible factors. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure a better quality of life. While researchers maintain adults with Asperger’s may still find certain social situations and personal relationships taxing, they eventually can learn to overcome their disability and live full and productive lives.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

Make No Bones About It.

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SPIRIT INNERVENTION R

THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

The idea of turning 40 didn’t really bother me… well not too much. I had many people tell me, “It is just a number,” “You don’t look 40,” and my personal favorite and what really kept me going, “I hope I look like you when I turn 40.” Truth be told, it is merely a number and I didn’t really feel like I was turning 40.

I wanted to do something grand for my birthday, but wasn’t certain what I wanted to do. Then a friend told me about a blog she read concerning a woman turning 40 who was performing 40 random acts of kindness on her birthday. I immediately came home and read the blog. I laughed and cried all at the same time, and at that moment, I knew this is how I wanted to ring in my big 4-0!

I quickly began assembling my “Giving Crew,” since I knew this was not something I could do alone. My crew was made up of a few of my dearest friends and I began planning the details of our “40 on 40” giving day. The ideas flowed, and while many were not original ideas, I just kept getting more and more excited! I created a spreadsheet to keep my thoughts organized, and the planning and purchasing took about a month. I had a limited budget, so planning was vital.

The weekend before our “Giving Day,” a few of the girls came over to my house for an assembly party. You cannot imagine how awesome my girlfriends are! We sewed, wrapped, laughed, sorted, bagged, and laughed

some more well into the early morning hours. The joy that filled my heart and the excitement that accompanied that joy was unexplainable.

Early in the week, I received an email that stated Random Acts of Kindness Week was February 17th and our “Giving Day” was going to fall right in that window. I thought it was cool how God had orchestrated the timing. Sleep for the next week was hard. I had dreams about what our day would hold and excitement superseded sleep — which is very rare for me!

One of my first acts of kindness was going to be gift cards for our waste management guys. I planned to put the gift cards on our trashcans before putting them out Friday morning. I would do this right before I left for work — they never collect before noon anyways. But at 6:30a.m., I was in the shower, and what do I hear coming down the road? You guessed it, the waste management truck! Although I thought of chasing them down with my hair in a towel and in my bathrobe, common sense drew me back in. Maybe those gift cards were meant to bless someone else. I will catch my waste management crew another time — that is the joy of giving — it can happen anytime.

Friday night I planned to go over my list again to make sure everything was in order and rest because I knew Saturday would be a full day. At 9:30 p.m., my phone rang. It was the husband of one of the girls on my giving crew. He was

calling to tell me she had gotten very sick and was not sure she was going to make it. This made me very sad because I knew she was looking forward to this day just as much as I was. I told him I would pray for her and hopefully she would feel better the next morning and could join us at some point. I prayed and prayed all night for her healing. Around 10 p.m., I received a text from another one of my giving crew. Her babysitter had fallen through, so she was not going to be able to go. I just sat there looking at my phone thinking, “What is happening? Everything is falling apart! This was supposed to be a day of joy and fun!” After a call to my wonderful husband, who reminded me of how excited I was to do this and the joy it had brought me, I collected myself. Then, as God so often does, He reminded me that I could plan this day, but if true joy were to be found, I had to let Him orchestrate the day. I prayed for my friends and for the day that lay ahead and drifted off to sleep.

Saturday finally arrived. I was up by 6a.m. putting cakes and cookies in the oven and making sure the final touches were complete. I received word my friend who was ill would try to meet us at lunch and finish the day with us. My husband volunteered to keep my other girlfriend’s son so she could join us. God is good!

By 9a.m. we were on the road with the car loaded down, smiles on our faces, great joy in our hearts, and my spreadsheet! We knew this was going

WRITER: DAWN CERNEY // PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

to be a great day. Our first stop was at a local fire station where we delivered breakfast to some very deserving firefighters. Then we went to the coin laundry to fill some washing machines with quarters and leave laundry soap. North Lake Park, the Umatilla Drug Store, and the Humane Society were all stops in our day. One of my favorite giving times was one I know God designed for us. While dropping off canned food at the Agnes May Crisis Center in Umatilla, we asked if we could be of service in any way. We were quickly asked if we would be interested in delivering lunch to a few homebound people in the community. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity. This was not one of the planned giving events. At this stop, we met someone I know we will not soon forget: Floyd. What a character! He definitely put a smile on our faces.

Our giving continued; we delivered lunch to the emergency room staff and a huge snack basket to the maternity ward

staff at Waterman. (This was kind of my way of giving back to them since my parents, my sister, my son, and I were all born at Waterman.) While at Waterman, we also delivered coloring books and crayons to the pediatric unit and care packs to the cancer unit.

We paid for a couple’s lunch, handed out gift cards to local restaurants, left coins in vending machines, and gave board games to children at the park.

My favorite encounter of the day just happened to be our last. I purchased a $50 gift card to Publix. Then my team and I walked the store looking for “just the right person” to give it to. Then we saw them — a young couple with a very new baby. They had to be first time parents… you could just tell. I walked up to them, told them about what we were doing, and gave them the gift card. They stood there dumbfounded and reluctantly accepted. They must have thought we were crazy by the look on their faces. As we walked away, I looked back and tears

filled my eyes because they had no idea the joy I just received by giving them this gift. And with that, 40 acts of kindness had been achieved!

The day was full and crazy, but not once did any of us grow weary. Several of my friends have named this day of giving as “The Birthday Project.” After following my posts on Facebook, many of my friends are planning or have already done this very thing. How awesome is that? Kindness does inspire kindness. I was blessed beyond words during this entire project from start to finish. It would not have been possible without the love and support of my dear family and sweet friends. I encourage all of you to spread a little kindness. We are already planning our next giving outing — “10 for 10” on my son’s birthday!

DAWN CERNEY is a native of Lake County. She was raised and lives in Umatilla with her husband, Charlie, and their son, Logan. She is a 1995 graduate of the University of Central Florida, and in 2007, she graduated from National Louis University with a master’s degree in education. She has been a teacher for almost 15 years and currently teaches kindergarten at Altoona Charter School.

FULFILLED SHATTERING THE MYTH OF PERFECTION

PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

Perfection is a notion that essentially makes no sense as far as the human soul is concerned. Spiritually speaking, all of us live in a constant state of becoming. Although we may achieve goals, meet deadlines, and complete personal projects, our actual existence is never finished. Perfection implies that a person has reached a state in which no further growth and development is possible and such a state is a myth.

Oftentimes, people devote themselves to various spiritual practices out of a sense of guilt or inadequacy rather than out of any real passion for the path. They strive so hard for purity (a word that carries implications similar to those carried by “perfection,” and likewise a myth) because they actually doubt their worth as they are. There is such a thing as love for spiritual growth and there is such a thing as intolerance for one’s self. Energetically, the two stand light-years apart.

True spirituality is an extension of our natural selves. It is not to be found by denying ourselves and always striving to be different, better, or purer. The fixation upon end result is a powerful aspect of our modern civilization. Even the concept of enlightenment, which one can find repeated within many spiritual disciplines, suggests someone having arrived, once and for all, at a destination.

Furthermore, the desire to be perfect is fueled by the idea that we should better ourselves because there is something wrong with the way that we naturally are. True spirituality is discovered by seeing the beauty and value in what is happening at the present moment. It involves finding the personal lessons within each of our experiences and knowing that there will always be more lessons. There is no end to the great adventure of consciousness, despite what the tenacious notion of perfection may suggest. There is no finish line where we will be presented with a medal and told we have arrived. Growth and development will continue, and new challenges will always arise.

MENCO

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

We were sitting in the office the other morning when the warning tones started on the weather radio. A tornado warning was issued for Lake County at 11:25a.m. A warning means that tornadoes are possible because of the surrounding conditions. My office mate and I were more or less unmoved by the urgency of the situation.

My life experience has taught me that a tornado is a serious event not to be taken lightly, even though that is exactly what we did. I grew up in a part of the country known as “Tornado Alley” and remember sitting in the carport, looking off to the southwest from our home just hoping to see one of those “cool funnel clouds” touch the ground and throw stuff (read: houses, cars, cows, and trees) into the air.

I would rather have ignored the warnings as a teenage boy, stayed on the carport, and waited for the tornado and the flying cattle. But as I reflect on it, I realize my failure to heed the advice of the weatherman could have resulted in me not being here to write this today. So as I heard this week’s weather radio warning tone, I have wondered why I would even consider not responding to the possible danger.

Honestly, I just react against anyone telling me what to do. My wife, my mother, my favorite preacher, my doctor, my employer, the government, anyone — I don’t respond well to anyone who tells me I need to obey. I want to decide for myself. I want to have the options laid out and choose. I want to volunteer. If you tell me I must, then I will tell you that I will not. My first response is to refuse.

I want to have all the facts, and then make my own decision. I guess this response would be okay if I had an omniscient understanding of everything. Being human, and being “somewhat limited” in my knowledge of all things, this second response can put me at a bit of disadvantage. If I cannot rely on the truth and accuracy of what others more educated or knowledgeable recommend, then I have made myself the “decider” of everything.

My crowning response to someone asking me to do something, or else requiring something of me, sounds like this: “I am not certain that doing what you ask will be to my benefit.” That thought is finished out with a litany of what-ifs. What if the cows do fly and I

miss it? If I refuse to submit when I am rightfully called to submission I will never know the outcome for certain.

Who doesn’t face myriad decisions every single day of our lives? Sometimes they are insignificant, but other times they are huge. Learn from my self-scrutiny and don’t respond with a flash of obstinacy — or by thinking you know better, or a long series of questions seeking justifications, or even a list of what-ifs. When you are called upon to make a decision — no matter how small — slow down, put your personal rights of being in charge aside, and weigh the merits of choosing wisely.

RICHARD BURGUET, B.A., M-Div., has been ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America for more than 30 years. He has served churches in South Carolina, Mississippi, Maryland, and Georgia. Richard is pastor of New Hope Presbyterian in Eustis and is co-author of Covenants Disciples Workbook. New Hope is at 19535 Eustis Airport Road and on the web at www.newhopepca.com.

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET // PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

EFFICIENT

TO GO GREEN OR NOT TO GO GREEN: IS THAT THE QUESTION?

WRITER: ELLEN B. WILCOX, GEPC

Ioffer my humble apologies to The Bard of Avon for paraphrasing his well-known words, but “to go green or not to go green” is a question being asked by many these days. It is not just the serious environmentalists, tree-huggers, or Sierra Club enthusiasts, but also our own friends and neighbors who are talking about and in some cases, already in the process of “going green.” If you are considering greening up, please read on. With multiple ways to “go green,” I researched the cost, the anticipated savings, and the payback time frame for some of the more popular residential and vehicle changes. Here is a bit of what I learned.

A Good Beginning — The Energy Audit: Before opting for any greening of the home, it may be wise to do an energy audit. Generally, this necessitates hiring an expert to review all energy consumed in the home. Some power companies offer this as a free service to encourage a reduction in peak-time energy consumption by its constituents. A good energy audit will give the homeowner detailed information as to the amount of energy used by each appliance, water heater, HVAC system, and sprinkler system. Audit cost, if any, will generally be under $300. Included in the audit will be suggestions for energy reduction and cost savings. If, and when, the suggested energy reductions are practiced, the audit cost is often recovered in less than one year.

One Inexpensive D.I.Y., and Very Cost-effective Change: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLB) may be the single, doit-yourself, quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective energy saving item we can all embrace… and it can be phased in over a relatively short time period, which also makes it easier on today’s tight budgets. Each time an incandescent bulb flickers and dies, just replace it with a CFLB in a comparable wattage. Estimated cost to replace all bulbs in an average household is under $150. Energy savings should be around $200 a year, so cost recovery time is less than one year. (Author’s cautionary note: Be sure to check your lamps and shades before buying the squiggly new bulbs. I have at least three lamps/

shades in my home that will accommodate only a traditionally shaped incandescent bulb!)

Small Changes Can Add Up: Simple changes such as turning off lights in an unoccupied room and lowering the thermostat in winter (or raising it in summer) by one or two degrees can have a significant effect on overall energy consumed. Utility bills will quickly show the savings. A low-flow toilet costs about $300 and can save about $90 a year on the water bill. Caulking cracks ($5-$250), sealing ducts (about $1,300 if done professionally), adding insulation (plan on $2,000$5,000), and adding or replacing drafty windows (around $3,000$12,000) are changes that will prevent exterior climate changes from affecting energy usage and will lower energy cost. Each of these changes can produce savings ranging from $250-$900 per year. Cost recovery time will vary from five to 15 years.

A Bigger Item — Solar Power: At the top of the list for going green is converting to solar power. Life in Florida means lots of air conditioning for five to eight months of each year, so using solar energy would seem to be a good way to go green and save some green in the wallet, as well. The average cost of installing solar power on a modest size three-bedroom, two-bath home is $24,000, and more if the cost is financed or added to the mortgage on a new home. The homeowner can anticipate savings of about $200 per month on the utility bill, which means the initial cash outlay is recoverable in about 10 years, but…

Hidden Costs: My favorite Realtor told me that the average homeowner moves about every seven years, so my math says that the next homeowner may reap much of the savings, not the homeowner paying for the costly installation. Oh yes, there is a bit more, too. One homeowner I talked to learned that his local power company would charge him an annual fee of $240 “to stay connected to the local power grid” despite his total dependence on his newly installed solar panels. On top of that, another hidden cost crept in when his homeowner’s insurance provider upped the value of his home a

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specifi c advice or recomm endations for any individual. Ellen B Wilcox is a Graduate Estate Planning Consultant and a Registered Principal with, and offers securities through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Ms Wilcox is President and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, in La dy Lake, FL, which is not affi liated with LPL. She may be reached at Ellen@EllenWilcox.com or www.ellenwilcox.com .

whopping $60,000 due to the solar panels’ potential replacement co His insurance increased more than $300 per year. Another hidden cost is the care and maintenance of the solar panels. At the very leas routine cleansing is a necessity, and in a cold climate, antifreeze may also be needed regularly. Consider, too, the cost of repairing, or even replacing, the roof beneath the solar panels every ten to fifteen year To repair the roof will necessitate removal and re-installation of the panels, which could be quite expensive. One last thought: Solar panels have been around a long time but are still evolving, so ther is not a lot of a “track record” to precede an informed decision. Bottom line: Be sure to consider all costs before signing the contrac to install solar power. Remember that the sales representative is pa to sell the product!

The BIG DADDY — The “Green” Auto: With volatile gasoline prices, and as I write this now in the vicinity of $4 a gallon, it is likely that some of you reading this article right now have already chosen to own a non-traditional vehicle. There is no doubt that the initial co of a hybrid vehicle is substantial. Current prices range from $19,000 to nearly $60,000. These prices are $1,700 to $11,000 higher than the cost of a comparable gasoline-only automobile. Manufacturers’ claim show “lifespans” of around eight years or as much as 180,000 miles battery life. Most manufacturers warrant 150,000 miles. Replacemen batteries are expensive and often hard to find except through the original dealer, and finding a recharging station when traveling can sometimes be challenging, too. Hybrid vehicles require ordinary maintenance of the gasoline engine, as well, so factor in the routine change, etc. As with solar panels, there isn’t a lot of a “track record” on which to base an informed decision about long-term care and maintenance costs.

The Good News — Tax Benefits and maybe more: The U.S. Federal Government offers a tax credit — that is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill — to those purchasing a green auto. The n maximum tax credit is currently $3,000. Some states offer cash rebates, as well. Some insurance companies also offer lowered premiums because their statistics indicate that the owners of nontraditional vehicles tend to be safer drivers. Using tax credits, cash rebates, and possibly lowered insurance premiums could add up to substantial savings in addition to the obvious savings on everescalating gas prices. If you’re leaning toward a hybrid for your next vehicle, be sure to factor in the area of the country where you live, your state’s policy on cash rebates, your own insurer’s policies, and, of course, your personal driving needs, habits, and history.

Financial Advice — Weigh Your Options: How do I advise my : own clients on going green? Obviously, there is no one answer for everyone. With more than 30 years as a financial adviser, I know that individual circumstances, available assets, specific needs, and personal preferences must all be considered. Many years ago, my business was located in Silicon Valley, Calif., where there is a high level of net worth, a well-educated population, and a strong concern

SOURCE: http:// www.goinggreentoday.com/blog/10-greenfacts-that-will-make-your-head-spin/

for environmental issues. A recent visit to that area showed me that “green” items are flying off the shelves of supermarkets, especially home-cleaning products and food products using biodegradable packaging. However, I also noticed that the parking lots of those same supermarkets were still filled with the requisite full-size BMWs. There is no doubt that going green is likely to become a more prominent n part of our lives, either by choice or by mandate. Research carefully, make informed decisions, and be aware that “old habits die hard!”

ELLEN B. WILCOX is a graduate estate planning consultant. Educated at Gettysburg College, the University of Maryland in Paris, France, and Arizona State University, Ms. Wilcox brings more than 33 years of experience to her clients. She is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, a full service financial advisory company in Lady Lake. Ms. Wilcox may be reached at 352.259.1547.

According to the American Solar Energy Society, the amount of sunlight that falls on the Earth’s surface in one minute is sufficient to meet world energy demand for an entire year.

REDEEM

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF COUPON BOOKS

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

Have you ever been asked to buy a local coupon book for a fundraiser? Are they really worth the money?

I have bought quite a few of these coupon books over the last few years. Some I actually put to good use and others I put in my closet and completely forget about them until the coupons were expired. The books children sell are usually for a very good cause. They are for a school fundraiser, sports team fundraiser, Boy Scouts, and many other great organizations and causes. But, are you getting your money’s worth? Yes and no. Here are some tips to get the most out of the books you purchase.

Store the books in a convenient location. Your glove box in your car is a great place to keep your book. This way, you always have it with you when you go out to dinner, stop at a drive-thru restaurant, head out to the movies, etc.

Let your book be your guide. Planning a family night out or a date night? Take a look through your coupon book and plan your night around those money saving coupons. You would be amazed at just how much you can save with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon at dinner or a free kid’s meal coupon!

Share your coupons. Often when I buy these coupon books, many of my friends or coworkers are buying the same books. If there is a restaurant or a store that you frequent, think about trading coupons with your friends. This way the coupons you don’t use will be put to good use by your friends and vice versa.

Gift your book! If you have no interest in any coupon in the book, think about giving the coupon book to someone who will put the coupons to use! Many families are struggling financially and would be grateful to receive the book!

Remember the cause. Even if you only end up using a handful of coupons out of the book, keep in mind the reason you bought the book. You are helping a great cause in your community. And you put a smile on a child’s face when you said “yes” and bought the book!

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

MAY 2013 1

Calligraphy Classes (May 1–June 27)

Calligrapher Sandra Wright has a structured curriculum that ensures success for those willing to learn and practice. The class is taught in four sections: May 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th begins with simple Roman calligraphy. May 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th is foundational calligraphy. June 6th, 12th, and 13th will be uncial calligraphy. And June 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th will be formal italic calligraphy. Times are 2–4p.m. or 5:30–7:30p.m. Each of the sections costs $120; $90 for members. Call 352.483.2900 to register.

4

Breast Cancer Awareness & Health Expo

Enjoy a day of activities, motivational speaking, and stories supporting breast cancer awareness and women’s health at Lake Square Mall. The day will begin at 10a.m. with the Walk for a Cure mall walk. Brunch will follow where guest speakers will give their presentations. There will also be a window display contest, speakers from various organizations, and survivor stories. Proceeds will benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundations. Call 352.787.1200.

Relay For Life of Eustis/Tavares (May 4–5)

The survivor luncheon will be at noon, followed by the opening ceremony at 2p.m., the survivors lap at 2:30p.m., the caregivers’ lap immediately following the survivors lap, and the luminaria ceremony at 9p.m. The closing ceremony will be at 7a.m. on Sunday. The festivities will take place at Tavares High School, 603 N. Hampshire Ave. For more information, please call 352.483.5460.

5 SunLove Festival

Explore and experience the world of holistic healing arts and music. There will be a number of vendors and children’s activities all day, including interactive music and games, kids’ yoga, organic food and produce, spiritual gifts, and healthy lifestyle resources. This event will take place from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at Vitruvian Health Center/Windhorse in Eustis. For more info, call 352.255.1969.

7

Stroke: When Every Minute Counts

When it comes to a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Join Dr. Alexander Smirnoff as he discusses early signs and symptoms of a stroke, what you should do if you think you or a loved one may be having one, and treatment of strokes. This free lecture begins at 3p.m. at Comfort Suites in The Villages (1202 Avenida Central North). To register, visit leesburgregional.netreturns.biz/calendar.

11 Paint Your Pet 2-Day Workshop (May 11–12)

Beginners will make a painting of the same pet as the artist while advanced participants will paint a portrait of their own pet from

a photo. Canvas, paints, and mediums are supplied. A list for other supplies is available. Class size is limited and registration is required; cost is $150 ($135 for South Lake Art League members). Classes will be from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at South Lake Art At Cagan Crossings, 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., in Clermont. More info at www. butterflykissesstudio.com or call 352.241.6407.

Life Enrichment Health Expo

17

Presented by The Villages Colony Counseling and Enrichment Center, this expo invites attendees to take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle. More than 50 healthcare and wellness providers will be on hand to offer health screenings and healthy living information. Also, there will be door prizes and free light refreshments. Learn how to stay healthy and gain a balanced mind and body from 10a.m. to 2p.m. at the Lake Miona Recreation Center in The Villages. For more information, call 352.315.7512.

Fore! The Kids Golf Tournament

Registration for this annual Harbor Hills Country Club event begins at 7:30a.m. The shotgun start is at 8:30a.m. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties, a nonprofit organization that provides education, socialization, recreation, and safety for area children and youth. For more information, call 352.787.5258.

Nature Fest

The day will include guided butterfly tours, birding and nature walks, discovery treks, children’s activities, exhibits by local businesses and organizations sharing their nature-friendly products and services, and more. For more information, or to register for the adult-only guided birding or nature walks, call 352.394.3969. Please preregister by 5 p.m. May 17th. Admission is included in the regular park admission fee of $5 per vehicle (up to eight people per vehicle with each additional person incurring a fee of $2).

18

Relay for Life Sorrento/Mount Plymouth (May 18–19)

The opening ceremony at Sorrento Elementary School, 24605 Wallick Road, will begin at 1:30p.m. The event will go on until Sunday. Participants are asked to bring used eyeglasses and hearing aids. Two pet baskets will be raffled off. Call 352.551.0133 or email Terryjaskins@gmail.com for additional information.

24

Relay For Life of Lady Lake & Fruitland Park (May 24–25)

Kicking off at 6p.m. at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex in Lady Lake, this event starts the journey to end cancer with just one step. When you walk to end cancer, it is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost, but also to raise awareness and raise money to help fuel the world’s largest walk to end cancer. Call Chris Kirk at 352.326.9599 or email Chris.Kirk@ cancer.org for more info.

At Central Florida Health Alliance (Leesburg Regional Medical Center & The Villages Regional Hospital), we make sure our employees tap into the long-term growth available at our hospitals. Known for our focus on patients, award-winning professionals and friendly atmospheres we take extreme pride in being named as one of the three hospitals on Modern Healthcare’s list of the Healthcare’s Hottest for 2012. We’ve been honored once again as one of Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100 companies for working families. It’s all about how we treat our people. We offer stability in an uncertain market.

219 N. 13th St., Leesburg 352.787.7762 Accredited by: ACSI, SACS Member of: FHSAA, NCPSA

We encourage Currently Enrolling K5-12 for 2013-2014 ENROLL NOW! First Academy does not discriminate and admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

A ‘HOLE’ LOT OF FUN

Participants of the Central Florida Health Alliance Foundation’s Go for the Green Golf Classic enjoyed a fun-filled day of networking, friendly competition, lunch, and an awards ceremony. The event, which was held at Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, helped raise money for various hospital programs that assist cardiac care, pediatric, and cancer patients.

1. Carol McLane and Barb Wood

2. Denny DeVries with Mary Ann and Gary Marcus

3. Chuck Pillick and Duane Cook

4. Steven Fisher and Rick Pruim

5. Marcella Volkmar, Craig Leeks, David Turner, and Jeff Dourte

6. Larry Humes and Greg Kasinger

7. Whip Overmiller, Tom Jones, Phil Rizzo, and Denny DeVries

PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER TOOTLE

SHINING A LIGHT ON EDUCATION

Beacon College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new 8,000-square-foot building, Beacon Hall. The state-of-the-art facility, which cost $2.36 million, houses reconfigurable classrooms and administration offices. Beacon College is the only school in the United States to provide academic degree programs for students with learning disabilities.

1. Chris Hall with George and Eileen Marinakis

2. Susan Ward and Carrie Santaw

3. Kristin Klussmann, Caroline Le, and Andrew Marvin

4. John Hutchinson and Eileen Marinakis

5. Ruby McDaniels, Debra Manuel, Steven McDaniels, Mary Jones, and Valerie McDaniels

6. Dick, Noi, and Sally Williams

7. Tamara Snyder, Megan Van Lew, Shawna Wells-Booth, and Cindy Eckhart

8. Ellie Waring, Laila Dkeidek, and Peyton Forster

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTHONY CASTO

ON PAR FOR SUCCESS

The 16th annual Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic was held at scenic Harbor Hills Country Club in Lady Lake. This popular event included a continental breakfast, putting contest, and a banquet and awards ceremony. Individuals and local businesspeople divided into teams of four and enjoyed this year’s Las Vegas theme.

1. George Morrison, Bill Binneveld, Larry Moye, and Ronnie Young

2. Tom Leimberger, Geoff Rose, and Jeff Elsas

3. Ronnie Purdy, Randy Mason, Jeremy Whaley, and Jason Smith

4. Steve Moye, Greg Yager, Jay Hurley, and Doug Hoy

5. Jay Butterworth, Gus Grizzard, Dean Simmons, and Rich Kelley

6. Nick Vanoven, Jim Griffin, Mike Bullard, and Sean Bishop

7. Scott Haverstat, David Gray, Matt Beck, and Vinnie Vittoria

PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER TOOTLE

HEALTHY VIEWS

MAKOPLASTY®

MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU!

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

Osteoarthiritis shouldn’t slow you down. If you have knee pain or stiffness with activity and have not responded to anti-inflammatory medication or other treatments, you may be a good candidate for the MAKOplasty® procedure. Call 352.253.3388 for more information or to find a seminar near you.