Healthy Living November 2014

IF THE SHOE FITS

Putting best foot forward to help needy

Dig up the root cause of your anxiety

No away around it, investing entails risk

TIGHTEN

THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

Is your skin sagging and losing elasticity?

ME, MOM & DEMENTIA

A mother and daughter bond in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Bargains, freebies right outside your door Plus tears

STILL BEAUTIFUL

… after all these tears

HAVE YOU TIPPED A TIRE TODAY?

tractor tire and oh SHOULD freebies outside your door

Rope climbing, tractor tire tipping and chin-ups, oh my!

I feel your pain.

That’s why I’ve developed a proprietary approach to knee joint problems that involves an integrated combination of minimally invasive surgical procedures, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management. This results in faster healing times, fewer complications and less pain.”

— Donald Perry MD

Specializing in joint reconstruction and sports medicine

2051 Mayo Drive Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.2171

rpocenter.com

Swelling, discoloration, and pain in the lower extremity, all symptoms of Venous Insufficiency, are serious indicators of a potentially limbthreatening, even life threatening condition. Samantha had all three of them and missing a dance at her daughter’s wedding was the least of her worries. Limbstitute was there to help. Our team located the four damaged veins that were causing her problems. We treated them and six months later, Samantha got rave reviews for her fox trot at her baby’s wedding.

We’re on it.

At Promise Hospital of Florida at The Villages, our onsite, fully-stocked pharmacy provides personalized, caring service to patients. The pharmaceutical team completes a medical reconciliation review for each patient upon admission, which helps avoid medication errors, ensures accurate medication dosages and prevents adverse medication reactions. As part of your healthcare team, we work closely with your physicians and nurses to provide the most comprehensive care possible. And we do more than simply fill prescriptions; we interact with and educate patients so they successfully manage their medication.

OUR PHARMACY PROVIDES A PERFECT PRESCRIPTION FOR PATIENT CARE…

L to R: AMANDA COOMBS, AMY FRAYSUR, BOB DUTCHER, KEITH LAWHORN

Leading – Edge Treatments Of Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy

Mid Florida Eye Center is giving patients new opportunities for restored sight.

DEDICATED RETINA INSTITUTE

Mid Florida Eye Center’s Retina Institute has been selected for high-profile clinical trials.

TWO RETINA SPECIALISTS

Dr. Shawn C. Wilker has joined Lake County’s first retina specialist, Dr. Ray D. Maizel, to bring additional breakthroughs in retinal eye care to Central Florida.

ADVANCED OUTPATIENT VITREORETINAL SURGERY IN A CONVENIENT, COMFORTABLE OUTPATIENT SETTING

Mid Florida Eye Center’s Surgery Center of The Villages offers advanced vitreoretinal surgery, a revolutionary procedure that allows patients a faster recovery and improved comfort.

MACULAR DEGENERATION SPECIALISTS

The two Doctors are also available to provide leadingedge treatments to patients with retinal diseasessuch as macular degeneration, retinal detachments, and diabetic retinopathy.

Visit Mid Florida Eye Center’s Retina Institute to learn how these and other recent breakthroughs could change your life.

Ray D. Maizel, M.D. Shawn C. Wilker, M.D.

FEATURING 30 48

November 2014

BODY PARTS

The human body is a magnificent machine, and nothing in nature can match its complexity. This month, Healthy Living takes a head-to-toe tour of this engineering marvel, providing a detailed look at some of the latest medical advancements, fashion trends and preservation tips for each body part. Even if you already knew the human body has 206 bones and 100 trillion cells, we promise this will be an anatomy lesson like no other.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

BULLY BEAT DOWN

Bullying is everywhere. It’s inside the classrooms, on the sport fields and now, thanks to social media and smartphones, on the Internet. But how do we stop it? In an attempt to raise awareness, students at Treadway Elementary School in Leesburg decided to produce an anti-bullying video that has not only won awards but has helped promote an atmosphere of empathy within their own school.

WRITERS: SHEMIR WILES

ON UED

HEALTHYBODY

SHAPE

58 CROSSFIT CRAZE PART 2

This high-intensity workout continues exploding in popularity.

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

60 SOUP’S ON

Soups taste good on cold days, and they also make for healthy meals.

REJUVENATE

62 WAYS TO TIGHTEN THE SKIN

Is your skin sagging and losing elasticity? No problem.

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

HEALTHYMIND

ANXIETY

68 CONFRONTING ANXIETY

Here’s how to deal with anxiety when it interferes with day-to-day life.

WRITER: SCOTT PERKINS

69 TOO ANXIOUS QUIZ

Discover the level of anxiety you may be dealing with.

MIND GAMES

70 USE IT OR LOSE IT

These brain teasers may help keep you in the right frame of mind.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

LIFE

74 ME, MOM AND ALZHEIMER’S A mother and daughter bond in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

WRITER: PAT JOCELYN

MENCOURAGEMENT

76 DID ADAM AND EVE HAVE BELLY BUTTONS?

Most people appreciate skin, some more than others.

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET

MINDSET

78 A TIME TO BE JOLLY

Americans have many reasons to be happy over the holidays.

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

14 EDITOR’S LETTER

16 MEDICAL MYSTERIES

18 HEALTH MATTERS

22 BE OUR GUEST

24 HEALTHY INSPIRATION

90 HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

98 IMPRESSIONS

HEALTHYFINANCE

RISK

82 RIDING THE FINANCIAL ROLLER COASTER

It’s important to understand the difference between risk capacity and risk tolerance.

WRITER: THOMAS H. RUGGIE, CHFC, CFP

ASK DAVE

84 ASSETS

Renowned financial expert Dave Ramsey shares valuable monetary advice.

85 SAVING BEGINS AT HOME

Simple, common-sense savings strategies you can implement at home plus a history of Black Friday.

• Ear evaluation and cleanings

• Treatment of ear infections

• Complete audiology/hearing testing and services

• Independent distributor of hearing aids

• Physical therapy for imbalance

More Than Just A Name!

• Allergy testing and treatments

• Evaluation and treatment of sinus disease and infections

• Minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® and other sinus surgeries

• Surgery for nasal obstruction

• Evaluation/treatment of pediatric and adult tonsillitis as well as Upper Respiratory Infections

• Evaluation of swallowing, hoarseness and vocal cord function

• Voice and Swallow therapy with Speech language pathologist

• Thyroid and Parathyroid conditions

• Surgical and non-surgical facial enhancements/ rejuvenation

• Cosmetic surgery of the ear, eyelid, brow, forehead, face and neck

• Laser resurfacing, Rejuvapen® micro needling, Silkpeel®, etc.

• Botox and fillers

• Skin cancer surgery and repair of MOH’s defects

I’M BACK WHERE I BELONG

I’m back!

For those who don’t know me, I was privileged to help Akers launch the very first issue of Healthy Living and see our “baby” named best new magazine by the Florida Magazine Association.

Better yet, I experienced the thrill of seeing you — our readers and advertisers — embrace and support our unique publication, which is designed to help you live a balanced life.

What a fun ride it was!

The ride ended too soon when my husband and I decided to grow our family. Of course, it was the right decision and we now have six beautiful children through foster parenting and adoption.

They’re doing great … and now it’s time to get back to giving to the community I dearly love.

I’m a giver. It’s why I chose nursing as a career more than 25 years ago.

Being a nurse showed me the importance of preventive health and the value of balancing your life physically, mentally, spiritually and financially.

Like you, I’ve experienced illness and unhappiness — in my life and the lives of loved ones — when any one of those elements was failing.

Being financially secure yet physically ill does not produce a healthy being.

Being in the best physical shape of your life but lost spiritually isn’t healthy. Having secure finances and great health but battling with severe depression isn’t living life to the fullest.

It’s only when we have a reasonable balance of all four pillars we can truly be healthy and happy.

Healthy Living will give you tools you need to have four solid pillars. We’re here to motivate, educate and give you tips to help you achieve a better life.

But our relationship can’t be one-sided. We want to know what works for you. We want your story ideas. And we want to know what you want to read about each month.

We’re determined to be a vital source of information for our community. In short, we want to help you be happy.

It was a hard decision to return to work while raising three little ones under the age of 4, but I’ve realized I can give fully to my family and our readership without neglecting either.

I’m so passionate about staying connected with my community and being a part of a company that has such a love for where its people live and what they are doing.

I had to be a part of it again.

So glad to be back here with you all!

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

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

SABRINA CICERI associate publisher sabrina@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

GARY CORSAIR executive editor gary@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES senior staff writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

BOB TENNANT copy chief bob@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

STEVEN J. CODRARO creative director steve@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

RHEYA TANNER designer rheya@akersmediagroup.com

MATTHEW GAULIN photography assistant matt@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

RICHARD BURGUET RUTH ANN BYRD TRACY DRAPER MARY ELLEN GRIFFITH

SHAYNE CASTO

FRED HILTON PAT JOCELYN SCOT PERKINS

THOMAS RUGGIE RON VANDEVANDER SALES // MARKETING

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

MIKE STEGALL senior account representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

ANDREW AKERS account representative andrew@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS production coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DEB MATLOCK account coordinator deb@akerscreative.com

ADMINISTRATION

TINA MORRISON office manager tina@akersmediagroup.com

SHAENA CHASTAIN receptionist shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina Ciceri

THE FIGURATIVE HEART IS A MUSCLE I WANT TO STRENGTHEN

Ihave as much drive as any phonebook-tearing, refrigeratorlifting, metal-bar-bending Adonis, but I’ll never be mistaken for one of those Body by Jake guys.

Body by joke, maybe.

It’s my dad’s fault.

He was a puny kid who grew into a puny man. And he did OK in life, so it didn’t bother him that I resembled the string bean who got sand kicked in his face in those Charles Atlas ads.

I wanted to be the guy kicking the sand, but I’d be reminded of 1 Timothy 4:8 whenever dad happened upon me doing chin-ups: “Bodily training is beneficial for a little; but Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and the life that is to come.”

I understood as much, but “Godly devotion” wasn’t keeping me from getting whipped in the schoolyard. Nor was it getting me any girls. So I bought a set of used weights.

I had to. I wore glasses, had the worst case of acne in seven counties, my dresser was full of plaid dress pants, I wasn’t allowed to date, and I was the only kid in my class riding the bus instead of driving to school.

Thank goodness I could shoot a basketball.

So I figured I’d put on a little bulk. Nothing crazy. I didn’t want to become Dick the Bruiser, but I couldn’t stand being built like Dick Van Dyke.

Of course, the old man went absolutely bonkers. I can still see the veins bulging in his neck. And I remember my tears as he screamed my weights had to go. Hmmm. Maybe I was a wimp.

You’d think a benchwarmer nicknamed “Hoppy” by his JV basketball teammates would want his kid to inspire awe when he lumbered down street.

I ended up keeping the weights thanks

to Mom’s intervention, but I lost interest after a couple of weeks. It’s hard to stay enthused when you’re greeted by a look of disgust every time you come up from the basement.

So I stayed scrawny … and discovered the same truth Dad had. You don’t need muscle once you get out of school. I haven’t had a fistfight or wrestling match in the 37 years since I said goodbye to Eastern High School.

Like “Hoppy,” I married a fabulous girl and landed a great job.

And I’ve come to fully appreciate the truth of 1 Timothy 4:8. Developing our figurative hearts is much more important than having rock-hard abs.

That’s not to say the body should be neglected. That dishonors God as much as eschewing godly devotion for the weight room.

So I hit the fitness center a few times a week. Sometimes I bring a Bible study aid. Might as well work on the spiritual man as well as the physical man.

I want to be rock solid inside and out, but I know I’ll never be mistaken for Sylvester Stallone. My body’s too far gone and I don’t have two hours a day to reverse decades of neglect.

But maybe, just maybe, I’ll become Mr. Universe in “Godly devotion.”

It’s a long shot, but I’m encouraged by my personal trainer. He believes I can make it. And who am I to argue? He’s had millions of success stories since he ascended to heaven thousands of years ago.

Until next time, Gary Corsair

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DOES (DID) MY APPENDIX REALLY DO ANYTHING?

WRITER: FRED HILTON

When I was 4, my appendix burst. A ruptured appendix is dangerous stuff for anyone, but for a little guy, it’s particularly terrifying. I was rushed to a hospital, where the doctor ripped out my appendix.

“Ripped” is an appropriate word. I was left with a scar of biblical proportions. It covered the greater part of the right side of my tiny tummy. Later on, friends would swear the doctor used a church key, rather than a scalpel, to perform the operation. If you’re under 40, you may have to Google “church key.”

A huge, ugly scar can have advantages for an entrepreneurial 4-year-old. My aunts, uncles and assorted relatives all wanted to see the scar. I made big bucks for a little kid by charging everyone a dime for that privilege. I did charge Aunt Tillie a quarter, since she always wanted to hug me and she smelled funny.

In the years after the church key surgery, I wondered if I really needed my appendix in the first place.

Until recently, the conventional wisdom was that the appendix had little function in the modern human body. The appendix was thought to be a vestigial organ — one that had lost most of its original function due to evolution. The caveman’s appendix was much larger and played a major role in digestion.

Current research, however, has given the humble appendix a new level of respectability. A team of scientists at Duke University Medical Center found the appendix produces good bacteria for the purpose of “rebooting” the digestive system. Sometimes, the researchers said, diseases such as cholera or dysentery can kill off good bacteria in the intestines.

Dr. Bill Parker, an assistant professor of experimental surgery at Duke, explained to Duke Magazine: “The idea is that the appendix is a safe house or a storehouse, even a cultivation center for the normal, beneficial bacteria that our gut needs. That safe house would be necessary and useful in the event that the main compartment of bacteria, the large bowel, got contaminated with some kind of infectious organism and got flushed out.”

If your appendix is already gone, you’re probably still safe. Parker pointed out the world we live in is much more sanitary than that of our ancestors and diseases that wipe out bacteria on a major scale aren’t typically seen in countries where appendectomies are common.

Apparently I never needed help from my appendix, since I’ve gotten along famously without it all these years. My tummy is no longer tiny, but that nasty-looking scar is bigger and scarier than ever. I don’t think anyone would pay to see it now … not even Aunt Tillie.

FRED HILTON spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years as a reporter and editor for

The Roanoke Times in Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

For you Millenials, a “church key” is slang for a can opener, a device you could find in every household before the invention of twist-off caps and pull tabs.

CLOSING IN ON 100

Valeria Mabene could be a poster child when it comes to engaging your body, mind and soul to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Villager has lost 90 pounds and is just 10 pounds away from reaching her goal.

Mabene exercises daily, is very careful about the food she consumes and has enough heart and soul to propel her forward to reach her goal and beyond.

Healthy Living sends kudos out to Valeria for being such a shining example to others that just about anything is possible if you allow your body, mind and soul to work in tandem.

Managing diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. South Lake Hospital’s self-management education class on Nov. 26 teaches diabetes patients how to reduce complications through medication, nutrition, exercise and blood-sugar monitoring.

The class is from 9a.m.–1p.m. inside the LiveWell Fitness Center. Call 352.241.7109 for more information.

“Losing this weight has changed me — I now know I can do anything I set my mind to …”

Melissa was right to be concerned about her husband. Family history is a primary contributor to a person’s overall cardiovascular health. It’s never too early to ask your doctor for an assessment. Never too soon to ask for recommendations to help. The good news, after a thorough workup at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, we were able to determine that his heart was in good shape. His cholesterol was high but it was manageable through medication. Melissa’s heart felt as if a great weight had been removed from it.

on it.

ANGEL’S WINGS

Throughout the years, Leesburg-based Angel Flight Southeast has provided free air transportation for countless people with compelling medical needs.

One is Alex Zabukovec, a seventh-grader at Oak Park Middle School. Born with a disease that caused his heart to race, Alex needed to undergo specialized heart surgery in 2003 when he was 18 months old. The procedure could be performed only in Delaware.

The organization made necessary arrangements so Alex could fly to Delaware and have the procedure performed. Today, the 13-year-old has been cleared by his cardiologist to play baseball and golf.

While Angel Flight volunteers contribute their time and planes, the organization relies on donations to pay for services that keep its passengers and pilots in the air. On Nov. 11, Angel Flight is hosting its 18th annual golf tournament at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg. The event, sponsored by Harper Family Charitable Foundation, is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. For more information, call 352.326.0761.

HEALTH TRENDS

Lake Eye Associates welcomes Board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr. Vinay Gutti to its staff.

Dr. Gutti received his medical degree from Penn State University College of Medicine and a fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery from the University of California Irvine Medical Center.

Center Gutt see patien o

Dr. Gutti will see patients at The Villages office.

Copy that

Florida Hospital Waterman is Lake County’s first hospital to upgrade its emergency radio system to a countywide communication system. The system will allow all law enforcement, fire/rescue, emergency management, emergency medical services and dispatch services to communicate on one uniform system. This will improve the efficiency of communication between all agencies and the hospital.

This radio system features 18 tower sites strategically placed throughout the county to provide reliable and instant communication.

“In both daily response and in emergency situations, strong and reliable communication is just as critical as the information received from a 911 caller,” says Greg Holcomb, E911 coordinator of Lake County Public Safety. “By adding Florida Hospital Waterman to the network, we will improve the organization and speed of transitioning care from first responders to the emergency department.”

A THINNER THANKSGIVING

Without question, it’s beyond tempting to gobble down a fat-filled, high-calorie meal on Thanksgiving Day. But here are some tips to help you avoid being as stuffed as your turkey.

• Make your plate colorful, with greens, carrots, beets and peppers. Avoid a second helping of mashed potatoes with gravy.

• Eat breakfast. If you’re starving when the Thanksgiving meal is served, you’ll undoubtedly overeat.

• Walk after the meal to get your metabolism burning.

• Cook with healthy ingredients. For instance, add chicken broth, herbs or roasted garlic for flavor instead of butter.

Source: livescience.com/10284healthy-thanksgiving-5-tips-avoidoverindulging.html

REWRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE... FMI reminded me what it feels like to live life at full speed.

My sense of adventure is keen, my soul full of wanderlust –the only thing about me that felt old was my weak, aching knee. Ironic thing was, it was nearly enough to immobilize me – until I had enough.

My experienced, board-certified FMI surgeon explained the latest knee replacement options suited specifically to me –including unicompartmental knee replacement to treat osteoarthritis and gender-knee replacement designed to fit my anatomy. Together we made the right choice. Now all I have to do is choose my next adventure.

nderlust –k, mobilize me ained the y to me –treat gned to fit Now all I

Total Hip

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Uni-Knee

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JOHN A. CO H. ANDREW HUNTT, MD CARL O. OLLIVIERRE, MD, FACS MARIO JOHN, MD

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NOT-SO-SWEET TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR

WRITER: MARY ELLEN GRIFFITH

After watching Katie Couric’s “Fed Up,” I began to think about quitting refined sugars (emphasize “think about.”)

It’s not that I found the documentary on America’s sugar habit particularly edifying. Its premise, that America is fat and the government doesn’t care, is not exactly a news flash. Further, it blames the feds and my bottom line is I am responsible for what I put into my own mouth.

But I grew up on sugar. Frankenberry cereal, Ring Dings and Breyer’s. I haven’t slowed with age. Perhaps I have found the catalyst of my middle-age spread.

If sugar is the culprit, I am apparently not alone. A CNN report stated the average American consumes three pounds of sugar a week. According to “Fed Up,” we should be consuming only about six teaspoons a day, which translates to approximately a halfpound a week. That’s about five times the amount of sugar we’re supposed to be eating. (I wonder how much sugar is in that extra cream cheese icing my good friend the Publix bakery lady puts on cinnamon buns, per my request?)

Since my runaway hips issue possibly has something to do with those chocolate malts and bakery visits, I made an appointment with my trusted family physician, Dr. Findley. This way I could be sure it’s the sugar. I was hoping for some kind of metabolic disorder, or maybe my thyroid.

The final dent in my armor of denial came when and I told Dr. Findley I was concerned about my sugar consumption. She didn’t even look up, “Yeah, that stuff will go right to your middle.” She never mentioned anything about my thyroid. I will miss my good friend the Publix bakery lady.

Dr. Findley went on to reinforce some of the data asserted in “Fed Up.” She said eating lean proteins will keep my appetite in check and to stay away from products made with white flour. I left her office knowing what I had to do.

Fortunately, it was a Tuesday when I left her office and I’m pretty sure there’s some kind of Florida statute that prohibits starting a new diet except on Mondays. That left me with plenty of time to prepare for my figure-changing endeavor. I cleaned out all refined sugars, white breads and my pretzels. And I love my pretzels. High fructose corn syrup and most other “oses” were also trashed. Midpurge, I asked my 17-year-old, size-3 daughter if she wanted to join in the lifestyle change. She rolled her eyes and announced she was going to Chic-Fil-A for dinner. Big help.

Fortunately, both Dr. Findley and the experts in “Fed Up” champion eating fruits and vegetables, so not all was lost. I am pretty sure I did not get fat eating carrots. I also added herbal teas to my pantry.

Lastly, sitting in front of the TV after a rough day with students at school, mindlessly devouring Moose Tracks, that had to go. At school, I eat a light lunch and walk around the block for a few minutes instead of heading for the vending machine.

It has been a week and it actually has not been that difficult. I do get cravings once in a while, but they are not the curled-up-ina-fetal-position, drooling-in-the-corner effects I feared. Best of all, I lost 1¼ pounds. If I stop blaming the feds and take responsibility for what goes in my own mouth, who knows? Maybe my hips will slow down enough so my girlish figure can catch up.

Just sayin’ …

… maybe my hips will slow down enough so my girlish figure can catch up.

M.E. GRIFFITH is a freelance writer currently working on her second book. She teaches eighth grade language arts at Eustis Middle School, is an adjunct English professor at Valencia College, and lives happily with her daughter Lexi; their two dogs, Maxine and Charlie; and two cats, Atticus Finch and Boo Radley.

Healthy inspiration

SHE’S IN IT, HEART AND SOLE

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

For the past three months, Rubie Wheeler has collected 1,800 pairs of shoes. That’s a big soul — and lots of soles. Inside the Clermont resident’s garage are boxes of shoes stacked to the ceiling.

The shoes are delivered to developing nations where footwear is scarce and many residents walk barefoot every day, risking infections and parasites.

“America has become a throw-away society,” Rubie says. “We take shoes for granted, while people in extremely poor countries value and appreciate them. That makes what I’m doing worthwhile. I love being a do-gooder.”

Her work is even more impressive considering she wears a pacemaker and battles Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Not long ago, patients with the disease lived only into their mid-40s.

Rubie is 81. One reason for her longevity, she says, is volunteerism. Throughout her life, she has been actively involved in causes for cancer, animals and young Scouts. She

refuses to let health problems impede her.

That’s why she became excited upon learning Women for Hospice was collecting shoes for Orlando-based Soles4Souls. Rubie, a Women for Hospice member of 13 years, jumped in feet-first.

Without access to hightech communication (no home computer and no email account), she learned the power of a typewriter can be just as effective. Rubie typed and mailed 200 letters to family, friends and various community members. She paid for the postage herself. In addition, she spoke to local civic and social clubs and at neighborhood meetings.

“I’m not high-tech because I feel it’s an invasion of privacy,” she says. “I live a simple life. However, I know how to promote these things because I’ve been doing it throughout my adult life.”

Immediately, piles of shoes began appearing on her doorstep.

“Some of my snowbird friends brought their shoes from up North, and I had an old group of friends from Miami deliver

a truckload of shoes. One man whose wife had died seven years ago called me and offered to give me all the shoes from her closet that he had never bothered to clean out.”

Rubie receives a little of everything, from athletic shoes and hiking boots to dress shoes and cowboy boots. She ties them into pairs and keeps them in boxes until her garage becomes crammed. At that point, a Cornerstone Hospice volunteer visits her home and loads the boxes onto a truck.

“I would say 90 percent of the footwear I receive is in nearly perfect condition,” she says.

“And some of the shoes have never been worn.”

Despite her health issues, volunteering makes Rubie feel amazingly alive.

“For me, volunteerism is a happy space,” she says. “I love people and want to help bring a little sunshine in their lives. I don’t do this for praise or glory. I do it to help less fortunate people.”

Roger Bassin, M.D.

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Get a jump on diabetes and limb loss

The numbers are frightening both for someone who may be a borderline diabetic and certainly for someone diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

• There are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the United States. Among those living with limb loss, the main causes are vascular disease (54 percent) — including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. 1

• Of people with diabetes who have a lower extremity amputation, up to 55 percent will require amputation of the second leg within two or three years. 2

But there’s no reason to be overwhelmed by the statistics, especially with all we know and all we can do to fight back against this insidious disease, including all the tools brought to bear by the Limbstitute in Summerfield. Part of the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence family, the Limbstitute specializes in vein treatment and restoring circulation to lower limbs. It’s also a revolutionary resource for those fighting the debilitating effects of diabetes.

Two medical professionals are principally responsible for the success of the Limbstitute and the life-changing results its patients have enjoyed there:

Tom Tran, PA-C, MPAAS Phlebologist

Tom is in a class by himself as a specialist in vein health and one of the driving forces behind the Limbstitute. He became a registered nurse in the ICU at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and subsequently accepted positions with several emergency departments throughout Florida. Tom was named physician assistant of the year for the

state of Florida in 2007 and has appeared in numerous articles throughout the nation. He’s even an inventor. Tom capitalized on his interest in venous health by inventing a medical device — the transcatheter extractor — that “… allows for less downtime for the patient and takes him out of the operating room and into the doctor’s office.”

Mike Richards PA-C, MPAS Phlebologist

Mike is an associate and partner with Tom Tran at both the Limbstitute and the Comprehensive Vein Center in the Villages. He is well aware of how important a patient can be to his or her own good health. “Patients who are aware, who have proactive habits and recognize potential problems early almost always have better outcomes,” he says. “What’s important with The Limbstitute is that we are able to assess and treat all of a patient’s limb issues at one location. Arterial problems such as PAD, venous reflux that can lead to leg ulcers, wounds that just won’t heal. We have it all under one roof, along with specialties like cardiology, phlebology (vein care) and internal medicine. Even nutrition consultation, which can be critical to healing and a positive long-term result.”

David Haskins, 55, is a patient with firsthand knowledge of exactly what the Limbstitute can do for someonwe at risk of losing a limb.

“I had an ulcer on my leg and put off treatment for way too long My mother had similar problems and I was frankly scared of what was ahead for me,” he says. “I went to a walk-in clinic and they gave me antibiotics and told me to see a vein doctor. I did my research. Tom Tran’s name kept coming up. So I went to see him.

“Right away, he made me comfortable,

explained everything. I needed vein surgery but we had to treat my ulcer first. The wound took three weeks. My surgery — three veins in my left leg and two in my right had to be removed — was over in three visits. The outcome was so fantastic I kicked myself for waiting so long.

“Today I feel 25 again. I can go up ladders. I can go a whole day at work without having to come home and put my legs up. I can water ski! I can’t say enough. Tom Tran, his whole staff, they are the best. The most comfortable medical experience I’ve ever had.” — David Haskins

put ice on it

352.854.0681

OCALA 4730 SW 49th Rd

TAVARES 2754 Dora Ave

SUMMERFIELD 10435 SE 170th Pl

WILLISTON 412 W Noble Ave

THE VILLAGES 1050 Old Camp Rd

THE VILLAGES 1950 Laurel Manor Dr, Bldg 240 puticeonit.com

1. ZieglerGraham K, MacKenzie EJ, Ephraim PL, Travison TG, Brookmeyer R. Estimating the Prevalence of Limb Loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation2008;89(3):4229.

2. Pandian G, Hamid F, Hammond M. Rehabilitation of the Patient with Peripheral Vascular Disease and Diabetic Foot Problems. In: DeLisa JA, Gans BM, editors. Philadelphia: LippincottRaven; 1998.

ead to toe

Celebrating the 32 trillion cells that are your body

No doubt about it, we are wonderfully made. But when you get right down to it, we are each a collection of parts. Head to toe. Like a machine. But, oh, what a machine you are. This month, Healthy Living salutes the body … one part at a time.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

Brain

The brain accounts for only 2 percent of the body’s weight, but is easily the most complex part of our being. And Alzheimer’s disease is surely one of our most baffling disorders.

Source: webmd.com/alzheimers/features/7-alzheimers-disease-myths Alzheimer’s Association nbcnews.com/health/aging/ study-fi nds-possible-recipe-preventing-alzheimers-n155586

Bill Fay of Tavares has seen the effects of Alzheimer’s disease up close and personal. For 10 years, he served as a caregiver for his wife Katherine, who ultimately succumbed to the disease. He offers several tips for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients:

• Do not argue or disagree. If they say something inaccurate, just let it go. If you attempt to argue, they may become belligerent and difficult to handle.

• Do not take Alzheimer’s patients on yearly vacations you used to enjoy together. It’s hard for them to adjust to a change of environment. From eating to activities to bedtime, try to keep things routine as possible.

STAVING OFF ALZHEIMER’S

• When talking, do not ask them to remember certain events in life. This disease affects memory, and a “remember when” question can frustrate or embarrass them.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING ALZHEIMER’S?

• Utilize music therapy. Remember, short-term memory is affected first, so try playing music they enjoyed as a teenager or young adult. It can bring about pleasant thoughts and remind them of a happier time.

• Eat a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants that help protect brain cells.

• Be socially active; it reduces stress levels and helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.

• Stay mentally active by committing to lifelong learning, completing puzzles or trying memory exercises.

• Participate in aerobic exercises, which improve oxygen consumption and benefit brain function. Aerobic fitness also helps reduce brain cell loss in elderly subjects. Interestingly, a recent joint study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland concluded that doing a combination of all these things for two years boosted memory function.

Head injuries are common in sports, especially contact sports such as football and boxing. But over the past couple of years, several devices have been introduced that claim to reduce sports-related head and brain injuries.

None purports to prevent, diagnose or treat concussions, and none is used to any extent yet by

major sports organizations, but the consensus is these devices can at least indicate a potential problem, which, in turn, will help expedite an immediate assessment that otherwise might never have happened. Still, the experts’ verdict is out on whether these gadgets are truly handy on the field.

Impact Indicator 2.0

This chinstrap powered by Battle Sports Science uses a micro-sensor and software technology to measure the force and duration of a hit to a player’s helmet. Once detected, players and coaches can know when or if a possible head injury has occurred, allowing for a prompt evaluation. That not only maximizes a player’s treatment and recovery, it can prevent further injury.

$150

Reebok Checklight

Outfitted with multiple sensors, this sleek, smart skullcap captures head impact data during the game. The LED indicator that hangs on the back of the neck, below where the typical sports helmet stops, is designed to light up whenever a blow is experienced that could cause an injury.

$150

The GForce Tracker

This small yet durable device can be attached or embedded into any helmet. It can track impacts in real time and measure their severity. It also comes equipped with an alarm that will sound when a hit exceeds the programmed threshold.

$150

HeadsUp

It looks like a typical headband but in fact it is head impact sensor designed for youth and professional athletes. In addition to assessing risky plays and recognizing high-level head impacts, this device can also track a player over the course of a season and help manage the health and performance of an entire team.

$135

Eyes

Want a glimpse into the future? Take a look at Google Glass, an Internet-connected eyepiece that allows users to check email, read Facebook posts and obtain directions through voice-activated commands. The device is a headset worn like regular eyeglasses but comes without glass in the frame. Essentially, it’s like having a computer on your head complete with a thumbnail-sized screen, a camera and a microphone. These computerized eyeglasses are not yet on the market and Google has not announced a release date.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT SEVERE VISION LOSS, WHICH AFFECTS MORE THAN 20 MILLION AMERICANS?

Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of ultraviolet rays to delay the development of cataracts. Avoid smoking because it is directly linked to age-related macular degeneration.

Eat a diet high in vitamins C and E. A vitamin or mineral deficiency can impair retinal function.

Have a baseline eye exam beginning at age 40.

Source: sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/808965/10-tips-to-avoid-vision-loss

Nose

Your nose can detect a trillion different odors … and it can also provide a hangout for all sorts of allergens.

Allergies — and particularly a stuffy nose — can leave us feeling downright miserable.

Ed Neuzil, owner of the Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Family Health Center in Lady Lake, has created a spray designed to help minimize the discomforts of allergies. His herbal-enhanced sinus irrigation product, called Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator, helps wash out pollutants, allergens and dirt that accumulate inside the nose.

“Everyone cleans the filter inside their homes to reduce the amount of dust they’re exposed to,” said Neuzil, an advanced

Ears

HERE’S MUSIC TO YOUR EARS.

You’ve eliminated the wrinkly forehead skin and undergone a facelift, but those drooping earlobes are a dead giveaway of your age. Yes, earlobes are also victims of time and become stretched out, saggy and thin. Fortunately, there’s a quick fix.

Enter Eartox (also known as Botox for ears), the latest fad in anti-aging. The lobe is injected with dermal fillers, which draw fluids into the lobe, resulting in a softer, more youthful appearance. Eartox also has medical benefits, such as helping treat flushing, ringing and redness in the ears. It also reduces skin itchiness.

Pierced ears are nothing new, but these days people have larger-thanaverage holes in their ears to wear big earrings and various jewels. What are the potential dangers?

• There’s a possibility the hole in your ear will not close back up.

• If you fail to keep the hole clean, then you can develop an infection.

• If you stretch it too fast, the lobe can actually split.

• Flesh from the inside of the lobe can blow to the outside, resulting in scarring.

registered nurse practitioner who has a Ph.D. in health administration. “Your nose is a filter also and it’s important to clean the filter from time to time. Yet many people are deterred because they don’t like when they put fluid up one side of their nose and it comes out the other side. That’s where this product helps. It gives a spray effect rather than a flush effect.”

The product includes ingredients such as eucalyptol and oils of wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon and pine. It’s also drug-free, eliminating the possibility of harmful chemicals burning the nose. His sinus rinse can even be used by children as young as 4 (with adult supervision) so they, too, can experience relief from nasal irritation.

“Essentially, we’re rinsing out pollen and dirt while at the same time providing

freshness and relief through the use of essential oils.

Maintaining a clean nose is very important. When your nose is stuffed up, you breathe through your mouth and take dirt and other contaminates down to your lungs.”

The spray, which can be used up to six times daily, can be purchased locally at Jeff’s Health and Nutrition, Lake Nutrition Center, Bay Pharmacy, Leesburg Herb Shoppe, Health Basket and other venues.

Back

MINIMALLY INVASIVE

What is minimally invasive spine surgery? Some orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons claim they perform minimally invasive back surgery, citing the incision size. However, the dissecting of the muscle and exposing of the spine causes tissue to die, a greater loss of blood, increased scar tissue and greater risk of infection — similar to open spine surgery.

According to Dr. Frank Bono, an orthopedic surgeon at Gulfcoast Spine, a true minimally invasive spine surgery spares muscle from being cut.

“We use a series of dilating tubes to spread the muscle tissue and create a tunnel from the skin surface to the spine that is about the width of a thumb,” he says. “We perform surgery through a retractor tube, which can be moved at will depending on the exposure needed. Once

the repair is done, the tube is slowly removed. As you’re pulling the retractor out, you can literally watch the muscle fibers slide back into place.”

PACKING TOO MUCH?

Can backpacks be detrimental to the health of our spine? The answer is yes, according to a University of California study that used MRI scans to show how a backpack places heavy compression on the discs and increases the curvature of the lower spine.

“Whether you are a hiker or a student, you should carry no more than 10 pounds in your backpack,” says Dr. Bono says. “Make sure to wear a backpack that promotes balanced posture because the weight of the pack needs to be evenly distributed. Never attempt to tote your backpack using one arm.”

Butt

BUSTED BY YOUR BUTT

Butt-dialing can be more than embarrassing … it can land you in big trouble.

• After a Tennessee man accidentally butt-dialed 911, dispatchers heard him talking about getting high and visiting a drug dealer’s home. The dispatchers traced the location of the phone call and informed a local police officer. When the officer arrived, he searched the suspect’s car and found marijuana, syringes and a leather case with a spoon and burnt residue.

• In Arkansas, a man allegedly butt-dialed the intended victim of his elaborate murder plot. The alleged target listened for 90 minutes as his former employer plotted his murder and even suggested to a third party to burn down his home. Police later visited the intended victim’s home and discovered someone tampered with the gas stove. The butt-dialer was arrested, and his bond was originally set at $1 million.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Here’s how certain personality types may refer to the butt.

SHY: Backside, buttocks, rear

CUTESY: Tush, derriere

CRASS: Booty, rump, pooper

FUNNY: Smelly squeezer, fart place, rear spoiler

Source: usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/09/11/butt-dialed-911-call-leads-to-drug-arrest/15469637/, huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/26/larry-barnett-arrested_n_4340122.html

Legs

FOUR MAJOR ADVANCES IN PROSTHETICS

• For many years, wood was the dominant material used in a prosthesis. Today, many prosthetics are made from carbon fiber, which gives amputees a sense of life in their foot. Others are made with titanium, giving them a longer lifespan and increased durability.

• The use of Bluetooth technology helps regulate stride, pressure and speed in the prosthetic leg.

• For people with above-knee amputations, the addition of an onboard computer within the prosthesis helps them have greater control over walking, stopping and moving on inclines.

• In 2013, a man received the first thought-controlled bionic leg. The technology uses sensors that can detect the same brain and muscle signals the original leg used. But instead of reaching a dead end at the site of amputation, the signal is picked up by electrodes in the prosthetic leg. The bionic leg allows for a smoother gait and helps users easily transition from walking on level ground to walking up or down a flight of stairs.

Sources: newsobserver. com/2014/01/26/3555321_smarter-bionic-leg-moving-forward.html?rh=1 news. discovery.com/tech/robotics/five-majoradvances-robotic-prosthetics.htm

Belly

DANCE LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

Each week, Maria dons a brightly colored and elaborate costume consisting of a hip scarf, skirt, veil and coin belt. She dances exotically while spinning and swaying to Middle Eastern music. Maria, who wishes to not use her last name, refers to herself as a “belly dance artist.” She teaches a belly dance class twice a week at Minneola City Hall called Maria Gimme Shimmy. In addition, she performs professionally at birthday parties, wedding receptions, corporate events and restaurants throughout Central Florida.

Maria says belly dancing, which emphasizes movements of the pelvic and abdominal muscles, has numerous health benefits.

RATHER NOT SHIMMY TO GET SLIMMY?

• It’s a full-body workout that increases muscle tone, flexibility, balance and cardio.

• Lower and upper abdominal muscles are strengthened, which helps maintain the spine’s natural alignment.

• The subtle rhythms of belly dancing are calming, thus reducing stress.

• Improved self-image. The dance is mentally empowering to women and a great outlet for self-expression. They are not trying to arouse men, but rather express their femininity.

Lori Esarey, owner of Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, shares important tips about losing belly fat.

• Exercise: “Combining aerobic and resistance exercise leads to greater fat loss and larger increases in lean muscle mass than aerobic exercise alone. High-intensity interval training is surfacing as superior to steady-state aerobic training, even though it has a lower calorie burn in comparison to traditional aerobic exercise. In addition, short bursts of cycling increase the function of mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell that improves insulin signaling and fat burning.”

• Nutrition: “Avoid fructose, which contributes to increased fat storage in the liver and decreased insulin release. This results in higher triglyceride levels and causes increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and fatty liver disease. If a person is choosing to reduce belly fat, he or she must avoid sugar and, most importantly, all forms of fructose.”

SHUTTERSTCK.COM

Source: washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/05/29/the-newest-hottest-workout-recovery-beverage-hu

Breasts

Society is obsessed with them. The bigger the better. And thousands of preteen and teen girls aren’t willing to wait for nature to do its thing.

When it comes to looking downright sexy, many teens are hoping breast implants give them a “lift.” But how young is too young? Local plastic surgeon Richard Bosshardt weighs in.

“Breast augmentation should be approached very cautiously in very young women,” he says. “Breast development is usually not complete before the ages of 18 or 19. Unless the situation is clearly reconstructive, cosmetic breast augmentation should not be considered in girls younger

Hands

than 18. Even then, maturity should be taken into account and girls should be carefully questioned about their reasons for seeking this, their expectations and their understanding of the limitations, risks and potential long-term effects. Girls under 22 cannot have silicone gel implants. The only option for them is saline implants. Young women are more prone to stretch marks from breast augmentation.”

SPEAKING OF BREASTS …

Move over Gatorade and Powerade. There’s a new sports workout recovery drink in town — breast milk.

PREVENTING CARPAL TUNNEL

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in your hand.

One exercise to prevent carpal tunnel is the wrist flexor stretch.

• Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up.

• Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.

• With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.

• Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

That’s right. Bodybuilders, athletes and other healthconscious people visit websites such as “Only the Breast” and “Eats on Feets” and pay $2.50 an ounce for breast milk. While it has become increasingly popular as a workout recovery beverage, some use breast milk as a daily immune booster. Others have used it to treat psoriasis or ease nausea while going through chemotherapy.

What makes breast milk so healthy? It contains vitamins A, C, E and K, essential minerals, proteins, enzymes and antibodies.

Perhaps Fitness Magazine sums it up best: “Compared to plain milk, water or most sports drinks, it has double the carbohydrate and protein content, perfect for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content replaces fluids lost as sweat, preventing dehydration. Plus, it packs a nutritional bonus of calcium and includes just a little sodium and sugar — additives that help recovering athletes retain water and regain energy.”

DON’T HOLD ON LOOSELY

How do people hold their smartphones? A two-month study was conducted observing 1,333 people using mobile devices on the street, in airports, at bus stops, in cafes and everywhere else. Here are the results.

Users hold their phones in three basic ways:

• One-handed: 49 percent

• Cradled: 36 percent

• Two-handed: 15 percent

In one-handed use, 67 percent had their right thumb on the screen, while 33 percent had their left thumb on the screen.

In cradled use, 72 percent have their thumb on the screen, while 28 percent have their finger on the screen.

In two-handed use, 90 percent hold the phone vertically, while 10 percent hold the phone horizontally.

Source: WebMD, uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2013/02/how-do-users-really-hold-mobile-devices.php

Source: nytimes.com/2003/12/07/us/if-shoe-won-t-fi

Knee

WHAT YOU KNEE-D TO KNOW ABOUT PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS VERSUS TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS

First, understand the knee consists of three compartments: the medial, the lateral and the patellofermoral.

“If only one compartment of the knee is diseased, then a partial knee replacement can be performed,” says Dr. Mario John, an orthopedic surgeon at Florida Musculoskeletal Institute in Leesburg. “This procedure involves replacing only the affected compartment of the knee. However, if two or more of the compartments are diseased, then a total knee replacement is performed and all three compartments are replaced.”

Dr. John says there are several benefits to having a partial knee replacement.

“There is less bone dissection, less blood loss and fewer complications. Also, patients typically recover faster and have a better range of overall motion.”

Feet

IF THE SHOE DOESN’T FIT …

Source: nytimes.com/2003/12/07/us/if-shoe-won-t-fi t-fi x-the-foot-popular-surgery-raises-concern.html

Shoes have reached iconic cultural status, and women desire to wear the latest, most fashionable brands of footwear. When the desired shoe no longer fits, some people rely on cosmetic surgery to make their feet narrower. Popular procedures include toe lengthening, toe shortening and toe straightening.

However, doctors are warning about the dangers of cosmetic foot surgery to showcase toe cleavage. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society condemns such procedures. Some doctors say they increasingly see patients hobbled by failed cosmetic foot surgeries.

Dr. Johnny Wu, a podiatrist with Tri-County Podiatry in The Villages, describes these cosmetic surgeries as “dangerous, crazy and ludicrous.”

“Altering the foot for this reason is very risky,” he says. “When someone amputates part of your foot bone, it causes other bones to work harder. As a result, long-term complication rates begin piling up. There’s a reason your foot has a structure, and that structure should not be tampered with just so you can fit into a pair of shoes you love.”

In other words, if the shoe doesn’t fit, then maybe you should simply quit.

QUIT FLOPPING

They’re wildly popular, comfortable and easy to slip on, but flipflops can be extremely dangerous to the overall health of your feet, according to Dr. Johnny Wu.

“They do not have nearly enough shock and absorption support,” he says. “In turn, it puts strain on your tendons and ligaments to absorb the shock of weight bearing. This leads to tendons becoming inflamed and putting pressure on nerves. Flip-flop wearers also tend to suffer from heel pain and plantar fasciitis.”

Wu recommends wearing laced tennis shoes because of their superior shock absorption and arch support.

Did you realize this is possible in today’s world? There are many treatments available to help us look younger that do not involve surgery. Nothing ever replaces what a facelift can do, though are you sure you really need one? What if you are scheduled for a facelift, and you realize that there is something better than can help you AVOID a facelift?

Seek the expert opinion of Dr. Rich Castellano at ImageLift. We are a National Center of Excellence with our longterm fi llers, and we train other doctors and medical personnel from out of town and out of the country. Featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, Dr. Castellano is sought out from across the country and internationally.

This woman is a busy practice manager, and she wanted a no downtime treatment to help her look more refreshed. One session was all it took for her to get amazing results!

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GETTING HIS KICKS

Florida Musculoskeletal Institute scored big when Dr. Mario John joined the practice in September.

Of course, he isn’t just any orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. John was an all-star high school soccer player in Trinidad and Tobago. After graduation, he played goalie for two years at Augusta State College in Georgia.

As an orthopedic surgeon with FMI, he will now utilize his steady hands to “save” patients from daily pain and get them back to an active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

“I feel honored to join the talented team of doctors at FMI,” he says. “I’m also excited about imparting my knowledge, skills and expertise on the community. My goal as a physician is to not only effectively treat patients to the best of my ability but also educate and guide them so they can become active decision-makers in their health.”

Comprehensive care

Dr. John transitioned from studentathlete to medical student with the same dedication he displayed on the playing field. He attended medical school at the University of West Indies and later completed an internship at Harlem Hospital in New York City. After fi nishing his residency at Howard University in New York, Dr. John completed a fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. It was there where he trained under renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Jiranek, a frequently published expert in hip and knee arthroplasty.

He has served as a sports medicine physician for various athletic teams,

including the Virginia Commonwealth soccer team, the Howard University basketball team, numerous public school football teams in Washington D.C. and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s senior and youth soccer teams. In addition, Dr. John coauthored several peer-reviewed articles on joint arthroplasty for influential medical publications, including the Journal for Pediatric Orthopaedics.

Dr. John has extensive education, experience and training in providing relief to patients suffering from various orthopaedic conditions. His specializations include total hip replacement—both traditional and anterior approach— total and partial knee replacement, revision of failed knee surgeries, and arthroscopic procedures.

Dr. John fi nds many patients asking about anterior-approach hip replacement surgery, which, for the most part, is a muscle-sparing procedure. In other words, to access the hip joint, muscles are not cut but a clear interval is used. Performed under fluoroscopy (x-ray) guidance, this method assists with appropriate sizing and positioning of the new hip joint. “The advantage of the anterior approach in the short term is that patients have a more rapid recovery in the fi rst six weeks post-op,” he says. “And with fluoroscopy you can limit component malalignment.”

Patients are his priority

Dr. John is a big proponent of healthy living. At age 38, he keeps in tip-top shape by visiting a gym three times a week and performing cardiovascular

exercises. In addition, he is an avid surfer and hopes to join a local CrossFit class soon. He also sticks to a diet consisting primarily of seafood.

Because of his background as a soccer player, as well as his desire to lead a healthy lifestyle, Dr. John is passionate about helping patients regain quality of life so they, too, can become active and achieve optimal health.

“I could have played professional soccer,” he says. “However, I chose a career in medicine because I want to make a difference in the lives of others. For me, it is important to get patients as functional as possible so they can maintain their fitness and exercise regimens.”

There’s little doubt he’ll change the lives of FMI patients for the better.

“I’m a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon who is bringing a new perspective to evidence-based medicine. My goal is to deliver quality care and quality service to FMI patients so they can obtain the highest level of musculoskeletal health possible.”

JOHN A. CO H. ANDREW HUNTT, MD CARL O. OLLIVIERRE, MD, FACS MARIO JOHN, MD CHAD WATKINS, DPM, FACFAS

A former soccer player, Dr. Mario John’s biggest goal is helping FMI patients regain their quality of life.

NEW/YOU A

Sometimes surgical procedures such an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or mastopexy (breast lift) are the best option to obtain the body and self-confidence you deserve.

“Breast lifts and tummy tucks are some of the most common cosmetic procedures I perform,” says Dr. Rigo Mendoza with The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery. “In many cases, a lot of women seek to have one or both of these procedures done following pregnancy. We call it the ‘mommy makeover’ because pregnancy can significantly change a women’s midsection and breasts.”

However, it’s not just for postpartum women. During the 15 years Dr. Mendoza has been a boardcertified plastic surgeon, he says he has performed tummy tucks and breast lifts on women of all ages.

“With so many options available, it’s easy for women in all stage of life to fi nd what will work for the results

they are trying to achieve,” says Dr. Mendoza.

Each appointment starts with a consultation where a course of action is decided. Some women may require more invasive treatments while other women may attain her desired look with noninvasive treatments. In the case of tummy tucks, options vary.

“Some women may only have a little tummy pouch that can be fi xed with a mini tummy tuck, which can achieve excellent, long-lasting results that should be well-maintained with proper diet and exercise,” says Dr. Mendoza. “However, there will be women who may require a full tummy tuck, which is more invasive but nowhere near as intrusive as a C-section. We simply cut away excess skin and fat to get down to the muscle, which is tightened and restored to its normal position.”

There are various options for breast lifts, as well.

“If you have enough tissue but have lost volume in your breasts, we can insert a small implant to improve their balance and symmetry,” says Dr. Mendoza. “Another popular option is to do a little liposuction and use that fat in the breast for a more natural appearance.”

With so many choices, Dr. Mendoza advises the best approach to any potential cosmetic surgery is to consult with a surgeon who can help you decide on the procedure that will work best for you.

At The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery, which has offices in The Villages, patient care and consultation is just as important as employing the latest, cutting-edge technology. It is why people from all over the country seek out Dr. Mendoza.

“Overall, we have an extremely high satisfaction rate. I have established patients from Chicago that make the trip to Florida to see me,” he says. “I believe that alone speaks volumes about the kind of work we do at The Bassin Center. We try to offer state-of-the-art tools that best benefit the individuals we aim to serve and please.”

Rigo Mendoza, M.D.

The best approach to any potential cosmetic surgery is to consult with a surgeon who can help you decide on the procedure that will work best for you.

At times, diet and exercise aren’t enough to bring back the taut, toned body we enjoyed in our youth. Over time, weight loss/ gain, gravity and even pregnancy can change our appearance and can be hard to reverse through conventional methods.

I recently needed to have several dental procedures and elected to have the anxietyfree treatment offered by Dr. Murrell. This enabled me to have five hours of dental work done in one visit. I felt no anxiety, pain or discomfort of any kind during the visit and felt completely normal the next day. Dr. Murrell and his staff could not have been more gentle, caring and professional. The anxiety free treatment they provide is priceless for the many of us that avoid or delay seeing a dentist due to the fear of pain or discomfort.”

— Beverly Pires

Protect your eyes with exceptional care

Take a minute to survey your surroundings. Notice the light playing off various objects, the plethora of rich hues, and perhaps a familiar face or two. When you pause and think about it, your vision—and its ability to perceive depth and dimension— is quite fascinating, especially when considering it’s made possible by two diminutive (yet deeply complex!) sensory organs: your eyes.

It’s easy to take your eyes for granted; unfortunately, doing so can be detrimental to their health and your sight. Like other parts of your body, your eyes need regular, special attention. Their intricate makeup requires a team of doctors trained in the nuances of eye care and committed to seeking out the latest technologies and techniques. Your eyes demand exceptional care.

And that’s why the team of doctors at Mid Florida Eye Center continues to raise the bar. Having performed more than 150,000 cataract and laser procedures over the past 27 years, they’re the most experienced group of ophthalmologists in the area. And as the only eye care practice in the region sought after to participate in national clinical trials, Mid Florida Eye Center has brought up-to-the-minute advancements in eye care, along with the invaluable gift of improved sight, to patients throughout Lake and Sumter counties.

Nevertheless, despite national recognition, the practice remains wholly dedicated to a simple, powerful mission set forth by founders Dr. Jeffrey D. Baumann and Dr. Gregory J. Panzo: “Provide the best possible eye care to the local community.”

To carry out this mission, each of the practice’s six ophthalmologists focuses on a different subspecialty of eye care, including bladeless laser cataract surgery, retinal surgery and care, treatment for and management of glaucoma, LASIK and refractive procedures, and surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Patients benefit from the tremendous depth of each doctor’s expertise, as well as access to comprehensive eye care within one practice.

And speaking of convenience, Mid Florida Eye Center has five office locations and two surgery centers located throughout Mount Dora, Leesburg, Apopka and The Villages. So if you’re experiencing an issue with your vision, or if you’re due for your annual eye exam, it’s easy to get the exceptional care your eyes need.

Jeffrey

Our mission here at Legacy Clinic is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, by resolving the root cause, working beyond symptomatic treatment. Our purpose is to strive for our patients fullest health potential, through education and preventative lifestyle opportunities.

Knock out knee pain

Of all the joints in our body, the knee earns the distinction of not only being the largest but also the most important. Whether you’re working on your golf swing or picking up your precious grandchild, our knees stay constantly in motion and help support our body’s weight.

Therefore, when chronic knee pain strikes and begins to disrupt everyday activities, surgical care may be necessary to restore one’s quality of life.

joints o earns the distinction o the but also th worki yo our knees in motion and sup weight ch strikes and to d surgical car to restore one’s At the Radnothy-Pe Center in Tavares, Dr. one Florida’ surgeons, care pain-free from knee arthroscopy ligament (ACL) recons knee pa k one d Dr. Perry fro in the area to control

At the Radnothy-Perry Orthopaedic Center in Tavares, Dr. Donald J. Perry, one of Central Florida’s most achieved orthopedic surgeons, delivers cuttingedge orthopedic care to get his patients back moving pain-free. Services range from knee arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and partial knee resurfacing to patella-femoral knee resurfacing and total knee replacement. However, the one detail that separates Dr. Perry from the rest of his colleagues in the area is his attention to pain control during the surgical experience.

ask, ‘When is this going to start hurting?’” he says. “What we do at Radnothy-Perry Orthopaedic Center is certainly a far cry from what was being done years ago. Since 2006, I’ve been doing musclesparing surgery in all of my patients and it yields amazing results.”

It has helped Dr. Perry reach people who have long suffered from achy knees and have resisted surgery out of fear.

“Fear of pain is the number one reason why people postpone their surgery,” he says. “Therefore, muscle-sparing surgery has helped eliminate that big obstacle.”

In fact, Dr. Perry’s methods have proven to be so effective he has had patients report never needing to take their pain medication following surgery.

“I actually had one patient who had a partial knee resurfacing and two weeks later at his follow-up appointment he said he had just returned from a cruise. It amazed me.”

“I reduce discomfort for my patients by consistently sparing muscle and tendons during surgery,” he explains.

Additionally, he implements protocols before, during and after surgery that help patients get back to their normal activities quickly and easily. And though every patient’s experience is different, Dr. Perry always aims to make sure his patients come as close to pain-free surgery as possible.

“I reduce discomfo sparin tendons surger he imp aft get back e every experie Dr. Perry aims come as clos surgery as “An

“An overwhelming majority of patients

When he’s out in public, Dr. Perry explains how it troubles him to see people moving about in obvious agony. No one should have to suffer from arthritic knee pain.

“I want people to know they don’t have to live their life that way. You don’t have to let the pain become so great that it affects your ability to move comfortably,” he says.

That is exactly why the best part of Dr. Perry’s job is seeing people reclaim their knees — and their life.

“When I see patients in my office and their whole demeanor has changed,” he says, “I know I’ve done my job well.”

2051 Mayo Drive, Tavares, FL 32778

352.343.2171 rpocenter.com

High-Tech Health Care

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

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

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

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

Clermont

1804 Oakley Seaver Dr. Suite A

Clermont, FL 34711

352.243.2622

10000 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 288

Ocoee, FL 34761 407.521.3600

Dr. Georg Couturier

• 6’ 7” and never played basketball, but was the doctor for the New York Knicks for two years.

• German with a French name, who would have been French if born 10 years earlier. (AlsaceLorraine-Saarland region)

• Won state championship for male ballet dance performance in mid 80’s, but still in need of dance lessons. (according to wife, Dalida)

• Youngest of 4 children. Beloved parents Georg and Maria owned a butcher shop in a small village.

• Left Manhattan after 9/11, left New Orleans after Katrina, but stayed in The Villages after the tornado in 2006.

• Couturier means fashion designer in French “Haute Couture” and Georg without the “e” like Mr. VanTrapp in “Sound of Music.”

• One daughter, Marie, who he loves to spoil.

• 9 board certifications, most of which require recertification every 10 years.

• Was chief altar server and ran the summer camp in my village for 4 years.

• Started as voluntary youth fi refighter at age of 12 which greatly helped getting into medical school.

Dr. Vinay Gutti is a Board certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon specializing in treatments that promote superior eye health and function in people of all ages, from general eye care to the most advanced corrective procedures, including cataract surgery, corneal transplants and treatment of glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Dr. Gutti will begin seeing patients in our Villages office this November. Like the rest of our team, Dr. Gutti is exceptionally trained, highly experienced and dedicated to providing unsurpassed care in a friendly, welcoming environment. Please contact any of our offices for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Everything you need for clear healthy vision is at your nearest Lake Eye.

BODY

SHAPE // EAT FIT/NOT FAT // REJUVENATE

CROSSFIT CRAZE: PART 2 58

SOUP’S ON / BRINING 101 / SURVIVING THANKSGIVING 60

TIGHTEN THE SKIN YOU’RE IN 62

TRYASMOOTHIE

BODYSHAPE

CROSSFIT CRAZE: PART 2

As we continue to take a peek at a few of the basic exercises CrossFit employs, keep in mind every one of them can be modified to be easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. CrossFit utilizes movements from power lifting, gymnastics, plyometrics, high-intensity interval training, calisthenics and strongman exercises. The best and safest place to perform such exercises is under the watchful eye of a trained coach. But these are some of the more basic movements and are as safe to do at home as any other exercise demo we share.

BOX JUMP

1. Face the box, squat with back straight, arms forward.

2. Spring upward and use arms to generate lift.

3. Land with flat feet fully on the box, knees bent.

4. Step down back to the start position.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Keep your hips over your heels in the squat position

• Start with a lower box if you are unsure

MUSCLE GROUPS

TARGETED: quads, hamstrings, glutes

SPRING UPWARD, LEAP HIGH

FOCUS ON LANDING

GENERATE LIFT WITH ARMS

ARMS FORWARD FOR BALANCE

NG,

GOOD FORM ON LANDING, KNEES BENT

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

!Usealmondmilk, ahandfulofspinach,1/2cupyogurtand frozenblueberries.Tossinahandfulof unsaltednutsforproteinandyouwillhavea deliciouspostwork-outrecoverydrink!

BODY

SOUP’S ON

Cooler nights mean more homemade soups for many cooks, and that means healthy eating for those who enjoy bowls of goodness.

Vegetable soup is a staple in many households, and why not? The sky’s the limit when it comes to ingredients. Simply start with tomatoes (fresh or canned), celery and onion. Next, check the vegetable bin to see what you’ve overlooked. Don’t throw those goodies away; throw them in your crockpot and let your imagination run wild.

NO RULES, JUST RIPE

Cabbage, broccoli, green beans, corn and carrots (fresh or frozen) are favorite ingredients, but you can tailor your soup to whatever your family loves. Beans? Brussel sprouts? Snow peas? Yes, yes, and yes. There are no hard-and-fast rules.

sh or frozen) are your es,

THE KITCHEN SINK APPROACH

A diet featuring vegetable soup can help you lose weight, but you can also beef it up if you want or need to add calories. Just add pasta or chicken — or both. How about potatoes? And if you really want to thicken things up, add beef, turkey, sausage, dumplings and other goodies you enjoy as standalone items.

BRINING 101

WRITER: LANIER LEWIS

It’s turkey season again and an absolutely foolproof way to ensure the juiciest, most flavorful and succulent turkey this Thanksgiving is to show it a little TLC (turkey loving care) before cooking.

To complete this task, all you need to do is prepare your bird a salt bath, or brine, to soak and relax in the day prior to cooking. A brine must contain salt and typically also sugar to balance the salt, spices for flavor, and of course, water, which brings it all together and allows the brine to do its magic.

Brines work in two ways to keep meat juicy. The first is by osmosis, which allows salty water to travel from the brine solution into the meat. After the salt has entered the flesh, it alters the proteins to help them retain more water while cooking. This ensures a moist bird even when slightly overcooked.

Recipes are abundant for brined turkey. Use your favorite cookbook or cooking website to locate one that looks good to you. The key to a perfect brine is soaking time. It is better to undersoak than oversoak, as you do not want your meat to become too salty. The size of the turkey also matters, so pay attention to the recommended turkey weight in your recipe.

The final and most important tip about brining is making sure you have enough turkey for leftovers. Brined meat reheats beautifully. When you take the first delicious bite of your “day-after” turkey sandwich, you will wonder why you never brined before.

BRINING GUIDE

STEP 1: COMBINE WATER + SALT+ SUGAR

SURVIVING THANKSGIVING

Don’t wake up feeling like a stuffed turkey

WRITER: LORI ESAREY

Do you ever wonder why you feel so stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner? Could it be the average holiday dinner packs more than 2,000 calories? Yes, 2,000. Then we go straight to the couch and watch football.

Here are a few survival strategies to help you cut those calories and leave you feeling satisfied rather than stuffed. After all, who can enjoy the day feeling stuffed?

SUGAR FOR EVERY 1

1/2 cup

5 min

IF YOU ARE THE GUEST OF A THANKSGIVING DINNER:

Don’t go to dinner hungry. Eat a good breakfast and lunch to avoid overeating at dinner. Your body can only digest and use so many calories at one time.

Change your mindset. Thanksgiving dinner is not an all-you-can-eat event. You should eat one well-proportioned plate. That includes non-starchy vegetables and lean meats (white turkey meat or chicken breast). That should leave you with one-quarter of the plate to have something with starch if you desire. Eat slow and stop short of feeling full.

Take your turkey bare. This means no skin and grabbing only the white meat. This small change will save you fat and cholesterol. Keep it to 4–6 ounces and save the rest of your appetite for non-starchy vegetables.

Watch portion sizes. Go for smaller portions so you can sample more items. Moderation is the key.

Don’t forget your water. Drink eight ounces before your meal. This will trigger those stretch receptors in your stomach and notify your brain earlier that you are full. Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate.

STEP 3: SUBMERGE FULLY

STEP 2: BOIL + COOL

REJUVENATE

TIGHTEN THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

We all yearn for the elusive fountain of youth. And thanks to modern science it’s getting closer every day. Below are a few procedures that really work to tighten the skin, smooth fine lines and improve texture and discoloration.

First, start with a healthy mind and body:

• Avoid excess sun exposure. Seek the shade. Always wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

• Stay hydrated. Drink 10 to 12 8-ounce glasses of water (or other healthy fluids) daily.

• Drink alcohol only in moderation (no more than one drink per day).

• No smoking.

• Get eight hours of quality, noninterrupted sleep each night.

• Exercise regularly.

• Throw out the junk food! Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables of a wide variety and in their natural, raw state should be your main food choices. Heat destroys vital minerals and nutrition.

• Develop ways to control stress in your life — exercise, meditate, yoga, deep breathing.

Then, see a skin-care specialist who can provide a healthy foundation to build upon. Skin rejuvenation involves different ways to create slight wounding of the skin in order to set in motion a cascade of events that creates collagen and cell renewal. Some can be performed in spas; others require medical licensure.

Next month, I’ll explore wonderful procedures available to those seeking youthful skin.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SUN BLOCK

• The protective powers of products with high SPFs are only minimal. An SPF of 15 will filter out approximately 93 percent of UVB rays; SPF 30 filters out about 97 percent.

• It’s also important to know that SPF only applies to UVB rays. There is no SPF equivalent for UVA. You can look for additional ingredients in your sunscreen to protect you from UVA — such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — but there’s no standard measurement for how long these ingredients will keep you protected.

RUTH ANN BYRD, owner of Aesthetic Skin Solutions in The Villages, is a licensed aesthetician specializing in skin rejuvenation and clinical treatment of sun damage, rosacea and acne. She is also licensed in electrolysis, laser hair removal and permanent makeup. She can be contacted at 352.874.3653.

— Dr. Steven Chang, One Medical Group, San Francisco

GOOD IDEA

AT THE TIME!

RE-INK WITH THE HELP OF A LASER

• For times you wish you had an eraser.

• One of the most challenging aspects of tattooing is restoring or covering up old tattoos. As the skin ages, tattoo inks migrate or blur. Re-inking can repair many tattoos while cover-ups present their own challenges.

• Often design limitations become a factor in cover-up work as do colors and an individual’s interest in a new design.

• We offer laser treatments to lighten or remove the old tattoo, leaving good skin intact for your tattoo artist to create the new look both of you want!

TATTOO REMOVAL SOLUTIONS

352-383-3773

717 N. DONNELLY ST., MT. DORA, FL 32757

Restored eyesight & eyelids create a fresh outlook

When Kathy Lee relocated to The Villages, she was suffering from vision problems caused by two different issues: cataracts and sagging eyelids. She consulted with Lake Eye’s Dr. Scott Wehrly, a renowned cataract surgeon and lens implantation specialist. “Kathy was a perfect candidate for LenSx® refractive laser cataract surgery,” says Dr. Wehrly. The LenSx® system utilizes a computer-guided laser to remove cataracts with ultrasound vibrations, so no cutting is needed and patients recover rapidly “Because she also had diminished vision, I implanted multifocal intraocular lenses during the same surgery, greatly improving her vision.”

Kathy then saw Dr. Shelby Terpstra for blepharoplasty to correct her drooping lids. “Kathy’s lids were really impacting her peripheral vision,” says Dr. Terpstra, “so her surgery was covered by her insurance.” Blepharoplasty not only improved Kathy’s vision, but also her appearance. “In the waiting room, I saw a video shot of someone’s eyes and I thought, ‘Oh, that poor lady! She looks so sad and tired,’" says Kathy. "Then I realized it was my before photo! I didn’t even recognize myself, that’s how significant the change was! I honestly can’t believe how much better I see, feel and look now.”

The clear choice for a lifetime of healthy vision.

Kathy Lee is pictured below with Drs. Shelby Terpstra and Scott Wehrly

EMBRACE YOUR WORTH AND KISS ANXIETY GOODBYE

STORY: SCOTT PERKINS

Each morning, when Mandy awoke to her alarm, a wave of anxiety took its cue and washed over her. Her mind began to reel with tasks to perform, people to please and dreams that would go unfulfilled for yet another day.

Mandy has anxiety, a chronic condition in our culture.

Anxiety is a reality we have grown to accept as a normal by-product of life. Because it has become our normal state, we obediently comply with what anxiety is driving us to do, hoping the feeling will go away.

Despite that compliance, anxiety is not normal. Nor healthy. It is uncomfortable emotionally, destructive physically, and distracting spiritually. Anxious energy becomes burdensome for our relationships. What’s worse, anxiety is not something we can simply just stop experiencing. Trying harder to not be anxious creates more anxiety. It becomes a vicious cycle of captivity.

Yet, anxiety can be a gift. It’s a symptom something is not right, and if we take a moment to examine its source, we stand a much better chance of not only avoiding the feeling,

but growing emotionally and spiritually and experiencing relational health.

The key to beating anxiety is developing an awareness of our identity — who we are in relation to the world around us. Identity is found in the things in our lives we cling to for a sense of worth or significance. There are three basic questions that identity answers that increase or decrease our sense of value:

What do I do?

What do I have?

What do people think of me?

Our base desires for security, control and affection receive their fulfillment from these answers. Where we find our identity is important to understand because it’s the launching pad of our behaviors, decisions and values.

Very often we make a role, relationship or status the source of our identity. But relationships go through tough times, roles change quickly, and there is always someone with a better financial status or body image to compete with. This subjectivity of identity creates anxiety. Either we haven’t met our own or another’s expectations or we have taken responsibility for someone else’s behaviors.

In Mandy’s case, the bulk of her sense of who she was has been tied to being a “good mom.”

To support that identity, Mandy said yes to anything involving school, Boy Scouts, church, fundraisers and social time with other moms. Compounding the anxiety of being overscheduled was the stress of keeping a house in order. Both components of being a good mom were in conflict with each other for her time, hence her morning wave of anxiety when confronted with all she needed to do and all the people

Remember, what you do doesn’t define who you really are.

TOO ANXIOUS?

Sometimes we don’t even realize how much stress and anxiety affect our lives. Take the following quiz to help you identify whether you’re too anxious.

1. I find myself getting upset easily.

Never

2. I get aggravated quickly when hindered in any way, like by a traffic light, slow driver, elevator, etc.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DECREASING ANXIETY IN YOUR LIFE:

she could potentially let down. All of that was tied to her sense of being significant, valuable and worth loving.

Mandy also felt cheated because she had a dream of opening a photography business. But there was no time, adding to the anxiety that life was passing her by.

With Mandy, we outlined what it meant to be a good mom, and that being a good mom made an awful source of identity. We talked about her inherent worth as a human being and how that was independent of performance or how others misjudged her value.

As she worked to establish a new basis for how she saw herself, we were able to get to the practical work of how to manage her time. She even made it a priority to take pictures.

Sounds easy, but it took commitment to do things differently and strength to press on through failures.

All of ng oving e she aphy dding er it at ce of erent that or how w were f how de it a ment th to

3. I feel tense and nervous in social situations, especially with people I don’t know.

SCOTT

4. I worry a lot about bad things happening.

nd the ose who u can find

e time he oveland

5. I can’t sleep well because my mind is always racing.

If you “answered “often more than twice, you may find yourself feeling irritable, tense and unable to fully relax. Certain situations may bring on your anxiety. You may even display physical symptoms of stress, such as heavy breathing, a rapid heart rate and excessive perspiration.

• Spend time exercising, meditating or outside in nature.

• Make sure to carve out some “me” time to rid yourself of self-criticism. Instead focus on what makes you great.

ASIING NG ANXNXIETY N YO Y UR LIFIFE: self-criticism. In I stead focus on what grea e t.

• Take a nice, long bubble bath and read a good book.

ng bubble bath and read a take k thiis as a diagnossis s or reeatmeent Se S ek k diagn g os o is allth t pro r fessional to o rule rdeer.

NOTE: You should not take this as a diagnosis or a recommendation for treatment. Seek diagnosis from a trained mental health professional to rule out a possible anxiety disorder.

SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

1. On what is your identity dependent for a sense of value and significance?

2. What situations cause you to feel anxious?

3. How are the answers to the previous questions related?

DID YOU KNOW?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18 percent of U.S. population).

QUIZ

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but only a small percentage of those affected receive treatment. What is that percentage?

• 10

• 33

• 42

SOURCE: ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Answer: 33 percent

PERKINS is a coach, speaker, writer and the founder of Perkins Communications LLC. He has been successful in coaching pastors, church leaders, those who want to improve leadership and team dynamics, and people who want to understand their spiritual identity. You can find out more at perkinsperspectives.com. In his spare time he enjoys paddleboarding and bike riding with his wife and daughter in Groveland.

MINDGAME

USE IT OR LOSE IT

We may grow tired of hearing that often-used expression, but it’s actually sound advice when it comes to our brain.

According to recent studies, people who engage in mentally stimulating activities have less buildup of beta-amyloid as they age. Beta-amyloid is the main component of the plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses.

Here are a few challenging mental “games” designed to keep you in the right frame of mind.

BRAIN TEASERS

Two men play five complete games of checkers. Each man wins the same number of games, and there are no ties. How is this possible?

In what state was Abraham Lincoln born?

Answer: They were not playing against each other.

What has four eyes but cannot see?

Answer: Mississippi

FAST FACT: Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississipi on Jan. 8, 1935.

r i F

RHYME TIME

Can you figure out these animal rhymes?

Actual sea mammal

Intoxicated, smelly black-and-white animal

Rotten bird of night

Albino sea animal

Answer: Real seal, drunk skunk, foul owl, pale whale

CAN YOU FIND ALL THE SQUARES?

Remember, they don’t all have to be the same size.

Answer: 14

Answer: Kentucky

MOON MAN

What year did man step on the moon for the first time?

a. 1971

b. 1969

c. 1958

d. 1965

Answer: B. 1969

QUICK! Count the number of times the letter F appears in the following sentence:

“Finished files are the result of years of scientific study combined with the experience of years.”

How many did you find?

cannot correctly process the word “OF”. The letter F usually makes the “f” sound, like in “fox”. However, in the word “of”, it makes a “v” sound.

guesses three. It seems the brain

Answer: Six. Almost everyone

Exclusively offering pulmonary rehab with an experienced respiratory therapist. Specializing in pulmonary and critical care.

• INTENSIVE AND ICU MANAGEMENT

• COPD • ASTHMA

• DISEASES OF THE LUNGS

• SLEEP DISORDERS

• NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

• MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

DR. MARJERY LOPEZ Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

DR. JOSÉ DIAZ Board-Certified in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC, The Villages Regional Hospital and Promise Hospital.

MARIA BYRD, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at LRMC and Promise Hospital.

PILAR SMITH, ARNP Certified in adult health, specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. Privileges at Promise Hospital.

WORLD-CLASS SHOULDER SURGERY WITHOUT THE DRIVE

WE GET IT. You live in a small town, so you think you need to drive to a big city to get the care you need. But did you know TriCounty Orthopaedic Center is home to some of the nation’s leading orthopaedic surgeons, including shoulder replacement specialist Dr. Isaac L. Mitchell? Dr. Mitchell is in the top 2½% of shoulder replacement surgeons nationwide. He’s the go-to shoulder surgeon for several physicians—and not just in the local area. He develops new surgical instruments and trains other surgeons for two international shoulder implant companies. Last year, he and his team performed the region’s first-ever LIVE reverse shoulder replacement for a National Medical Association video. Although his training is big-city (he completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Dr. Mitchell prefers the small-town life. Just like you. The next time you need an orthopaedic surgeon, save your gas money. Get world-class care right here at home.

Our specialties include:

You’re in good hands with Dr. Mitchell. Call today to schedule your appointment.

ORTHOPAEDICS

Center

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD

Shoulder Replacement Specialist Fellowship-Trained. Board Certified.

SPIRIT

LIFE

ME,

LIFE

ME, MOM AND ALZHEIMER’S

WRITER: PAT JOCELYN

Iknew something was different.

Mom’s personality was slowly changing. She was becoming increasingly cynical and paranoid. She felt everyone was “out to get her.” No one was to be trusted and that often included her children. She became disruptive, rude and, sometimes, verbally abusive. She seemed to experience little joy or happiness. She neglected her personal hygiene and housekeeping chores were going undone. Bills were paid late or not at all.

I didn’t understand or like the new person my mom was becoming. She was a far cry from the woman who once made all my hurts go away.

After numerous doctor visits, a diagnosis — incorrect, as it turned out — of clinical depression, failed attempts at therapy and a variety of medications that didn’t work, I was at wit’s end.

I loved my mom, but I didn’t love how she acted. I found it increasingly difficult to maintain a loving relationship with her. How could such a strong and

vibrant woman just fall victim to depression, without a fight? Little did I know she was secretly fighting a battle against a more formidable opponent.

Mom’s doctor finally recommended we have her evaluated at a memory disorder clinic. Mom was diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. Now I could blame her actions on something. It was the disease, not my mom, talking when she said, “You don’t love me anymore.” It was the disease, not my mom, responsible for the abusive behavior. It was the disease, not my mom, to be blamed for latenight phone calls and accusations of attempts on her life.

We needed help and we needed it fast. A friend recommended a class sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. That class taught me how to improve and alter my communication skills so I could more readily deal with mom’s Alzheimer’s symptoms. I was better able to understand her behavior, learn how to seek out the causes and eliminate them, when possible. It taught me the kind of symptoms to

expect as the disease progressed. I was given a list of resources that would help our family cope. That class allowed me to take back some of the control I felt this hideous disease had taken away.

The times I spent with my mom tugged at my heart and were often bittersweet. I remember during one visit, as I read from a book, Mom had dozed off. A few minutes later she woke with a start, and I could see the sheer terror in her eyes as she said, “I don’t know where I’m supposed to be.”

I put the book down, took her hands in mine and placed them over my heart.

“Right here, Mom. You’re supposed to be right here in my heart.”

I’m sure she didn’t totally understand my words. But I’m convinced she took some comfort from hearing my voice.

The disease continued to attack with a vengeance, but thankfully Mom was no longer aware of the changes taking place. I witnessed my mom evolve from a fiercely independent woman to a shell of the person she used to be. I saw

Alzheimer’s steal the memories that gave her the ability to walk and chew food, understand a punch line in a funny joke and control her bowels and bladder. Eventually I saw AD steal her ability to breathe.

Even though AD took so much, it also gave my mom and me some very precious moments in time that, God willing, I’ll never forget. There was something else that was given to me. It was the gift of savoring each moment as I experienced it and savoring and reliving the prized memories that decades of living had produced. Thank you, Mom.

“Right here, Mom. You’re supposed to be right here in my heart.”

PAT JOCELYN worked at IBM for 28 years, holding several staff and management positions while teaching management and employee development classes. She has since started a second career in journalism and has won several Florida Press Club awards for her insightful and heartfelt feature writing.

Ruby Brown with her children Pat, Bobby, and Barbara

DID ADAM & EVE HAVE BELLY BUTTONS?

WRITER: RICHARD BURGUET, B.A., M-DIV.

Iwant to turn your attention to your largest body part all of us have.

It is your epidermis — your skin.

Let’s be honest: Skin is something all of us are interested in. Some in one way; others in another.

It seems the way to get a teenaged boy to read something is to get the word “naked” into the title. The Discovery Channel has garnered an audience by airing “Naked and Afraid,” in which strangers learn to survive together for 21 days with no food, no water ... and no clothes. Not to be outdone, VH-1 offers “Dating Naked.”

And consider all advertised skin-care products and facelift offers.

And I’m not even going to discuss the pornography industry.

Dermatology is an important field in medical science, and here in Florida we need to see our dermatologists more often than most.

God has created the human body in such an amazing way, it’s staggering in its complexity. Your skin is actually made up of multiple layers of ectodermal tissue, and it guards your underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs.

It’s an amazing covering.

Have you ever wondered what life may have been like

before clothing, when skin was the only covering we had? Being a pastor, I sometimes hear some peculiar questions. One came during my ordination examination, in front of some 70 other pastors. One of the questions asked of the gentleman standing next to me was: “Was Adam created from organic or inorganic dust?” The answer is organic, because the other days of creation had already taken place.

How about this question: “Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?” I speculate they did not, because God created them by his own hand, and they were not born through the normal birth process, as were the rest of us.

But how about this one: What happened in the Garden of Eden that made Adam and Eve become ashamed and realize their skin was uncovered? Up to that time, Adam and Eve had lived in the garden, and even worked there, naked and unafraid. I speculate there were no mosquitoes, red bugs or ticks, or at least they were not like the blood-thirsty things we have here in Lake County.

— New York Film Academy

Until their disobedience, the first man and woman were naked and fearless because everything in the world was living in perfect balance and harmony. Very soon after they broke God’s one law and everything went askew, they needed to cover their skin to hide from God. They realized to protect themselves from the forces of creation that would now harm them they needed coverings. For the very first time, man and woman had to take care of their skin.

It is the same today for you and me.

Fellows, there is little more important for your day-today well-being than to take good care of your epidermis. Honestly, it’s all right for a little of it to show. But no one except your spouse, and maybe your doctor, ought to see all of it.

26.2% of women actors get partially naked, compared to 9.4% of men.

RICHARD BURGUET

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

SPIRITMINDSET

A TIME TO BE JOLLY

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are quickly approaching. Without question, planning for meals and parties, shopping in crowded stores and decorating our homes leave us feeling grumpy and tired.

‘Tis the season to stop complaining and be thankful for everything we have. The eye-opening statistics on this page may very well help you appreciate those delicious meals, festive decorations and thoughtful gifts.

3

attend

Source: homeworship101.com/ wp_be_thankful.htm

In this world, someone dies from starvation every 3.6 seconds.

Source: UNICEF

There are 1 billion children across the world who live in poverty.

Source: statisticbrain.com/world-poverty-statistics/

In I t d T S

This year, 1.4

million children will die due to lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

“You bought me a book for Christmas!? I’m not going to read it. You know I wanted a new bicycle.”

1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name.

Source: statisticbrain.com/world-poverty-statistics

Source: statisticbrain.com/world-poverty-statistics/

‘

Mom and Dad, I just turned 16 and you didn’t buy me a vehicle for Christmas. I’ll never speak to you all again!”

“I’M SICK OF LEFTOVER TURKEY. CAN’T WE HAVE SOMETHING ELSE?”

“No, I’m not going to attend a Christmas church service because it’s too long and uninteresting.”

billion people cannot

a place of worship without the possibility of experiencing harassment, arrest, torture or even death.

“Mommy, I don’t feel like washing my hands before Thanksgiving dinner.”

E. Coli Salmonella Schistosoma Cholera vibrios Hepatitis A

health pros health pros health pros

RIDING THE FINANCIAL ROLLER COASTER

WRITER: THOMAS H. RUGGIE, CHFC, CFP

Just as you prepare for bad weather by carrying an umbrella, investing wisely for retirement includes understanding your risks, and how much risk you’re willing to take for the chance at higher returns.

The phrases “risk capacity” and “risk tolerance” are often used interchangeably, when, in fact, they are quite different.

Risk capacity is a measure of your financial ability to sustain risk.

In a practical financial planning context, a risk capacity analysis correlates how much money and assets you have, how much income you will need from that pot of money, the time horizon when you will need it, and how long you’ll need it for.

As an example, if you need to fund retirement withdrawals of $40,000 a year from assets of $1 million starting 10 years from now, you would have a very high capacity for risk. You will still have ample means to sustain your retirement goals even if you were to experience some years of portfolio underperformance.

But if you need to fund retirement withdrawals immediately at $40,000 a year from an asset base of $500,000, you have a much smaller capacity for risk. Your financial plan is more likely to fail with anything less than strong portfolio returns from the very start. Therefore, you would have very little capacity to take risks.

“Risk capacity” is all about your financial ability to sustain underperformance of your investments in pursuit of higher overall returns, without an unacceptable loss of quality of life.

Meanwhile, “risk tolerance” measures your willingness to enter into such a tradeoff in the first place. It measures your ability to handle risk emotionally, evaluating your willingness to take on the risk of receiving lower returns in exchange for the possibility of earning higher ones.

Financial risk capacity and emotional risk tolerance create the foundation on which an overall portfolio can be created to determine your appropriate investment solutions.

DO-IT-YOURSELF RISK TOLERANCE

Investors who try to “time the market” put themselves at risk of missing exceptional returns. The practice may negatively impact an otherwise sound investment strategy.

Higher exposure to the right risk factors can lead to higher expected returns. However, it’s important to follow a long-term strategy in good times, and to continue to evaluate that strategy so it serves you during hard times.

Instead of only asking how much risk you should take within your portfolio, you may want to ask how many years are left before you start withdrawing at least 20 percent of your investments, and what is the worst 12-month unrealized percentage loss you would tolerate for your long-term investments?

So what steps should you take, with the help of your financial adviser, to protect your assets?

• Review your investment strategy with an emphasis on risk. You know your investment strategy is a function of your time horizon, goals, and tolerance for risk.

• All investors need protection from three basic risks: First, there’s market risk, the possibility that events in financial markets may lead to a decrease in the value of your investment. Investors in bonds and

bond funds are subject to interest rate risk. Finally, those who try to preserve money by just investing in bank certificates of deposit face inflation risk – when inflation outpaces interest, you have diminished purchasing power.

• Recommit to saving. Sticking with your retirement savings plan ensures you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, resulting in an optimal average cost per share over time.

SO HOW MUCH RISK IS TOO MUCH?

How much risk you decide to take depends on how much volatility you can tolerate. Think of volatility as a change in value of your account. Generally, while stock portfolios experience greater short-term swings in value than bonds, there is an important tradeoff. Equities (stocks) reward you with greater potential for long-term gains.

Another major factor to consider when thinking about your risk tolerance is how long it will be until you expect to tap into your investment account. If you have three decades until retirement, you may be better able to stomach a market downturn. You’ll have plenty of time to recover. Conversely, if you are in, or approaching, retirement, you have less time to benefit from the market’s eventual upturn and may worry more about a down market.

Overcoming risk takes sound financial planning. Having the advice of a good financial planner could help you weather potential storms.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

A new app called Acorns allows consumers to round up credit card purchases and invest the difference in low-cost exchange traded funds. For example, if you spend $8.50 on lunch, the remaining 50 cents is invested. With Acorn, you connect as many debit or credit cards as you’d like along with a checking account. It doesn’t sound like much, but Acorns says that its current users invest $30 to $180 a month in “roundups” alone.

Source: businessinsider.com

THOMAS H. CFP

Management. With more than million in assets under management, he has Most as one of Barron’s Advisors.

THOMAS H. RUGGIE, CHFC, CFP is the founder of Ruggie Wealth Management. With more than $425 million in assets under management, he has been ranked among the nation’s 50 Fastest Growing RIA Firms, the Top 100 Wealth Managers, Top 100 Independent Advisors, Top 40 Most Influential Advisors, and as one of Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors. truggie@ruggiewealth.com

ASSET

SCHOOL’S ON THE HORIZON

WRITER: DAVE RAMSEY

Dear Dave,

My husband will be leaving his full-time job in a year so that he can go back to school full-time and finish his degree. We’ve both agreed this is what we want to do, but it means we’ll go from a yearly income of $90,000 to $45,000. We’ll have tuition assistance from my job and his veteran’s stipend to help pay for things, plus we’re debt-free except for our house. But in this scenario, once we complete Baby Step 3 should we move directly to Baby Step 4 or continue saving?

—Erin

Dear Erin,

I think this is a good plan, as long as the two of you are on the same page and you’re willing to save like crazy for the next year and beyond. Even with help from your employer and his stipend you’ll still have some expenses, so you’ll have to be ready.

Once you complete Baby Step 3, which is having three to six months of expenses set aside as an emergency fund, Baby Step 4 is usually starting to invest 15 percent of your income toward retirement. In this case, while he’s finishing his degree, you’re not investing for retirement directly but you are investing in your husband and your future together. That’s a great investment, by the way. As long as he’s studying something that has marketplace application, you’re setting the stage for him to make back the money put into his degree and much more.

If that’s the plan, and he’s not off pursuing a Ph.D. in something like German polka history, you two are making a great investment. So work hard now, cut all the corners you can and pile up money so you two can get through his time in school!

—Dave

SELLING A CAR WITH A LIEN

Dear Dave,

How do you sell a vehicle with a lien amount that’s higher than the actual value of the car?

—Ashley

Dear Ashley,

First, you have to find a way to cover the difference between the amount of the lien and what you can get for the car. Let’s look at an example.

If the car is worth $15,000, and you owe $18,000, that would leave you $3,000 in the hole. How do you get out of that car? The bank holds the title, and until you give them the payoff amount of $18,000, you’re not getting the title. The easiest and simplest way would be if you had $3,000 on hand to make up the difference. But if someone comes along and buys the car from you for $15,000, you’ve got to be able to cover the remaining $3,000, right?

Barring the best-case scenario where you actually have the money, you could go to a local bank or credit union and borrow the remaining $3,000. I hate debt, but being $3,000 in the hole is a lot better than $18,000 in the hole. Then, you could turn around and pay back the $3,000 quickly.

After that, you’d give the total amount owed to the bank. They would give you the title, and you sign it over to the new owner. That’s how it works!

—Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listener s each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

DAVE RAMSEY is a personal money management expert, a national radio personality, and best-selling author of The Total Money Makeover. Ramsey earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Tennessee. A frequent speaker around the country at large-scale live events, he has a nationally syndicated talk show, The Dave Ramsey Show.

MERCHANTS ORIGINATED TERM “BLACK FRIDAY” … OR DID THEY?

Retailers would have you believe that the day after Thanksgiving is named “Black Friday” because it is the day when stores turn a profit on the year, thus “going into the black.”

Not so says researcher Bonnie Taylor-Blake. She found the term

SAVING BEGINS AT HOME W

ith today’s financial stresses, it’s time to be reminded of the importance of keen frugal choices and best practices in spending. Here are five common-sense savings strategies for families:

Be loyal to only a few.

If you shop around too much — one purchase here, one purchase there — you could be missing benefits of remaining loyal to a few stores. Generally, loyalty programs reward those who make repeat purchases, so limiting your patronage to only a few stores will bring significant dividends. Some stores have programs that turn every dollar you spend into a future discount. By remaining steadfastly loyal to only a few

stores, you could develop an impressive amount of points.

Make

DIY a mantra.

Your toilet isn’t flushing, your kitchen sink is clogged and your son broke a sprinkler. Do you really need to call the repair man? Have you tried the Internet? Sites as DoItYourself. com and DIYNetwork.com offer thousands of how-to guides to help the DIYer tackle everyday problems. Easy home improvement projects can be done without a pro.

“Black Friday” in a November 1951 edition of Factory Management and Maintenance which used the term to describe worker absenteeism on the day after Thanksgiving.

It wasn’t until the early 1960s that “Black Friday” came to be used to describe the postThanksgiving shopping frenzy. Weary Philadelphia police officers applied the term to traffic jams spawned by merchants’ sales.

couponing, there are a number of ways to cut your grocery bill. Create a list before you buy. And stick to it. When an item is on sale that you regularly buy, buy a lot; you might not see a similar sale for a long time. Buy nonperishables in bulk. Acknowledge that grocery stores tend to place expensive, brand-name goods at eye level. Food items with the best bargains are placed high or low the shelf.

Go green.

your life. Adjusting your water heater down to 120 degrees from the industry standard 140 degrees can cut heating costs by up to 10 percent. Consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs as opposed to traditional incandescent bulbs (CFLs typically last six times longer and use 80 percent less power). Shut the blinds when you’re not home. Turn off lights when you leave, and close closet and bathroom doors to optimize energy efficiency.

Know

the rules of grocery shopping.

Aside from extreme

There are simple methods to cut utility bills without introducing discomfort into

NOVEMBER 4,11,18,25

Super Noggin

Improve your memory and keep your mind sharp with this 10-session weekly course. It teaches health practices for brain fitness and Alzheimer’s prevention strategies. Brain health information is shared with daily assignments to activate and stimulate both body and brain. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3685.

NOVEMBER 6

Stroke Support Group

Helps members make difficult decisions, solve problems and find resources. Educational topic: preventing falls, maintaining mobility and improving quality of life. Leesburg Regional Medical Center, North Campus, Leesburg. 10:30a.m.–noon. Registration required. Information: RoMiller@ CFHAlliance.org

NOVEMBER 7

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Diagnosis and treatment can be eased with the support of others. 10–11a.m. Florida Hospital Waterman. Information: 352.638.0663

NOVEMBER 6,13,20,27

Prenatal Class

Learn about labor and delivery, newborn care, breastfeeding, friends and family CPR and car seat safety. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares, 6–8p.m. Information: cheryl.finotti@ahss.org

NOVEMBER 11

Mended Hearts Support Group

For those with heart disease and their caregivers. Helps with emotional support following surgery and treatment.

Mended Hearts offers help and hope. Noon–1p.m., Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352.253.3399

Auto insurance issued by Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. Property insurance issued by Castle Key Insurance Company and Castle Key Indemnity Company, St. Petersburg, FL. The assets and obligations of the Castle Key companies are separate and distinct from those of any other company in

NOVEMBER 11

ACS Program

American Cancer Society class teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to restore appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation. 1:30–3:30p.m., Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352-253-3605

NOVEMBER 11

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

Offers support, encouragement and information to patients, survivors and families. Survivors discuss their situations, experiences, coping strategies and hope. Florida

Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352.253.3605

NOVEMBER 13

Overeaters Anonymous

Meetings Thursdays

5:30–6:30p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman.

Information: 352.223.9769

NOVEMBER 15

Florida HalfMarathon

At Lake Louisa State Park. Also a 10K and 5K. One of Central Florida’s most challenging and scenic courses. The course will take runners on paved surfaces and trails throughout the park. 7:30a.m. start for the half-marathon; 7:45a.m. for the 10K; 7:50a.m. for the 5K. Packet pick-up and registration Nov. 14 at the National Training Center on the LiveWell Campus, 1935 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont, from noon to 6p.m.

NOVEMBER 24

Amputee Support Group W.A.L.K.

Waterman Amputee & Limb

Loss Konnections. For those with amputations and loss of limbs. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares. 6–7p.m.

Information: 352.253.3892

& Phyllis Baum

A cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) exam helps to evaluate your heart health by measuring the blood flow brought by the coronary arteries to the heart muscles. PET scans are used to identify coronary artery disease and manage your treatment plan.

As one of the oldest private cardiology practices, Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County was first to bring this technology to our area.

We are dedicated to bringing innovations in cardiovascular care to our patients. Since 1992, we have been your partners for life.

COVERING THEIR BACKS

More than 600 Wildwood Elementary School students received backpacks and school supplies during the Jean Kelly Backpack 4 Kids program. The event was staged by members of Wildwoodbased Brownwood Baptist Church, who spent several months raising $16,000 to purchase the backpacks and supplies.

PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHEW GAULIN

1. Sandy Birgman and Judi Werkema

2. Donna Crist, Don Pooles and Susie Lockard

3. Ruth Avella, Peg Bailey and Sheila Duffy

4. Christine Stallings with her students

5. Belle Vega and Loretta Wales

6. Sanci Skipper, John Temple and Laticia Crosby

Community

HAPPY HEARTS

More than 100 women gathered at Lake Receptions in October to attend Florida Hospital Waterman’s inaugural Ladies Legacy Luncheon. In addition to visiting several exhibitor booths, guests also participated in a silent auction and listened to special guest speaker Dr. Seble Gabre-Madhin (Dr. Sebby). Proceeds support heart care services at Florida Hospital Waterman.

PHOTOGRAPHER: SHEMIR WILES

1. Jane Schiraldi, Edith MacDermott, Barbara Fuston, Ingeborg Amery, Dee Link, Joyce Cable, Janice Govreau and Michele Kelley

2. Barbara Guyan, Ellie Thomas and Dottie Ruck

3. Joyce Crabtree, Deborah Richard and Heather Glenny

4. Tricia Guido and Melody Hayes

5. Molly Horton and April Gagnon

6. Sandi Smallman and Doris Lawton

7. Shelley Calkins and Elizabeth Clark

8. Cheryl Rumbley and Angie Hamel

CASTING A SPELL

The 13th annual Take Stock in Children corporate spelling bee created quite a buzz, as numerous teams from Lake and Sumter counties attempted to sting the competition. Take Stock in Children identifies financially at-risk students in the eighth grade, provides them with a mentor and an advocate and, upon graduation, rewards them with a college tuition scholarship.

PHOTOGRAPHER: RON VANDEVANDER

1. Chris Santos, Crystal Harris, Daniela Villanueva and Alex Torrelli

2. Marjie Paymani, Dusty Matthews and Nanci Schwartz

3. Jalisia Lasane and Gail Weidner

4. Linda Shepherd-Miller, Doug Major and Julie Lueallen

5. Carman Cullen-Batt

6. Janet Shaner, Tricia Guido, Jennifer Rivera and Eileen Young

7. Elizabeth Defalco

8. Peggy Campbell and Bill Giffing

REGISTRATION

Get lifeyour ‘back’

In many cases, the cause of low back pain and/or leg pain results from a herniated disc.

Discs are located between each of the spine’s 24 vertebras and act as shock absorbers. The soft, jelly-like center is the nucleus pulposus, and the strong outer ring is the annulus. When the annulus weakens, the nucleus pulposus pushes outward and may impinge on the exiting nerve root. This may result in pain, tingling, burning and numbness down the leg.

Oftentimes, this occurs in the lumbar spine, or lower back. While the pain may be uncomfortable or even debilitating, it’s important to remember that conservative care should always be the first course of treatment.

Fortunately, Dr. Jeffrey Glover has achieved outstanding results for patients suffering from low back and sciatic nerve pain. As owner of Glover Chiropractic Clinic in Leesburg, he utilizes a protocol of non-invasive procedures to provide lasting relief from low back and sciatic pain.

One of those treatments is spinal decompression, which

uses a special form of traction to expedite the healing process and allow the herniated disc to become reabsorbed. This permits nerves to exit the spine more freely.

“Spinal decompression helps rehydrate a herniated disc and increases disc height,”

Dr. Glover says. “Many of my patients with herniated discs and degenerative disc disease have experienced promising, long-lasting results.”

The Lite Cure Class IV laser is another effective tool utilized by Dr. Glover. The deep tissue light laser therapy increases oxygen and blood supply to an injured area and decreases inflammation. As a result, patients enjoy accelerated healing and faster pain relief.

“Laser therapy has been an extremely successful treatment option for numerous conditions,” he says. “For instance, some of my patients suffer from neuropathy and had no feeling in their feet. After several treat-

ments, they could feel when they were walking on carpet.”

Finally, Dr. Glover performs chiropractic adjustments to help the spine maintain proper alignment. A properly aligned spine helps the nervous system achieve optimal function, which is important since nerves control every organ in the body.

“With these treatments, patients are able to avoid medication that may have harmful side effects. They are also able to avoid surgery, which always comes with potential risks and

long recovery times.”

Dr. Glover is a 1999 graduate of Leesburg High School and a 2007 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. For him, returning to Leesburg and practicing chiropractic in his hometown is a point of pride. And he never lets money get in the way of care that a patient may desperately need. While his office offers advanced treatment options, patients also enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Dr. Glover and his staff get to know people not as patients, but rather as friends.

Impressions

“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.”

— Psalm 139:14

Dr. Bustinza-Linares graduated from Medical School at Universidad Nacional San Agustin in Peru and remained for a few years in his home country as a volunteer physician with the Peruvian Red Cross and working with the military and underserved population while in the Air Force. He completed his internal medicine residency at University of Miami in 2009 and then departed to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for a fellowship in investigational cancer therapeutics. There, he focused on Phase I trials with newly developed small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and histone deacetylase inhibitors writing multiple articles in peer review journals.

Most recently, he completed his Hematology/Oncology fellowship at University of Miami and moved to The Villages area to serve our expanding community. He is a very compassionate and competent bilingual physician, who is also known for his excellent bed side manner.

Aida is greater than cancer. With cancer running in her family, Aida knew the importance of regular screenings. later, with the help of the Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute and some of the region’s most advanced cancer treatment including SAVI®, a breakthrough in radiation therapy, Aida is cancer free. To read more about Aida, her journey to survivorship and how she is greater than breast cancer, visit FHWaterman.com.

Aida Yaccarino Breast Cancer Survivor with her husband, Lou