Healthy Living May 2017

1:08 a.m.

You wake up with chest pain.

1:28 a.m.

You arrive at the freestanding ER.

2:02 a.m.

You realize you should have come to Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

Our ER contains both an MI (heart attack) Treatment Center and a Primary Stroke Center. Additionally, our board-certified emergency physicians have access to an entire Heart Institute, the area’s only neurosurgery team and more than 100 other specialists. All right here. It’s a higher level of care that makes our ER worth the wait.

Learn more and download our free ER app at LeesburgRegional.org.

Your partners for life

Dr. Will Barsoum joined the team at Cardiovascular Associates in January 2017. To say he is thrilled about this exciting opportunity would be an understatement.

“The practice has developed an excellent reputation because the doctors are ethical, knowledgeable, and caring,” he said. “I share their vision of delivering quality cardiovascular care to the wonderful residents of Lake County.”

Dr. Barsoum attended medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and completed a residency and two fellowships at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He brings a unique skill set to Cardiovascular Associates and is experienced in treating peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary embolism.

“For me, it’s a major milestone whenever I can improve a patient’s quality of life and increase their longevity.”

He previously practiced in Lake County for more than two years before moving to Orlando.

“I’m happy to be returning to the area. This is where I want to raise my family. We have the best of both worlds. There is plenty of nature, but you don’t have to look far for shopping and entertainment.”

MY HIP IS A-OK THANKS TO AOI.

For all of our advanced technologies and leading edge breakthroughs in joint repair and replacement, the advancements we at AOI are most proud of are those that our patients make in reclaiming their quality of life. If you are experiencing pain or weakness in a knee, shoulder, or hip and feel it’s time to do something about it, there’s no time like right now. Come see us, we’re here for you.

John T. Williams Jr. Orthopedic Surgeon

Alfred J. Cook Jr. Orthopedic Surgeon

The nation’s largest dermatology practice has three locations in The Villages® community. We now accept UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.

Buenos

Professional

The Villages, FL 32162

352.753.2812

Dr. Michael Bond

Dr. William Steffes

Dr. Christine Moorhead

Scott Clark, PA-C

Nicole Hwa, PA-C

Anita Lockhart, Licensed Aesthetician

Lake Sumter Landing™ 910 Old Camp Road Suite 166 The Villages, FL 32162 352.205.4959

Dr. Michael Burton

Al Sy, PA-C

Introducing Michael E. Burton, MD Cosmetic Surgery of the Body, Breasts and Face

In the hands of a highly-skilled surgeon, the enhancement of the human form becomes part medicine, part art.

While training with world-renowned leaders in the field of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burton also pursued a degree in fine arts, with advanced courses in figure drawing, painting, and sculpture.

As an international volunteer with Operation Smile, his skill and commitment to compassionate care led him to help children with cleft lip and palate deformities lead better lives.

Now, he’s bringing his skills to our offices in The Villages® to help you look as young as you feel.

Brownwood Paddock Square™

Vaginal dryness putting

CONTENTS

May 2017

FEATURING

24 // WOMEN AND HEALTH ISSUES

From working and carpooling to cooking dinner, women don’t have time to be sick, right? Wrong. The truth is, women face health problems and need to commit to addressing them. It’s time for women—and doctors—to realize their care is different from what men need.

32 // HOPE FOR THE UNINSURED

With low-paying jobs and no health insurance, some Lake County residents are challenged to find adequate medical care. Thanks to several local organizations, however, uninsured and low-income patients receive medical care they might struggle to obtain elsewhere.

38 // HORMONES 101

Three local women share what it’s like to have problems with their cycle every month. Without question, it is extremely important to talk with doctors about hormonal concerns.

42 // PORTION CONTROL

One Lake County woman discovered that healthy eating and portion control is a perfect recipe for losing weight and achieving maximum health.

HEALTHYBODY

“COD” YOU PLEASE EAT HEALTHIER?

46 Try pan-seared cod with Cajun seasoning.

LADIES, BE A PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH

48 Healthy choices help women overcome health concerns.

MENSTRUAL MADNESS

50 Pain should end with a period.

HEALTHYMIND

CALLING ATTENTION TO ADHD

54 It occurs in women, too.

GO MENTAL

56 Don’t think mental health is important? It’s time to change your mind.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

STOP PROCRASTINATING

60 Act today, don’t delay!

HOME ALONE

62 Spending time with yourself can bring valuable health benefits.

HEALTHYFINANCE

BROKEN DREAMS

66 The harsh reality of living in a financial fantasy world.

MARRYING A MAN IS NOT A FINANCIAL PLAN

68 Women should assume an active role in money management.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

DIGITIZE YOUR LIFE.

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Throughout a woman’s lifespan, a number of health concerns can arise. We face all types of medical questions that we feel too embarrassed to address with our health-care provider. I try to remind myself that medical professionals see and deal with these scenarios on a routine basis, but that still does not make it any easier.

That is why in this month’s issue, we do our very best to answer some of those questions for you. For example, have you ever wondered what it means when your poop is a strange color? You wanted to ask someone, but how do you bring that question up over a cup of coffee?

Or how about those painful cramps and mood swings we experience at certain times of the month? Are we alone in this, or are there other women who are suffering as well? It seems almost impossible to talk to our spouses or significant others about this, because they just don’t seem to understand. And the worst-case scenario is when you are moody and having a hard time, and your spouse makes the grave mistake of asking you, “Are you on your period?” That can make a woman go from aggravated to boiling hot lava in a matter of 1.5 seconds flat.

The good news: you are not alone. We all struggle with the same issues, some worse than others. And even though our health conditions are not always easy to talk about, it is important to remember that women have been experiencing these issues since the beginning of time and there usually is an effective treatment option available.

So, don’t be embarrassed or afraid. If you need guidance or answers, a good first place to start is reviewing your concerns with a medical practitioner.

Until next month,

Kendra Akers

“DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS.”

This is a common rule that parents have enforced for generations. However, it should equally apply to children who spend time on the internet. With a growing number of online predators, parents must take necessary steps to ensure their children use the internet safely and responsibly.

HOSPITAL MEETS STANDARDS FOR STROKE CARE

The Villages Regional Hospital has achieved advanced certification by The Joint Commission as a primary stroke center.

In November, experts from The Joint Commission, a health care accreditation organization, visited the hospital’s campus and conducted a rigorous onsite review. They evaluated compliance with strokerelated standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care, and performance improvement.

“By achieving this benchmark, we are able to reduce inconsistencies in clinical processes and thereby improve the quality of patient care,” says Mary Beth Morris, who serves as the hospital’s stroke and chest pain coordinator. “In addition, the analysis of our processes by an outside organization provides objective feedback that we can use for continuous improvement.”

WATERMAN UPGRADES CANCER TECHNOLOGY

Florida Hospital Waterman recently acquired the TrueBeam Radiotherapy System, allowing physicians to treat cancer using image-guided radiotherapy with pinpoint accuracy and precision.

As one of the most advanced technologies of its kind in Central Florida, the TrueBeam Radiotherapy System affords patients the convenience of quicker imaging results and faster, safer treatments.

“TrueBeam is a real game-changer that will enable us to treat even the most challenging cases with unprecedented speed and precision,” says Rick Golab, director of the Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute. “With a broad spectrum of new capabilities, TrueBeam breaks the mold in just about every dimension, making it possible for us to offer faster, more targeted treatments to tumors even as they move and change over time.”

TAKE THIS JOB AND LOVE IT

Adventist Health Systems (AHS), which includes Florida Hospital Waterman, has been named on Becker Hospital Review’s 2017 list of “150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare.”

This distinction recognizes health-care organizations for their commitment to fulfilling missions, creating outstanding cultures, and offering competitive benefits to their employees.

“It is exciting and an honor to be part of a health system recognized as a great place to work,” says David Ottati, president and chief executive officer of Florida Hospital Waterman.

TRIVIA TIME:

Q: Clermont recently dubbed itself the “Choice of Champions.” What year did that occur? Make an educated guess before peeking at the answer below.

A: In 2014, Lake County’s largest city rebranded itself as the “Choice of Champions.” Its increasingly popular reputation as a health and tnessfi epicenter has attracted tnessfi enthusiasts, elite athletes, and young working families to the city.

KEYS TO HAPPINESS

The causes of depression include everything from death to divorce to physical illness. Finding your way back to happiness isn’t easy, but it is possible.

WRITER: LEIGH NEELY

Depression is rampant in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is the leading cause of disability right now, affecting around 15 million adults every year.

Lisa Cypers Kamen understands the debilitating effects of depression and actually calls herself a “reformed depressed person.” She readily admits she has been in the “pit of despair,” and now wants to help others get out of it.

“I did not wander into my happy place,” Lisa says. “There was a personal evolution to achieving greater happiness after tremendous challenges. It took work.”

In 2008, Lisa and her now ex-husband separated, and then he was hospitalized. Due to the recession, they eventually lost their home and investments, and he was forced to file for bankruptcy. Things were really bad when Lisa’s employer died, and she had no home, no job, and no financial reserves.

For Lisa, however, failure was not an option. She may have been at the bottom of the hill, but she knew the only direction for her was up. The result was a lot of hard work and writing the book, “Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life.”

Lisa is now known internationally as a positive psychology coach and talk-radio host, but she’s not offering trite sayings and smiley-face icons. “It’s not enough just to think happy

thoughts,” she says. “We must take action to create happiness.”

Working diligently, Lisa came up with a breakthrough system that helps others cultivate sustainable happiness and well-being despite the problems, drama, and challenges always present in life.

“Positive psychology focuses on what’s right with life here, now, and tomorrow, rather than ruminating on what’s wrong with it and what happened in the past,” Lisa says. Her goal is to transform post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth.

Her key points include accepting the past as a reference point, not a destination; embracing the truth

that life is tough, but you can be happy; appreciating why less is often more; focusing on what’s right, not what’s wrong, and many other keys to opening the door to consistent happiness.

GONNA SOAP THAT CRAMP RIGHT OUTTA MY LEG

Suffer from nighttime leg cramps? Just put a bar of soap between your sheets.

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Everyone has heard outrageous stories about weird home remedies that claim to cure certain ailments. The even weirder thing is that many of them work. For example, there’s the claim that “dirty socks cure sore throats.” (You put the socks around your neck.) Another one is “earwax cures cold sores.” (You rub the wax on the sore.) And these really strange ones: “corpses cure boils” and “urine cures acne.” (Let’s not think about these two, much less discuss them.) Do these oddball treatments really work? No, of course not. You didn’t really think they might, did you?

But there is one current tale that sounds equally offbeat and actually seems to work—putting an unwrapped bar of soap under your sheets to cure leg cramps. The idea was first published in the Ann Landers newspaper column and then touted by Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Dr. Oz

Sources

Show.” Dr. Jim Sears, of the daytime show “The Doctors,” conducted a Twitter poll and 42 percent of respondents said they used soap to alleviate nighttime leg cramps.

Medical Daily reports that “according to Andrew G. Kowal, M.D., a pain management specialist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts, the theory behind this home remedy is that a bar of soap gives off the chemical magnesium, which relieves you of leg cramps.”

The magnesium may be one answer for the curing powers of the soap. Another may simply be the pleasant odor. Dr. Oz believes the scent of lavender soap is relaxing and may be beneficial for restless leg syndrome.

It could merely be a placebo effect but, as The People’s Pharmacy points out, “it’s a remarkably strong one. Many people who have suffered for months, if not years, from painful, nocturnal cramps in their legs and

feet have found immediate and long-lasting relief just by slipping a thin, innocent bar of soap beneath the sheets.”

The bar of soap isn’t effective for stopping cramps after a few months. Either replace it or shave it to produce new surfaces. The soap also should be placed close to the cramping muscle.

Snopes.com, an internet myth buster, calls the soap/leg cramp story “unproven” but admits there are reports of it working. “Perhaps this is a case of believing making it so—the soap itself has no effect, but the sufferer’s faith in the procedure serves to effect the miracle.”

Snopes adds: “Yet, skepticism aside, for those subject to nocturnal leg cramps, this bit of folk wisdom is clearly worth a try, in that the only potential downside is their having to share their beds with slivers of soap.” (Well, that and having their spouses think them a bit loony.)

“Why Does Soap Soothe Nighttime Leg Cramps?” by Joe Graedon, The People’s Pharmacy, July 22, 2012 peoplespharmacy.com/2012/07/22/why-does-soap-soothe-nighttime-leg-cramps/

“She Put a Bar of Soap Under Her Sheet. The Reason Why is Genius!” David Wolfe, davidwolfe.com davidwolfe.com/bar-soap-under-sheet-reason-genius/

“Can a bar of soap between your sheets ease muscle cramps?” The Museum of Hoaxes, hoxes.org hoaxes.org/weblog/comments/can_a_bar_of_soap_between_your_sheets_ease_muscle_cramps

“Can A Bar of Soap Cure Your Nighttime Leg Cramps?” by Nikki Tucker, Medical Daily, medicaldaily.com, September 5, 2012 medicaldaily.com/can-bar-soap-cure-your-nighttime-leg-cramps-242354

“Soap Opera(tion)” by David Mikkelson, Snopes.com, October 17, 2016 snopes.com/oldwives/legcramp.asp

“11 Outrageous Folk Remedies to Avoid,” by Diane Dragan, Reader’s Digest, rd.com rd.com/funny-stuff/11-outrageous-folk-remedies-to-avoid/

That place right now is The Heart of the Villages. Our physicians and medical professionals have been treating Central Floridians for years with a level of exemplary cardio care that comes straight from the heart. We’re in a new location now, but our hearts are where they’ve always been—with you and the health of your family.

New location! The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane Call today for a consultation at 352.674.2080 heartofthevillages.com

Now you can see as young as you feel!

“We started seeing Dr. Vocci for our general eye exams and we love him –he’s such a kind, caring person and a consummate professional. Dr. Vocci discovered a tiny hemorrhage in Gerry’s eye caused by macular degeneration and it’s completely under control now. Who knows what might have happened if Dr. Vocci hadn’t caught it in time!”

— JOHN AND GERRY TOBIA

As our eyes age, they become more vulnerable to problems like chronic dry eye, cataracts, low vision and other disorders. Left untreated, some diseases can cause permanent vision impairment, even blindness. But fear not – there’s an easy way to help preserve healthy vision throughout your lifetime: regular comprehensive eye exams.

“Eye exams let us diagnose diseases like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and other issues before they produce symptoms,” says Board Certified ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Vocci. “Discovered early, nearly all eye diseases can be corrected or arrested, so if you haven’t seen an ophthalmologist in awhile, it’s time to make an appointment. We also diagnose and treat common issues like dry eye and sagging eyelids,which can impact appearance as well as eye health.”

From vision-saving exams to a full-service optical department, you’ll find everything your eyes need to look, feel and see their best – all at a Lake Eye location near you.

WRITER:LEIGHNEELY

Health & Women

hormonal issues more often and many of their illnesses are related to

The list could continue, but the point is women’s health issues aren’t

For years, women died from heart attacks because doctors treated them the same as men. In the 21st century, there still is much to learn about the difference between men and women and their health issues.

Aside from the obvious differences that are celebrated, men and women experience health issues very differently. The gastrointestinal tract muscles function differently, as do the large intestine and gallbladder. Enzymes in the liver and small intestines mean men and women process medications differently. Women also deal with

More women are finding, however, that what you eat makes a difference in how you feel.

According to a recent study by Nielsen, there are four factors creating the stronger focus on clean eating: people are getting older, the number of chronic illnesses has increased, people find proper nutrition decreases health problems, and technology provides more health information.

According to Lori Esarey, MS, ARNP-C, FAARFM, ABAAH, whose practice is Total Nutrition and Therapeutics (TNT) in Lady Lake, most women come to her with these symptoms: fatigue and hormonal issues such as hot flashes, poor sleep, and irritability.

“Those who are completely frustrated with their weight feel like they’ve tried everything and still can’t control it,” Lori says. “Weight loss, constipation, and diarrhea are always interrupting their quality of life.”

Joanne M. Keller, ARNP, sees the same health issues in her practice, Women’s Health & Wellness in Mount Dora. “The complaint I hear most often is fatigue.”

Lori says she feels women are conditioned to just “suck it up,” pretend everything is fine, and put on a happy face.

“They do this until it’s so bad they have no choice but to get help, and at that point, they seek me out,” Lori says. “However, typically they’ve already spent a lot of money and time and feel even more frustrated.”

Most women find there are no easy answers for the health problems they’re facing, and it takes more than just “popping a pill” to find the good health they seek.

“We begin our consultation with a comprehensive lab functional panel,” Joanne says. “I ask them everything about themselves—what they’re eating, their stress level, where they work, and then a I do blood work. The comprehensive lab work we do is considered a functional panel, which is very different from the conventional approach. It includes genetics, inflammatory markers, hormone levels, vitamin levels, and mineral levels.”

Joanne says doctors normally do not share what the optimal levels are with lab results. “If the range is from 30 to 90, and your level is 35, you’re considered within the normal range. However, the optimal range may be 70 to 90.”

“Nutrition is vital,” Joanne says. “Food impacts the absorption of your nutrients, those vitamins and minerals that keep your body going. We do a stool test to see what you’re not absorbing. Malabsorption can be a big issue.”

She also points to the value and benefit of exercise, however, she readily states, “You can’t out-exercise a poor diet.”

Joanne goes on to say when most patients have fatigue, it’s usually because of the thyroid. “Most doctors only test the TSH, which tells you what the pituitary is doing. It doesn’t tell us what the actual thyroid is, which is the free T3,” she says.

TSH is thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free T3 is triiodothronine, the free, unbound levels of hormone thyroxine, the storage hormone.

Nan Cobb came to Joanne after seeing a number of doctors who could not diagnose what was causing her hands to crack and bleed, meaning she was unable to do simple things such as washing dishes.

“The doctor was referring me to the Mayo Clinic, but I refused,” Nan says. “I saw Joanne at Business after Hours, and she took one look at my hands and said, ‘Candida.’”

FOOD AS MEDICINE

Said to be the largely unknown health epidemic, candida is a systemic fungal infection, an autoimmune disease.

“I had to be treated systemically, and I also had a leaky gut and my cortisol level was shot,” Nan says. “A lot of detoxes later—and it was a rough time—I’m eating only whole foods, and I’ve lost 100 pounds. The weight loss was a side effect. I did what I did to heal myself.”

Lori says many women put up with a variety of little things for quite a long time.

161 MILLION diabetic households spent $60.4 billion on food in 2016.

7.4 MILLION lactose-intolerant households spent $28 billion on food.

3.6 MILLION gluten negative households spent $15.4 billion on food.

“Quite frankly, the why means ‘root cause analysis,’ which includes all the contributing factors.”

— LORI ESAREY

Source: Nielsen Homescan Shipper Ailment Panel

THE PALEO FOOD LIST

“When they finally see a health-care provider and have lab work done, they receive the answer, ‘Your labs were fine,’ and they’re categorized as depressed, which seems like a ‘catch-all’ diagnosis,” she says.

Treatment at TNT begins with a metabolic evaluation. Prior to the visit, a body composition analysis is completed to evaluate weight, pounds of fat, pounds of lean muscle, amount of brown or visceral fat, and phase angle or health of the cell. That analysis is followed by a meeting with the patient to discuss symptoms, medical history, what the patient tried that didn’t work, and to ensure TNT has the resources to help.

Andrea Soukup is a patient of Lori’s, and she says she went to TNT to learn how to eat.

“Most of my adult life, I’d been a food addict,” Andrea says. “I always ate what I wanted and as much as I wanted.”

Using food as a coping mechanism is a common problem for women, and Andrea realized that was her problem.

“I went to Overeaters Anonymous for 30 years before I finally woke up to the fact that I needed help,” she says.

She first sought help from a therapist, realizing there were psychological issues she needed to address. After many years of yo-yo dieting, losing and gaining weight, she was taking medication for high

blood pressure. After getting the comprehensive lab work done, she found she had metabolic syndrome and was on the verge of diabetes.

“I also had no idea how unhappy I was. When I first went to see Lori, I had no appetite. I only ate because I knew I had to,” Andrea says. “I had constipation, and I’m sure I had a ‘leaky gut,’ but my timing in connecting with Lori will keep me from being diabetic.”

Joanne approaches each new patient as she would a jigsaw puzzle. She has to find all the pieces to put it together correctly so the patient achieves optimal results.

“Each patient completes a detoxification questionnaire. We do a health assessment to determine if the problem is mild, moderate, or severe,” she says. “We also use a machine that gives us a body composition analysis.”

This provides information about body fat percentage, where the body is strongest, bone density, and other elements that are used in preparing a treatment plan.

“After treatment begins, patients understand the results of the changes they’ve made better when we put them on the Body Composition Analyzer, because it measures so much more than the scale does,” Joanne says.

Lori says it’s important to help patients understand that true change is transformation because the change is permanent.

“When we say it requires knowing the real ‘why,’ that means finding a number of things: why I feel this way, why my body is behaving this way, why I respond the way I do, why I made certain decisions that contributed to my problem, why my family history/genetics is making a difference,” Lori says. “Quite frankly, the why means ‘root cause analysis,’ which includes all the contributing factors.”

That’s what Andrea discovered when she turned to Lori for answers, and it changed her life.

“The thing I like most about coming here is I feel like I’m their only client,” she says. “There’s such passion and commitment. They totally believe in what they do.”

The education received from TNT made a difference, too. “When I look at a piece of cake now, I know what it will do to my body, and I can pass it up.”

Many symptoms women deal with related to monthly menstrual cycle are a result of metabolic disorders, Lori says.

“I have a master’s in nutritional and metabolic medicine and, typically, every woman I see has some sort of hormonal imbalance, which is a primary disruptor of their metabolism and creates a variety of symptoms,” she says. “Some of them they recognize, some of them they’re unaware of until we discuss them. Once the disruptor is identified, actions are taken and symptoms begin to reduce and may be resolved.”

Finding the right hormonal balance is an area Joanne focuses on, too. “Fixing

the underlying problem can significantly reduce the need for pharmaceuticals.”

She offers bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can improve quality of life for men and women.

“Estrogen is the most important hormone for women,” Joanne says. “As a woman ages, she loses it, which often results in fatigue, depression, loss of sexual drive, and increases risk for disease. The loss of estrogen produces many symptoms—bone shrinkage, cognitive decline, loss of skin elasticity, and decrease in serotonin.”

HRT can help, she says.

NUTS & SEEDS

HEALTHY OILS FRUITS VEGETABLES

gain, but most of the time, these symptoms are temporary.”

Poop is normally brown. It reflects how much bile is in the stool. Bile is made in the liver, stored in gallbladder, and released in small intestine to help digest your food.

Greenish poop is normal, especially if you eat spinach, kale, green-colored ice pops/drinks, or have taken iron supplements. Green diarrhea, may mean food moved through the gut too quickly.

“I believe this therapy is needed so much I have made hormone pellet therapy a significant part of my practice,” Joanne says. “I have individual care plans for each patient, but I’m amazed at how many have found hope and better health with this process, both women and men.”

The pellet is inserted with a small incision that is easily closed.

“There are side effects, of course. For women who take the testosterone, there can be increased darker facial hair and maybe acne,” Joanne says. “For men, it’s usually water weight

SEAFOOD & MEAT COLORS OF POOP

Young women also have issues that Lori deals with in her practice. She says the biggest may be stress—the need to look good, be slimmer, perform better, be Wonder Woman.

“In young women, stress manifests in a multitude of physical illnesses, such as anxiety, bowel disorders, food allergies, ulcers, weight gain, thyroid disturbances, which can lead to body issues and maybe even depression,” Lori says.

Many people find bowel issues embarrassing and often won’t discuss them until the situation is unbearable. Common problems for women are constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticular disease, Celiac disease, colon polyps, and possibly colon cancer.

All of these are issues your doctor or practices like TNT and Women’s Health & Wellness can address, and don’t hesitate to talk about any problem

This is normal for breastfed babies. But if yellow poop looks greasy or smells bad, it could be too much fat or a sign the body isn’t digesting food properly. Can also indicate celiac disease, or not being able to handle gluten in foods.

Some medicines for diarrhea can cause pale or clay-color poop, or white poop can be a lack of bile in your stool. Liver diseases of hepatitis can prevent bile from getting in your body waste. A blockage in the ducts can happen because of gallstones or a tumor.

Dark-colored foods including blueberries or black licorice, medicine, or supplement can cause black poop. The color can also be a sign of bleeding in upper part of digestive tract.

Beets, Jell-O, tomato soup, and red drinks may cause red poop. Bright red may be from lower digestive tract causes: noncancerous tumors, cancer, inflammed colon, hemorrhoids. Call doctor if you see red that’s not from foods you ate.

WHITE BROWN BLACK GREEN RED YELLOW

in the digestive or bowel system. The human digestive system runs from the mouth to the anus, so there are many areas for problems to occur.

“Many of my patients turn things around with nutrition, and I stress that everyone needs antioxidants and probiotics to do it,” Joanne says. “Food addiction comes from sugar.”

Both Lori and Joanne know nutrition is the key to beginning a permanent transformation.

Educating yourself about the body and how food affects it, knowing what foods are detrimental to your health, and creating a food plan that fulfills your hunger needs and makes you healthier are vital.

“I’ll go see Lori until I know that I don’t need to go,” Andrea says. “Healing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome is a slow process. After I began feeling better, it was a revelation to me to see how unhappy I was. Now I feel empowered and I’m happy. It’s about me making choices, and I feel amazingly supported in this process by Lori and her staff.”

Patients must develop this “wellness mindset,” Lori says, which means finding what wellness means to you.

DEALING WITH NO. 2

“Once you have clarity in this, you live intentionally, minute to minute, and decision to decision, knowing you need to ask, ‘Is my current action moving me toward optimal health or not?’ My wellness mindset is I want to live life well,” Lori says. “Unfortunately, many of my clients have not felt good in a long time and do not have the clarity yet to know what wellness feels like.”

Most often, Joanne recommends the Paleo diet, which stresses fish/seafood, wild meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthy oils. Avoid carbs, legumes, sugar, dairy, processed foods, refined oils, and salt.

Lori and Joanne both say the infancy stage of developing a wellness mindset requires many conscious decisions that begin with trusting the professional who is guiding you and knowing things will get better.

“A lot of people thought I had cancer,” Nan says. “But I just needed to heal myself from the inside out. It has been a roller-coaster ride, but worth it. My hands look good now.”

It’s important to eat the right foods, but it’s more important to find the root of problems, so you know what foods will effectively help your body heal and reach its maximum health potential.

Constipation affects around 42 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week, or movements that are hard, dry, and small, making them difficult to pass. Several factors can lead to constipation, including medications, being inactive, traveling, pregnancy, diet, and health conditions that slow digestion. In addition, suffering from constipation for long periods leads to other complications (hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, and fecal impaction).

Often, this happens because more fiber is needed in the diet. There are two types of fiber. Soluble dissolves in water and is found in beans, fruit, and oats. Insoluble does not dissolve and is in whole grains and vegetables. Both fibers help prevent constipation. You should eat 22-34 grams of fiber every day, but if you’re changing your diet to do that, increase the rate gradually. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with gas, bloating, and cramps. Give your body time to adjust. Also, drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit and vegetable juice, clear soups) to help the fiber work effectively.

Avoid foods that might make the constipation worse: cheese, chips, fast food, ice cream, meat, and processed foods.

If the problem continues, don’t keep trying to fix it yourself. Go see your doctor or health-care professional and get your body back on the right track.

(Source: Joy Stephenson-Laws, Proactive Health Labs)

“The comprehensive lab work we do is considered a functional panel, which is very different from the conventional approach. It includes genetics, inflammatory markers, hormone levels, vitamin levels, and mineral levels.”

— JOANNE M. KELLER

O RTHOPAEDIC T RAUMATOLOGY : A L IFE S AVING S TORY

Written by The Orthopaedic Institute

Try to imagine these terrible scenarios:

• A boy crashes his ATV and fractures his acetabulum (the place your hip bone)

• A 32-week pregnant woman has an automobile accident. She fractures her pelvis and her baby has to be delivered emergently.

• A middle aged man has cancer in his left leg causing an above-knee-amputation.

• An elderly woman loses control of her wheel chair on a steep downward slope. She severely crashes into a wall fracturing both of her hips.

The bad news is all of these scenarios actually occurred. The good news is each injured person survived in part because of their treatment by an Orthopaedic Trau-

Orthopaedic Traumatologist named Dr. James McFadden. There’s more good news. Dr. McFadden provides care on a full time basis for all aspects of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries in our Ocala facility.

Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in orthopaedic trauma and fractures of the bones. “One of the most common injuries I see as an Orthopaedic Traumatologist are

intra-articular fractures involving joint surfaces.

Another common fracture I treat involves older people and joint replacements (periprosthetic fractures)”, says McFadden. After diagnosing a patient’s fracture, the main goal is to establish a treatment plan to help the fracture heal so the patient can return to an optimal functional state.

Dr. McFadden handles the more complex orthopaedic traumas at Ocala Regional Medical Center (ORMC), a level II trauma center. ORMC provides the full range of possible life-saving practices and technologies and treatments. Having a trauma center in our community takes everyone working ogether – hospitals, paramedics, physicians – to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Up to now, advanced orthopaedic trauma care at ORMC was provided by visiting expert orthopaedic traumatologists.

With Dr. McFadden’s presence at The Orthopaedic Institute, Ocala and Ocala Regional Medical Center have access to a full-time Orthopaedic Traumatologist. McFadden states, “My goal and ORMC’s goal is one in the same, to help people who have suffered severe injuries recover and continue to live a healthy life.”

What is an Orthopaedic Traumatologist? Dr. McFadden explains, “Orthopaedic traumatologists -

dle injured patients with several orthopaedic challenges. Traumatologists are comfortable working on complex pelvic and acetabulum fractures, as well as complex fractures of the extremities, fractures involving joint replacements, and fractures involving joint surfaces. Orthopaedic traumatologists work in concert with the general surgery trauma service to coordinate the highest possible, sometimes life-saving care of severely injured patients.”

Better Moments.

When you can’t move like you want to because of an injury or pain, it’s just no fun. That’s why at The Orthopaedic Institute we offer same or next day appointments to ensure you are treated as soon as possible. Once you are here, our goal is to take exceptional care of you. With everything from diagnosis to recovery in one state-of-the-art facility, our orthopaedic specialists are dedicated to helping you move like you used to.

352-633-7222 I www.toi-health.com

IMPROVING LIVES EVERYDAY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

Health care is becoming a luxury many Lake County residents cannot afford. Fortunately, there is help for them thanks to clinics and organizations that do not put a price on health.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

Cynthia Boggs of Mount Dora had very little money for medical care. But the sharp, stabbing tooth pain she endured for weeks left her no choice but to visit a dentist. Years of neglect resulted in rotting teeth, as well as cracked dental crowns from a procedure 14 years earlier.

“Because I only had four teeth on my right side, I always chewed on the left, and now that side is going bad as well,” says the 55-year-old Cynthia, a waitress at Jeremiah’s for 24 years. “Drinking something hot or cold makes my mouth hurt like the dickens.”

The visit to a dentist’s office revealed another health problem: Her blood pressure was dangerously high. That meant undergoing a root canal or any other dental procedure was too risky. Without health insurance, she could not afford to see a doctor and have her blood pressure monitored and controlled.

“The dentist told me I was lucky I didn’t have a heart attack,” she says. “Even with the Affordable Care Act, I cannot afford health insurance. Buying health insurance would take my husband’s entire paycheck.”

According to WellFlorida Council, Inc., an organization of health care professionals who serve as consultants, many Lake County residents are lke Cynthia. In fact, 15 percent of the county’s 305,010 residents are without health insurance.

Almost seven years after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, many low-income groups are unable to afford health-care premiums and monthly payments.

Most of them are between the ages of 18 and 64 and fall in a collective group called the “working poor.” They are not old enough to receive Medicare services, but they make too much money or do not meet certain requirements to become eligible for Medicaid.

Without insurance, they suffer through their illness by postponing doctor’s visits or purchasing over-the-counter medications. They are more likely to be hospitalized for conditions that could have been prevented, oftentimes leaving them with an insurmountable amount of medical debt—even for minor problems.

So, what’s the cure and where’s the safety net for those who work low-paying jobs and have no health insurance?

For patients like Cynthia, the answer comes in the form of medical clinics and one nonprofit organization that provide free medical, dental, and specialty care services for uninsured residents and the working poor. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of primary care doctors, dentists, and specialists, uninsured and poor people receive medical care they would struggle to obtain elsewhere.

One volunteer is Dr. Kevin Taylor, who has operated an internal medicine practice in Mount Dora since 1988.

“By volunteering, doctors are fulfilling an unmet need for medical and dental care not only in our community but every community throughout the United States,” he says. “And I can assure you we get as much joy out of providing free medical services as patients do receiving it. It’s a two-way street.”

Dr. Taylor is medical director of St. Luke Free Medical and Dental Clinic, a program of the Catholic Charities of Central Florida that provides free care to residents of Lake, Marion, North Orange, and North Seminole counties. To qualify, patients must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, have no health insurance, and have been denied by Medicaid. They also must be 18 or older.

St. Luke is often the last resort for patients like Cynthia who are struggling financially and require urgent health care. Realizing her

blood pressure was potentially lifethreatening, her dentist referred her to St. Luke so a doctor could examine her and administer immediate treatment.

For her, it was a godsend. Her blood pressure is now stabilized, and she is scheduled to have her teeth pulled and replaced with dentures.

“Without St. Luke, I don’t know where I’d be,” Cynthia says. “I thank the Lord each day that we have an organization like that for people who cannot afford medical help. The entire team there is very helpful and go out of their way to take care of you.”

St. Luke Free Medical and Dental Clinic’s volunteer physicians provide 1,200 hours of medical care throughout the year and see patients on Monday and Wednesday from 1-8pm The office, located at 722 S. Grove St. in Eustis, is equipped with three medical rooms and two dental rooms.

“The majority of patients we see work low-paying jobs and have children,” says Erin Burley, clinic manager of the organization. “They’re struggling to make ends meet financially.”

They are also struggling to maintain their health. Many patients go there for treatment of common ailments like colds or flu. However, medical exams and tests often reveal they have more serious conditions such as hypertension and diabetes— conditions they’ve unknowingly lived with for years.

“Without us, these conditions would be life threatening if we didn’t get them under control,” Erin says. “But our goal is to get them under control, and because of that, patients don’t end up continually going to already

overcrowded emergency rooms. We give diabetes patients a glucometer and test strips. They have to fill out a log every time they test themselves. We also help them apply for reduced pharmaceutical prices.”

Dr. Don Ilkka, a dentist in Leesburg, serves as St. Luke’s dental director. He provides teeth cleaning and extractions and treats conditions such as bleeding and swollen gums. That’s extremely important, especially considering oral bacteria can escape into the bloodstream and cause blood clots or trigger a potentially deadly infection of the inner lining of the heart known as endocarditis.

“Providing dental care is probably the most important aspect of St. Luke,” Dr. Taylor says. “If patients get sick, they can always go to the emergency room. However, uninsured patients with dental problems have nowhere to go. And if they do go to

up care to prevent future dental problems.”

Of course, not every patient comes in with a potentially life-threatening medical problem. Some just want to regain their quality of life. Such is the case of Charlene Bellenger, a Tavares resident who has seven degenerated discs throughout her spine.

Formerly a general accountant, she moved from Maine to Lake County in 2013 to take care of a friend with a broken hip. Since then, she has been without a job and health insurance and is living off her rapidly shrinking savings account.

Her back pain became intolerable in recent months. To compound problems, her doctor in Maine refused to continue filling her prescription. She visited St. Luke, and a volunteer physician prescribed her 800-milligram ibuprofen tablets.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain level has been reduced to a 3,” says Charlene, who is in her 50s. “St. Luke ministers without judgment or bias, just like the Bible says to do. It brings tears to my eyes knowing there are people out there who are passionate about helping less fortunate people like myself.”

They do care

Treating medical conditions such as colds, flus, and high blood pressure is one thing. But what happens when low-income, uninsured residents have diseases that require care from a specialist? For instance, a patient with a nervous system disorder such as multiple sclerosis needs to be treated

by a neurologist, while a patient with disabling foot pain needs to be seen by a podiatrist.

Or, even worse, what if someone is battling cancer, a disease that often requires a team of cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists and is infi expensive to treat than hypertension and diabetes?

That’s the predicament Ronald Keffler of Eustis recently found himself in after being diagnosed with skin cancer on his shoulder, arm, back, and leg. He also had a baseball-

“I didn’t know where to go or who to seek out,” he says.

He was referred to We Care of Lake County, a Mount Dora-based organization that coordinates free specialty medical care for uninsured adults between the ages of 18 and 64.

Within several weeks, Ronald underwent surgery with a plastic surgeon in Tavares to have his ear tumor removed and then visited a dermatologist in Leesburg to have the remaining skin cancer removed. He currently goes back for follow-up care every six months.

“I cannot praise We Care enough,” he says. “They are angels in God’s wings. They go way beyond to make sure patients receive the treatment they need.”

A group of local physicians formed We Care of Lake County 23 years ago to provide a safety net for those without health insurance. Today, the nonprofit organization maintains a network of 67 specialists throughout the county, connecting patients with services in oncology, radiology, nephrology, gynecology, neurology, podiatry, pain management, dermatology, and orthopedics.

Free specialty care is provided to patients who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, have no medical insurance, and are Lake County residents. Patients must be referred by a free or sliding-scale clinic. Once approved, they make visits to the specialists’ offices during regular office hours.

“Nobody else in the office knows that one of our patients is there receiving

services for free,” says Carol Millwater, executive director of We Care of Lake County. “It’s very low key.”

The organization receives funds through grants, donations, fundraisers, and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. During the 20152016 fiscal year, We Care’s specialty physicians provided $3.8 million in medical services.

“Without our organization, the situation would be bad for uninsured patients because their diseases would become chronic and critical and they’d be in the emergency room,” Carol says. “That means their recovery would be longer and their outcomes not as good. We want people to get well, help them get on with their lives, and have excellent outcomes.”

A good outcome is precisely what a 56-year-old Lady Lake resident battling an aggressive form of breast cancer enjoyed. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a small-business owner who had no savings and has been without health insurance for 10 years.

Following her diagnosis, she was directed to We Care. She endured six weeks of radiation, four months of chemotherapy, and underwent a modified radical mastectomy where 15 lymph nodes were removed.

Today, she is cancer free.

“To have resources like We Care available is truly amazing,” the woman says. “They saved my life literally and figuratively. It’s such a good feeling to know there are people willing to help the needy.”

LAKE COUNTY HEALTH BY THE NUMBERS:

305,010 residents live in Lake County.

46,253 residents are uninsured.

35.5

percent are at or below 200 percent of the Florida Poverty Line.

14.3 percent are at or below 100 percent of the Florida Poverty Line.

54.5

percent are between ages 18 and 64 (the ages of the group known as the working poor).

421.5 is the emergency room visit rate in Lake County. That’s higher than the state average of 393.3

897

Residents in 2016 died of cancer, the leading cause of death in Lake County.

844

Residents in 2016 died of heart disease, the second-leading cause of death in Lake County.

Source: WellFlorida Council

A Suite Place for Independent Living

SAFETY, COMFORT, AND VALUE:

Change is the only constant in life. However, some types of change can be overly difficult, especially when it comes to moving a parent from a place that has been their home for years.

Choices must be made, and above all, a parent must feel safe and comfortable in his or her new environment. Of course, moving your loved one to a safer space can be quite expensive.

In and around The Villages, a basic 400-square-foot apartment can start at over $36,000 per year. Additionally, a living space with two rooms and a kitchenette with all the amenities may cost more than $60,000 a year. Even those who have adequately planned for retirement may find this expense unbearable.

Fortunately, there is another option being offered by Hometown Builders, a local Certified General Contractor based in Wildwood. Multigenerational is the term used to describe these specialized living spaces that can accommodate your mom or dad, your son or daughter who’s just getting started in life, or just old friends and neighbors from back home that love to visit any time of the year. Its living area that is close enough for you to check in on your loved one with ease but private enough where everyone enjoys their own space.

general contractor. “Where through design that special heirloom fits perfectly and above all safety has been considered in every detail.”

Designs offered by Hometown Builders are flexible. Whether you’re just taking the space within your home that was two bedrooms and a bath and redesigning it into a second master suite including a fully equipped ADA( The Americans with Disabilities Act) walk-in curbless shower with built -n bench seat or adding on a semi-detached apartment with a kitchenette, Hometown Builders has the team for you.

“Our goal is to design and build a space where your mom or dad will get excited about moving to,” says Elisa Adams-Rae, certified

Our designer, Lisa Malloy, has spent years looking at how best to get the most livable space out of every square foot. “Anyone can design a house given enough square footage and money,” she says. “It’s finding the right mix of necessities along with those special touches that make it an affordable addition. I always keep in mind how the space I design can be used in the future when situations change. Guest quarters, pool house or just a place for those hobbies, you can always use the space.”

Hometown Builders can determine with a simple click of the mouse whether your lot is large enough for an addition of one of our floor plans. Give us a call today and see why our independent living spaces are a Suite Place. Hometown Builders, “Where we’re small enough to listen but big enough to deliver.”

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED:

Residential home construction and remodeling, commercial and specialty retail build-out remodeling, kitchen and bath replacement, room additions, lanai’s, and outoor entertainment areas.

ELISA ADAMS-RAE General Contractor

LISA MALLOY Designer

HORMONES 101

Painful cramps, heavy bleeding, and mood swings are what numerous women deal with each month, and doctors say it shouldn’t be kept in the dark.

WRITER: THERESA CAMPBELL

Three local women, Alex, 22, Becca, 23, and Olivia, 24 (whose first names were changed), lead active lives until that time of the month when they experience tender breasts, fatigue, mood swings, depression, irritability, food cravings, headaches, insomnia, muscle or joint pain, and poor concentration.

“I get really emotional over unimportant things the day before I start my period,” Becca says. “I don’t know why until the next day—the day ‘Aunt Flo’ comes.”

For centuries, many women have bemoaned their menstrual cycle as “the curse”—a description Alex finds fitting.

“I have very bad periods every other month,” Alex says. “It’s superfrustrating. I could have really bad, painful cramps one month, and the next month it will be very light with no cramps.”

Alex didn’t start menstruating until she was 17.

“It was a concern. I asked my doctor and she says it was because I was very athletic and, most of the time, athletes don’t start until a later time,” she says.

Adding to her stress was being diagnosed at 18 with Factor V Leiden, which makes some forms of contraception too risky in regulating her periods.

“Women with this have an increase of developing blood clots during pregnancy or when taking the hormone estrogen,” Alex says. “They did come out with a birth control that I can take. Now I feel a little more regulated with the birth control, but it’s still not extremely regulated.”

She is happy, however, that she doesn’t have the painful cramps like before.

“But the mood swings with this birth control are crazier than ever,” Alex says. “I can go from being happy one second to just, like, truly frustrated or angry. One little thing or stress, and I can go through the roof!”

During stressed-out moments, she reminds herself what’s happening and also strives to make her boyfriend aware that he is not causing her mood swings.

“I would tell other young women and girls dealing with heavy cramps with their periods to get checked,” Alex says.

Olivia also believes it’s important to talk to medical professionals about hormonal concerns, and for those who wish to prevent pregnancy to learn the best forms of contraception for them.

“If you’re epileptic, such as myself, then some medications completely deplete the effectiveness of birth control,” Olivia says. “I’m very worried about it. My doctor told me to go see the pharmacist to doublecheck what will work with my other medications.”

A regular monthly menstrual cycle, anywhere from 21 to 36 days, is a sign of hormones in balance, yet about 80 percent of women reportedly experience symptoms of being imbalanced, which can lead to worsening symptoms and feelings of fatigue.

“For a lot of women, there is a misconception that this is something they have to deal with, which is not true, because we do have options and things to do to help them. Things can be done to regulate the hormones better,” says Pamela Cook, a nurse practitioner at Renew Me MD in The Villages, which provides gynecology services, annual female exams, birth control, and related services.

“Sometimes we use oral contraceptives to regulate hormones, and there are medicines that can make the symptoms better and more tolerable, and there are herbs to help with the breast tenderness,” Pamela says.

Dr. Alfred H. Moffett, of Lake OB-GYN Associates of Mid-Florida,

which has locations in Leesburg and The Villages, says girls just starting their periods are routinely irregular, but in time, they usually regulate themselves.

He encourages young women to seek gynecological services when they become sexually active, if they have problems with pain, heavy bleeding, or anxiety, or when they turn 18.

“We like to see them before they go off to college, and it gives us a chance to chat with them about contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, about healthy living, healthy diet, sleep patterns, and it gives us a chance to tell them that they have someone they can call in an emergency,” Dr. Moffett says.

He also talks to women interested in pregnancy about how to prepare for it, such as maintaining a good diet, not using drugs, and avoiding stress, and he discusses hormonal issues with women during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.

Dr. Moffett, who is pleased to have treated some of his female patients for 45 years, encourages women to be open about their health concerns.

“I can’t fix it if I don’t know about it,” he says. “You are going to find that we are not accusatory, we’re not going to be judgmental. We are going to try to be your best friend with a medical degree to help you get in the right mode of management so we can get you better.”

“For a lot of women, there is a misconception that this is something they have to deal with, which is not true, because we do have options and things to do to help them. Things can be done to regulate the hormones better.”

— Dr. Alfred Moffett

NASAL RELIEF ALLERGY AND SINUS

352.728.2404

LEESBURG THE VILLAGES TAVARES

Michael A. Freedman, DO

S. Dwight Vaught, MD

Judith Milstead, MD

Dino Madonna, MD

WEIGHT CONTROL PORTION CONTROL=

For Holly Parrish, it was a monumental task to keep her cravings for those greasy cheeseburgers and sugar-filled doughnuts at bay, and portion control was a foreign concept.

The 25-year-old Belleview resident often skipped breakfast altogether, thus increasing her appetite and appeal for high-calorie foods. She would eat a big lunch, followed by another big meal for supper. Those late-night hunger pangs were satisfied with a bowl of cereal or something sweet.

Her poor eating habits adversely affected her health. Holly battled acid reflux and struggled to lose weight after giving birth to her children, Christopher, 3, and Karolee, 1.

“My acid reflux was getting so bad that my primary care physician said I needed my gallbladder surgically removed,” she says. “My body was not processing fats correctly and, as a result, stomach acid backed up into my esophagus.”

Food for thought

Like Holly, many women enthusiastically obey that age-old dinner commandment often rooted in childhood: “Clean your plate!” Unfortunately, those plates are typically filled with large portions, and the norm is to eat until the stomach is stretched and full. It is an unhealthy habit and difficult to break.

Few realize that portion control is an essential ingredient to not only losing weight but also maintaining a healthy weight. It prevents overeating and the consumption of too many calories. Unlike a crash or fad diet that people cannot stick to, downsizing portions is a sustainable change to eating habits.

Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the simple difference between portion size and serving size.

“The serving size is the amount of food included in the nutrition facts panel on a food label,” says Anna Gunter, a registered dietitian

Balancing healthy meals with busy lives is challenging for today’s women. However, there are ways to squeeze in healthier eating habits and avoid portion distortion.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

nutritionist at Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Center. “For example, if the nutrition facts panel on a cereal box indicates that a cereal has 200 calories and the serving size is one cup, then one cup of cereal has 200 calories. The portion size is the amount of food that is actually consumed or served. So if you had two cups of the same cereal, then you would consume 400 calories.”

But in today’s world, women wear many hats. They work a full-time job, maintain a clean home, and take their children to soccer practices or dance recitals on weekends. Simply put, there’s hardly any time to be a calorie counter or food label expert.

“Stress and being short on time can both lead to reaching for food choices that are not the healthiest options,” Anna says. “Women need to plan ahead so they will have healthy meals and snacks ready when they are stressed, tired, and busy during the week.”

With such precious little time, what are some simple things women can do to plan ahead?

“I like to cook several servings of whole grain pasta during the weekend to eat during the work week,” Anna says. “I divide the pasta into individual containers for each meal before I put the pasta in the refrigerator. If you have a microwave at work, you can use zip-andsteam bags to steam fresh vegetables for lunch. At home, you can fill the bag with fresh vegetables, such as broccoli florets, green beans, and carrot slices. Another healthy option for busy mothers is to make a salad with salad

greens—lettuce and spinach—and vegetables that you like. Add grilled chicken breast strips, some nuts, and fruit such as strawberries or diced mango.”

However, healthy eating encompasses more than planning; it also means eating a balanced meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anna says each meal should include a grain or starch food such as bread, pasta, or rice; a protein food such as eggs and lean meats; fruits and vegetables; and a serving of low-fat or nonfat yogurt or milk.

“One great healthy snack is popcorn,” she says. “Popcorn is a whole grain food, and whole grains provide fiber. Fiber provides a feeling of satiety, which helps a person feel so full that they do not overeat. Be sure to choose popcorn without added salt and butter.”

Of course, the real challenge is figuring out how much food or drink actually was consumed. A food scale helps women measure proper portion sizes and, thus, is a valuable tool in ensuring they achieve their recommended daily caloric intake. A person’s calorie intake is determined by height, weight, age, gender, and physical activity level.

“A food scale allows you to measure the ounces of meat or cheese you eat or measure the ounces or grams of fruit that you eat,” Anna says. “It is useful to know

the amount of food you are eating in ounces or grams if you are following a meal plan that includes specific portion sizes. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you determine an appropriate calorie goal for weight maintenance or weight loss.”

There is time to lose weight

Holly is living proof that a healthy diet combined with portion control is a recipe for better health.

Instead of spending money on gallbladder surgery, Holly opted to seek help from a nutritionist.

The team at Lady Lake-based Total Nutrition and Therapeutics implemented a healthy, customized meal plan for Holly that emphasized portion control. The nutritionists also determined Holly was allergic to dairy, beef, kale, and lettuce. She eliminated them from her diet.

“After two weeks, I started weaning myself off my acid reflux medication,” she says. “Today, I’m off those medications entirely and no longer need my gallbladder taken out.”

Holly has lost 45 pounds since beginning the program in August 2016.

She religiously sticks to a balanced meal plan that includes a protein shake and sausage for breakfast; almonds and cashews for a mid-morning and late-afternoon snack; and protein and vegetables for lunch and dinner.

“Women like myself are busy and juggle many things throughout the day, but once you change your diet and begin feeling the positive health benefits, you want to stick with what you’re doing and it becomes second nature,” Holly says. “I’m amazed at how different my life is. I can play out in the yard with the kids without getting tired or winded. By eating healthy throughout the day, I always feel satisfied and never hungry.”

“Women need to plan ahead so they will have healthy meals and snacks ready when they are stressed, tired, and busy during the week.”

The focus of our practice is to provide the very best surgical care available to patients. We are committed to achieving this goal through continuing education and training in the most current robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Our practice treats our patients, nurses and staff like family. It is our belief that all patients deserve the best medical care available. We provide the most advanced, compassionate surgical care that has helped thousands live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Our website, www.MidFloridaSurgical.com provides information regarding each of our surgeons.

Mid-Florida Surgical Associates has been serving Lake, Sumter, and West Orange Counties since 1991.

“Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself.”

—Roseanne Barr

PAN-SEARED COD WITH CAJUN SEASONING

INGREDIENTS

“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 continued my training as a health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge health coach training program. I studied more than 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative 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, bestselling author and expert on emotional eating; and other leading researchers and nutrition authorities.

DIRECTIONS

1. In large frying pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat

2. Add enough Weber Cajun seasoning to coat fish and add to the pan

3. Cook for 2-3 minutes (depending on thickness) on one side and another 2-3 minutes on the other (your fish will be flaky when done)

4. That’s it! Truly simple!

At Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, I 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 plan meals; helping you create new ideas; and learning how to eat out are a few of the handson lessons you receive. I teach you how to live well for life!

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

Wildcaught cod 2 tablespoons coconut oil Weber brand Cajun seasoning

TAKE CARE of YOUR HEALTH

In the 1992 book, “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus,” author John Gray highlighted many of the differences between the sexes. Not that the differences weren’t obvious, but few people really took the time to consider them in depth. The medical profession always has acknowledged that women are unique, as evidenced by an entire specialty, obstetrics and gynecology, devoted solely to women’s health issues. Men have no corresponding specialty.

So, what are women’s pressing health issues these days? A truly comprehensive list requires more space than allowed here, but these five issues are significant:

Heart disease

This has gone from being primarily a problem of middle-age men to one affecting both sexes. Heart disease is the single greatest killer of both men and women, responsible for nearly a third of deaths. The worrisome aspect of this for women is they are being affected at younger ages. It was once thought women’s unique hormonal balance, primarily the presence of high estrogen levels, was protective against heart disease, at least until menopause.

Now, other factors are coming into play. Young women are arguably less healthy than ever before. Obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, inactivity, stress, and other health issues are rampant and all of these increase the risk of heart disease. There still is a tendency to underdiagnose

heart disease in younger women because of the notion that they are “protected” by their hormones. Women must take note of this and strive for a healthy weight and lifestyle. Physicians must be quicker to suspect heart disease in younger female patients. Discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have a family history.

Breast cancer

While not uniquely a female problem—1 percent of breast cancers occur in men— it still is a predominantly female concern. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women and second-most common cause of cancer death, behind only lung cancer. There has been a lot of confusion regarding the cost effectiveness of screening for breast cancer with mammograms, but it is an inescapable fact that many unsuspected breast cancers are found this way. What is not argued is the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment. Follow the advice of your physician, who knows you best, as to how and how often to be screened for breast cancer. Women with a strong family history should consider being tested for the BRCA gene mutation associated with a higher cancer risk. One of the known risk factors for breast cancer is obesity, which is epidemic in U.S. women. I have seen breast cancer being diagnosed in younger women, and this undoubtedly plays a role.

Women are unique and face some unique health concerns, but the right lifestyle choices can help with these five issues.

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

Osteoporosis

Women are uniquely subject to bone density loss as they age, and the process accelerates after menopause due to hormonal changes. One in two women over the age of 50 will experience this. Women should begin getting bone density testing when they reach middle age because treatment is best started early. Loss of bone density results in increased risk of fractures later in life, with their associated risks of disability and death.

Unfortunately, some long-term medications, for example, Fosamax, carry the risk of causing stress fractures. The risks versus benefits of treatment should be discussed with your physician. One of the known ways to prevent or delay loss of bone density is exercise. Aerobic exercise, such as running or power walking, resistance training, and exercises that include some element of impact, such as jumping jacks, plyometrics, etc., all benefit bone density.

Autoimmune disorders

The numbers are hard to come by because these disorders can present in vague and unusual ways, but it is felt that many women suffer

from issues related to their immune system. The immune system is an overarching factor in maintaining our health in the face of constant assaults from our environment, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.

We understand it poorly and, often, do not have treatments that are consistently effective. These can be maddeningly difficult to diagnose as well because symptoms often are nonspecific: fatigue, brain fog, joint aches, skin rashes, hair loss, memory issues, lack of appetite, weight loss, altered menstrual cycle, and so on. While we do not yet have a good handle on these, there is no argument that the best way to avoid such issues is to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Eat a clean diet, maintain your ideal weight, exercise regularly, get enough rest, manage stress, and stay connected with friends and family.

Depression

Depression affects women twice as often as men. Women are more social and “relational” than men, and having connections with friends

and family is very important to their emotional health. Loneliness and isolation are common in older women. Depression after childbirth is a very common condition. Many things trigger depression: changing hormonal status from menopause; changes in life situation, such as loss of a spouse or “empty nest syndrome” after years of child rearing; changes in health, and more.

Depression can be insidious, and health-care providers need to be attuned to this problem in patients with chronic, nonspecific medical concerns. Exercise is very beneficial in women who are depressed. Just moving and feeling physically better can sometimes stave off or even reverse depression.

It’s obvious there’s a common theme throughout all of the above— women have a significant degree of control over health issues by their choices. While there is no “magic prescription” to living a long, healthy life, making good lifestyle choices will go a long way to preventing or delaying many, if not most, health problems. Even if your life isn’t longer, the quality of your life will undoubtedly be improved immensely.

STOPPING THE PAIN. PERIOD.

You have options for dealing with that monthly pain.

WRITER: MARIA CROSS

Periods are normal, but extreme period pain— dysmenorrhea—is not. Fortunately, there are natural ways to help minimize this monthly misery.

On a scale of intensity, period pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. Severe menstrual pain is surprisingly common; it is the most common gynecological complaint among young women. Even so, many women do not seek treatment; instead, they just put up with their symptoms or self-medicate with over-the-counter painkillers and a hot-water bottle.

If you suffer from dysmenorrhea, you know that as well as pain, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, and headache. The relief felt when the pain ends is short-lived, because you know that the whole, distressing experience will probably be repeated next month.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common

form and occurs with no underlying medical condition. In secondary dysmenorrhea, there is an underlying condition, such as endometriosis. With endometriosis, womb-like tissue grows in places outside the womb, such as the bowel or ovaries. This occurs in approximately 10 percent of young women with severe dysmenorrhea and requires specialist medical treatment.

Therefore, if you suffer from extreme menstrual pain, your first step is a visit to your doctor to determine whether your symptoms are due to primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. If you are diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, your doctor will probably prescribe strong painkillers, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work well because they tackle the inflammation that causes the pain. In more severe cases, however, the contraceptive pill is the only effective measure.

The problem with taking NSAIDs, or the pill, is that despite the pain relief they provide, they do not tackle the underlying cause of the inflammation, nor are they without side effects. NSAIDs can irritate the gut lining and cause internal bleeding, in some cases leading to stomach ulcers. Among other side effects, the contraceptive pill can cause water retention, headaches, and, in rare cases, blood clots.

The inflammation that causes period pain is created by chemicals called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These are released into the uterus shortly before menstruation

begins, leading to increased contractions that are similar to labor pain. Therefore, to eliminate the pain of menstruation without resorting to medication, your goal is to reduce your body’s production of these inflammatory chemicals.

Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are created from certain fats in your diet, specifically omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids, found in nuts, seeds, grains, and leafy green vegetables, are important to human health. They play an integral role in the body’s immune system, helping to fight infection by triggering inflammation. However, consumption of these fatty acids has skyrocketed since the introduction of refined vegetable oils in processed foods. Look at the packaging of ready-meals and snack foods, and you’ll see that most contain soya, corn, or sunflower oil, all rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids. The result is a disproportionate inflammatory response, way beyond what is required by the body.

This overconsumption has arisen at the expense of other polyunsaturated oils, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids. The principal omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found mainly in oily fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, and salmon. They also are found in shellfish, including mussels, oysters, and clams. Smaller amounts are found in eggs, and meat from free-range, grass-fed animals. EPA and DHA are converted to anti-inflammatory chemicals that work in opposition to omega-6 fatty acids. Though humans

require equal amounts of both groups, dietary studies have revealed that most people consume about 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. Such a staggering imbalance is a recipe for painful inflammation.

To combat dysmenorrhea, you need to reduce, as much as possible, all processed foods containing refined vegetable oils. At the same time, increase your intake of oily fish. Studies have found low fish consumption has a direct relationship with the severity of dysmenorrhea. If you cannot stomach the thought of eating fish, consider taking fish oil supplements, which can significantly reduce the level of pain. In one study, adolescent girls who took fish oil supplements for two months experienced a marked reduction in pain from menstruation. This effect was due to the antiinflammatory properties of these supplements, which in blood tests are shown to reduce circulating prostaglandins. Conversely, women with dysmenorrhea may have up to four times more inflammatory prostaglandins in their blood than women without dysmenorrhea.

Some women experience little or no pain, suggesting that dysmenorrhea is not an inevitable consequence of menstruation. Pain control medication is a godsend when you are in the throes of this debilitating condition, and in the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, medical treatment is essential. But if your period pain is diagnosed as primary, self-help through dietary modification may be all the help you need.

“It’s up to you today to start making healthy choices. Not choices that are just healthy for your body, but healthy for your mind.”

—Steve Maraboli

MAYBE IT’S NOT JUST YOUR HORMONES

Though women may not exhibit the same symptoms as men, they are susceptible to ADHD.

WRITER: ERIN BECK

When many people think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, they think of the classic case of a young boy who always is on the go. In childhood, boys are three times as likely to be diagnosed with the condition. However, in many cases, girls go undiagnosed. Many don’t find out they have ADHD, sometimes called ADD, until adulthood when their children are diagnosed. Women with ADHD also may show different signs.

ADHD is a condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Unlike men with ADHD, women may be less likely to show hyperactivity. Instead of moving constantly or fidgeting, women with ADHD are more likely to have disorganized habits, frequently shift from one activity to another, or have trouble completing tasks.

Hormonal changes may cause ADHD to manifest differently in women. During puberty, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can become less effective. During the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, stimulant medications are effective due to the rise of progesterone levels, which reduce the effects of estrogen on the brain. Oral contraceptives may help combat this problem by stabilizing hormones. Women with ADHD may show worsened symptoms as they approach menopause because of hormonal changes. Hormone therapy can help improve brain function.

If left untreated, 60 percent of people with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. They may cause marital or financial problems, mental health conditions, substance abuse, or trouble with work and school. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when, in fact, ADHD is the root problem.

If you show symptoms, see your doctor. Your primary care provider can refer you to a mental health specialist for proper diagnosis. Effective treatment, including medication, therapy, or a combination, is available for adult ADHD. A therapist also can help you learn how to manage your life and not take on too many responsibilities. With treatment, 70 percent of ADHD adults see improvement. Because ADHD often occurs with other mental health problems, be sure to get a full diagnosis and treatment for any other conditions.

“Being alone and actually sitting with our own thoughts can lead to such growth and realizations that are rare in our everyday busy lives.”

—Kourtney Kardashian

PRODUCTIVITY, NOT PROCRASTINATION

When you have several projects that need to get done, don’t let being unorganized lead to putting off what’s important.

often than not they spend it debating rst instead of actually tackling one. This is a major productivity killer that easily can be avoided with preparation.

Create a schedule for your day. The best time to do this is just before you leave work or the night before, which serves two purposes. One, today’s events are fresh in your mind. You know exactly which projects are most important to tackle the next day and which can be put off. By creating your schedule the night before, you take the emotions and willpower associated with starting these tasks

Waking up to a set schedule or routine is much easier on your. Think of willpower as a muscle. If you do too much heavy lifting—in this case, decision-making—your muscle wears out and needs rest before being active again. Willpower works in a similar fashion. Waking up without a game plan for your day forces you to make

on-the-spot decisions, draining your willpower in the process. Even planning simple things such as what to eat for breakfast and what to wear, allows you to run on auto-pilot and conserve willpower for tasks that truly need it.

Another crucial component to being productive is taking breaks. While it sounds counterintuitive to getting tasks accomplished, frequent, short periods of relaxation allow the mind to recharge and function at optimal levels. Tackling projects in 30-minute intervals, which include three- to five-minute breaks, is a great way to maintain focus. Set a timer for 25 minutes and stay completely focused on the task at hand. Once that time is up, set the timer for three to fives minutes, and step away from whatever you were working on. It is relaxing to know you have only 10 more minutes to work before the timer goes off that helps kick you into overdrive. On the opposite side of that spectrum, if the project you’re working on is mind numbing, it’s nice to know there’s only five more minutes before you can walk away and mentally regroup.

The third element of productivity is setting priorities. You can trick yourself into thinking you’re productive by keeping busy with an unimportant task. For example, the kitchen needs

cleaning, and that will get done eventually, but there’s a need to focus on that presentation due tomorrow. By cleaning the kitchen, there’s a feeling of productivity without getting the important task done.

This is why it’s crucial to set priorities. Get in the habit of making a list of what needs to be accomplished and number each activity in order of importance. Once activities are prioritized, determine the order in which they need to be accomplished. Some people feel it helps to get the most important tasks accomplished first, while others feel it’s easier to accomplish a few quick, less important tasks, giving them a quick boost of self-esteem and some momentum in the process, before handling big ones. Finding the right balance may take some trial and error, but knowing which priorities are most important helps you set your schedule each day.

Consistency is the key to making these productivity tips work for you. Try incorporating these three ideas into your everyday life for a few weeks. You’ll be surprised how much you accomplish in those few weeks. You may even realize that procrastination is a habit you no longer need. Consistently work on developing these habits and productivity could become your greatest asset.

NEEDING ALONE TIME ISN’T WRONG

Everyone needs time to be alone occasionally. Don’t let guilt keep you from replenishing your spirit.

WRITER: TRISH PENN

Do you snatch a moment here and there for yourself with the same guilty pleasure as grabbing a chocolate bar? Most psychologists agree some time alone is essential for good mental health. Many women, however, find it difficult to allow themselves this alone time. In today’s society, women often feel a need to prove themselves as dedicated professionals, caring mothers, and devoted lovers. If you feel guilty about taking time out for yourself, read on.

You owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and your colleagues to take some time out. You already know that eating well and exercising regularly is good for your health. Add spending time alone to your “things that are good for me” list. Being alone allows you to still your mind, center your soul, and increase self-awareness. Some confidence and leadership courses, such as Outward Bound, even include a compulsory time of solitude to enable participants to gain inner self-knowledge.

If you think time alone is unproductive, think again. “Solitude helps improve concentration and increase productivity,” says Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., (psychologytoday.com/blog/hi-octane-women).

Give yourself permission to take time out from your kids. It does them no harm, and you may even find your time with them is enriched. In an article on huffingtonpost.com, Peggy Drexler, M.D., also suggests that allowing children to play alone [safely supervised] offers the same benefits as alone time does for adults. Bourg Carter also comments that “understanding ourselves enhances relationships with

others.” This applies to all relationships, and though it is important to spend time with a partner or friends, it is just as important to spend some time alone.

Each woman is unique in how much time she needs alone. Look for indications that you need a little solitude. Common signs include: feeling irritable, having a sudden desire to be home when you are out with friends, difficulty concentrating on conversations, and worrying over deadlines or work situations.

How can you find this time? If you never seem to get around to having time alone, you may need to schedule solitude into your daily routine, add it to your “to do” list, or even hire a sitter.

Susan Biali, M.D., also makes these suggestions (pschologytoday.com/blog/prescriptions-life):

medical conditions are caused by stress.

are a wonderful way to find solitude.

minutes longer in the bathroom, taking longer to do the shopping, getting up earlier, or arriving at work when no one is there.

However and whenever you get your alone time, treat it as precious and important. This is not time wasted, but rather time to find yourself and engage your mind. Be at one with nature, meditate, paint, read, or just be. Enjoy your time alone without guilt. You’ll feel better for it, and everyone around you benefits.

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“A budget tells us what we can’t afford, but it doesn’t keep us from buying it.”

—William Feather

MONEY NEEDS REALITY, NOT FANTASY

Having it all is the American dream. Paying for it all is another matter.

WRITER: AJ COVARD

In today’s world, there is a great dichotomy: fantasy vs. reality. The dream of a fabulous lifestyle, with fancy cars, designer clothes, massive houses, and nightclubbing with friends, is portrayed in the movies and on TV constantly. The other side of that rift is the brutal reality—an economic crisis, an unemployment rate of 7.8 percent, and 4.3 million Americans on welfare.

Reality shows, such as “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Real Housewives,” suck the viewer into a world where money is no object. A shopping addiction and the need for nice things is easily obtainable in this world. Money just seems to come in and all you see is characters enjoying their lives spending it. With an ever-growing fascination with celebrities, the wealthy, and the dream of living a life of opulence, it’s easy for the lines between reality and fantasy to blur for women. But the hard truth is, many women are emulating this fantasy life when the reality of their financial situation is far from glamorous.

Here are 10 signs you are living in a financial fantasy world:

If you are familiar with these signs and know the tricks of your bank to get money, then you need to face a harsh reality: You’re in financial crisis.

It’s a difficult truth to face, but it’s imperative to face it head on, before learning your lesson the hard way by getting evicted, taken to court, or worse. Living for today, financially, will only hurt you tomorrow.

If you feel it’s time for a change, or you’ve already been down that path and are working toward a little more financial responsibility, there is hope, even in this economy. The path towards real prosperity is a long, hard road for most people, but with some consistency, hard work, and the right

mindset, living a fabulous lifestyle in your reality is attainable.

Here are four signs you are on your way to being financially responsible:

Living within your means doesn’t have to mean eating beans every meal. Balance in anything is the key, and even a splurge once in a while is healthy. Getting to a healthy, stable path to prosperity is knowing where you are financially and working toward making your financial fantasies a reality.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Many women choose to let their husbands take care of the family’s financial responsibilities, but that is not a wise choice.

WRITER: J.E. CARPENTER

Even in a world that has changed so much since grandma’s day, girls and women get subtle and not-so-subtle messages that investing is male territory. This starts in elementary school, where many girls receive the message that math is for boys. From a doll that says, “Math is hard,” to brother getting punished for a failing math grade while sis doesn’t, teachers, parents, and society fail girls when there’s no expectation to develop basic skills in math and finance.

A newlywed woman may heave a sigh of relief and throw all the investing decisions in her husband’s lap. Most likely, he’s only too happy to take them off her hands. This is a terrible mistake on her part. While the world has opened more opportunities for women, it also offers less security. With high divorce rates, the woman who leaves “all that” to her husband is, to put it bluntly, a fool. These principles apply to both women in traditional marriages and women in same-sex relationships who foolishly let their partners make all the money decisions.

Here are details every married woman needs to understand about finances:

1) What happens if my husband dies?

Know how much life insurance your spouse has, if the premiums are paid regularly, and where the policies are. This is not morbid or greedy. It’s common sense, especially if you have small children and don’t work outside the home. Knowing this is your protection against absolute disaster.

2) How much income do we have?

You should know how much your husband makes and how much comes in from interest on bank accounts, dividends on stocks, and so forth. If your family files a joint tax return, your signature is required for filing. Even if your husband or your accountant prepares the return, take a look at every line and ask questions.

3) How much debt does my family have?

How big are your monthly payments for mortgages, loans, and revolving credit? Keep the “what ifs” in mind. If your husband died or filed for divorce, could you remain in your home? Would one of you be able to pay off the debts? No matter how sure you are your marriage is solid, you need to know these answers. You’ve probably had friends who were blindsided by divorce. Sticking your head in the sand because the idea frightens you is the worst thing you can do.

4) Do you have savings accounts and other investments?

Where are they? How did your family decide where to invest, and how have those investments performed?

5) How can I learn more?

Read articles or books about managing money. There’s no need to drown in higher math or complicated charts. If the author can’t write in plain English, the advice is suspect anyway. Don’t fall for people who want to convince you it’s all so complicated you need to hire their firm to do it for you.

Many basic principles of personal finance and investing have more to do with calculated risk and common sense than they do with complicated formulas. Suze Orman can help you understand the basic principles of personal finance. If you’d like to learn more about the stock market but don’t have an accounting degree, it’s hard to beat Peter Lynch’s “One Up on Wall Street.” While the details are dated, the basic principles are as sound as ever, and it’s one of those very rare investing books that’s fun to read.

Never let anyone else take responsibility for your financial security. Every woman should know where the money comes from and where it goes. Teach your daughters about finance and raise a new generation of women who won’t be victimized by death or divorce.

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ULTIMATE RELAXATION

Pampered and rejuvenated is how customers can feel at Renew Day Spa in downtown Leesburg. Renew Day Spa offers a complete line of spa services designed to combat anti-aging.

Located at 214 W. Main St., Renew Day Spa opened its doors in late March and is generating raves over its clean, warm and inviting setting, along with a friendly and talented staff.

“I wanted it to be cozy,” says Dina Simpson, who co-owns Renew with her husband Tim, and she notes Renew is blessed with top-rated technicians who are “very versatile and masters at their craft.”

Formerly the site of J. Scott Skin Care & Day Spa, the building has been updated and renovated with a new look; Renew also focuses on using products with all-natural, organic ingredients, including Joico, Repechage, and Farmhouse Fresh, all made in the U.S.

“We know J. Scott Berry,” Dina says, recalling she was a client and also made referrals to the spa when she worked as a stylist and manager at Cal’s Barber and Beauty in The Villages. When Berry chose to pursue other interests, it allowed Dina the opportunity to follow her dream of operating a spa/hair salon with services she has enjoyed at New York, Texas, and Hawaii spas.

“It’s a very nice, quiet friendly environment. People are excited that we have the hair salon, and they are excited that we have the dual pedicure chairs,” she says, adding a visit to the spa can provide a health boost.

“Facials are not just for people who like the luxury; they are meant for treatment as well. They are noninvasive, very soft, replenishing the

collagen and elastin to your skin,” Dina says. “We need to take care of our skin; the environmental elements of Florida can be pretty severe on our

microdermabrasion to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth, and Dina notes massages can do wonders. “It’s healthy to get those toxins out of your system and to get your circulation going.”

Renew’s spacious massage room allows for couples to enjoy the experience together, “and we have pregnancy massage with a pregnancy pillow, so it is more comfortable for expecting moms when they are laying on their stomachs,” Dina says, adding the prenatal massage can ease discomfort associated with pregnancy and help the mom-to-be prepare for labor.

Hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, therapeutic Swedish massage are also available.

One special attraction at Renew is a wet room with rainfall showers from the ceiling for clients to rinse off in comfort and feel clean after having full-body wraps or exfoliating body scrubs provided by the massage therapist or esthetician.

“We are very excited about this because we don’t’ believe anyone else in the area has it. It’s custom to more resort-type spas and bigger, urban areas,” Tim says.

Renew’s expert hairstylists also offer complimentary consultations to help clients find the color and style they desire.

that it is about restructuring the hair to make the hair healthy,” Dina says. “Joico is the only company that has a patent on human hair keratin protein; you can even rebuild the hair while you are coloring the hair, while you’re shampooing the hair, and while using the styling products.”

Dina says human hair keratin protein is the basis of all Joico’s products. “It gives hair the nourishment that it needs for a strong structure so that your style and your hair color will last a lot longer.”

Renew Day Spa is also pleased to provide special services for wedding parties, and small bridal or baby showers. “We are finding instead of having a big party, some people would rather have a more intimate gathering with four or five of their closest friends and be able to share an experience of spending the day together,” Dina says.

Among Renew’s offerings: a 1-hour “refresh” of makeup, polish change, and hair blowout for a special event ($75), to a more extensive 6-hour package of a deluxe facial, therapeutic or deep tissue massage, pedicure, manicure, makeup application, hair blowout, and lunch in the spa’s private lounge ($305).

hair, on our skin, and on our bodies in general, and that’s part of the wellness we need to incorporate.”

Seven types of facials are available, including

“The product line that we carry is Joico, and it is known as the healthy hair company. I have been an educator with Joico for 23 years, and what I love about the product is

FOR MORE INFORMATION RENEW DAY SPA

352.787.7722

214 W. Main St., Leesburg RenewDaySpa.org

“We need to take care of our skin; the environmental elements of Florida can be pretty severe on our hair, on our skin, and on our bodies in general, and that’s part of the wellness we need to incorporate.”

SIMPLY THE BEST

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

AlthoughMother’s Day is this month, it is important to remember that women are amazing year round. They work full-time, cook, clean, carpool, and perform other thankless tasks throughout the course of a day. Most impressively, moms play the most critical role in a child’s life. They help clean the cuts and scrapes from a toddler’s first bicycle accident and provide a listening

ear and unwavering support as a child goes through the tumultuous teenage years.

One special woman is Mary Jo Zylowski of Fruitland Park. She was one of the first people I met after moving to Picciola Island in March 2004. I’m proud to call her a friend and neighbor. During my evening walks around the island, I’ve always been able to count on Mary Jo to greet me with a friendly smile or kind words and conversation. That smile never goes away—even when my hyper golden retriever, Champ, gets overly excited and jumps on her.

Who can blame Champ? After all, they say dogs are excellent judges of human character. And Mary Jo has plenty of that.

She successfully juggles a full-time job with family life. During the day, she works as an environmental service technician at Leesburg Regional Medical Center. That job entails cleaning operating rooms after open-heart surgery procedures, as well as cleaning patients’ rooms every other weekend. She dusts and disinfects everything from the bedrails to the television remote control.

“I love the interaction with the patients and their family members,” she says. “I’m one of the few people patients see in the hospital who is not poking them with a needle or giving them medication. They enjoy talking to me about their problems, and it makes them feel good that someone is listening.”

Of course, Mary Jo still bears a heavy load after clocking out of work. That’s because her 13-year-old son, Conner, is involved in many athletic and academic activities. They include, but are not limited to, STEM competitions, soccer, baseball, bowling, a jazz band, and once-a-week guitar lessons.

Guess what? Mary Jo attends all these extracurricular activities.

“I live for my son. He always comes first. I plan my days around his activities and make adjustments when needed. I recently signed up to be a volunteer at Conner’s school so I can go on field trips with his class.”

Mary Jo is a modest woman. She does not do these things for accolades or appreciation but rather out of the goodness of her big heart.

One day, Conner will realize that there is no gift expensive enough and no words powerful enough to ever repay his mother for her sacrifice and support.

I wish a Happy Mother’s Day to Mary Jo and all the other wonderful mothers for your continuous giving and unconditional love.

Anudh Jain, MD Radiation Oncologist