Healthy Living May 2016

CHEW ON THIS

LEARN WHAT EATING DISORDERS HAVE HIGH MORTALITY RATES

OUT OF THE BLUES

Celebration of Nurses

Honoring local nurses and local nurses and the important role they the role play in health care. in health care.

Including Karen Baisden (right), the local nurse who has been delivering miracles for 38 years.

HOW TO STEER CLEAR OF CAR-BUYING PITFALLS

Your partners for life

Samuel J. Goss, D.O., FACC, is one of our invasive cardiologists at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County. He specializes in cardiovascular disease, and performs various procedures in the diagnosing and treatment of heart disease, such as Diagnostic Catheterizations, Nuclear Stress Testing, Cardiac P.E.T. and Echo-cardiography. He is one of 6 cardiologists on our staff performing Targeted Endovenous Therapy, a radio-frequency ablation procedure for the treatment of varicose veins.

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

YEARS OF SERVICE TO LAKE COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

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

J. Mandume Kerina, MD

Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics.

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.

Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD

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

Claudia L. Thomas, MD

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

Cedric J. Tankson, MD

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

Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD

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

John T. Williams, Jr., MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Advanced Total Joint Replacement Surgery, Chairman of Surgery at CFHA.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

20 // NURSING IS HER BABY

When it comes to nursing, Karen Baisden always delivers—literally. A nurse at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for 38 years, Karen works in the obstetrics and gynecology unit and loves helping bring babies into this world.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

32 // CELEBRATION OF NURSES

Those who choose a career in nursing do so because compassion is woven into their hearts and souls. Healthy Living recently visited three local nursing schools and interviewed several students who cannot wait to begin their careers.

WRITERS: LEIGH NEELY AND JAMES COMBS

HEALTHYBODY

DON’T LET THE GOOD DIE YOUNG 46 Regular screenings are essential for future wellbeing

CHEW ON THIS 48 Eating disorders have high mortality rates

EAT HEALTHY IN MINUTES

50 Tomato basil chicken makes for a healthy, delicious meal.

40 // ‘CLEAN’ YOUR PLATE

MAY

AN’ rian, o rganic nique selection ing grass-fed s

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

HEALTHYMIND

TIME FOR A CHANGE

c,

If your diet is gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or organic, then be sure to visit Greens and Grains Organic Care in Clermont. The restaurant serves up a unique selection of food, including garden veggie bagels and grass-fed Angus burgers.

HEALTHYFINANCE

ASK DAVE

54 Change can actually help activate and stimulate our brain.

OUT OF THE BLUE(S)

56 Natural ways to counteract depression.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY 60 Lying down for meditation, that is.

BE YOUR BEST

62 Self-confidence as a breast cancer patient.

A PURPOSEFUL LIFE

64 Find out what you’re called to do.

68 Dave Ramsey shares how to set a dating budget.

STEER CLEAR OF CAR-BUYING PITFALLS

70 The dos and don’ts of purchasing an automobile

DIGITIZE YOUR LIFE.

GET YOURS. SHOW

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A SALUTE TO NURSING

It has been said that nurses are the backbone of medicine. Without a doubt, they are one of its most important elements. I know personally what a valuable career it is because I am a registered nurse.

In this issue of Healthy Living magazine, we are proud to recognize the upcoming graduates from the nursing schools at Lake-Sumter State College and Lake Technical College (Lake Tech). These women and men couldn’t find a better place to begin their medical careers than in the health care hub of Lake and Sumter counties.

I began my career as a navy corpsman, and I believe that choice was the fork in the road that turned my life in the right direction. I was finishing my training at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego when an officer, who was a registered nurse, said, “You’re going to make an awesome nurse someday because what I’m seeing you do here cannot be taught.”

It’s that hidden level of compassion and care that make nurses the great frontline leaders they are. Think about it—nurses are among the first people to greet us at birth and among the last to provide comfort in the end. We interact with nurses at doctor’s offices, in hospitals, as patients or during family illness, and in assisted living, memory-care, homecare, hospice, and long-term care facilities. There are so many places that nurses provide essential care it’s impossible to list all of them.

My career took a detour when my Marine Corps reserve unit was activated, and I served as a corpsman in Desert Storm. Once my tour of duty was complete, I worked as a floor nurse in a hospital, was a field nurse for home health care, and eventually moved up to administration for a regional home health care company.

I know nurses put their hearts into whatever they do while taking care of angry or frightened people plagued with whatever illness they’re facing. In the space of an hour, a nurse will comfort and console, medicate and motivate, and resolve problems and reassure. In between these actions, reports are completed, patient orders are updated, and nurses interact with doctors. Hospitals never close; sickness doesn’t recognize holidays.

To the nurses who currently work in this noble profession or have retired, we say thank you. For the young graduates preparing for their future in the world of medicine, we know you’re heading into a complex world, but you’ll find many rewards along the way. Congratulations on your choice to be a nurse.

Sincerely,

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

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

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

MICHELLE CLARK staff writer michelle@akersmediagroup.com

THERESA CAMBELL staff writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

JOE DELEON creative director joe@akersmediagroup.com

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

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

JAIMIE ALONSO BONNIE CONRAD FRED HILTON

KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN DAVE RAMSEY

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

KELLY DEARDORFF account representative kelly@akersmediagroup.com

DAVID COTE director of marketing david@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL senior account representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

LYNNE KELLEY account representative lynne@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK office manager deb@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS advertising coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

SHAENA CHASTAIN receptionist shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers, RN, BSN

DON’T GET BAKED

It’s May and that means the sizzling summer heat has arrived. No doubt, Lake County residents will seek a brief reprieve from the sun by swimming in their pools, spending a day on the boat, or even visiting a beach. Just take precautions to avoid being sunburned, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips provided by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

WOMEN: DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOU

This month is Mother’s Day, a time we thank mothers across the country for their selfless acts of love and sacrifice. Healthy Living would like to remind moms that while they’re the center of attention this month, their health should be a priority throughout the year. If you don’t believe us, consider these sobering statistics:

13.7% of women ages 18 and older are in fair or poor health.

15.4% of women under age 65 are without health insurance coverage.

• Purchase a sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B protection.

• Purchase sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF reflects the sun’s rays, keeping them from burning your skin.

• Be sure to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen all over your body without forgetting

ears, feet, and the back of the neck.

• Sunscreen quickly wears off, so be sure to reapply it every two hours.

• Do not rely on sunscreen alone. Also consider wearing lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher, a hat with a wide brim, and wrap-around sun glasses with UV protection.

18.3% of women ages 18 and older smoke cigarettes.

32.8% of women ages 20 and older have high blood pressure.

35.9% of women ages 20 and older are considered obese.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

WHAT A FELLOW

Central Florida Health Alliance employee Donny P. Abraham recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for health care leaders.

Donny, who serves as system director of urgent care, wound care, and outpatient infusion centers, is one of only 9,100 health care professionals to hold this distinction.

“The health care management field plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to the people in our communities, which makes having a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization critically important,” said Deborah Bowen, president of ACHE.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY...

By selling 217 tickets to its seventh annual Celebration of Life Gala, the Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation raised $95,000 to expand the hospital’s emergency services department.

“Florida Hospital Waterman treats more than 63,000 patients in the emergency department each year, and this number continues to grow as our community continues to develop,” said Anita Young, president of the Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation. “Through the philanthropic support of our community, we will soon be able to make needed changes to the emergency department, such as enhancements to provide additional privacy, implementation of innovation, and continuing to fulfill our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ.”

PUTTING STOCK INTO OUR STUDENTS

Five high school students enrolled in Take Stock in Children of Lake and Sumter Counties were awarded scholarship upgrades based on grade-point average, behavior, attendance, and community service.

Those students include Brooks Cipriano and Jose Perez of South Lake High School, Emily Muir of Lake Minneola High School, Bryan Nguyen of Leesburg High School, and Justin Null of South Sumter High School.

“The upgrade adds two years of tuition at a state university in addition to two years of tuition previously awarded to the students,” said Carman Cullen-Batt, executive director for the Educational Foundation of Lake County.

The program identifies financially at-risk students in the eighth grade, provides them with a mentor, and then rewards them with a college tuition scholarship upon graduating high school.

TRIVIA TIME

Who was Lake County’s first neurosurgeon and what year did he begin practicing in the county? Please take an educated guess before you peek at the answer below.

Answer:

Dr. Michael Hill of Neurosurgical and Spinal Institute opened his Leesburg-based practice in 2001.

IRON WOMAN

For Clermont resident Sarah Haskins, the phrase “push yourself to the limit” is not a motto.

It’s a lifestyle.

As a professional triathlete for 12 years, Sarah has enjoyed a storybook career. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, served as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, and has emerged victorious 39 times.

But despite her impressive accomplishments, the thrill of being the first to cross the finish line never grows old.

That was certainly the case last January when Sarah earned a gold medal at the IRONMAN Pan American Pro Championship in Panama. During the race, she swam 1.2 miles in the Pacific Ocean, bicycled 56.1 miles

over Panama Bay, and ran 13.1 miles along the scenic Amador Causeway.

Her finishing time of 4:08:53 bested 29 of the top female triathletes from around the world.

“It’s always a thrill when you compete against the best athletes in your sport and ultimately end up winning,” says Sarah, who moved to Clermont in 2012 with her husband, Nathan Korteum. “Although the course was relatively flat, the race was still challenging because the temperature was 95 degrees in January.”

In September, her skills and endurance will be put to the test once again at the IRONMAN World Championship, being held along the Queensland Sunshine Coast in Australia. Although she raced in

previous IRONMAN World Championship short-course events, this race marks the first time she will compete in the longer 70.3-mile course.

“I’m always looking for new challenges. I will be competing against 35 female triathletes who come from all over the globe. This race is special because you have to qualify beforehand to be a participant.”

Nagging injuries over the years—and giving birth to

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2004 U23 National Champion

2005 Los Angeles Triathlon Champion, first pro win

2006 U.S. National Champion

2007 Pan American Games Silver Medal

2008 Silver Medal at the ITU World Championships

2008 Beijing Olympic Team Member, 11th place

her daughter, Caroline, in 2013—hasn’t slowed Sarah down. Although she is 35, she has no immediate plans to retire from the sport.

“Many triathletes compete well into their 40s. I’m very passionate about this sport and love all the training, hard work, and discipline that’s involved to be your very best. Of course, I would like more kids in the future so somewhere I have to have a balance.”

2009 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

• Four-time winner St. Anthony’s,

• LifeTime Fitness, and Chicago triathlons

2011/2012 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

2011 Pan American Games Gold Medal

2012 Olympic Team Alternate

2014 Race To The Toyota Cup Series Champion

Source: sarahhaskins.com

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

Medical Mysteries

WHY DOES FIDO TURN IN CIRLCLES?

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Afriend of mine dearly loves his noble dog Fido. However, he is beginning to believe that Fido is really, really weird. For starters, Fido is afraid of squirrels. At the same time, however, he’s always trying to pick a fight with that monstrous, nasty-looking pit bull that lives up the street.

And then, there’s the matter of turning around in circles. Before lying down, Fido spins around quickly four or five times. Then he lies down and goes to sleep in seven seconds.

(Seven seconds is equal to one-and-a-half seconds in dog years.) From all of that, my friend has concluded that Fido is one strange puppy.

The folks who know much more about dogs than my friend and I do point out

a dog twirling around before bedtime is not unusual. There’s no widely accepted theory about what causes the pre-nap circling but the most common explanation is the dog is just making himself comfortable. “Some speculate that it has to do with ‘making a nest’ and the dog is doing the motions of trampling down grass, leaves, etc. to flatten them out and make a suitable bed,” says Mychelle Blake, chief executive officer for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Leslie Irvine, author of “If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals,”agrees with Blake: “This behavior was hard-wired into the dog’s ancestors as a way to build a safe ‘nest.’”

The circling motion may also be a way of checking

out the environment and scaring off snakes, bugs, and other nasty critters that could disturb Fido’s nap. The matter of creature comfort could figure into the circling, too. Dogs want a warm place to sleep. “They’re moving in a circular motion to keep their body warm while sleeping,” explained Burke.

Another theory is a dog in the wild prefers to sleep with his nose into the wind. Circling allows dogs to determine wind direction and be better able to sniff out danger.

Of course, there’s another possibility for my friend’s dog. Fido might just be weird, after all.

Our spoiled dog Paris

doesn’t spin around before she goes to sleep. She’s too snooty for that. Paris puts her chin on the floor and stretches her front legs out while raising her rear high into the air.

My wife tells me that’s a yoga pose. It’s called downward facing dog. Figures.

Sources:

6 reasons why your dog turns in circles,” did you know? dykn.com http://dykn.com/why-dodogs-walk-around-in-circles-before-lying-down/ “

Why Dogs Turn Around In Circles Before Lying Down,” by Sue Ann Zollinger, A Moment of Science, Indiana Public Media http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/turningcircles-lying/

Why Do Dogs Walk in Circles Before Lying Down,” by Remy Melina, livescience.com http://www.livescience.com/33160-why-dodogs-walk-in-circles-before-lying-down.html

“Why Dogs Spin Before Lying Down,” SPCA of Texas http://www.spca.org/document. doc?id=122

“Why Do Dogs Walk In a Circle Before Lying Down?’ by Kristina Lotz, IHeartDogs.com http:// iheartdogs.com/why-do-dogs-walk-in-a-circlebefore-lying-down/

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THE RAYS OF HOPE

For years, pain and fatigue were constant companions of Ann Busby. A resident of The Villages, Ann suffered from fibromyalgia, as well as severe arthritis throughout her joints and spine.

“I could only make doctor’s appointments every other day because my energy level was so low,” she said. “Whenever I tried to push myself I’d end up in bed for two days.”

Fortunately, life changed for the better when she visited Rays of Hope in Lady Lake. That’s where she began receiving photobiomodulation (formerly known as low-level light therapy), which promotes tissue repair, increases circulation, and reduces inflammation and pain.

“My energy level has doubled,” said Ann, who serves as group leader of a fibromyalgia support group in The Villages. “I’m a big believer in light technology. I see it as a big boon to health.”

The Rays of Hope is owned by Valerie Gause, a retired nurse who first used photobiomodulation on an acute flare up of a degenerative neck condition that resulted in loss of function of the arm over a five-week period. If fact, she experienced dramatic improvement after only three sessions.

Photobiomodulation uses infrared light that stimulates cells to generate more energy and undergo self-repair. Photobomodulation has been proven to be effective on inflammation, swelling, wounds, nerve pain, muscle pain, and mild-tomoderate joint and back pain.

“I’ve also received anecdotal reports from clients that they’ve experienced increased energy levels and improved mental clarity, as well.

That’s the kind of side effects we want to see,” Valerie said. “Light therapy in no way should replace medicine, but it can provide therapeutic and preventative support in many cases. The wonderful part is the whole-body delivery system allows for convenience and affordability.”

Understanding why light therapy is beneficial is much larger than space allows for this article. Valerie is more than happy to educate potential clients.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

RAYS OF HOPE

113 S. US Hwy 441, Lady Lake, FL, 32159 352.775.9976

TheRaysofHope.com

Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages® Regional Hospital, part of Central Florida Health, are proud to honor and recognize our dedicated, professional nursing staff during National Nurses Week.

NURSES WEEK 2016

May 6 – May 12

www.CentralFloridaHealth.org

NURSE DELIVERS...

IN M O RE WAYS THAN O N E

Nearly every day Karen Baisden goes to work, she receives a special delivery.

No, it’s not a bouquet of flowers. Nor is it an expensive gift that arrives in a neatly wrapped package.

Instead, the longtime obstetrics and gynecology registered nurse at Leesburg Regional Medical Center gets to experience the wonder and joy of childbirth.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

“It’s such a spectacular feeling to see a mother with her first baby, or even her third or fourth baby,” she says. “It’s a miracle, really. Seeing a healthy baby being born is one of life’s greatest satisfactions.”

Karen has been a nurse at LRMC for 38 years.

Amazingly, she gains more enthusiasm and passion for nursing with each passing year and bustles around the hospital with the energy of nurses half her age. That’s one reason why she was named the hospital’s Nurse of the Year in 2011.

“I’ve never been burned

out or felt like I wanted to leave nursing,” she says. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others and making a difference in someone’s life.”

For Karen, becoming a nurse fulfilled a childhood dream. She fondly recalls growing up on a farm in Strykersville, New York, and playing “mommy” to some of the farm animals.

“I would nurture the baby calves and pretend they were my children. My dad told me I would someday become a nurse. So at the young age of five I knew that was what I wanted to do when I grew up.”

Karen began her career at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in 1978 and is one of the hospital’s longest-tenured nurses. She spent the first 10 years as head nurse of the intensive-care unit, and then became charge nurse of the obstetrics and gynecology department—the same department where she works today.

Obstetrics provides a fast-paced and challenging environment, but Karen wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You have to make quick judgments, be a good team player, and deal with diverse patients and families who have varying needs and expectations. I love the art of being able to predict how the process of labor is going to go and intervene when any complications may arise.”

Today, some of the preg-

“IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE I’VE BEEN WORKING HERE LONG ENOUGH THAT I’M DELIVERING CHILDREN OF THE FIRST CHILDREN I DELIVERED,”

nant women who come to the hospital are babies Karen helped deliver many years ago.

“It’s hard to believe I’ve been working here long enough that I’m delivering children of the first children I delivered,” she says.

She has also worked at Leesburg Regional Medical Center long enough to witness many changes. Although the hospital is a tobacco-free facility today, that wasn’t the case in the early 1980s.

“I remember we used to divide patient rooms into smoking and nonsmoking. As nurses, we would go to the smoking rooms and hand ashtrays to patients. Also, there was a lounge in the hospital where doctors

and nurses gathered to smoke cigarettes.”

Another big change occurred when the hospital purchased computers to maintain medical records.

“There was a time when we had no computers and all records were written by hand. Computers have also changed the way we communicate. I can remember when all the head nurses met in a small room where we hashed out any problems we were having on an intimate level. Nowadays, we pretty much email each other.”

She even remembers when nurses stood out because of the mandatory uniforms—white dresses, white caps, and white shoes. Those uniforms are now a distant memory.

“Now look at me I’m wearing sneakers,” she says enthusiastically.

More importantly, she wears a constant smile that eases the fear and anxiety of patients. Having a true passion for helping others is a characteristic all nursing students should possess.

“It’s important that aspiring nurses go into the field… for the right reasons. Some… use nursing as a steppingstone to a management position, while others get into nursing for the job security it provides. Nursing isn’t a job; it’s something you have to feel in your heart. You have to want to care for people and be empathetic and compassionate toward them even on their worst days.”

You’re never too old to begin a new career. Just ask Susan Chicoine.

After a successful career as chief operating officer of a high-tech aerospace company, Susan retired at age 50 and later moved to The Villages.

She quickly became bored with the retirement lifestyle and decided to pursue a profession that had always intrigued her— medicine. So at age 59, she enrolled in Lake-Sumter State College’s nursing program.

“Staying up until 2 a.m. studying and writing papers is not easy when you’re my age,” she says jokingly.

After graduating in 2014, she landed a job working in the medical unit at The Villages Regional Hospital.

“I love learning, and one of the best things about this job is learning new ways and techniques to help people feel better,” she says. “For me, it is a great feeling to know I can help people get better and start enjoying life again.”

When Marjorie told us she that wanted to spend her end-of-life journey in the warmth of her own home, we reassured her that she wasn’t alone. Though Cornerstone care is available in many assisted living facilities or in one of our Hospice Houses all over Central Florida, most patients like Marjorie still prefer in-home care. But no matter where she needs us, our professionals will be in her corner, ready to provide her with all the comforts of home.

hat wanted to to

Carlos

THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES

What do you get if you have late-night study sessions, hands-on experience in medical simulation labs, and a group of people who act more as a team than individuals?

A group of hard-working students with one goal: becoming a nurse.

“We’re a tight-knit group of friends who go above and beyond to help each other,” said Tricia Sacco, a nursing student at Lake-Sumter Community College’s Clermont campus.

Healthy Living Magazine recently visited nursing students at Lake Tech, as well as Lake-Sumter State College’s Leesburg and Clermont campuses. Although their workload is demanding, each student nurse is gaining valuable knowledge and experience that will help them thrive in their careers.

Most importantly, they possess one trait that is instrumental in their future work—big hearts. That’s extremely important because for patients undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from a major operation, or visiting a physician’s of ice, a caring nurse can make all the difference.

WRITERS: LEIGH NEELY AND JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

LAKE TECH NURSING STUDENTS

NAME: Angelina McCoy AGE: 32

HOMETOWN: Bushnell

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

I’m a very compassionate person who loves helping people. Therefore, nursing is the perfect career for me because there’s no better way to help people than when they need you most.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I want to become a registered nurse and plan on working with the geriatric population or in wound care. I currently work at a family physician practice that treats the geriatric population and love it.

NAME: Morgan Nelson AGE: 25

HOMETOWN: Umatilla

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

I currently work as a receptionist for a local physician. The physician’s wife trained me to do medical assisting and before leaving the practice she encouraged me to go into nursing.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I hope to continue working at the practice where I am now. I already do some of the nursing work anyway, and the doctor has treated me like a daughter.

NAME: Susy Montalvo AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: Mount Dora

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO NURSING?

My older sister went through this program four years ago, and I have another sister attending the University of Central Florida’s registered nursing program. Nursing is also very intriguing to me because I will have an opportunity to teach people to be healthier.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I haven’t committed to anything, but I’m leaning toward becoming either a pediatrics or OB-GYN nurse.

NAME: Chiquita Wilson AGE: 25

HOMETOWN: Pensacola

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO NURSING?

I remember when my mom went through nursing school. She would come home all excited and want to take my blood pressure and listen to my heart. It seemed exciting so I became a certified nursing assistant and have worked at Florida Hospital Waterman for three years. I have fallen in love with the profession.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

My ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist because anesthesiology is such an important part of a successful surgery.

LAKE TECH NURSING STUDENTS

LSSC SOUTH LAKE CAMPUS

NAME: Luis Contreras AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Mascotte

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

When I was in seventh grade I took a career choice test and nursing came up as one of the careers I should pursue. I actually became a certified nursing assistant when I attended South Lake High School and have worked at a nursing home for four years. I’d rather be wiping butts than flipping burgers!

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I want to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I feel I’m most in my comfort zone when I work with children.

NAME: Avery Brodus AGE: 40

HOMETOWN: Clermont

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

Back in 2009, I took a physiology class and my professor encouraged me to go into nursing because I did so well on the test. I’m glad I listened to him because I am thoroughly enjoying nursing school.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I hope to get a job at South Lake Hospital and be an operating room or critical care nurse. I want to be in a unit where I can do lots of assessing.

NAME: Adeline Antwi AGE: 24

HOMETOWN: Ghana, West Africa

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

I come from West Africa and I’ve seen people die from diseases that could have been cured in other countries. I want to make a positive difference in the healthcare field and I’m ready for a challenge.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

Pediatrics is where my heart is because I love children. I also hope to continue my education and earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing.

NAME: Traci Hemphill AGE: 46

HOMETOWN: Ocoee

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

When I was a customer service technician in another job, a customer came into the office and suffered a seizure. I held her head to prevent injury because I was afraid her head would hit the edge of a table. I also hope to encourage, educate, and have a positive influence on my patients.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: I hope to pursue a master’s degree and become a nurse educator at a hospital.

LSSC LEESBURG LSSC SOUTH LAKE CAMPUS

NAME: Tricia Sacco AGE: 34

HOMETOWN: Orlando

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

I love learning, and the nursing field is constantly evolving to provide the best care possible to patients. I also love that nurses are constantly being tasked with greater responsibilities in the world of health care.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I hope to work at South Lake Hospital so I can be part of this wonderful community and impact it in a positive way. My top three choices are to be a nurse in pediatrics, the emergency room, or intensive care unit.

NAME: Jessica Saunders AGE: 26

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING?

I was a patient, and I had a not-so-good experience with a nurse. The next nurse I had was wonderful, and she turned the whole experience around. I hope to be like her.

PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION:

Immediately after graduation I’m going to transfer to the University of Central Florida, and I hope to be employed in the Intermediate Care Unit at LRMC.

NAME: Kimberly Ball AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: Sorrento

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING:

My mom inspired me. She was sick with cancer, and I cared for her, and that lead me into this.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

After graduation I want to work on the obstetrics or pediatrics floors and get my BSN and masters so I can teach.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING:

My family inspired me. I’ve been a CNA for 10 years, and I really enjoy taking care of people so I decided to go back to school and get my nursing degree.

PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION:

I want to work as an ICU nurse in a local hospital.

NAME: Roscel Pantalla AGE: 24

HOMETOWN: Born in the Philippines, lives in Leesburg

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING:

My family. My mother and my brothers are nurses. I see their compassion, and that they are really enjoying the field. It was either that or become a cop like my dad.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:

I want to get my BSN and become an ICU nurse.

NAME: Tiffany Barber AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: from the Philippines, Tavares

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO NURSING:

I was inspired because my mom passed from epilepsy. I wasn’t able to help her, so I wanted to learn how to save lives. My mom wanted to be a nurse too, so I feel like I’m fulfilling one of her dreams for her.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:

I’m going to the University of Central Florida to get a bachelor’s degree. I will take a break and go back to become a nurse practioner. I eventually want to own my own assisted living.

NAME: Melissa Darrin AGE: 32

”CLEAN” YOUR PLATE

GREENS AND GRAINS IN CLERMONT SERVES UP WHOLESOME, ORGANIC FOOD.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Gluten-free. Vegan. Vegetarian. Organic. Not many dining venues in Lake County are sympathetic to these eating concepts.

But diners who like to explore alternative food styles will feel right at home inside a beautifully remodeled 1930s house on West Avenue in Clermont.

Since opening Greens and Grains Organic Café in January, longtime restaurateur Pietro Priola has created the perfect place for those looking for a fresh, fulfilling meal.

week and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the more intriguing menu options include open-face avocado toast, a garden veggie bagel, a portobello mushroom sandwich, a grass-fed Angus burger, and a spinach BLT. There are also several vegan options—including a meatless Philly cheesesteak and quinoa salad—as well as an extensive selection of salads, specialty sandwiches, and entrees. Pietro’s ever-popular creation, the Green Goddess smoothie, can serve as a replacement for lunch or as a decadent dessert and gives diners a way

Dabbling in organic food represents an about-face for Pietro, a native of Sicily who immigrated to New York City with his family in 1969. He made his first pizza at the tender age of 10 after his family opened a pizzeria in New Jersey. Cooking was in his blood, and he later owned and operated several Italian-style and Mediterranean-style restaurants in Maryland.

However, a battle with thyroid cancer in 2012 forced him to drastically change his eating habits.

“I began doing wheatgrass shots and drinking lots of

his restaurant to Clermont. He has no regrets.

“I really like the small-town atmosphere,” he says. “The people here have welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve already established a clientele who has been extremely loyal and comes back.”

Prior to opening the restaurant, the couple spent countless hours painting, decorating, and remodeling the quaint, small house. The interior, which is both homey and rustic, features several small dining rooms, as well as a coffee/smoothie bar. The walls are adorned with the

That’s evidenced from the regulars who show up weekly, as well as the steady stream of traffic derived from word-ofmouth.

“We’ve enjoyed an amazing response during the few months the restaurant has been open,” Pietro says. “People are very thankful we’re offering a healthy alternative to what is normally served at chain restaurants. We also try to buy as much fresh food as we can from local farmers.”

Greens and Grains Organic Café is open seven days a

to sneak a few extra nutrients into their meal. It comes with a unique blend of spinach, avocados, cucumbers, bananas, apples, coconut water, and pure honey.

When it comes to discussing food, there’s an eternal boyish enthusiasm about Pietro, especially when he talks about his rich twist on traditional pesto sauce.

“I make my pesto sauce with roasted black walnuts and I do not use cheese. It’s fresh and delicious and tastes good on just about everything.”

smoothies,” he says. “Eating healthy helped me feel much better.”

It also prompted him to open his first Greens and Grains restaurant in Hagerstown, Maryland. Although the restaurant was a hit among locals, Pietro soon found himself love-struck when he met his future wife, Laura, on an online dating site. Laura, a schoolteacher of 27 years, was living in Clermont at the time.

Instead of forcing Laura to move to a colder climate, Pietro decided to relocate himself and

Priola’s interesting collection of decorative rooster pictures and artifacts.

“We’ve made beelines off I-95 so we can check out flea markets and see if they have anything related to roosters,” Laura says. “To us, the roosters symbolize the freshness of our food.”

Patio seating is available for patrons who enjoy soaking up the sun.

Greens and Grains is located at 658 West Ave. in Clermont. For more information, call 352.242.9463.

“THE GREEN GODDESS SMOOTHIE, CAN SERVE AS A REPLACEMENT FOR LUNCH OR AS A DECADENT DESSERT AND GIVES DINERS A WAY TO SNEAK A FEW EXTRA NUTRIENTS INTO THEIR MEAL.“

If yes, then you may have a more serious leg problem. If you can see varicose veins, swelling, skin discoloration or lower leg ulceration, then you have venous insufficiency until proven otherwise.

Treatments are done in the office under local anesthetic and do not require any down time.

Bryan Carter, MPA-C

BODY

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

—Albert Einstein

DON’T WASTE BEING YOUNG

Eight Essential Screening Tests for Young Women

If you’re in your 20s, chances are you take your health for granted. Medical problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia seem a long way off, so you may feel there’s no need to worry just yet. That’s not to say you don’t aim to follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk of future health issues. However, besides eating sensibly, engaging in regular exercise, and drinking within safe limits, it’s essential you don’t miss out on any of the screening tests recommended

for young women. Even if you’re in perfect health, screening for possible medical issues and determining your risk of health problems is one of the best ways to safeguard your future wellbeing. Therefore, make getting the following tests and examinations a priority.

1. PAP SMEAR

Once you turn 21, you need a pap smear done every three years. A pap smear takes a small sample of cells from your cervix to detect precancerous changes so you can be

treated before the cervical cells become cancerous. Although some women find the test uncomfortable, this slight discomfort is worth it to prevent cervical cancer.

2. STI SCREENING

If you are under 25 and sexually active, you are at high risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Annual STI screenings for individuals under 25 is recommended because even if you practice safe sex, you can’t remove the risk of transmission completely. A simple urine

or swab test can identify chlamydia and gonorrhea, both of which can be cured with antibiotics. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about getting an STI test as if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility, pregnancy complications, and be transmitted to your baby.

3. BREAST EXAMINATION

Although breast cancer is rare in young women, it can still occur women in their 20s. Therefore, you should check your breasts each month for early changes that

may indicate cancer. If you are unsure how to perform a breast self-exam, a nurse practitioner can show you how to do one. However, you should get a breast examination conducted by a healthcare professional at least every three years and more frequently if breast cancer runs in your family.

BMI

Although your height probably won’t increase after the age of 21, it’s important to keep an eye on your weight since a low or high body mass index can impact your physical and mental well-being. You can check your weight on your bathroom scales, but scales available at pharmacies and medical centers are often more accurate. An annual weight check is all you need if your weight is stable, but if you notice you are gaining or losing weight, a monthly weight check is advisable. Although you may wish to check your weight more regularly if you are actively addressing a low or high BMI, weighing yourself more than weekly is not recommended, as daily fluctuations in your weight can produce unreliable results. You should seek medical advice if you cannot explain changes in your weight through diet or activity levels. Unexplained weight loss or gain may indicate a health problem.

5. BLOOD PRESSURE TEST

You won’t know whether your blood pressure is high or not until you have it checked. Even if you are otherwise fit

and well, you should check your blood pressure every two years as high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many drug and grocery stores have machines to test your blood pressure, though you can also take advantage of screenings offered at local health clinics. Alternatively, your medical provider will usually offer a blood pressure screening upon request. If your reading is above 120/80 mm Hg, it’s advisable to get your blood pressure taken a year later. If you have a reading over 140/90 mm Hg, you should consult your doctor for advice. Thankfully, many people can control their blood pressure through lifestyle changes or with medication, if necessary.

6. CHOLESTEROL TEST

More than one-third of adults have raised cholesterol, which isn’t just a problem for older adults since high cholesterol levels can begin as early as your teenage years. As with raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol increases your likelihood of a heart attack and stroke. Certainly, if you are at higher risk of

cardiovascular problems, which might be the case if there is a strong family history of heart disease, you should get your cholesterol checked once you hit 20. Even when high, cholesterol can be brought under control with the help of a cardio-protective diet and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

7. DENTAL EXAMINATION

A yearly checkup with your dentist is a must. Not only does a regular dental exam keep your smile presentable, but good oral health will protect you against more than just gum disease and tooth loss. The health of your mouth

can impact your general health. For instance, one problem relevant to young women is gum disease, which may reduce the likelihood of conception while increasing your risk of miscarriage, premature labor, or a baby born with a low weight.

8. EYE EXAMINATION

Even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your vision, you should get an eye test every two years. An optometrist can identify medical conditions that manifest early on. For example, an eye checkup can reveal problems such as raised blood pressure, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis before you develop any other symptoms, allowing you to get early treatment if necessary. Finding the time to book yourself for routine medical screenings is well worth it. A clean bill of health gives you reassurance while you can take prompt action for any problems identified, reducing your risk of health issues further down the line.

4.

OBSESSION:

ANXIETY IN EATING DISORDERS

Contrary to popular belief, the mental disorder with the highest mortality rate is not schizophrenia or even depression, but eating disorders. According to Dr. John Grohol with PsychCentral, about 90 percent of those who develop the top three eating disorders—anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating— are girls and young women in their teens and 20s, most displaying symptoms during adolescence. It is said the stress of transitioning from childhood to adulthood can trigger the onset of such a disease. If there were some miracle method to determine which of us is

likely to develop an eating disorder, it might be possible to prevent the staggering number of deaths related to eating disorders. Shockingly, up to 20 percent of those suffering from an eating disorder will suffer until it takes their lives, according to Mirror-mirror.org.

A common symptom of bulimia nervosa is the compulsion to purge after eating, and child psychiatrists estimate a staggering 13 percent of high school girls purge. The occurrence of such behavior has doubled since the 60s and is hurting younger and younger groups of girls. Childhood anxiety is considered an important factor in the probability of a

young person developing an eating disorder. Researchers claim to have discovered a strong link between eating disorders and anxiety that suggests treatment of the eating disorder along with the underlying anxiety could increase the rate of recovery. If this is true, treating anxiety at a young age might prevent the onset of an eating disorder later in life. According to Craig Johnson of the Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one third of those struggling with an eating disorder have, in the past, suffered some form of anxiety, like obsessive compulsive disorder, with symptoms displayed years before the eating disorder itself.

While only 13 to 30 percent of healthy women experience anxiety, psychiatrist Walter H. Kaye at the University of Pittsburgh says an unbelievable 66 percent of those suffering from eating

disorders experience anxiety, and among the patients with an eating disorder, the anxiety is not only present throughout the term of the eating disorder, but persists even after recovery. Women undergoing eating disorder treatment who are not diagnosed with any anxiety disorders display anxiety traits, the most obvious of which is perfectionism. Anxiety in children is something not to be ignored, as it can lead to much more serious and life-threatening problems. Anxiety can be a precursor to depression, but it is suspected to be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders. The idea that the risk of an eating disorder onset can possibly be prevented by the combat of anxiety early in life through cognitive behavior therapy is only a small comfort considering the mortality rate among those suffering with an eating disorder.

TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN

SERVES 4

Spread your wings toward better health with juicy chicken breasts that are served in a decadent tomato basil sauce. This healthy and nutritious recipe is an excellent summer dish, and you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing this meal. There’s nothing better than satisfying your appetite and eating a nutritious meal at the same time.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat butter or oil.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the pan.

3. Add the tomatoes to the pan.

4. Cook the chicken for about three minutes on both sides (depending on the thickness), or until fully cooked and reaches 165 degrees.

5. During the last minute of cooking, add the basil and garlic. Give it a toss.

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

Jaime Alonso, certified health coach

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

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

4-6 thinly sliced chicken breasts

4 large basil leaves, sliced

2 cups of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons butter, ghee or expeller pressed coconut oil

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

A NEW WAY TO TREAT ACID REFLUX

For an estimated 21 million Americans, living with chronic acid reflux diseases (GERD) can mean being in a constant state of pain and discomfort. Luckily, for many sufferers, there condition can be controlled with simple antacids or over-the-counter medications. Some may require prescribed medications for relief.

Nevertheless, for those whose symptoms can’t be relieved with a simple tablet, more aggressive treatment may be required. “The reasons why that might happen in a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia,” explains Dr. Christopher Johnson. “This condition disrupts the normal anatomy of where the

stomach and the esophagus meet. Reduction of the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) means stomach acid will move up into the esophagus causing symptoms of acid reflux. GERD can also cause other complications that cannot be resolved with medications alone; therefore, surgery may become the only option.”

The use of the da Vinci Surgical System at South Lake Hospital combines the advantages of both open and laparoscopic surgical techniques, according to Dr. Johnson, who was one of the first physicians to undergo additional training to perform this procedure robotically.

“The da Vinci device is a minimally

invasive tool that allows surgeons to do an open operation through a small opening,” he explains. “Using the device, I can simulate all the fingerlike movements and wristed maneuvers without having to place my hand inside the body. And unlike with laparoscopic surgery, I can work in fairly tight space without the instrument becoming disruptive.”

While the device offers a multitude of advantages for surgeons, the patients also experience several benefits, including significantly less pain, fewer complications, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery from surgery.

The da Vinci Surgical System takes Laparoscopic surgery to the next level to providing surgeons with better vision and precision.

DR. CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S

MIND

Water is the driving force of all nature.

—Leonardo da Vinci

CHANGE IS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN

WRITER: KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN, FOUNDER OF BRAIN +

Change is good! It can be a positive force in your life and strengthen your brain health tremendously. Doing new things or doing familiar activities differently activates your brain much more than following your usual routines. By placing yourself in unfamiliar places and situations, you will challenge and enrich your brain. The unfamiliar can help you build your cognitive reserve, your brain bank account, and new neural infrastructure.

YOUR BRAIN IS FUNDAMENTALLY LAZY!

To be fair, it’s really just trying to help you save energy. One of your brain’s favorite ways to avoid work

is to avoid change. The more familiar things are, the less work your brain has to do. Your brain loves habits because if it’s routine, you can avoid thinking. The more familiar you are with your environment and the people with whom you socialize, the less your brain needs to work to figure out the situation, and the safer and more comfortable you’ll feel.

In any situation, your brain will try to find the easy way out, the path of least resistance. The problem is you need resistance to grow stronger, just like going to the gym to lift weights; only in this case, the weights are mental.

If you find yourself in a new situation, your brain will attempt to get back to something familiar and

comfortable. But if this is impossible because you are deliberately trying a new thing, your brain immediately begins to create a new routine for dealing with the new situation. Our minds can transform anything new and unfamiliar into something

familiar and easy, and once that happens, it will no longer challenge and strengthen your brain.

The brain’s ability to adapt to the unfamiliar is astounding. It’s one of the reasons humans have evolved into the world’s dominant species. But from

a survival perspective, the brain’s ability to adapt needs to be balanced with minimizing energy consumption.

That’s why your brain rewards you for saving energy. That’s why you feel more at ease just doing what you’re used to. Your

brain may even discourage you from trying new things by throwing anxiety into the mix. The more unfamiliar things are, the more anxious we get. No wonder it’s hard to accept change!

So what’s the conclusion? Are habits and routines good for us?

Habits and routines are both necessary and can indeed be positive, especially if the habits are doing good things in your life, like working out two to three times a week. Habits are perfect for becoming efficient and productive. But there is a catch!

When your brain defaults to a habit, it isn’t challenged. Doing the usual does not require the brain to process things deeply, and that’s a problem. No challenge for the brain means it has no need to stay fit. The best way to

strengthen your brain is to put it to work. The more you make it work, the stronger it becomes. So if you choose the familiar, you are also choosing to let your brain off the hook. You are choosing not to do the mental push-ups.

Every day you have more than 100 opportunities to choose between the usual or new, between the easy or the challenging. That’s more than 100 opportunities to relax or strengthen your brain. All those decisions add up over your lifetime.

It’s like choosing whether to take the stairs or the escalator. It may not seem like a big deal, and if you are thinking short-term, it isn’t. But if you look at accumulated effect over the course of months or years, it can make a massive

difference to your level of fitness and health.

Therefore, my advice to you is to look positively at change. Change is good! Change activates your brain. The new and unfamiliar forces your brain to work and learn. Seek change instead of avoiding it. It doesn’t have to be a huge change, like moving somewhere else (although this is great for your brain). It can be the everyday things, like changing the newspaper you read or trying a new type of food for breakfast.

Go out and explore the world. Meet new people. Try new things. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Although your brain may complain a bit in the beginning, it will love you for it in the end.

THE BEST WAY TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAIN IS TO PUT IT TO WORK. THE MORE YOU MAKE IT WORK, THE STRONGER IT BECOMES

FOR THE BOOSTS

NATURAL WAYS TO COUNTERACT DEPRESSION

BLUES

Not everyone wants to, can, or should take antidepressant medication prescribed by psychiatrists. For one thing, these medications may have side effects, some of which appear to add more feelings of depression. The commercials warn that if thoughts of suicide occur, a person should immediately stop taking the medication for depression.

Some depression medications also lead to weight gain—something that is likely to add to a person’s sense of burden, hopelessness, and all the other kinds of emotions that accompany depression.

While the information and advice in this article should not be substituted for receiving professional care, the following methods are natural, simple, low-cost or no-cost ways to help lift depression and possibly banish it. Anyone can use these boosts for the blues and benefit from them.

People who suffer from depression have a physiological problem in that their brains do not produce enough of the natural body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is a “feel-good” chemical the brain releases when pleasurable things occur. Low levels of serotonin mean life loses a lot of its bounce. Therefore, finding natural activities and aids

that stimulate the production of more serotonin in the brain will increase the buoyancy in life. The following activities and aids help the brain to release more serotonin.

Do not underestimate the benevolent and mood-lifting effects of simple sunshine. The body has an inner biological clock that yearns for sunrays. Even five minutes out in the sun per day can lift a person’s mood. Wintertime or summertime, throw a little light on the subject. If you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, recommend a five- to 10-minute walk outside or sitting outside in the sunlight with your face tilted up, drinking in the warmth.

Another natural and readily available boost for the blues is exercise. Exercise reduces stress, increases self-esteem, and gets the body’s juices flowing, including the brain’s production of serotonin.

Studies have shown people who practice gratitude are happier than those who do not. Cultivating gratitude is a great way to boost your way out of the blues. As Oprah said, the more you celebrate your life, the more you will find in your life to celebrate. Gratitude works the same way. The more thankful you are, the more you will find to be thankful about. Some people approach gratitude

through numbers: They start their day by ticking off 10 things they are thankful for. Others write down what they are grateful for in a journal, aiming for a certain number of things to list per day. Yet others run through the alphabet: “I’m grateful for apples; I’m grateful for bananas; I’m grateful for the cuddles I get from my children…”

Practicing silver-lining thinking is another way to cultivate gratitude. Say you had a minor car accident. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Your kid got sick in school and you had to take off work to pick him up. Thank goodness you have a kid. Thank goodness you have a job to leave!

It’s OK to be a little Pollyannaish about life. It gets you through the tough spots.

Another natural remedy for depression—one you actually ingest—is the herb St. John’s Wort. Standard dosage for depression is about 900 milligrams per day. Taking St. John’s Wort has a restorative effect and can banish mild depression.

For all its ups and downs, life is very much worth living. Using these simple, readily available, and inexpensive or free methods to counteract depression can give a person a real boost out of the blues and back to taking pleasure in life again.

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person to control your emotions.

—Author Unknown.

SPIRIT

STOP WORRING & START LIVING

Worry, fear, and anxiety are necessary so long as they are springboards to rectify an unhealthy situation. Fear is based on perceptions. We can choose to believe our problems are insurmountable or we can see them as opportunities. A negative view does not define the true reality of a problem.

In today’s fast-paced environment, many people are accustomed to reacting to problems rather than actively deal with them. They look for the quick fix, but quick fixes don’t always work in the long term. You can choose to pop a pill to treat an illness

believe they deserve a life of smooth sailing and react angrily when something negates that dream.

or make a lifestyle change to prevent illness from occurring.

Fear and stress interfere with the natural functioning of the brain. Negative emotions stifle creativity and subdue the desire to solve difficult problems. However, once decisive action is taken, fear and worry disappear.

The world has always been in turmoil, but worrying about it changes nothing. You can only change the way you view the world. Throughout history there have been men and women who did not accept their economic realities. Despite depressions and war, they set achievable goals and found happiness in the pursuit of those goals.

There is no peaceful life but what lies beneath the ground. Troubles are meant to build character. That requires us to be adaptable and flexible when facing every problem. Too many

Self-help books are filled with the pick-yourself-up-bythe-bootstraps philosophy. While that may work for some, a majority surrender all hope and continue to live under fear and unhappiness. Success only comes by handling today’s problems as they occur. Dale Carnegie in his book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,” gives some sage advice on living in “day-to-day compartments.” Few people live for the moment. They worry about tomorrow, a tomorrow that may not happen. Shutting off thoughts of what the future might bring reduces much of the stress that most people live under.

Fear, anxiety, and stress are symptoms of a selfish nature. Few people take time to be thankful for what they have. They consistently fail to express appreciation in their personal relationships with their families and coworkers. One of the best stress relievers of our time is smiling and showing compassion.

Abraham Lincoln said it best: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Worry, fear, depression, and anxiety do not have to wreck anyone’s life. No antidepressants, month-long holidays, or outside stimuli can ever banish fear and worry permanently, unless we take steps to change our mental outlooks from negative to positive.

Michael A. Freedman, DO Otolaryngology

S. Dwight Vaught, MD Otolaryngology

Judith Milstead, MD Otolaryngology

Dino Madonna, MD Surgery, Otolaryngology

RECLAIMING SELF-CONFIDENCE AFTER BREAST CANCER

Experiencing or surviving any illness can take a great toll on one’s self-esteem. Studies prove self-esteem and selfperception are extremely important factors in the quality of life of patients, and this applies to breast cancer as well as other cancers and diseases. With breast cancer in particular, the stress doesn’t just end at breast shape changes from potential surgery. Cancer treatments can mean redness and rashes, soreness, other body changes, loss of body hair, weight loss, weight gain, and other side effects. This greatly affects not just a woman’s quality of life, but also her sense of femininity and self-esteem.

In the case of surgery, breast reconstruction is often an immediate or later option for many women, but it’s easy to be disappointed when a reconstructed breast does not look like the original. In some cases, women choose to wear prostheses, and professionals often recommend other therapeutic lifestyle changes. For example, for couples, sex therapy and couples counseling is often very helpful. Also, selfesteem is directly linked to a patient’s level of physical activity, so exercise is

as important in helping cancer survivors as it is for preventing cancer.

It’s important to treat yourself and stay optimistic when facing serious illnesses like breast cancer. Comfortable and attractive clothing, good self-care, and taking time to relax are all integral ways to deal with the changes that come from cancer treatment or other diseases. Your medical practitioners are happy to help you through the process, so ask them how to help you keep your mood positive. Be a supportive friend, and share resources you appreciate with others you know who may be interested.

COMFORTABLE AND ATTRACTIVE CLOTHING, GOOD SELF-CARE, AND TAKING TIME TO RELAX ARE ALL INTEGRAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE CHANGES THAT COME FROM CANCER TREATMENT OR OTHER DISEASES.

Born 4 months early and spent more than 5 months in the hospital.

Premature birth is the #1 killer of babies.

LEAD A MORE PURPOSEFUL LIFE

Finding purpose in your life can often be a confusing journey. Many people turn to religious teachings to provide the needed framework, but even then, they don’t always find what they are seeking. Others look for answers in different places, through books or their occupations, but are left longing for greater purpose and value in their lives.

The actions you take in life are what give it meaning, whether you’re religious or not. Learning how to control your actions concerning what you value and love and finding meaning in all situations, whether painful or uncomfortable, can provide a deeper understanding of your purpose.

First, everyone’s purpose in life is perceived differently from one person to the next. What matters to you is not necessarily what matters to another, and if it does, it does not matter with the same intensity. When you comprehend fully what this means, you begin to experience a greater sense of personal freedom. In other words, you don’t have to like the same things someone else likes nor be what someone else is. Everyone is unique and has a unique purpose.

Each person is given the opportunity to carve out a vision for his or her life. Visions serve as guides for each action you take and for each choice you make. You must learn to trust these visions and seek out the things in life that

matter most, because doing that on a personal level is the very thing that lends purpose and meaning to your life.

Being happy plays a huge role in whether or not you flourish in life. When you flourish, you understand your purpose in life better. God gives you a good deal of control over your own happiness. Genetics also play a role, as do circumstantial events. However, intentional choices and activities determine, to a large extent, just how happy you are and whether or not you flourish. Unhappiness or negative energy impairs the ability to concentrate or solve problems. It takes away motivation and interferes with the human initiative.

A step toward cultivating happiness is actively replaying

SPIRIT

events in life that provided your happiest moments. When you take the same steps that made you happy in the past, you are more apt to experience and prolong positive emotions. This does not mean trying to analyze them. Living happiness rather than just thinking about it or talking about it is the key to finding your overall purpose. Living mindfully in the here and now will also make you happier, and again, the happier you are, the more apt you are to find a fuller understanding of your purpose in life. If you take a look at people who are truly happy, you will see they take action to be happy. They don’t sit around and contemplate it; they find active ways in which to connect with their lives. They actively seek out new and interesting experiences. They are in control of emotions and thoughts. They are proactive in producing happiness and take the necessary steps to sustain true happiness. They don’t rely upon momentary, fleeting moments of delight. Taking active roles in purposeful endeavors and meaningful relationships can lead you to the most valuable roles for your life.

Emotional pain and anxiety are roadblocks to finding your purpose in life because they drain time and energy. Take control of those things. Consciously seeking, finding, and maintaining a state of satisfaction will deliver you from emotional pain and anxiety, even when bad things happen. Finding the lesson in events negatively impact your life and realizing the good that lines every “bad” event can help you do this. Gaining a sense of safety and comfort can only be achieved when you take an active role in eliminating emotional pain and anxiety. When you feel safe and comfortable, happiness comes more readily. When you are happy, your purpose in life reveals itself.

Finding the right direction and purpose for your individual existence provides a good balance of harmony, rhythm, and order in life. When you know the direction you were intended to take, and you follow the will of God in that direction, things naturally fall into place. Chaos is created when you pursue goals you are not naturally inclined to achieve. You must be able to quiet your mind and concentrate. Then your purpose will appear in the things you love to do most, the things that pull you in naturally. When they appear, you must determine how much of your life you can devote to doing those pursuits.

If you find you’re not doing what you’re called to do, find ways to integrate those things into your life, little by little, until their presence is prevalent. This is the will of God and how we fulfill our intended purpose.

FINANCE

Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game.

—Donald Trump

DATING AND THE BUDGET

WRITER: DAVE RAMSEY

Dear Dave,

I’ve been following your plan, and I’ve finally gotten out of debt and feel I have control of my finances. I’m also single, and I was wondering if you have any tips for how to gracefully mention financial topics and budgeting when you’re on a date.

—Paula

Dear Paula,

Well, I don’t recommend bringing it up on a first date. If I’m a guy on the initial date with a girl and the first thing out of her mouth is about finances and handling money, that’s going to be pretty strange.

Now, if the first date turns into another and another and another, then you might start talking about the deeper things in life and where you both stand. As you start talking about more serious subjects, you’ll begin to learn if there’s enough of a basis for a real relationship.

But the first date is just sort of an introduction, right? You’re both seeing if there’s any initial, mutual compatibility. Asking someone how

much they make, or where they are on their debt snowball in this scenario is officially weird—even by my standards. In other words, use manners and tact. They may be old fashioned words these days, but in most cases they work well.

—Dave

MORE OF A LONG-TERM SPENDING THING

Dear Dave, I’ve started my four-year-old on an allowance structure and a chore chart. I also have a mini-envelope system with spending and saving set up, but I’m having trouble helping him distinguish between the two. How can I solve this?

—Monica

Dear Monica,

At that age, any type of saving is going to be more of a glorified, longterm spending plan. The point is to teach them to delay gratification when you’re first starting out. And when you’re only four, two weeks is long term.

The contents of the spending envelope should be kind of spontaneous. Let him take it on trips to the store, and if he wants a pack of gum or whatever, he can get it. The saving envelope, though, stays at home. Then, as he grows and his mind and reasoning develops a little more, you can really start teaching him about long-term goals and how to get there— including giving.

Don’t try to force a four-year-old to think five or 10 years into the future. We’re just trying to teach lessons here, and it doesn’t have to be done perfectly. Just be intentional, and try to find teachable moments as you go along!

—Dave

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

A BLUE ONE

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF FINANCING A CAR I WANT

WRITER: BONNIE CONRAD

If you are in the market for a new car, you are probably in the market for a car loan as well. With the average cost of a new car well into the five figures and even a reliable used car selling for thousands of dollars, few people can afford to pay cash for their new rides. Whether you are buying a brand new car or shopping for a great used one, the financing can be just as important as the purchase itself. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of automotive financing can help you get the best deal possible and ensure car payments are affordable and easy to make. Here are some to keep in mind as you shop around:

DO CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Whenever you apply for a loan, the lender will take a close look at your credit score. If you do not know where you stand, you could end up paying more in interest than you should. Take the time to pull a copy of your credit history

and get your numerical credit score before you start shopping for a vehicle. If you spot an error on the report, contact the credit bureau right away to have it corrected. This simple step could save you a bundle on interest costs.

DO SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST RATE

Do not assume interest rates on car loans are all the same. Every bank and car dealer uses a different set of criteria to set rates, and shopping around could save you a lot of money over the life of the loan.

You can start by checking the rates for car loans at the bank where you have your checking and savings account. Once you have that rate, you can compare it with what you can get elsewhere. If you like, you can also check rates at the local car dealer, although banks and credit unions often have better rates and more favorable terms.

DO USE A PAYMENT CALCULATOR

There are a ton of payment calculators on the Internet, so there is no reason not to use one. Just open up your favorite search engine and look for “car

loan calculator” to find one. Once the calculator is open, all you need to do is plug in the expected purchase price of the vehicle, the anticipated interest rate and the length of the loan. The payment calculator may not be exact to the penny, but it does give you a good idea of what you will be spending. Armed with that information, you can start shopping for the car, truck or SUV of your dreams.

DO KEEP YOUR LOAN AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE

It may be tempting to go for a five- or even a sixyear car loan, especially if you have your eyes on an expensive luxury car. Even so, it is best to keep your car loan as short as possible for a number of reasons.

For one thing, a lengthy car loan increases the odds you will end up owing more than your car is worth. That can be risky, especially if you get into an accident or need to trade in your car before you planned. A longer car loan also means paying more interest, and those extra payments can really add up.

DON’T SHOP BASED ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT ALONE

Many car shoppers make the mistake of basing their decision on the monthly payment and not the purchase price of the car. That is a big mistake, since a shady dealer could adjust the price of the loan to fit the payment you have in mind.

Always negotiate the purchase price of the car first, before you even talk about financing. Once you have the price of the vehicle ironed out, you can discuss your loan needs and see what the dealer has to offer. Be sure to compare those financing options to what you can get on your own. You may find you can get a lower payment and a better interest rate by financing the vehicle on your own.

DON’T BUY MORE CAR THAN YOU CAN AFFORD

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is buying more car than you can afford. Buying too much car for your budget may cause you to extend the length of the loan or fail to get the best bargain possible.

Take a good look at your budget and make your choice accordingly. If you crave a luxury car but your budget does not include a new one, shop around for a quality used vehicle instead. There are always ways to make your budget work, so be creative and shop with your current financial situation in mind.

Chances are you will have to take out a loan to buy your next car, but that does not mean you have to resign yourself to high car payments. With a little bit of foresight, you can avoid common problems and get a great car for an affordable monthly payment.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROSTATE CANCER

MAY 4

Eating Well With Diabetes

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

InterCommunity Cancer Center has more technology options than ever before for the treatment of all types of cancer including Calypso GPS for the Body® used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Exclusively at InterCommunity Cancer Center, Calypso uses three tiny Beacon transponders, each the size of a grain of rice, implanted in the prostate to continuously track the exact location of the cancerous tumor. This technology allows precise targeting of the radiation beam, with higher doses of radiation to target the cancerous tumor, while reducing side effects by avoiding surrounding healthy tissues and organs.

Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

MAY 6

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Share stories with others facing challenges with this disease of the central nervous system. 10 a.m. at Mattison Conference Room F, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.343.8110.

MAY 7

Prepared Childbirth Class

Radiation Oncologist Board Certified

Quality, Personalized Cancer Care In Our Community

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

MAY 7

Nature Fest

The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park invite you to the annual Nature Fest at

Lake Louisa State Park. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the fest will include a variety of exhibitors, demonstrations, displays, and activities for guests of all ages, plus guided nature hikes that focus on getting outside and safely enjoying natural Florida. Food will be available for purchase. Nature Fest is included in the regular park admission fee of $5 per car or $2 per pedestrian/bicycle. Information: 352.394.3969

MAY 8

Girlz on Fire Women’s Triathlon

In its third year, this Mother’s Day event focuses on female empowerment and aims to bring women to the forefront of fun and competition. It’s a great race for seasoned veterans and first timers alike. 7:30 a.m. at 330 Third St., Clermont. Information: 352.394.1320

MAY 9

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Patients with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their family members, receive emotional support and education. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman Conroy CREATION Health Center, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3685.

Dr. Jeffrey Kanski

in Radiation Oncology

Calypso GPS for the Body® uses three tiny, Beacons, each the size of a grain of rice, which are placed in the prostate.

MAY 10

Mended Hearts Support Group

Mended Hearts offers hope to patients with heart disease, as well as their families and caregivers. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3399.

MAY 17

Establishing Breastfeeding

Learn the basics of how breastfeeding works, how to put your baby to a breast for feeding, how to recognize feeding cues, and how to troubleshoot problems. 6:30 to 9 p.m. at South Lake Hospital, 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Information: 352.241.7109.

MAY 18

First Aid Class

Sponsored by the American Heart Association, this first-aid class trains people in the proper response if they are the first to respond to an emergency. LiveWell Fitness Center at South Lake Hospital, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. 6 to 10:00 p.m. Information: 352.241.7109.

MAY 21

Lake Minneola High School Golf Tournament

This four-player scramble

will be held at Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club in Clermont. It includes a putting challenge on the practice green, a longest-drive contest, a closest-to-the-pin challenge, and hole-in-one prizes. Participants must be 15 or older. Cost: $65. Information: 352.243.0411.

MAY 21-22

Florida Rush Champions Cup

Soccer clubs throughout Florida will compete to take home the gold in their age division. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Information: 407.654.5552.

MAY 28

Friends of Lake Louisa State Park 5K

This USATF-certified 5K will definitely help whip you into shape with a course that winds through picturesque Lake Louisa State Park. The event is open to both runners and walkers. Cost: $35. 7305 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont. Information: 352.394.1320.

Maiello, MD Board Certified

WOMEN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BY JAMES COMBS

May is synonymous with celebrating women, and this month’s column is no exception.

Don’t turn the page just yet. I’m not going to talk about Mother’s Day. You’ll see enough of that on Facebook when every living male predictably boasts about having the best mother in the world. While men are wired to love sports, it appears we’re even more wired to love our mothers. In 2015, there were 1.8 billion Facebook posts on Mother’s Day, surpassing both the Super Bowl and NCAA Tournament.

But women are so much more than nurturers and coddlers of their children. And that brings me to the topic of this column: Women in the workplace.

Women are the glue that hold marriages together, families together, and, yes, company offices together.

At least that’s been my experience at Akers Media Group.

They’re more organized, more detail-oriented, better communicators, and superior listeners.

Rather than give generalities, I’ll provide specific examples.

Advertising coordinator Aubrey Akers helps manage the accounts of our all-star sales team. This is extremely beneficial because it gives our sales team more time to bring in new business rather than become bogged down in mundane office tasks. And let’s face it: Sales reps are more people-oriented than they are detail-oriented.

Staff writer Shemir Wiles has outstanding journalistic instincts and is often the goto person whenever another writer needs ideas for sources. She also held the editorial team together in 2014 when she was paired with two men better known for “uni-tasking” than multitasking.

Office manager Deb Matlock handles seemingly everything—from collecting time sheets and coordinating events to scheduling interviews and photography. Few males can multitask like that.

Leigh Neely assumes the

demanding role of copy editor and has the huge responsibility of recognizing poor grammar, editing for AP Style, and catching careless typos.

Heidi Ressler and Lynne Kelley are outstanding saleswomen. Both possess great personalities and are highly confident. They understand our product and can articulate its value to all clients.

As director of client services for Akers Creative, Melanie Melvin helps ensure our clients’ businesses succeed through the production of eyecatching ads, websites, and billboards.

Rheya Tanner, a graphic artist, and Michelle Clark, a writer, are two young, rising female stars in the company who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. Another young rising star is Shaena Chastain. Her sweet voice greets clients on the telephone, and her big smile greets clients when they

visit our facility.

Last, but certainly not least, is publisher Kendra Akers, who has never been afraid to dream big. In 2008—the beginning of a severe economic downturn— she ignored naysayers by launching a brand-new publication in Lake County. In the past eight years, the Florida Magazine Association has recognized that publication as Florida’s “Best Overall Magazine” on numerous occasions.

So there you have it, folks. If you are impressed by our monthly publications and the overall service you receive from Akers Media Group, you have a talented, dedicated group of women to thank.

That’s not to say men don’t have a place in this company. We most certainly do. But the men of this company—if they’re being honest—will readily admit that the best man for the job is a woman.

Front Row L-R: Shemir Wiles, Heidi Ressler, Kendra Akers, Shaena Chastain, and Lynne Kelley. Back Row L-R: Leigh Neely, Michelle Clark, James Combs, Melanie Melvin, Deb Matlock, and Aubrey Akers.