This vegetable provides numerous health benefits
Gardening is taking root in Lake County Cameron Vansant, 16, muscles in on bodybuilding
It's true. Our surgeons can repair hernias through small incisions rather than one large one, for faster recoveries. Learn more at LeesburgRegional.org.
No, it's not a typo.
Dr. Theresa Mills has been an interv r en e tional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates since August 2008. For her, educating patients about the importance of taking their health to heart is the most enjoyable aspect of the job.
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“There are few things more rewarding than helping patients with heart disease overcome their problems,” she said. “My goal is to help them live well and feel good.”
Therearefewthingsmorerewardingthan
Her duties range from placing stents in coronary arteries to radial approach of cardiac catheterization.
“My job is to encourage each patient to live a healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle and being proactive in their health is what it’s all about.”
Since 1992, we have been your partners for life.
YEARS OF SERVICE TO LAKE COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: Total Joint Replacement // Arthritis Evaluation // Non-Surgical Back Evaluation // Osteoporosis Evaluation // Physical Therapy Diagnostic Radiology // Sports Medicine // Shoulder Surgery // Foot & Ankle Surgery // Trauma & Fracture Management // Arthroscopic Surgery
J. Mandume Kerina, MD
Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics.
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained.
Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery
Isaac L. Mitchell, MD
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Shoulder/Upper Extremity and Sports Medicine.
Claudia L. Thomas, MD
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Orthopaedic Trauma and Spine, National Osteoporosis Foundation Member.
Cedric J. Tankson, MD
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Foot and Ankle Specialist, Joint Replacement of the Ankle.
Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Cartilage Rejuvenation, Shoulder Surgery, and Sports Medicine.
John T. Williams, Jr., MD
Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Advanced Total Joint Replacement Surgery, Chairman of Surgery at CFHA.
November 2016
ON THE COVER:
DIRECTION: JAMIE MARK, VOLKAN ULGEN
PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK
SQUASH THOSE CALORIES
40 With chicken and squash stir-fry, you can savor the taste and your health.
GO TO KALE
41 This leafy, green vegetable provides five important health benefits.
CLEARING THE AIR
42 What combats indoor air allergies the best…air purifiers or dehumidifiers?
A HEALTHY A-PEEL
44 For a nutrient-packed punch, avoid peeling fruits and vegetables.
20 // HOMEGROWN
As you will see, many Lake and Sumter residents are establishing new roots and cultivating a love for gardening. The result? Their world has blossomed with beautiful plants and tasty vegetables.
30 // DIABETES
November is National Diabetes Month. More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. Free diabetes workshops in Lake County teach people about the disease and how to effectively manage it.
Local teenage bodybuilder Cameron Vansant enjoyed a successful debut in the sport during the NGA 6th Annual Florida State Natural Bodybuilding Qualifier held in Ormond Beach.
SHAKE THE POST-VACATION BLUES
48 How to transition back to reality after vacation.
WHAT THE TECH IS GOING ON?
50 How too much technology adversely affects our health.
SOW THE SEEDS OF VOLUNTEERISM
54 Sprout new roots in your life by volunteering at an organic farm.
ENTITLEMENT COMPLEX
56 Why having a sense of entitlement is unhealthy.
BE HEALTHY AND WEALTHY
60 Here’s how you can invest in healthy food without breaking the bank.
I’LL HAVE THE WORKS
62 Putting off retirement past age 65 may ensure a longer, healthier life.
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November is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, meaning I’ll spend plenty of quality time with friends and family. I also look forward to getting an extra hour of sleep thanks to daylight savings time, seeing which candidates win in local and national elections, and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Another highlight of November is the weather. We say goodbye to the sticky, suffocating, sizzling summer heat and humidity that we endure from May through early October. We say hello to sunny, mild days and crisp, nighttime temperatures.
For that reason, being outdoors in November is a lovely experience. And that’s why this month’s issue is getting to the root of an exciting outdoor activity—gardening.
Gardening continues to blossom in popularity. Some people have their own backyard gardens, while others enthusiastically participate in community gardens. ‘Lettuce’ tell you why your health benefits will bloom by becoming involved with gardening.
For starters, gardening provides moderate exercise and forces us to use major muscle groups in our body. Secondly, gardening encourages self-reliance because we continually seek new solutions when we encounter challenges of growing a garden. Finally, producing healthy food fuels our bodies with nutrients and keeps us away from the grease- and calorie-filled foods we typically consume.
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That’s why it excites me to see how Lake County schools and businesses are doing their part to cultivate students’ interest in gardening, which is the focus of this month’s issue.
When children participate in gardening, it helps them understand and develop an appreciation for where their food comes from. Moreover, it instills important qualities such as responsibility, leadership, independence, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Give gardening a try and be sure to involve your children or grandchildren. The plants and vegetables you put in the dirt are not the only things that will grow.
You’ll grow as a person.
Kendra Akers
You are surrounded by Florida’s beautiful wilderness—palm trees, palm bushes, pine trees, and oaks. You gaze skyward and see an eagle gracefully soaring among the clouds with wings fully spread. Suddenly, the magnificent animal falls from the sky and swoops down on unsuspecting prey. It’s a sight to behold and one you’re likely not to forget anytime soon.
Rather than becoming bogged down by the hustle and bustle of the holidays—preparing meals, planning parties, and shopping for gifts—try spending time outdoors. It’s beneficial for both mental and physical health. Bird watching has become one of the country’s most popular sports. Fortunately, Lake County offers ample opportunities for both beginning and experienced bird watchers
According to wingsandwildflowers.com, the following locations are ideal for bird watching: Bourlay Historic Nature Park, Crooked River Preserve, Dora Canal, Flat Island Preserve, Hidden Island Preserve, Lake Apopka Clay Island, Lake Norris Conservation Area, Lake Louisa State Park, Alexander Springs, Palm Island Boardwalk, Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, Sarah Maude Mason Nature Preserve, Sawgrass Island Preserve, Seminole State Forest, Trout Lake Nature Center, Venetian Gardens and Wekiva Springs State Park.
When was the first open-heart surgery performed in Lake County? Please make an educated guess before looking at the answer below.
During the 2015-2016 school year, a 60-year-old substitute teacher collapsed inside a Lake County classroom. Third-grade students at Triangle Elementary School acted promptly by pressing a panic button and contacting the school nurse. The teacher ultimately underwent a successful triple bypass surgery.
In an effort to recognize their heroic acts, specialists from Florida Hospital Waterman visited the school and taught students about cardiac arrest. Dr. Gary Allen, a cardiothoracic surgeon, also provided valuable tips on maintaining cardiovascular health. Students were given jump ropes to help them be active and healthy.
Dr. Johnson received his Osteopathic Degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan, and completed his residency at Mount Clemens General Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan. After practicing with Mid Michigan Surgical Associates in Big Rapids, Michigan for six years, he relocated to Florida in 2002, he moved to Florida with his wife Ann and their children, Clayton, Cara, and Connor. He started South Lake Surgical, then in 2004, merged with the practice of Jorge L. Florin, MD, to form Mid-Florida Surgical Associates. The group includes four board-certified general surgeons that serve Lake, Sumter, and West Orange counties, with offices in Clermont and Ocoee.
In addition to being an active staff member of South Lake Hospital and Health Central Hospital, Dr. Johnson is part of the consulting staff for Orlando Regional Health.
After serving as chief of surgery at South lake Hospital, he has also served as chief of staff. Dr. Johnson is a member of The Florida Medical Association, The American Osteopathic Association, Lake Sumter Medical Society, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Americas Hernia Society , Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, and Society of Robotic Surgery.
Dr. Johnson was the first surgeon to perform a robotic procedure in South Lake County, and remains a strong supporter of minimally invasive procedures. He continually updates his training and stays informed about the latest surgical techniques. He serves as a proctor for robotic procedures, the latest technology in general surgery today. He is avidly interested in minimally invasive robotic procedures and robotic single-site surgery. His interest include colorectal, bowel, biliary, and hernia surgeries. He also provides care for patients with breast and endocrine diseases.
The focus of our practice is to provide the very best in surgical care to our patients. We strive to treat you like family.
In May, LifeStream Behavioral Center kicked off its 45th anniversary celebration with a luncheon at the Leesburg Opera House. Elected officials, law enforcement officers, first responders, and civic and business leaders attended the event. The organization provides services for people with mental illness and behavioral problems.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. For diabetics, it’s extremely important to effectively manage this complicated disease. Florida Hospital Waterman’s Diabetes SelfManagement Support Group is held Wednesday, Nov. 16. Led by certified diabetes educator Debra Dudley, the class teaches patients how to reduce complications through medication, nutrition, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.
The class is 5-6p.m. inside the Conroy CREATION Health Center on the campus of Florida Hospital Waterman. For more information, call 352.253.3685.
Fast Fact: According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 208,000 Americans under age 20 have diabetes.
Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Lake County residents. We know 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 & 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 going.
• Cook with healthy ingredients. For instance, add chicken broth, herbs, or roasted garlic for flavor instead of butter.
Source: livescience.com/10284-healthy-thanksgiving-5-tips-avoidoverindulging.html
Kirk Malone, president of The Villages Ear, has opened a whole new world of opportunity for thousands of people by properly fitting them with hearing instruments and vastly improving their hearing ability.
Now, he is creating a first-rate impression for patients who walk through the door.
His newest office, which opened last February in the Brownwood area, does not have a clinical feel. Instead, the waiting room resembles an upscale living room, complete with comfortable furniture and warm pendant lighting. The overall brightness and spaciousness of the reception area soothes, calms, and cheers the soul.
In addition to the modern and inviting atmosphere, there is the smiling face of Patient Care Coordinator Denease Burns, whose personable, friendly demeanor makes you feel as if you’ve known her your entire life.
“Every time I walk into the reception room, Denease is engaging a patient in conversa-
tion. Our patients love our warm and friendly office,” said Kirk, a board-certified hearing instrument specialist.
Although this is the third Villages Ear location, Kirk wanted this office to be different. His logic is simple, yet precise. Patients tend to relax more in an attractive, comforting environment and the processes of having their hearing screening and being fitted for hearing instruments go much more smoothly.
“I’m very excited about having a presence in Brownwood because it’s the fastest growing part of The Villages,” Kirk said. “We’re on the outskirts of Wildwood and only four miles from Leesburg and Fruitland Park. Residents from these towns have convenient access to us, and we look forward to developing relationships with them.”
The Villages Ear already has nearly 5,000 active patients and typically sees 12,000 patients each year. Approximately 70 percent of new patients come via referral, a glowing testimony to Kirk’s emphasis on patient satisfaction.
“You will not find a more caring and friendly staff, and we always put the needs of our patients first – that is our GUARANTEE! Our impeccable reputation is proof of that commitment. In addition, we pride ourselves on treating our patients with the most advanced and up-to-date technology that the industry offers”.
No wonder The Villages Ear consistently receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
All of these reasons—and many more—are why The Villages Ear is The Villages largest and most trusted name in hearing healthcare.
3 convenient golf-cart-approved locations in The Villages: 2951 Traverse Trail | 352.259.8976 (Grand Traverse Plaza west of Brownwood) 3399 Wedgewood Lane | 352.259.8070
the Southern Trace Professional Plaza) 314 LaGrande Blvd. | 352.753.3033
Hwy. 441 across from Wendy’s)
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is hosting its first annual Wine Women & Shoes on Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North. The event, with a “Girls’ Night Out” theme, will feature a marketplace of boutique “storefronts,” where attendees can shop for jewelry and other fashion accessories while sampling wines from around the country. The evening’s fashion show will be emceed by the reigning Miss Florida, Courtney Sexton, David Lang of Regalia Magnificent Apparel, and J. Scott Berry, owner of J. Scott’s Skin Care & Day Spa in Leesburg. Event proceeds benefit the FCS Foundation, which provides nonmedical financial assistance to cancer patients. The foundation allows those fighting cancer to concentrate on recovery, rather than worrying about overdue mortgage, rent or utility bills.
Specializing in:
• Mini Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo of Neck and Jowls
• Xeomin/Botox/Juvederm/Belotero/Radiesse
• DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Peel
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
• Direct Neck Lift
• Smartlipo (Laser Assisted Liposuction)
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
• Arm Lift
• Thigh Lift
• Body Contouring After Weight Loss
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction and Lift
• Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction
/Radiesse tion) s
Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery Medical School: University of Florida
Residency: The Ohio State University
142
WRITER: DEBBI KIDDY
Born in 1942 in Bartow, Florida, Ben (Benny) McLean has seen many changes through his decades in Florida, especially in Clermont, where he has lived and worked in the citrus industry since 1952. Like juice squeezed from his oranges, Benny oozes knowledge, wisdom, and health. He works as production manager with his wife, Susan, two sons (Matt and Ben III), and 11 grandchildren in the family business, Uncle Matt’s Organic.
Benny’s intense blue eyes twinkle as he recalls starting out at age 10 with a small hoe, weeding the groves alongside his father’s hand crew in the summer, along with his four brothers and three sisters.
Later, Benny earned a degree in agriculture economics and a minor in fruit crops from the University of Florida (UF). After a prestigious career working in every aspect of the citrus industry, Benny brought his valuable knowledge and expertise to his current job.
He credits his father Ben Sr. with teaching him two important lessons toward healthy living:
• All science begins with observation (Is it something we are doing or not doing that is causing the problem?)
• You have to understand soil, chemistry, physics, and biology.
These not only helped in the industry for which he works, but in all areas of his life. Following Benny’s legacy, both sons graduated from UF and are continuing in their dad’s example: knowledge to improve the industry through healthy organic farm practices.
In 1999, Matt recognized a need after working with juice processors in Germany, who requested organic oranges from Florida. Proudly, Benny says, “Matt rallied the whole family to discuss the opportunity, and asked his ‘Pappy’ (Benny’s dad), ‘Can we grow organic citrus here in Central Florida?’ My dad said, ‘Matt, are you kiddin’ me? That’s the way we grew it around here for the last 150 years—no one ever told us it was organic!’”
Benny quickly recognized the benefit in the plan to go back to the natural, organic practices of farming and the first grove to be converted to organic is behind Benny’s home. “From there we got it up to 1,500 acres,” says Benny.
He also boasts of his son’s, Ben III, efforts to find a cure to rid the citrus industry of the current threat of the “greening” bacteria by studying the DNA of older trees in the groves. These trees survived the freezes of the 1980s and are proving resistant to the devastating bacteria.
Benny’s inspiration and legacy of wisdom continue to positively impact his family, community, and industry toward the goal of healthy living.
We can all agree it gets pretty hot in Florida in the summer. This past summer, for example, was a real terror with the temperatures visiting the high 90s again and again. You have to wonder how anybody lived in Florida before air conditioning was invented. Ponce de Leon was probably looking for the Fountain of Youth because he thought it would cool things down.
The hot summers create a desperate need for air conditioning or a good fan. Unfortunately, either one can give you a stiff neck. We’ve all known that for a while but had to wonder why.
The Illinois Back Institute developed a case study about a patient who developed a stiff neck that progressed to intense neck and back pain. The problem likely came from the breeze generated by an open window, an air conditioner, or a fan.
The case study said the patient was sleeping well and using a blanket. The air conditioner made the room colder.
“Still sound asleep, she got too warm, maybe even a little sweaty and she threw her blanket off her upper back. At this point, the room became cold and her muscles started to tighten, but she didn’t wake up. Eventually her tight muscles started to cramp.” Her joints started locking up until “she could barely move her neck and her muscles were in spasm until she received treatment.”
Some argue that an air conditioner or fan doesn’t cause a sore neck, it only intensifies an existing problem.
Chiropractor Jonathan Karnitsky says, “These things merely trigger the problem which already lies within the body, whether it be an old injury causing scar tissue and misalignment or repetitive habits which accelerate the wear and tear of the spinal structures.”
Thankfully, we don’t have to turn off the air conditioning or trash the ceiling fan.
And remember how nice Florida is in the winter when those less fortunate folks up North are digging out of ice and snow.
Just take a few precautions:
• Keep your furnace on during spring and fall. The heat will only come on when it’s really cold.
• Reverse the air flow upward on your fan so it’s not blowing directly on you.
• If an air-conditioning vent blows directly on you, install a deflector to move the air away.
• Wear clothing or use blankets that will cover and keep your neck from getting a chill.
SOURCES:
“A Cause of Neck Pain You Can Avoid, ” Massage Therapy & Wellness Canter, Michigan City, IN, May 30, 2014 http://wellness-specialists.com/a-cause-of-neck-pain-you-can-avoid/ — “The Classic ‘Stiff Neck’,” by Jonathan Karnitsky, D.C., peakperformchiro. net — http://www.peakperformchiro.net/uploads/6/0/9/2/6092970/ stiff_neck_article.pdf — “Remedies for a Stiff Neck,” by Susan Knowlton, Health Guidance for Better Health — http://www. healthguidance.org/entry/15582/1/Remedies-for-a-Stiff-Neck. html — “Why does cold air blowing over your neck make it stiff?” by Joseph Blair, Quora.com — https://www.quora.com/Why-doescold-air-blowing-over-your-neck-make-it-stiff — “Case Study: Waking Up With a Stiff Neck by Ryan Chapman,” Illinois Back Institute, May 8, 2014 — http://www.illinoisbackpain.com/casestudy-waking-stiff-neck-ryan-chapman/
The event will also feature:
WRITER: DEBBI KIDDY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
Students and teachers alike are excited about the school garden at Beverly Shores Elementary in Leesburg. According to Lynda Ferguson, a curriculum resource teacher at Beverly Shores, “The idea is to teach our children a little bit more about where the food comes from, how does it grow…and then being able eat the foods they grow.”
Teacher Chloe Lyals says, “We let the kids decide what they want to plant and then do research about what crops are native to Florida, especially this time of the year.” Lyals and colleague Stephanie Bentley are incorporating STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Math) lessons in the classroom to go along with learning activities in the field.
There are currently six garden beds, with plans to build four more. Getting the community involved with donations of seeds and other garden needs is also a goal the school wants to emphasize. If you’d like to donate or help in other ways, call the school at 352.787.4175.
James Cook lives adjacent to the community vegetable garden at Aesop’s Park in Tavares, where he relishes growing squash, green beans, peas, and bell peppers.
He was one of the first gardeners to lease a plot at the 501 E. Caroline St. garden in 2011, and he has found growing wholesome vegetables saves money.
“And there is the community part of it—you meet very nice people,” James says. “Conversations and relationships grow from the garden.”
He often exchanges produce with others, and the City of Tavares provides water for irrigation and compost material. The gardeners are encouraged to replenish the compost bin with vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
“It’s a sweet little garden,” says Tavares Community Services Director Tamera Rogers, who believes the community garden provides family bonding and teachable moments.
“It’s teaching children to grow food and that it doesn’t just show up in the stores,” Tamera says. “It grows from seeds, and for me and I was raised on a farm, so I had an early exposure to what the earth does for us and gives us—if we are good stewards and take care of it.”
Tavares residents can secure 4-by-12foot lots for free for a 12-month period by calling 352.742.6477. There are a limited number of wheelchair-accessible garden plots available, too.
Community vegetable gardens were common during the Great Depression, and The Villages has its own Shared Harvest Farm where volunteers are involved in growing 23 tons of vegetables annually and the produce is given to area food pantries to feed residents in need. The garden is located behind The Villages Woodshop on Rolling Acres Road.
Villagers with a love for gardening are always needed at the Shared Harvest Farm garden. Call Andy Hendricks for details at 352.753.1354.
As one of Florida’s leading horticultural companies, Cherry Lake grows a variety of beautiful and sustainable trees, palms, and shrubs.
But the Groveland-based company is also planting seeds of imagination, nurturing knowledge, and helping grow the next generation of farmers, gardeners, and environmentalists.
During Florida’s statewide Agricultural Literacy Day last April, several company employees visited more than 250 kindergarten students at Mascotte Elementary School and Groveland Elementary School.
To say the day was rooted in fun would be an understatement. Students huddled around Joaquin Perez, human resources manager at Cherry Lake, as he read “Drive Through Florida Vegetables” to them. In addition, employees gave students azalea seeds and explained how they could successfully grow azaleas at home.
“We were proud to be part of Agricultural Literacy Day because it corresponds with two of our company’s main outreach goals—promoting agricultural awareness and supporting local schools,” says Tim Sallin, president of Cherry Lake. “It was well-received, and you could tell how much the kindergarteners enjoyed us being there based on the questions they asked. Learning about agriculture naturally captures their imagination.”
Cherry Lake has engaged in other community projects. Last winter, the company partnered with Keep Lake Beautiful and completed a landscape beautification project at Groveland Elementary School. Employees planted more than a dozen trees and several hundred shrubs along various parts of the school’s property.
“That was also a very exciting event that allowed us to do our part in beautifying the community,” Sallin says.
Books and computers aren’t the only ways to learn for the fortunate students who attend Triangle Elementary School; they are also nurtured by nature. Colorful butterflies are attracted to their lush butterfly garden. Students stroll through the peaceful garden or sit serenely on one of the benches to help calm nerves before a test.
In addition to delicate and dazzling butterflies, the school provides a delicious way for students to learn through growing their own fruits and vegetables. A recent report from Cornell University states students who grow their own vegetables are four times as likely to eat them. Triangle Elementary students pick what they want to grow and participate in planting, weeding, and harvesting tomatoes, strawberries, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts in garden boxes.
The fruits, vegetables, and herbs that grow in the air in hydroponic towers also amaze the students. The school had four towers and has just added four more.
“Gardening goes along with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program). Kids learn how plants are pollinated, seeding, and what nutrients plants need. Lettuce is a big hit, and is served in the cafeteria’s lunch buffet. That’s how our cafeteria salad bar came about,” says Principal Kathy Billar.
Kim Taylor, cafeteria manager, adds, “Kids are not exposed to gardening anymore. They grow up in apartments…If they get a chance to seed it, grow it and pick it, they might try it just because they grew it.”
Learning all you can about diabetes may save your life—or at least improve your health significantly. Elder Options recently partnered with South Lake Hospital, Live Well Fitness Center in Clermont to offer a diabetes self-management, six-week workshop to the Lake County area. Liz Dalusio-Floyd was the instructor.
These workshops, offered on a rotational basis, are free to the public and provide valuable information for those recently diagnosed with diabetes, their caregivers, those who have been struggling with diabetes for a long time, or those who simply want to know more for prevention.
The workshop meets for more than two hours for six weeks. It improves attendees’ quality of life by providing support with practical ways to deal with your or a family member’s chronic condition, discover better nutrition and exercise, and learn how to discuss health issues with doctors and family. During the workshop attendees learn to: manage symptoms, lessen frustration, eat healthy, fight fatigue, build confidence, monitor blood sugar and get more out of life!
Each participant shared some of their “successes” during the six weeks. Carole Holden commented, ”I was on vacation, and instead of just lying around, I went swimming and hiking, kept my blood-sugar in range, and only picked up one pound!” She attributed her success to steps she learned during the workshop.
Another class member, Pat Shakir, says, “I was tired of dealing with high blood pressure, so I started looking for ways to cut my salt. I excluded pickles and brought my pressure down.”
The workshop teaches participants
YOU
to set goals and develop a step-by-step plan to improve their health and life. To do this they discuss stress management, relaxation techniques, and handling difficult emotions. Students also learn to monitor blood sugar, prevent low blood sugar, exercise safely, and care for skin and feet.
• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active fewer than three times per week
• Had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds
Source: cdc.gov
Dora Lynne Mcintosh attended the workshop and had nothing but praise for the experience. ”This class raised my thoughts and convictions to make a weekly action plan for [my husband] as well as myself,” Dora says. Her husband, Joe has stage-four prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease and Dora is battling chronic diabetes. “I am encouraged by [Liz’s] choice of words, ‘chronic conditions’ instead of ‘chronic diseases.’ Living with chronic conditions seems to be a mind change and is spurring me to want to develop better habits to exercise, eat healthy and manage medicines as needed,” she adds.
The Florida Department of Health in Lake County offers a free class called the National Diabetes Prevention Program, also in Clermont. This is a 12-month program that consists of 16 weekly one-hour sessions followed by six monthly sessions that provide tools to eat healthy, be more active, and lose weight.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE TWO PROGRAMS CONTACT: Diabetes Self-Management Workshop: Betty Flagg 352.692.5219 or Jennifer Davis 352.394.4071, Ext. 4223 Florida Department of Health 352.589.6424, Option 3
MAY BE AT RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES IF YOU:
Akers Media’s Healthy Living, Lake & Sumter Style and Lake Business magazines were recognized by the Florida Magazine Association with 17 awards for writing and design excellence. Including:
Best Feature Jaxon Strong
Best Public Service Coverage Made in Lake
Best Public Service Coverage Down the Drain
Best Humor This & That
Best In-Depth Reporting Pacelift
Best Photo Illustration Building up Speed
Best Photo Illustration Top Docs
Best Typography Extraordinary People
Best Single Feature Photograph Positivity Attracts
Best Single Feature Photograph Bombers Away
Best Cover, Consumer Must Eats
Best Cover, Consumer Building up Speed
Best Feature Design The Hot 100 Issue
Best Client Ad Face to Face
Best Client Ad #1 with Owwies
Best New Magazine Lake Business Magazine
Best Advertorial Section Impulse
A Lake County teenager is muscling his way onto the bodybuilding scene.WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
Cameron Vansant is busy working on a lifelong sculpture project: himself.
Posing on stage at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, the 16-year-old high school student with green eyes, shiny black hair, and a Herculean body is cheered on by the crowd. This is his first body-building competition, but he calmly and confidently wears a smile throughout his 60-second routine.
His tanned, golden-oak skin is clad only in the briefest of metallic brown briefs. He clenches every bulked-up muscle tightly as possible, making his biceps, quadriceps, abs, and deltoids sparkle in the spotlight. Then, he faces away from the audience to reveal his back, which is an inverted triangle of muscular mass.
As he flexes through a variety of poses, judges carefully examine his body for strengths and flaws.
Once his posing routine is complete, he and other bodybuilders gather on stage for an awards ceremony. The announcer speaks, ending suspense for both contestants and fans.
“First place goes to…”
Maybe we should stop there. To appreciate the end of the story, we should start from the beginning.
The average American teenager typically competes in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
But bodybuilding?
Cameron, a sophomore at Tavares High School, was bitten by the bodybuilding bug as a child. He often ventured into his father’s home office to read “Arnold Schwarzenegger Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding.” The pictures of perfectly sculpted bodies captivated him.
“Their bodies were picture perfect,” he says. “I was amazed at their great overall physiques and how buffed they were.”
But this is Florida, where football reigns supreme. Cameron participated in youth football and dreamed of scoring game-winning touchdowns and making hard-hitting tackles on the high school level.
In fact, as an eighth-grade student, he joined a soccer team solely because he wanted to be in peak shape to play on the Tavares High School junior varsity football team as a freshman. Unfortunately, he found himself watching from the sidelines.
“I asked my soccer coach when I could get in the game. He looked back at me and said, ‘Never.’ I told him I was done playing for him because he never let me play. I went home and cried.”
That did not dampen Cameron’s desire to play football. Instead, he used the setback as motivation. To ensure he would be in tip-top shape, he implemented a six-meal-a-day regimen, ran three miles each day, and lifted weights religiously. Becoming toned, buff, and in superior physical condition felt natural. The hard work paid dividends by the time summer football workouts rolled around.
“The team was working in the hot sun, and some of my teammates were throwing up. I wasn’t tired at all. In fact, I was running laps around everybody.”
After each practice, coaches urged players to go home and watch football videos to help them master fundamentals.
“Instead, I’d go home and watch bodybuilding videos because that really interested me more,” he says.
When his football coach unexpectedly changed practice hours, it threw a kink in Cameron’s eating regimen.
“I could no longer eat my 6 p.m. meal, and I wasn’t going to be taken away from my regimen. I had no control over my eating anymore and did not like that feeling.”
He hung up his football cleats, hit the gym, and started concentrating exclusively on bodybuilding.
Cameron quickly realized bodybuilding is an arduous, full-time job. Healthy eating, protein drinks, and intense workouts are part of the lifestyle. And bodybuilding is a lifestyle.
“Serious bodybuilders create a lifestyle where you eat differently than other people and you exercise in a more dedicated fashion. It’s very time-consuming and a big part of your daily life.”
So much a part of daily life, in fact, that Cameron skipped the school’s homecoming dance, quit watching television, and stopped texting friends. Girlfriends? Forget about it.
“I don’t want to be with a girl,” he says. “Girls are a distraction.”
It’s hard to blame him. After all, achieving a Herculean look requires laser-like focus, unimaginable willpower, and strict discipline. Simply going to the gym and lifting weights does not help build the dream body.
Bodybuilding is a science. That means knowing what exercises work the part of the muscle competitors are trying to bulk up and performing them in a correct manner to achieve a symmetrical physique. They must also know what exercises do not work, how long to rest between sets and workouts, and be aware of overtraining or undertraining.
Similarly, the dieting process is a like solving a complicated jigsaw
puzzle. Consuming too many calories causes competitors to put on fat, while eating too few calories results in muscle loss. Through countless hours of research and experimentation, Cameron formulated a meal plan that best helps him achieve muscle growth.
He carefully calculates and monitors not only his daily caloric intake, but also the calories received from each of the macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In addition, he must receive the right combination of macronutrients for his specific body index.
“It’s not easy. I always remind myself I’m eating for a purpose. I also tell myself I eat to live rather than live to eat.”
Willpower is also a key player. For eight months, Cameron followed a strict diet regimen consuming only these foods—oatmeal, egg whites, protein shakes, yogurt, jasmine rice, white potatoes, chicken breast, and broccoli.
During the final week of training— known in the bodybuilding world as peak week—he eliminated carbohydrates to reduce fat surrounding muscles. Less body fat reveals muscles under tight skin and helps achieve the competition look. Five days before competition, Cameron consumed only 37 ounces of fish daily and drank a limited amount of water to lose water weight. In five days, he went from weighing 162 pounds to 149 pounds.
“I remember being on the treadmill at night and crying because I was so hungry.”
Why put his body through so much strain for one day of competition? Because much like a potter molds clay, Cameron enjoys sculpting his body.
“I knew all along this sport is about starting something and finishing it. It’s all about how badly you want to succeed.”
For Cameron, failing was never an option. In fact, to avoid becoming sick, he wore a mask to school for six weeks before the competition. Illness would have seriously derailed his training regimen.
“My classmates gave me a tough time. They said I was stupid. I responded by saying, ‘Am I stupid or am I smart?’ I didn’t work so hard just to get sick and miss the competition.”
It’s Oct. 1. For Cameron, the moment of truth arrives when he steps on the stage at the NGA 6th Annual Florida State Natural Bodybuilding Qualifier in Ormond Beach.
All his hard work and sacrifice come down to this. It’s his time to display his awesome physique and express himself from the heart, much like a musician does at a concert or a dancer does at a recital.
He has 60 seconds to impress judges, who score him on appearance, muscularity, pose, and music. As Cameron flexes each group of individual muscles, the crowd hoots and hollers and delivers a thunderous round of applause.
“First place goes to…Cameron Vansant.”
The first-time bodybuilder takes first in the “Teen Division” and “Debut” categories. He also finishes fourth in the “Open Lightweight” category.
“I always say if the mind can conceive it, you can achieve it,” Cameron says. “I felt very proud that I did so well in my first competition.”
His father, Kendall Vansant, is equally proud.
“This sport teaches you who you are and what you can endure as a person,” said Kendall, a Realtor at Re/ Max Realty Center in Eustis. “Watching him go from Point A to Point B was so painstaking because he had to get his weight down, undergo constant cardio workouts, and learn when to eat food and how much. It wasn’t easy, but I’m so proud of him for hanging in there and never giving up.”
One thing is certain: The sport helped Cameron develop more than muscles. He also learned the importance of hard work, determination, discipline, and focus. Going forward, he hopes those attributes help him raise the bar in the sport of bodybuilding.
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
— Jim Rohn
“My favorite thing to do is teach how to cook easy, healthy, budget-friendly meals with minimal ingredients!”
Jaime Alonso, certified health coach
An easy dish with simple, delicious flavors.
SERVES: 4-6
INGREDIE NTS:
I received my initial training and certification as a wellness coach at Spencer Institute. I then continued my training as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge health coach training program. During my training, I studied more than100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. My teachers included Dr. Andrew Weil, director of The Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mindbody medicine; Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willet, chair of nutrition at Harvard University; Geenan Roth, best-selling author and expert on emotional eating; and many other leading researchers and nutrition authorities.
INSTRUCTIONS:
• In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil.
• Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to pan.
• Sprinkle with half of spices and cook until completely done.
• Slice onions and add when chicken is almost done.
• Slice zucchini and chop broccoli into florets and add to pan.
• Sprinkle additional spices if desired and cook another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
• Want a soy sauce or teriyaki flavor? Try Coconut Aminos at our local health food store, The Green Apple Health Foods.
My responsibility at TNT is to help you create a “sustainable” lifestyle change. Meeting you where you are in your journey and equipping you with practical tools to grow and learn new strategies; teaching you how to shop and meal plan; helping you create new ideas; and learning how to go out to eat are a few of the hands-on lessons you receive. I teach you how to live well for life!
A HEALTHY, QUICK, AND EASYTO-MAKE MEAL THAT’S READY IN MINUTES2 medium onions (red or yellow) 2-4 medium zucchini and/or yellow squash 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 small head broccoli florets 3-4 tablespoons coconut oil or butter 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, salt (try Himalayan pink salt), pepper, turmeric, and thyme
WRITER: CARLTON RYAN
In recent years, kale has gained a reputation for being amazingly nutritious and healthy. As it turns out, this dark, leafy, green vegetable lives up to its hype. In fact, there are five great benefits that come from eating kale.
Antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids are found in abundance in kale. Antioxidants, a kind of molecule, battle against free radicals, which attack cells and cause many diseases. Consuming large antioxidant totals protects from heart disease and cancer.
Inflammation is both a symptom of conditions like arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and a common side effect of intense exercise. Eating kale will help relieve these problems since it is stocked with inflammation fighting omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K, which also plays a crucial part in bone health and blood clotting.
Kale has more iron than beef (on a per-calorie basis). While critical to health, many vegetarians struggle to get enough iron, making kale a great addition to their diets. Iron helps the blood transport oxygen and produce hemoglobin, and aids in proper liver function.
The digestive system cannot work as it should without plenty of fiber, which helps prevent constipation and other digestive problems. It also controls overeating. Fortunately, kale is one of the best vegetable sources of fiber.
Kale can play an important role in reaching (or maintaining) a healthy weight. It is a great way to get needed nutrients since it is low in calories and has no fat, but is high in vitamins and minerals. The large fiber totals found in kale also help suppress hunger pangs.
While health experts suggest multiple servings of vegetables per day, most people don’t succeed. Glancing over the list of health benefits above should show why vegetables like kale are so critical to good health. As one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, just about everyone could gain from adding kale to their diets.
Air purifier or dehumidifier: which is best to relieve allergies?
WRITER: MARY GALEA
Dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet hair! Your house may look perfectly clean and fresh, but these potential allergens are always lurking in your home. They can be in carpets, curtains, furniture, mattresses, bedding, every corner and, of course, in the air you breathe.
If you suffer from indoor air allergies, they are hard to avoid, so it makes sense to reduce them as much as possible. You can do this by using an air purifier to remove them from the air, or, as they thrive in humidity, use a dehumidifier.
How do allergens cause allergic attacks?
Your immune system reacts to certain particles you breathe in, and symptoms
may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, rashes, itchy skin, and itchy, watery eyes. You are not alone in your misery, as about 20 percent of people in the United States suffer from allergies.
The most common triggers indoors are dust, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Dust consists of minute pieces of substances like dirt, insects, food, and animal matter. Dust mites, which live in dust, mostly live in carpets, mattresses, bedding and fabric furnishings, where they find a large quantity of human dander. Mold is a fungus which, in the outdoor world, is an asset as it acts as a decomposer of organic matter. But in your home, if the conditions are right,
it sheds microscopic spores, which may cause allergies and ill health.
Research from the University of California showS why dust mites and mold cause allergies. They don’t appear to have much in common, as mold is a plant and dust mites are arachnids. However, the study found that both contain a compound called chitin, which is also found in the exoskeletons of cockroaches, shrimp, and other shellfish. These animals also cause allergies. Although not proven yet, the researchers expect to find that chitin is the substance that triggers allergic responses.
How does an air purifier help relieve allergies?
The quality of indoor air is very important to your health, but especially so if you have allergies. An air purifier will remove dust, dust mites, pollens, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and pet dander from the air.
There is a common myth that an air purifier somehow sucks up all the dust in your house. This is not true; it can only remove airborne particles, not the dust that settles on your floor, countertops or furniture.
Using an air purifier is especially important if you are allergic to pet dander, as this is mostly always flying in the air and does not settle much.
Keeping your environment clear of allergens is the only way to control allergies adequately. Buy a good quality purifier with a high-speed fan that operates without much noise. Some of the less expensive models
The dehumidifier reduces the humidity in the air, making it too dry for mold and dust mites to survive. Ideal humidity for a home is 60 percent in summer and 25-40 percent in winter.
The biggest clue that you have a humidity problem is a musty odor, especially around wet areas of your home—bathroom, laundry, and kitchen.
Benefits of using a dehumidifier
• Reduces humidity level
• Decreases mold and dust mites
• Helps with respiratory problems
• Reduces odors
The downside of a dehumidifier is that it does not kill or remove allergens from the air and only reduces the favorable living conditions they need to survive.
To measure the humidity in your home, buy a dehumidifier with a humidistat. A humidistat is a feature that continually measures the humidity, and adjusts the running speed accordingly. If you own a dehumidifier that does not have this feature, purchase a hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity. Then operate the dehumidifier only when needed.
Now you know the specific purposes of each appliance, and it should be easy to choose, based on the humidity and allergen conditions of your home.
If your home has excess dampness, choose a dehumidifier, but if your home is relatively dry, an air purifier would be more suitable for you. Make
have noisy fans. If you must turn it down to a lower speed to stop noise, the effectivity is reduced.
Benefits of using an air purifier
• Removes airborne allergens
• Removes dust and pet dander from the air
• Removes odors
• Removes pollen
• Some models kill bacteria
An air purifier is not all you need—it will not stop dust mites from breeding or mold spores from propagating in high humidity, which provides ideal conditions for them to flourish.
Lower the humidity in your home by simple things such as opening your doors and windows, or using an exhaust fan in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. A dehumidifier will achieve the same result.
your choice based on your home and health situation.
The old habit of peeling vegetables and fruit stems from the legitimate concern that unhealthy bugs and dirt may lurk on the outside. In addition to health considerations, cooks often prefer to peel vegetables because it’s esier than washing them thoroughly. Peeling, however, sacrifices nutrition for convenience. Much of the goodness of vegetables and fruit is in the skin or just beneath it. How much nutritional value is lost depends on the specific fruit or vegetable. Here is a closer look at five foods to wash rather than peel.
This versatile tuberous vegetable, a native of the Americas, was introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the second half of the 16th century. Since then, it has spread around the world and become a staple food in most countries. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates (mainly in the form of starch), potassium, and vitamins C and B6. Peeling, which removes about 20 percent of the vegetable’s nutritional value, makes little sense unless the cook intends to mash them.
This root vegetable is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and K, and B vitamins. In many cultures, carrots are nearly as popular as potatoes. Like potatoes, most cooks peel carrots, but by doing so, get rid of much of the vegetable’s nutrient value. Thorough washing is a better option.
A native to Eurasia, the parsnip was introduced to North America in the 19th century. Like the carrot, the parsnip is rich in potassium and vitamin C. Most cooks peel parsnips, but in doing so, they remove even more of the nutrient-rich outer layer than other vegetables because the parsnip’s surface is rougher. Thorough washing with a stiff-bristled kitchen brush solves that problem.
The apple is a popular tree fruit that traces its origins to Asia. Apart from the varieties used in cooking and cider making, apples are usually not peeled. Like most fruit, however, they should be washed, especially if eaten raw, the way most people enjoy them. Despite the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” apples are low in essential nutrients, apart from a moderate amount of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
Except for vitamin K, the cucumber is not rich in essential nutrients. Indeed, it consists of 95 percent water. Nevertheless, it adds a pleasant texture and delicate taste to many meals and salads. Cucumbers are easy to wash, and most varieties have a smooth and reasonably tender skin that is pleasant to eat.
For a balanced, healthy diet, nutritionists recommend eating fruit and vegetables every day—at least four of each. This advice is often undermined when we throw away a significant part of the nutrients by peeling fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind, however, that purchased produce can be unhygienic; if they are not from a certified organic source, the skins may carry traces of artificial fungicides and pesticides. If you choose not to peel them, always wash them thoroughly.
We shouldn’t peel most fruit and vegetables.
WRITER: J. D. FENCER
“Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive.”
— Ziggy Marley
Vacationing isn’t just fun—it’s a good way to refresh yourself, relieve stress, and bond with friends and family. But it does have a downside: coming home.
Many vacationers experience post-vacation blues—a mood characterized by sadness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation to get back on schedule. While post-vacation blues don’t last long, they can make coming home anything but smooth sailing.
Fortunately, there are ways to transition back to a routine swiftly and effectively. Follow these tips, and make your return home something you won’t dread.
Prepare for your return in advance. Before you go on vacation, get yourself organized for your return home. Wrap up business in advance of leaving. Clean and organize the house so there’s no extra work to face when the trip is over. A little pre-departure preparation gives you peace of mind
while on vacation and less stress when you return home.
Get rest. While vacations are meant to be restful, traveling and sightseeing often make them just the opposite. Coming home and feeling tired can ruin your mood even more. Make a point to get plenty of rest when you return. Go to bed early, and enjoy some quiet time in the evenings. Resting is good for the body and mind and boosts motivation.
Relive your vacation. If you took pictures on your trip, share them with friends and family or at least talk with others about your adventures. This will improve your mood and make you appreciate the fun you had for what it was—a vacation. If you learned a new skill or participated in an activity you can’t do at home, revisiting that event can also bring joy.
Stay busy. Your mind adjusts more quickly to routine if you have things to
do. Focus on being productive to help thoughts shift to the present. Make a to-do list and concentrate on checking things off. With a busy schedule, there’s no time for post-vacation blues. In fact, you’ll likely find contentment and comfort in the familiarity of “life as usual.”
Plan something fun for your return. Coming home doesn’t have to mean the fun is over. Is there a movie you want to see or a new restaurant to try? Plug it into your schedule. Breaking up routine with a little fun can lift spirits and get you back into the swing of things. You might even decide to plan your next vacation.
Going on vacation is a great way to unwind and have fun. But don’t let coming home from a trip get you down. The above tips will help you readjust to your regular routine in no time—and keep you inspired while awaiting your next getaway.
Technology has advanced beyond our biological ability to adapt. However, our technological age has fed us several lies that, if not recognized and dealt with, may negatively impact our health—both individually and as a nation. We ignore these at our collective peril. Here are a few lies brought to you by modern technology. You may have a few more of your own
Research shows that our brains are really not capable of doing two or more tasks simultaneously. Many tasks need to use the same area of the brain. Think of two people trying to type different reports on the same keyboard. Doesn’t work so well, does it? What we can do is jump back and forth rapidly from task to task. This leads some people to take on too much at one time. Some degree of this is inevitable in modern life. The trick is to balance abilities to the number of tasks. To do otherwise is a sure path to frustration, stress, and poor quality work. Rather than focusing on multi-tasking, learn to prioritize tasks, organize the work/home space for maximal efficiency, and learn when to say no to another task.
I have never put on virtual reality glasses, but I don’t need to in order to feel confident making this claim. Multiple generations of writers, philosophers, and naturalists attested to the healing nature of, well, nature itself. Countless people head to the wilds seeking, and finding, healing themselves. When people wonder why they should care about the loss of coral reefs in Australia, the rain forests in the Amazon, ancient woods of our continent, or habitat encroachment with endangerment species such as panthers, black bears, and manatees, I answer two ways. One, when these are gone, they are gone. Two, if we have learned anything about our planet it is how interconnected the ecosystems are. We need to get away from human environments periodically and experience nature—real nature—on its terms. Go outside and take a walk, watch a sunset, turn over some dirt and plant something. Get dirty and sweaty.
Former president Ronald Reagan, speaking from his California ranch, said it very well, “There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.”
Our bodies have a natural, internal clock. Ideally, we are awake during the day and sleep at night. For most adults, seven to eight hours of sleep per night is necessary for optimal health and function. However, the technological age makes it possible to work around the clock. Many jobs involve working shifts that alter the day/night cycle. While we can adapt to an altered sleep schedule, this takes time and should not be constantly changing, e.g. people whose shift hours change weekly or even monthly may find they have extreme fatigue and eventually, health problems.
Perhaps more than anything else, technology has changed how we eat. Our diets largely come from factory farming and large agribusinesses because they provide large quantities of food cheaply. Most foods in grocery stores are prepared from processed ingredients and tend to be high in sugar, salt, and/or unhealthy fats. They might even contain flavorings, preservatives, stabilizers, and other chemicals not intended for human consumption. One consequence of this is an epidemic of obesity and chronic illnesses more prevalent in the past couple of generations. Another is the loss of the traditional family meal around the dining table. No wonder there is a growing movement back to fresh, locally sourced foods. Learn to cook some simple, healthy meals. I always fall back on Michael Pollan’s simple advice: eat food, mostly plants, not too much.
No one needs to be available 24/7. Even doctors get “coverage” for themselves in order to have real down time from professional responsibilities. Turn off your cell phone and avoid email
for a weekend. I promise you the earth will continue its orbit around the sun, the world will not go to “hell in a handbasket,” and family and friends can do without you a couple of days. Everyone needs to go “off the grid” now and then.
This is perhaps the biggest lie of all. We are bombarded daily with information, most of it trivial and much of it wrong. Take medicine, for example. The old paradigm had new medical information reported in journals where it was reviewed by doctors for accuracy, critiqued study protocols, verified it with further studies, and, finally made it public and applicable to patients. The new paradigm has new treatments, products, and procedures promoted in media and advertising before being properly studied and the efficacy and safety verified. Procedures are promoted by those who want to be the “first on the block” to offer the newest and latest, without regard to actual science. The internet promoted more quackery in one year than all the snake oil salesmen who ever lived. I take everything I read on the internet with a healthy dose of skepticism, unless I am confident of the source.
This is true only if you believe that real communication consists of tweets, texts, tags, and emails. With digital communication, we lose inflection, voice tone, emphasis, emotion (and, no, emoticons don’t count), facial expression, and body language. Often these convey more information than what we actually say.
No, I am not a Luddite. I have a cell phone, computer, wireless, and so on. Technology makes some aspects of my life better, but it also has made things more complicated and stressful. The secret is to stay mindful. Use it where it helps, eliminate it where it hurts.
“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”
— William Ellery Chaning
Reasons to dig in organic dirt
Volunteering—the act of freely giving your time and personal energy to an organization or individual—benefits giver and receiver alike. As a volunteer, you gain new experience, skills, credibility, and most importantly, the chance to do something you love. Myriad opportunities abound, from hospitals and schools to national parks and shelters, but there’s no better place to get your hands dirty—figuratively and otherwise—than on an organic farm.
The scale of the agricultural industry is vast, ranging from enormous ranches spanning thousands of acres, to small homesteads. Many organic farms occupy a middle ground, small enough to be accessible to volunteers, large enough to provide an enriching experience. What do you stand to gain?
The global reach of programs such as Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is dedicated to agricultural volunteerism. Volunteering makes it possible for you to not only experience the languages, cultural traditions, regional cuisine, and surroundings of far-flung lands by going abroad, but you work side-byside with international volunteers in your home country.
You won’t increase your bank balance as a volunteer farmhand, but host farms that accept volunteers through WWOOF and similar programs provide room and board in exchange for labor. Accommodations vary from host to host, such as a tent in a field, a mobile home, or a room in the family house, so be sure to inquire about living arrangements before you arrive.
Stroll through any major supermarket and you’ll notice a trend, the words “fresh” and “local” abound in the produce section. Meat that is “traditionally raised.” You can almost
imagine that what’s on the shelves was picked just the other day on a farm down the road. But don’t believe the hype. Nothing beats sitting down every day to a plate of delicious and nourishing food grown and harvested with your own two hands.
Not only can interested volunteers find hundreds or thousands of host farms (if you’re willing to travel), but each has something unique to offer. Perhaps you have a strong curiosity about working with animals or maybe vegetables hold more appeal. Then again, fruit trees, flowers, or beekeeping may call to you. But wait. Could it be what you really want is to learn how to build a barn? Wherever your interests lie, organic farms have something to offer.
Small-scale farming is the antithesis of a desk job. Forget about sitting and typing. You’ll be walking, squatting, lifting, pushing and pulling—rain or shine. Weeds must be removed,
vegetables picked, flowers cut, buildings repaired, boxes to fill, plants to water, wood to chop, and maybe even a cow or two to milk. The work may be a challenge, but you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment as you become stronger, healthier and more capable.
Trends change, but some things never go out of style--like eating. Why not participate in the creation of something everyone loves and needs? Great satisfaction can be derived from knowing how to transform tiny seeds into flourishing plants from which a bounty of food is harvested.
Many small-scale agricultural operations are off the beaten track, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to enjoy cleaner air, clear, star-filled skies, and a sense of calm hard to find in our busy, urban lives.
Donate some time to an organic farm, and you’ll make new friends, eat wonderful food, gain practical skills, and get fit. The work is hard, but the rewards are many. It’s a volunteering experience like no other!
Entitlement can be a touchy issue, surrounded by opinions that vary widely across generations and social classes. Defined as “the fact of having a right to something,” it is linked in psychology to sexism, narcissism, and personality disorder. Just as we are all selfcentered to a certain degree, we all experience a sense of entitlement to a degree. There is a way to deal with the problem, however, and not go overboard with the sense of entitlement.
When we feel entitled, we’re continually reminding ourselves what we deserve but still don’t have, whether it’s our dream job, the perfect romantic partner, a better relationship with family, or anything else. As a result, we can’t find any fulfillment in our current situation, even if we worked hard to get to where we are. Imagining that we will be rewarded with happiness in the future prevents us from realizing our potential to be happy in the present.
A sense of entitlement can give rise to resentment, bitterness, jealousy, and other feelings that frequently poison relationships. We often underestimate the importance of nonverbal communication, meaning even when it goes unsaid, friends, family members, spouses, and children easily pick up on the fact they are being blamed when the relationship isn’t living up to our expectations. When we rely on others, even partly, to create a sense of fulfillment in our lives, we tend to put unfair pressure on them, often causing them to feel we are pushing them away.
In the movies, there are usually clearcut good and bad guys. In reality, it’s rarely, if ever, that simple. Maybe we blame our parents for putting us at a disadvantage with their lifestyle or choices. Maybe we blame our boss for overlooking our qualifications when it was time to promote someone. Maybe we blame society for its lack of empathy toward the individual. Whatever kind of fulfillment we seek, there is someone else we can blame other than ourselves. Unfortunately, doing so doesn’t help us achieve what we want. It actually makes it harder, which brings us to reason number four.
There are many ways to be successful. Some people measure success by the wealth they accumulate, while others do it by how well they discipline themselves. However, there is something almost all highly successful people have in common—the intense level of effort they exert to achieve that success. You might think feeling entitled would motivate you to obtain it, but the opposite is actually true. The more entitled you feel, the less effort we think is needed to be successful.
This leads to a discouraging cycle in which we neither feel successful nor motivated to pursue success and are psychologically disconnected from our real source of power—ourselves.
When we feel something should have been given to us but wasn’t, we wonder what we did wrong that kept us from getting it. Negative thoughts such as these over a long period of time can turn into a battle for self-worth, and a constant struggle to feel good about anything. Many people seek a cure for depression without considering it may be a symptom of an underlying problem, such as the deep-seeded belief there are things in life we “deserve” to have.
Fortunately, there is an easy fix for those who think they may feel too entitled. It’s known as gratitude, and the more it is used, the faster the negative effects will fade away. A simple exercise in thankfulness doesn’t require much time or effort but has incredible benefits, such as healing relationships, teaching us to take responsibility for ourselves, restoring and improving motivation, and raising our level of happiness.
“About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.”
— Herbert Hoover
Health experts and government officials lament the fact that processed foods are often less expensive than healthy produce, and they feel that price disparity adds to the obesity epidemic. While healthy foods can be pricey, if you know how to shop you can feed your family great meals on a budget. Use these tips to find the best deals in the grocery store, farmers market, and everywhere in between.
Fruits and vegetables should be the cornerstone of your daily diet. Nutrition experts recommend eating at least five servings of vegetables a day, so stock up on these staples whenever you hit the grocery store. These tips can help you stretch your budget and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
• Shop with the seasons. In-season fruits and vegetables will almost always be less expensive. Choose the freshest inseason fruits and vegetables each week and watch weekly sales closely
• Know when to buy organic—and when not to. Don’t spend extra for organic bananas, oranges and other fruits that are routinely peeled. If you are worried about pesticide residues, organics are a good value for things like potatoes and grapes.
• Clear off a shelf in your freezer and buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen varieties are often less costly, can be stored for months, and still retain their freshness.
• Store fresh fruits and vegetables properly to avoid wastage and maximize value. Use your vegetable crisper and storage bags to extend the shelf life of produce.
• Do not be afraid of canned vegetables. Stocking up on canned fruits and vegetables is a great way to stretch your grocery budget. Choose no-salt-added and low-sodium vegetable varieties and pick canned fruit packed in water or 100 percent fruit juice.
Fatty packs of hamburger will always be cheaper than premium steaks. There is nothing you can do about that, but you can use your creativity to get some great deals. Use these simple tips to stock your freezer with healthy meat to feed your family.
• Buy the highest quality protein you can afford. If beef is out of your price range this week, look for really good pieces of chicken or low-fat cuts of pork.
• Get the butcher to trim the fat. Instead of buying your meat pre-wrapped, select your cuts from the butcher counter and ask that the fat be trimmed. You can leave a thin vein of fat for flavor and easier cooking, but trimming the rest of the steak or chop can save you money.
• Compare the cost of bone-in versus boneless cuts of meat. Boneless cuts are certainly more convenient, but grocery stores often charge a premium for them. It is often cheaper to buy the bone-in and remove it yourself.
• Invest in a slicer. Grocery stores often run specials on whole hams and other large pieces of meat, especially after the holidays. If you have a slicer, you can stock your freezer and enjoy healthy low cost meals for months.
“We purchased a Chevrolet Silverado High Country and were extremely pleased with the level of service. Vann Gannaway Chevrolet is without a doubt our dealership of choice.” —DREW AND DONNA SUNDIN EUSTIS
Many studies show that a statistically significant number of people who retire before the age of 65 die prematurely compared to people of the same age who continue working. One such study, which examined past Shell Oil employees, was published by the British Medical Journal. It showed that average life expectancy improved for workers who delayed retirement and was true regardless of socioeconomic background. The Shell researchers discovered that employees who retired at 55, and lived to at least 65, died younger than employees who delayed retiring until they were 65. In fact, the study showed those who retired early had a 37 percent higher mortality rate after the age of 65 than those who retired at that age. The figures took into account the fact that some retired early due to ill health.
Another study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health in March 2016, showed that healthy retirees who worked for an extra year beyond 65 reduced their mortality risk by 11 percent. Surprisingly, even those who retired early due to ill health but who, nevertheless, deferred retiring by a year, reduced their mortality risk by 9 percent. This research analyzed data of nearly 3,000 Americans who participated in the Healthy Retirement
Study sponsored by the National Institute of Aging. A Swedish study showed that women in non-manual jobs who retire early have an increased risk of cardiac-related death.
These findings seem counterintuitive. Most people expect that, as long as they were reasonably financially secure and healthy, being relieved of the stresses and tedium of work and the daily double commute would help them be more relaxed, raise their spirits, and benefit their health. This thinking, however, places too much importance on one aspect of work. According to many experts, work has an extremely important, though less obvious, positive side, despite all the normal tedium and stresses that may be attached to it. That side can be summed up in one word: meaning. The aspect of working that helps prolong our lives seems to be not so much what we do, but what our job means to us. When our work is intrinsic to our self-worth, when it makes us feel needed and valued, it’s nearly always good for our health. For many people, the sense of worth and purpose experienced over decades ceases suddenly with retirement, and their health suffers as a result. Most other aspects of working are secondary, at least, from a longevity perspective.
Yet it would be wrong to infer from this that postponing retirement for as long as possible is best. Indeed, if we can financially afford it, medical experts say definitely retire early. They add an important rider, however. If you retire early, it’s important to be involved in activities that boost the self-worth the same way working did. That’s why many people get parttime jobs when they retire. It’s often because they feel valued if someone is willing to pay them for work. Others become involved in volunteering, deriving their sense of worth from helping those in need. Some do a little of both, allocating some time to paid work and some to charitable work. Apart from these “worth-boosting” activities, it’s important also to enjoy leisure activities and exercise. Finally, don’t wait until you retire to plan retirement activities. Have a strategy in place well in advance. If you intend to work part-time or as a volunteer, get as much information as possible about options in your area. Some organizations might even hold a position for you until you retire. Leisure activities, too, should be planned early; they won’t be waiting for you to retire. In short, the best way to enjoy a well-earned, fulfilling, and healthy retirement is to plan activities that keep you occupied and make plans early.
“Remember, be home by midnight and don’t drink and drive.”
Those were the words my mom uttered as we piled into the Ford Bronco II and sped out of the driveway.
“Don’t worry,” I replied back with my head hanging out the passenger window. “We’re not going to drink so you have nothing to worry about.”
My nose must’ve grown a few inches. I knew damn well we were going to drink. For 18-year-old boys, a balanced diet consists of a cold beer in each hand. But I didn’t anticipate any unforeseen catastrophic events happening that would give my parents any reason to worry. Wow, did that ever turn out to be wrong.
The year was 1994. I had just graduated high school and was set to embark on a fun-fi lled, beerguzzling, pot-smoking night with three high school buddies. Boys will be boys, right? There’s no harm in high-risk behaviors because at that age you’re invincible.
Our first and most important stop was at a convenience store in Mount Dora. I grabbed three 12 packs of Busch Light and nervously sat them on the counter. I avoided eye contact, hoping the clerk failed to realize I was only 18. He rang up the beer and gave me my change. Bingo! Everyone always said I look older than I am. That night, it worked beautifully to my advantage.
From there, our destination was “The Pit,” a large, open area in the Ocala National Forest where people in their teens and early 20s gathered to listen to country music, socialize, and drink beer… although not necessarily in that order. The ride up there was a blast. We talked about girls, jammed out to
Clint Black, and destroyed plenty of brain cells.
We could’ve used those brain cells later that night. Somehow, drunkenly navigating the dirt roads of the Ocala National Forest in the pitch dark proved more difficult than we ever imagined. A wrong turn here and a wrong turn there ultimately led us to the City of Ocala. It was 11 p.m. Our little expedition had gone horribly awry.
“OK, find Highway 441 and drive back to Lake County,” I told the driver. “We have an hour to make our curfew.
We should be able to make it.”
That’s the last thing I remember.
The next thing I remember is lying in a bed at Munroe Regional Medical Center with my parents hovered over me.
“Are you OK?” my mom asked, tears running down her cheek.
“How did I get here?” I replied.
Here’s the answer. We ran a red light and slammed into the car of a middleaged woman who had the misfortune of sharing the road with us that night. I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that the driver of our vehicle ultimately spent 30 days in jail, and the woman whom we hit filed a lawsuit. The Ford Bronco II we rode in was totaled. Fortunately, my buddies and I escaped serious injury.
To this day, I feel guilty about putting my parents through so much agony. They drove from Tavares to Ocala in the middle of the night knowing we had been in an accident but not knowing what condition we were in until they arrived.
NAME: Rudolph
OFFENSE: Sleighing under the influence
I’m sharing this shameful life event to say this. More people are arrested for DUIs during the holiday season than any other time of year, and police also set up more DUI checkpoints. Please remember that this month when you attend multiple Christmas parties where alcohol is readily available.
Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. It can cost you thousands of dollars, your driving privileges, your job, and maybe your life. You can also lose your freedom, as a prominent Lake County attorney learned in 2011 when he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for DUI manslaughter.
Having a designated driver or choosing not to drink is the best way to avoid these sobering realities.
Cornerstone provides care and service to American Veterans experiencing life-limiting illnesses with a comprehensive hospice program respectfully celebrating Veterans’ service to our country. Whether they served at home or abroad, they are provided care that recognizes the challenges unique to military families.
Cornerstone Hospice has achieved the highest level of accreditation — Four Stars — through the We Honor Veterans* program, thereby providing the highest quality of care for Veterans facing a life-limiting illness.
Tired, aching or heavy legs
History of leg blood clots
Swollen ankles
Varicose or spider veins
Leg cramps night or day
Skin color changes below knee.
These are all signs of venous insufficiency—a condition that affects millions of people. Simply put, the veins in your legs are not working the way they should. They may be stretched so that the valves that control blood flow don’t close properly. Or, the valves themselves may be damaged. Everyone is susceptible to venous insufficiency—even athletes in otherwise outstanding health.
The good news is that Heart of The Villages offers treatments in office with no stitches and no downtime. There we can isolate your troubled vein segment with ultrasound and treat it—with laser or chemical ablation. Please, listen to your legs. They just might be telling you to call us!
Florida Hospital Waterman is Lake County’s leader in joint replacement. The first and only hospital in Lake County to earn the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® for Knee and Hip Replacement. And the area’s first and most experienced provider of Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for knees and hips. That’s why more people trust Florida Hospital Waterman for their advanced orthopedic surgery than any other hospital in Lake County.
Visit FHWatermanOrtho.com for more information or to sign up for a free upcoming educational seminar.
