Kent County Women's Journal February March 2016

Kent C unty

February / March 2016

BI-MONTHLY RESOURCE FOR THE WOMEN OF KENT COUNTY DELAWARE

On the Cover: Go Red Committee

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Go Red for Women Heart Attack and Stroke Warning Signs Heart Ball and much more!

www.thewomensjournal.com

Office Copy Please Do NOT Remove

Know the Warning Signs Heart Attack Warning Signs: Chest discomfort - Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath - This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can also occur without chest discomfort.

Other signs - May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you’re with has one or more of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Get to the hospital right away. Do not drive yourself unless you have no other option.

Stroke Warning Signs: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or legs, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Remember F.A.S.T. - Face drooping on one side? Arm weak or numb? Speech slurred? And Time is critical.

TableofContents Health&Medicine

Know The Warning Signs 2 Obstructive Sleep Apnea 5 Kinesiology Tape 6 Coronary CT 7 Straight Talk - Part 2 8 If It’s Good For Your Heart ... 9 Placenta Percreta 10 No Pressure - Lower Blood Pressure 11 Today’s Surgery Options 12 Improve - IT 13 Oh, My Aching Back 14 Don’t Hide Your Legs 15 Finding A Good Hospice 16 Dry Eye Treatments 17

Living Fit&Well

Four Gifts Of Shamanic Medicine Spring Clean Your Body Kindness Is A Habit Regular Exercise

18 19 20 21

Food&Fun

The Drunk’n Baker 22 Painted Stave 30 Schwartz Center For The Arts 36

Community&Education 24-25 Go Red - On The Cover - Profiles 32 Flower Power 33 University od DE - Test Prep 33 Spring Expo 37 Southern Lights Of Light 39 Heart Ball

Home&Garden 3 26 27 28 29 40

Stongate Granite & Marble Blinds, Shades & Child Safety Crawl Space Moisture Problems Insulation - Bug Protection Done Right The First Time 1800Bunkbed

Business&Finance

30 CDCC Gearing Up For Spring 31 New Year’s Check Up 32 Change Your Life 38 Testimonials

Fashion&Beauty 23 Permanent Cosmetics 34 Choosing A Photo Booth 35 Designing Your Own Ring

On The Cover Our cover photo is of the Go Red Committee. It was taken at Chesapeake Utilities facility.

Thank you to Chesapeake Utilites for allowing us to take our cover photo shoot there. Thank you to the committee members of Go Red that participated in our day. And thank you to Escudero Photography for the wonderful pictures for our cover and profiles pages. A fun time with some wonderful ladies!

February / March 2016

3

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Publisher’s Note Welcome to the Kent County Women’s Journal. As many of you already know Kevin Phillipson has stopped producing the Kent County Women’s Journal. The new Kent County paper has now become part of the County Women’s, LLC group, and is a separate company than the company that had been operating the Kent County Women’s Journal.

On a bright note anyone that knows me as the publisher and owner of the New Castle County Women’s Journal you can be assured that the County Women’s Journal, LLC will produce a paper for the Kent County area in the same format as my other papers. I look forward to being back working in the Kent County area, and providing you with a quality, educational paper. I feel very blessed that Lisa Dolbey, Barbara Steele, and Stephanie Shafer will all be working with me to build the County Women’s Journal in Kent County back to the publication that it once was.

So with another year gone, I must say the changes in my life have been too numerous for me to even summarize, and I am still hoping that 2016 will be the best year ever, nothing like being optimistic.

The saying is “Life is only what you make it”. . . So I intend to make it a great one. Looking at the news and the many horrible things that are going on in the world will make you realize that we as Americans are still extremely lucky to be living where we are today. I don’t think it would hurt to get back to some of our basic roots though - The Golden Rule of treating others as you would like to be treated was always a big thing in my house growing up and I believe it could make a difference if more people lived by that philosophy.

February is “Heart Awareness Month”; keep in mind that more women die from heart failure than from any other disease. My own mother died from a heart attack when she was 58, and I have since lost a brother and a sister to heart failure as well. Both my brother and sister looked like the picture of health. Be proactive and get a physical.

Thanks to all our wonderful contributors for your support of the County Women’s Journal. The County Women’s Journal is available in medical buildings, hospitals, doctors’ offices, recreation centers, libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, hair salons, supermarkets, thousands of homes and many other local businesses. Can’t put your hands on a copy?Just call us so we can help.

Thanks, Pamela Rizzo, Publisher

This is a legal notice that this publication is the property of the County Women’s Journal, LLC, and is a totally sperate entity from Kevin Philipson, WJ Publishing, Doing Business As Kent County Women’s Journal. Any questions or concerns pertaining to the previous publication are the responsibility of Kevin Phillipson personally, and not the current Kent County Women’s Journal. He is solely responsible for any debts or advanced advertising that was prepaid beyond the December/January 2016 Issue. For any clarification about the above please feel free to contact me personally. Pamela Rizzo, Publisher (302-236-1435).

PO Box 57 Lewes, DE 19958 302-236-1435 countywomen@gmail.com www.thewomensjournal.com Publisher Pamela Rizzo 302-236-1435 Editor Lisa Dolbey 302-331-9249 Sales Barbara Steele 302-740-2149 Distribution Manager Stephanie Shafer Photography Escudero Photography Graphic Design www.JellyGraphics.com

The Women’s Journal is published bi-monthly and is available free of charge, by paid subscription, at display stands in approved private and public establishments and authorized distributors only.

Trademark and U.S. Copyright laws protect The Women’s Journal.

No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

The Women’s Journal is not responsible for any editorial comment (other than its own), typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready.

If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The Women’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employees, against any and all liability loss or expense arising out of claims for liable, unfair trade names, patents copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper of its advertising copy.

Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement.

Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgement in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate.

The Women’s Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers.

This newspaper will be published by the 15th of every other month.

Representations by The Women’s Journal COPYRIGHT 1999™ READERSHIP 100,000 +

February / March 2016

4

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that affects one in five adults; one in fifteen adults has moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

It is the most common sleep disorder affecting millions of people in North America – twice as many males as females. When a person with OSA falls asleep, a portion of the air way collapses during deep sleep stages. Although this can occur anywhere along the entire air way from the nasal passages to the hypopharynx, the most common obstruction location is near the soft palate and the tongue. When the obstruction occurs, the person is temporarily not breathing; and over the entire period of sleep, the brain cycles through lighter, less refreshing stages of rest.

Many individuals do not realize that they have OSA, and they may not be aware that they wake several times at night.

They may even feel rested in the morning; although once they are diagnosed and treated, they feel the true benefits of a good night’s sleep.

There are many surgical and non-surgical treatment options for OSA. Many sleep practitioners prescribe non-surgical treatments first because they are noninvasive and have been shown to be effective. There are always exceptions; and if an obvious anomaly is present that is likely to cause nighttime air way obstruction, surgical therapy may be the preferred choice.

Surgery for treatment of OSA has varying results. In general, the more invasive surgeries or combining several surgeries together have higher success rates than minimally invasive surgeries. Long-term

effects of surgery show that they are not always permanent solutions and relapses sometimes occur. For these reasons most practitioners in the sleep medicine field first recommend non-surgical interventions.

The two most effective nonsurgical therapies are (1) breathing machines and (2) dental mandibular repositioning devices that reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway from collapsing. A combination of these two therapies may also be effective.

There are many types of breathing machines. The two most common are Continuous Positive Air way Pressure, abbreviated CPAP, and Bilevel CPAP, abbreviated BiPAP. These machines consist of a mask that is worn over the mouth, nose or both; and positive air pressure is delivered to keep the airway from collapsing during sleep.

CPAP or BiPAP machines are often prescribed as a first line of treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP or BiPAP machines cure approximately 70 percent of individuals, according to many studies.

I have used the second type of nonsurgical therapy, dental mandibular repositioning devises, in my practice for approximately 5 years and have had tremendous success. These medical devices are covered by most major medical insurance carriers. Different

Dr. Ditty grew up in Northampton, Pennsylvania; attended nearby Muhlenberg College; and transitioned directly into dental school after 3 years. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, where he completed dental school as well as residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

During residency, Dr. Ditty also completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania – including 2 years of general surgery training, 8 months of intensive care and trauma surgery training, and 4 months as a second-year anesthesia resident.

5

OSA is considered a silent killer. Over time, untreated OSA, can increase blood pressure, increase cardiovascular disease and increase the probability of death from stroke or heart attack. It is imperative that it is recognized and treated. Most OSA is reversible with sleep apnea treatment.

First State

Meet Dr. Ditty

February / March 2016

products from various suppliers have different features, options and benefits; so, be sure to discuss these differences with your dental practitioner.

1004 S. State St. Suite 1, Dover, DE

302-674-4450 firststateoms.com He has been practicing in Delaware since 2005 with full staff privileges at Kent General Hospital. Dr. Ditty is also on the teaching staff at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine.

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine The Wonders Of Kinesiology Tape I first tried Kinesiology tape a few years ago while playing tennis. I was having a sharp pain in the shoulder every time I hit a serve.

Naturally as a Chiropractor, I had had the shoulder adjusted by another Chiropractor with some positive results but the sharp pain during the serving motion was still happening intermittently. I had studied Kinesiology taping techniques in several education seminars but had never actually tried it myself. After I applied the tape to the shoulder I went and played.

To my amazement the pain was gone. I wore the tape for several days and played a couple of times during that span with no pain. After about five days I removed the tape. I went to play again without the tape and the pain returned. I was adjusted again and reapplied the tape…the pain was gone again. The stuff just worked. It was one of the most dramatic differences I had ever seen in many years of practice. To skip ahead a bit I went through a series of treatments with Chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises all while wearing the tape and eventually I could serve again without the tape.

If you are wondering what this tape looks like it’s the colorful tape you sometimes see Olympic athletes and other high profile athletes wear. It usually stands out and can be in a variety of different colors like pink, black, beige and blue to name a few.

The way the tape works is somewhat a mystery but there are some pretty good explanations as to why it works so well.

Here is an explanation from a popular manufacturer’s website:“Tape is a very thin, porous cotton fabric with a medical grade acrylic adhesive. A special method of adhesive application and porous nature of the fabric allows the skin to breathe and showering cleans part of the skin under the tape. The tape is designed for a 30%-40% longitudinal only stretch and when applied lifts the skin and provides support for surrounding soft tissue. Depending on how it is applied, the tape supports, enables, or restricts soft tissue and its movement.

By stretching and recoiling like a rubber band, the tape augments tissue function and distributes loads away from inflamed or damaged muscles and tendons, thereby protecting tissues from further injury.”

Using the tape isn’t difficult but it does help to have a working knowledge of the muscles, ligaments and joints and how they function in order to apply the tape accurately. I use the tape in my office not only during the acute phase of care but also during rehabilitation of injuries.

I find that a patient’s ability to perform important exercises that are necessary to keeping a problem from becoming chronic is enhanced by the tape. If you have ever done physical therapy or Chiropractic after an injury you may have found that some exercises cause pain every time you do it.

If it causes pain you are less likely to do the exercise and more likely to do it incorrectly if you do it at all. By using the tape I found that often the discomfort during a painful movement is decreased and the patient is able to do the exercise properly. By allowing the patient to do the exercise the body can strengthen the injured area and without the tape it may not happen.

I also see a benefit for wellness and postural work. If used during posture training I feel that is adds a proprioceptive (Body’ s awareness of where it is in space) stimulus which helps the brain learn proper postures and balance. The age of seated jobs and inactivity of the postural muscles has lead to a myriad of disease processes which I documented in an earlier article in this magazine. Helping to correct this problem is extremely important in a patient’s overall health.

On a final note I have had patients try tape they found at local stores and I have had a couple of them complain that it left blisters on their skin that medical grade tape does not. This could be due to the adhesive materials used in the tape. Due to this I cannot recommend using this tape but it is a little cheaper than the medical grade tape. I also recommend that if you do try this tape to try it in a small area and test it before applying to a large area. You should also get at least one application by someone who has been trained prior to applying yourself so you know how to do it.

If you would like more information or want to try an application, please don’t hesitate to call our office.

DOVER HEALTH CARE CENTER February / March 2016

6

By Troy B. Martin, D.C.

Live the life you deserve

For over 30 years, Dover Health Care Center has been treating Dover and the surrounding communities with Chiropractic care. Here at DHCC we focus on wellness and preventative care, treating the source of the problem, and patients who have experienced accidents. Our goal is to assist you in reaching your wellness goals. Let us help you live the life you deserve.

Chiropractic benefits: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Relieves stress Treats whiplash Stops pain Increases your immune system Makes your body function at its optimum level Aligns the spine Relaxes muscles Prevents future injuries Increases blood circulation Helps ease asthma Helps speed up recovery time No drugs No needles Removes lactic acid Increases flexibility Increases range of motion and mobility Stops muscle spasms Relieves arthritic pain Increase of energy!

(302) 736-0330

doverhealthcarecenter.com 212 South Queen Street • Dover, DE 19904

302 736 0330

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine CORONARY CT: Coronary artery disease (CAD), heart disease, atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease (CVD); the number one killer of Americans goes by many names. Despite the various nomenclatures, the underlying commonality is blockage of arteries of the heart which can lead to heart dysfunction/stoppage (heart attack or cardiac arrest).

CAD is the buildup of cholesterol/fatty and calcified deposits (plaque) within the arteries of the heart. This overtime leads to narrowing of the blood vessel which can eventually become so severely narrowed that adequate blood flow/oxygen cannot be delivered to the heart muscles. This can produce angina (chest pain with nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating among other symptoms). Alternatively, the plaque can rupture and lead to immediate blockage of the arteries and subsequent sudden cardiac arrest. There are many risk factors for CAD, with the major ones being increasing age, male gender, genetics, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low physical activity, obesity, diabetes, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption.

According to the 2009 statistics from the AHA (American Heart Association) one in three female adults has some form of CVD. Since 1984, the number of CVD deaths for women has exceeded the deaths for men.

The AHA statistics state that in 2009, CVD was the cause of death in 401,495 women.

Women represented 51% of deaths from cardiovascular disease. Approximately 66 million women alive today have coronary heart disease.

The primary test to image the arteries of the heart has been an invasive procedure

Non-Invasive Test in the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease known as cardiac catheterization which involves puncturing the femoral artery followed by catheters and wires which are guided from the groin to the heart and evaluated by x-ray. MDI has the technology to accurately and non-invasively image the arteries of the heart with our 64 detector/slice CT scanner (CAT scan) which is scheduled to be upgraded to an even more powerful and higher resolution state-of-the-art 128 detector/slice CT scanner in 2016. This test is known as Coronary CT Angiography.

The technologist will place an IV and monitor your heart rate and may give you a low dose medication to control it (beta blocker). Iodine contrast material is pushed through the IV and the 64/128 slice CT scanner obtains extremely thin (0.5 mm) images through the heart. These images capture details of the moving heart and its arteries which allow us to construct high resolution 3-D images to determine if there is any fatty/cholesterol or calcified deposits (plaque) narrowing the arteries.

TESTIMONIALS: “My father had a heart attack at a young age. I am 58 years old and had chest pain on and off for a year with inconclusive tests. I had the coronary CT and it showed a severe blockage. I was one of the lucky few who was diagnosed early enough before a heart attack.” - Lisa M. “I had vague chest discomfort and have smoked for 30 years. I went to MDI where the incredibly helpful staff walked me through the coronary CT which found a 70% blockage and saved my life.” Jen D.

A study performed at the Cornell Medical Center in New York City found that the noninvasive Coronary CT Angiography study has a very high negative predictive value (97-99%) in patients with chest pain who are electively referred for invasive coronary angiography. The higher the negative predictive value, the more effective a test is at excluding disease. Thus, Coronary CT Angiography is a highly effective noninvasive alternative to exclude coronary artery narrowing/stenosis.

Speak to your doctor to see if this test may benefit you or call us for more information regarding Coronary CT angiography or any CAT scan/radiologic procedure.

By Anush Parikh, M.D Anush Parikh, M.D. is with Mid-Delaware Imaging in Dover, DE. Dr. Parikh was raised in Dover and educated through the Holy Cross, Caesar Rodney and St. Andrew’s school systems. He attended New York University for undergraduate schooling and majored in Anthropology. Dr. Parikh received his M.D. at Syracuse-Upstate Medical University where he achieved the medical academic honor of Alpha Omega Alpha. He moved back to NYC where he completed his Internship at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center. This was followed by a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Beth Israel Medical Center and a mini-fellowship in cardiac/coronary CT.

February / March 2016

7

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Straight Talk - Part 2 6. What are the risks associated with orthodontic treatment?

(part 1 in Oct/Nov 2015 issue)

By Dr. Stephanie Steckel

Any orthodontic treatment leaves the patient at risk of hard and soft tissue damage, but proper care and hygiene, as well as proper clinical procedure by the Orthodontist, lessens the risk of this damage. Patients should consult their Orthodontist to see if they are subject to any more risks while undergoing treatment. These risks are why “Do It Yourself Orthodontics” is always inadvisable.

7. What kinds of foods and beverages do I need to avoid during treatment?

Generally, you should avoid foods that are sticky, hard or chewy. Sugary foods should Dr. Stephanie Steckel Amber Murawski Annabel Robinson also be avoided, because having braces can Magnolia, DE I Patient Patient Care Coordinator make it more challenging to brush and floss away the sugar that remains in the mouth after consumption. Also patients should avoid coffee, tea, soda and any drinks that are first four days to a week after their braces, be seen as early as 4-6 weeks! The speed sweetened, acidic or may stain your teeth. expanders, and/or wires are placed and of tooth movement will vary from patient after a wire adjustment. Aligner therapy to patient.

Factors such as age, amount of 8. Do I still need to see my general dentist crowding, teeth grinding, certain medications, patients experience less discomfort, in our during my treatment? experience at OSL. Most patients do adapt to density of bone, and the patient’s metabolic Yes. Your orthodontist will continue to monitor the soreness, but if not, this minor pain can rate can affect speed of tooth movement. your orthodontic treatment and the progress Patient compliance factors, such as wearing be relieved with over-the-counter medications you are making while straightening your rubber bands, maintaining good oral hygiene, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. teeth, but according to the American Dental and not breaking or loosening brackets Association, your dentist is still the best during treatment will also affect results.

REMEMBER: caretaker for your overall dental health. Your Orthodontic treatment can change your life! dentist is the first line for detection of decay, 10. My friends complain about their braces Call us at 302-672-7776, or check out our so it is always essential to maintain regular or aligners hurting them. Are mine going to website at www.doverorthodontics.com dental visits to your general dentist. hurt, too? to schedule the start of your new smile, with 9. How long will it take before I start to see Dr. Stephanie Steckel at Orthodontics on The placement of braces or starting aligner results?

Silverlake. therapy does not cause discomfort. Most Exciting changes in tooth movement can patients experience mild soreness the Dr. Stephanie Steckel is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics, and started her Dover orthodontic practice in 1995. She is a graduate of UCLA School of Dentistry, and she completed her postdoctoral specialty education at the Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, Georgia.

At Orthodontics on Silver Lake (OSL) in Dover, she and her OSL team provide excellent orthodontic experiences and results for her patients. The science behind orthodontic treatment continues to evolve, in many cases resulting in greater comfort and predictability for our patients. Dr. Steckel’s experience as a general dentist prior to specializing means more coordinated care with your family dentist. Our OSL team is also proud to support the local community in numerous educational, sports and volunteer activities.

February / March 2016

Dr. Stephanie Steckel (302)672-7776 www.doverorthodontics.com

Great Smiles Start Here…

Call us to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Mention the Women’s Journal and receive free teeth whitening when you byoJan.

start w w treatment w. t h e w m e31,n2016. sjournal.com

8

Health&Medicine If It’s Good For Your Heart........

Patients often ask what they can do to keep their eyes healthy. Many of our recommendations are the very same lifestyle choices that contribute to maintaining heart health.

First and foremost is diet. Eat a variety of green leafy vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants to help the body fight the effects of many environmental toxins.

Specifically, we know that we can slow the formation of cataracts and the progression of macular degeneration. Even dry eyes can be helped by including omega-3 in the diet, drinking adequate water and avoiding artificial sweeteners.

cause secondary eye conditions may be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. Even eye pressure, a factor in glaucoma, can be reduced by losing weight.

The last recommendation may not be relevant in heart health, but it is very important for eye health. Protecting the eyes from ultraviolet rays helps reduce the chance of getting macular degeneration, early cataracts, skin cancer of the eyelids, and changes of the surface of the eye.

Take care of your heart and you will enjoy the benefits in many other ways that give you the best possible quality of life.

Don’t smoke! Smokers develop cataracts at an earlier age than non smokers and the risk of developing macular degeneration in those with a family history is much higher. The severity and progression from dry to wet macular degeneration are also impacted by smoking.

Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

More oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, plus the removal of toxic waste products are facilitated by exercising.

Many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol that

Vision Quest Eye Care Center 820 Walker Road Dover, DE 19904

I have been seeing Dr. Gross at Vision Quest for about 5 years now and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about him and the staff at Vision Quest.

— Carol B. I was taken back less than 5 minutes after arriving. Everyone was super nice. The dr explained everything and was very thorough. The optical lab was also prompt and very patient and attentive. I had a very positive experience! Thank you!

— Mindy B. Always a comfortable place to be.

— Bonnie R. Great place to come for eye problems.

— Georgina C.

302-678-3545 www.vqeyecare.com Office Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Patient Testimonials:

9:30 AM - 6:30 PM 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Best Eye Care Center in Dover I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with staff at Vision Quest. Everyone is so polite and courteous. They really listen to you and not only do they care about your eye health but your overall health as well. Dr. Gross is amazing and is always ready with great advice. I would never go anywhere else for my eye care. I have also recommended others and they have had the same experience.

— Crystal S. I have been a patient of Vision Quest for many years and I’ve never had a bad expeience there. The entire staff is geared toward quality care and a comfortable experience.

— Mike D. Excellent as always I have been a patient for years and have always received excellent service.

— Ray S. The same person took care of me from arrival thru getting new glasses. She was very courteous, helpful and friendly. A real pleasure to work with.

— Robert E.

Philip J. Gross, OD

Michele R. Haranin, OD

February / March 2016

A. Aaron Yatskevich, OD

9

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Placenta Percreta going to pass out?’ and he was like, ‘no’; afterwards he told me he was just looking at how much blood there was because it was just pouring out of me,” says Karyn. “I could definitely feel it. I remember telling them several times, ‘I feel like I’m going to pass out’ and they were like, ‘we are giving you more blood,’ and I could feel myself coming back the more blood they would give.”

Karyn & Wyatt Robinson Karyn Robinson of Delaware had begun showing signs of placenta percreta 24 weeks into her second pregnancy. “Placenta percreta occurs when the placenta penetrates through the entire uterine wall and attaches to another organ” according to the American Pregnancy Association (2006). Placenta percreta is the rarest and most severe form of placenta accreta with only a 5% risk rate.

At 29 weeks, Karyn began to bleed and she was placed on hospital bed rest until delivery due to the potential for hemorrhaging. “I needed to be where they could get me into surgery quickly and where there would be blood products available, so they kept me inpatient for five weeks on bed rest,” says Karyn.

After surgery, while in recovery, she received three more units of red blood cells and ten units of cryoprecipitate, another blood product to assist in clotting. Her son only spent three days in the NICU and Karyn was released five days after surgery.

Karyn and her son, Wyatt, are happy and healthy today. To celebrate her son’s first birthday, the family decided to have an intimate party for family and friends and sponsor a blood drive with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, in honor of his birthday. “I thought it was a good way to pay it forward,” says Karyn.

Karyn is a survivor of placenta percreta thanks to her wonderful medical team and ample supply of blood products. Our community needs 350 blood donors every day to meet the needs of patients, such as Karyn, in the Delmarva region. Your donation can make a difference for local patients. Blood Bank of Delmarva services the Delmarva region with five permanent locations and more than 30 mobile sites, making it convenient for people to give the gift of life.

Karyn was scheduled for a cesarean at 34 weeks. Prior to delivery and surgery, she first went to interventional radiology. Balloon catheters were inserted through her groin to the uterine arteries to cut off some of the blood flow since hemorrhaging was one of the biggest concerns during delivery. After she was prepped, Karyn was moved to a trauma operating room. Karyn gave birth to her beautiful son Wyatt on May 21, 2014.

By Monica E. Boyce, Ed.D, Change Communications & Project Manager Blood Bank of Delmarva Monica Boyce is proud to represent the Blood Bank of Delmarva. BBD is a not-for-profit community service organization which provides blood transfusion products and services for hospitals within the Delmarva region. In her role as Change Communications and Project Manager, she is responsible for developing and implementing the internal and external engagement and communication strategy to increase the community and employees’ connection to BBD’s mission. She is also the project manager for the Cerus INTERCEPT Implementation Project. Monica holds a B.S. in Organizational Dynamics; a M.S.M. in Organizational Leadership; and in 2013 she earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Wilmington University and is passionate about teaching. Monica is dedicated to supporting BBD in the goal to be a best in class blood bank and community partner.

To become a lifesaving blood donor at Blood Bank of Delmarva, schedule an appointment at www.DelmarvaBlood.org or call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.

After a quick kiss, Wyatt was moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the doctors began performing surgery on Karyn. Given the extent of Kayrn’s condition, a hysterectomy and repair to her bladder was required. During surgery she received nine units of blood products: four units of red blood cells and four plasma products to replace the blood she was quickly losing, and one platelet product to assist in clotting.

Karyn remained awake throughout the entire procedure with her husband by her side for comfort. “He kept looking at the ground, and I was like, ‘what are you looking at? Are you

February / March 2016

10

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine No Pressure...But Let’s Lower Your Blood Pressure If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your heart is working overtime.

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure not only raises the risk of heart disease, it also increases risks to your arteries, brain, kidneys, and eyes.1 Blood pressure measurements give you two readings: the top number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps blood, the bottom number is the pressure in arteries between beats.2

3. Make a DASH for it. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Go easy with foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

You can’t feel blood pressure, so there’s only one way to know if medicine or a lifestyle change is working: consider buying a blood pressure cuff from our store so you can regularly check your blood pressure.

4. Limit salt, alcohol, and caffeine. Read food labels, eat fewer processed foods, and don’t add salt to your food. Track your habits so you can see exactly how much alcohol and caffeine you drink each week.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.

You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

Small amounts of alcohol can actually lower your blood pressure. But more than moderate amounts can do just the opposite.

If you don’t know what your blood pressure is, it’s time to find out. Bottom line? High blood pressure can be a silent killer. 1 What increases blood pressure? As usual, certain risks are outside your control. That includes genetics, age, and a family history of hypertension. In some cases, certain medications can raise blood pressure. Let me look over a list of your medications to make sure that’s not true for you.3

Likewise, caffeine can also boost blood pressure. Check your pressure 30 minutes after you drink a cup of coffee and see if it’s more than 10 points higher than at other times of day.

5. Go smoke-free. Smoking can be a tough habit to kick. If that’s true for you, get help to quit for good. Remember, even second-hand In most cases of high blood pressure, doctors smoke isn’t harmless. don’t know the exact cause. What they do know is that making lifestyle changes can 6. Chill out. Easier said than done, I know.

3 make a big difference.

But stress can temporarily boost your blood pressure. You know better than anyone what Here are some things you can do:4 helps you relax. Try to build that into your daily (or weekly) routine.

1. Lose a few. Even 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference in blood pressure. Studies If your doctor gives you medication have also found that belly fat may be the for high blood pressure, take it kind that’s most likely linked to high blood exactly as prescribed. But be pressure.5 patient. It can take a while to get your numbers where they need to 2. Exercise. Try to exercise 30 to 60 minutes be. You may also need to try more more days of the week than not. You may than one medicine. There are many see a change in your numbers within just a classes of high blood pressure few weeks. drugs, and it can get confusing. As you know, I’m here as a resource.

Sources 1. Mayo Clinic: “High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body.” Available at: http://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/ in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868 Accessed October 23, 2014.

2. Merckengage: “What Is High Blood Pressure?”

Available at: http://www.merckengage.com/common/article.aspx?id=528 Accessed October 23, 2014.

3. WebMD: “Causes of High Blood Pressure.” Available at: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-bloodpressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes Accessed October 23, 2014.

4. Mayo Clinic: “10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication.” Available at: http://www.mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/highblood-pressure/art-20046974 Accessed October 23, 2014.

5. AHA: “Small weight gain can raise blood pressure in healthy adults.” Available at: http://newsroom.heart. org/news/small-weight-gain-can-raise-blood-pressure-inhealthy-adults Accessed October 23, 2014.

6. AHA: “Keeping High Blood Pressure Under Control.”

Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/ HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Keeping-High-Blood-Pressure-Under-Control_ UCM_460131_Article.jsp Accessed October 23, 2014.

By Zahir Kasmani Pharmacist and Owner Zahir resides in Dover, DE with his wife and son. He has more than 10 years’ experience as a pharmacist working in different positions, including as a district manager. He is passionate about the profession and utilizes his knowledge to help patients with their pharmacy needs and questions. Dover Community Pharmacy is located at 1035 South Governors Ave, Dover DE, with plenty of parking and easy access.

Visit Dover Community Pharmacy. Let Zahir and his team get to know you personally, and help you live a healthier life.

February / March 2016

11

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Women Find Relief Today’s Surgery Options - Help And Get Back To The Life They Love As urogynecologists, we specialize in helping women who have pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. The pelvic floor includes the muscles and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis. It supports your organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. The discomfort and dysfunction you may experience are symptoms of illnesses or conditions affecting those organs and the muscular structure.

We are focused on treatments that can help women to lead freer, fuller lives and treatments that allow women to return to their jobs, families and other activities they enjoy as quickly as possible.

For about two-thirds of the women who come to us, the most effective treatment includes surgery. Fortunately, due to advances in surgical technique and surgical care, most women are able to quickly resume their busy lives. Today, “open surgery”, which calls for a large abdominal incision, is rare. Instead, we are able to successfully repair the pelvic floor through minimally invasive vaginal surgery, or with laparoscopic surgery where a thin, lighted camera and surgical instruments are slipped through tiny incisions in the belly.

February / March 2016

In addition, our surgeons have adopted a program of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). This program, initiated across Christiana Care Health System, begins before surgery and has eliminated many uncomfortable and unnecessary interventions associated with traditional surgical care. This allows our patients greater control over their experience and may contribute to a faster recovery.

Only a few years ago, sacrocolpopexy, a surgical technique for repairing pelvic organ prolapse with soft synthetic mesh, was performed with an open technique that required two or three days in the hospital with a recovery period of about six weeks.

For the last several years, we have been performing sacrocolpopexy via laparoscopy, which reduces the hospital stay to one day and shortens the recovery time to as little as two weeks. Patients experience fewer complications and significantly less pain and are able to resume their normal activities much sooner. Most of our laparoscopic pelvic floor repairs are now done with robotic assistance. This technique involves the use of very small tools attached to robotic arms which are controlled by the surgeon. Robotic assistance allows the surgeon to be more precise and to complete the surgery in less

12

time compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Every physician in our practice has advanced training and experience in robotic surgery.

Christiana Care Health System has a large robotic surgery program and includes three robots in two hospital locations. The newly remodeled Wilmington Hospital campus includes 14 state-of-the-art operating rooms with a dedicated unit for short-stay surgery.

This flexibility allows our patients greater choice and convenience in scheduling surgery.

Every patient is unique, but all of our patients have one thing in common. They want care that is convenient and compassionate, care they value.

Having surgery doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. It can mean making your life better. Let us partner with you to find a treatment option to meet your needs and your lifestyle.

To learn more or to make an appointment, call 800-693-CARE (2273).

Please mention you read about this treatment in The Women’s Journal.

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Improve-IT Results from the IMPROVE-IT (IMProved Reduction of Outcome: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial) were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in November 2014. The trial tested simvastatin vs. simvastatin/ezetimibe (Vytorin 40/10) in 18,144 patients randomized within 10 days of an acute coronary syndrome. Patients had baseline LDL between 50 and 100 if they were on lipid lowering medication and between 50 and 125 if not receiving these medications.

The patients were followed for a median of six years and Vytorin group had a 6.4% relative risk reduction in the primary endpoint of death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina or coronary revascularization. The absolute risk reduction was 2% in the Vytorin group (34.7 vs. 32.7%) translating into one primary event prevented for every 50 patients treated and the benefits began to emerge after one year of randomization. The incidence of ischemic stroke was less in the combination therapy group (3.4 vs. 4.1% over seven years) as was the myocar dial infarction rate (13.1 vs.

14.8%).

cholesterol level of less than 70 mg per deciliter and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of less than 2.0 at one month (50.6% vs. 30.5%).

When recurrent events (of which there were 4,231) are examined, the relative risk reduction was more robust at 9% and looking at strokes, heart attacks and death there was a 12% reduction in favor of Vytorin with a 13% reduction in nonfatal heart attack and 23% reduction in nonfatal stroke.

Simvastatin is cleared by the CYP3A4 pathway, so with concomitant use of drugs that inhibit this pathway, simvastatin must be used with caution. With amiodarone, diltiazem and verapamil no more than 10 mg of simvastatin is recommended and use no more than 20 mg of simvastatin with amlodipine and ranolazine (Ranexa) therapy. The use of simvastatin should be avoided with cyclosporine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone and HIV-protease inhibitors. Lovastatin is also mostly metabolized through the 3A4 pathway but atorvastatin much less so and therefore is preferable with concomitant therapy with the listed drugs. All statins should be avoided in patients using ketoconazole and itraconazole as all CYP pathways are inhibited by these two agents.

Mean LDL fell to 54 mg/dl in the Vytorin group and to 70 mg/dl in the simvastatin gr oup supporting the hypothesis that lower LDL levels result in lower cardiovascular events. Significant rises in HDL 48.1 vs 48.7 and decreases in hs-CRP (3.8 vs.3.3) were also seen; once again favoring the combination therapy group.

More patients in the simvastatin–ezetimibe group than in the simvastatin monotherapy group achieved the dual goal of an LDL

February / March 2016

There was no increased risk of adverse events seen in ezetimibe/simvastatin cohort vs. the simvastatin only cohort. 10.1% of the monotherapy patients discontinued therapy due to adverse reaction vs. 10.6% in the combination group.

Ezetimibe now looks to be a powerful addition to the therapy of patients following acute coronary syndromes with both low and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. The drug is well-tolerated with minimal high-risk side effects and no major drug interactions. The only reported minor side effect is a low incidence of liver transaminase elevation. Ezetimibe works by decreasing the sterol transport across the intestinal brush border and comes in one dose, 10 mg. In this study it was used as the combination drug with simvastatin but it is available individually to pair along with another statin drug.

13

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine “Oh, My My Aching “Oh, Aching Back” Back” The Benefits Benefits Of The Of Breast BreastReduction Reduction W

hen women come to me to discuss breast reduction surgery,

By Dr. Julia MacRae they’ve usually tried various other treatments for their severe back, neck and shoulder pain. They have deep grooves in their shoulders from the straps of their bras. Some even have numbness and tingling in their hands from the weight of their breasts or chronic infections underneath them. Patients have gone through physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, and taken prescription medication to try to ease the back pain. They’ve invested in expensive custom bras and new mattresses in an effort to live a day without pain. When I finally get to see them, my advice is “You need this surgery done yesterday!”

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a highly effective treatment for symptoms of macromastia or large breasts. It is considered a reconstructive (or medically necessary) procedure, and thus is usually covered by insurance. Women of all ages have benefited from breast reduction surgery.

Although it is common for women in their 30’s

to 50’s to seek relief with surgery, I encourage older and younger women to consider it as well. Breast reduction can drastically improve self-esteem. I fondly remember one teenage patient skipping into my office after her surgery and announcing with a broad grin “I’ve joined the volleyball team”. It is common for patients to find that they are able to lose weight after surgery because they are finally able to exercise in comfort.

Breast reduction surgery achieves a smaller, more attractive appearance by lifting and reducing the breast at the same time.

The most common type of breast reduction surgery saves the blood and nerve supply to the nipple, so the nipple retains normal appearance and sensation. The nipple is raised to a normal position and the remaining tissue is removed and tightened. On average, anywhere from 2-6 pounds of tissue is removed, depending upon the pre-operative size of the breasts. The scars, which form an anchor shape on the breast, fade to thin lines after several months. The great news is that patients notice the difference the very first morning after surgery when they wake up free of back and neck pain!

“¡Ay…como me duele la espalda!”: Beneficios de la reducción del busto

E

n mi experiencia, cuando las mujeres acuden a mí para evaluar el tema de una posible reducción mamaria, generalmente, ya han probado otros tratamientos para evitar el dolor de espalda, cuello, cervical y hombros. Por otra parte, son impresionantes las evidentes marcas profundas en sus hombros que estas pacientes tienen, debido a la presión que las tiras de sus sostenes ejercen al soportar un peso considerable.

En algunos casos, estas pacientes, presentan síntomas como: entumecimiento y hormigueo en las manos e infecciones crónicas en la parte inferior de los senos. Muchas han probado casi todo: terapias físicas, quiroprácticas y medicamentos. Igualmente, han invertido mucho dinero en sujetadores personalizados y colchones nuevos para tratar de lidiar con este padecimiento.

Cuando llega el momento en que debo atenderlas y darles mi consejo profesional, sencillamente digo: “¡Es necesario una intervención quirúrgica cuanto antes!”.

La cirugía de reducción del busto, también conocida como mamoplastia de reducción, es un tratamiento altamente efectivo para pacientes que sufren de macromastia, (pechos grandes). Esta operación es un procedimiento reconstructivo (o médicamente necesario) y es usualmente cubierto por los seguros medicos. Gracias a este procedimiento, mujeres de todas las edades se han

February / March 2016

beneficiado. Doy ánimo a las mujeres, jóvenes y adultas, a considerar esta cirugía como una solución para aliviar su dolor. La reducción de senos puede mejorar la autoestima de la paciente. Esto me hace recordar a una paciente joven que, después de su recuperación, daba brincos de alegría en mi oficina mientras me anunciaba: “Me he unido al equipo de voleyball”. Frecuentemente, después de éstas intervenciones, las pacientes sienten alivio y la capacidad de perder peso y hacer ejercicio con mayor comodidad.

En cuanto al aspecto físico; la cirugía de reducción mamaria, logra una silueta más pequeña y atractiva de los senos por la misma reducción y elevación de las mamas. El tipo más común de la mamoplastia de reducción guarda el suministro sanguíneo y nervioso al pezón, es decir, tiene una conexión directa con éste y no se necesita de su extracción, por lo que el pezón conservará su apariencia y sensación normal.

En el procedimiento quirúrgico, el pezón es elevado a una posición normal y el tejido restante es retirado. En promedio,se extraen de 2 a 6 libras de tejido que dependerá del tamaño de los senos y de la evaluación pre-operatoria.

Las cicatrices que se forman en los senos después de la operación se desvanecerán a pequeñas y delgadas líneas al pasar unos pocos

14

Dr. MacRae has been a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Newark, DE for over 12 years. She is a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and completed a plastic surgery residency at the University of Virginia. She is particularly pleased to serve the Hispanic community, as she speaks Spanish.

Visit www.christianacosmeticsurgery.com or call (302) 368-9611 to make an appointment.

Be sure to mention this article at your consultation for a “thank you” gift!

~

La Dra. MacRae ha sido Cirujano Plástico, certificada por el Consejo y ha hecho ejercicio de su profesión en Newark, DE, durante más de 12 años. Ella es egresada de Yale University School of Medicine y completó su residencia en la especialidad de Cirugía Plástica en The University of Virginia.

Ella se siente particularmente satisfecha de poder servir a la comunidad hispana, ya que domina muy bien el idioma Español.

Visite a www.christianacosmeticsurgery.com o comuíquese a (302) 368-9611 para hacer una cita.

No olviden mencionar este artículo en su consulta, y les obsequiaremos un detalle. meses. Y la mejor noticia es que la mayoría de las pacientes nota la diferencia a la mañana siguiente de la operación, cuando se despiertan libres del dolor que les invadía.

Las cicatrices que se forman en los senos después de la operación se desvanecerán a pequeñas y delgadas líneas al pasar unos pocos meses.

Y la mejor noticia es que la mayoría de las pacientes nota la diferencia a la mañana siguiente de la operación, cuando se despiertan libres del dolor que les invadía.

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Don’t Hide Your LegsThis This Summer!

Summer!

Don’t Hide Your Legs problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.

as noticeable like before. I highly recommend Dr. Anthony Alfieri and staff for this procedure.”

- Sharon Calloway, Hockessin, DE

Q. HoW Long does T He proCedure T Ake? A. Venous procedures typically

“Dr. Alfieri and staff were very friendly and professional. They were knowledgeable about the cutting edge vein treatment methods to reduce pain, numbness and swelling in my legs. I am very pleased with the results.”

- Kimberly Hill, Townsend, DE

take about 3-5 minutes, though patients normally spend 30 minutes at the medical facility due to normal pre and post-treatment procedures.

Q. WiLL T He p roCedure B e CoVered B y My insurAnCe? A. At Delaware Advanced Vein

By Anthony Alfieri, DO, FACC

D

elaware Advanced Vein Center in Newark, Delaware holds free screenings monthly and have found that many people who suffer with varicose veins don’t seek treatment sooner because of “what they don’t know”. They want to help patients get the treatments that are available to them now, without wasting another year hiding your legs!

Here A re T He MosT CoMMon QuesTions A nd ConCerns:

Center, we know the insurance process can sometimes be daunting. Our expert staff will submit your claim and acquire precertification for your procedure, when required by your insurance provider. Delaware Advanced Vein Center accepts insurance from numerous insurance providers. The coverage varies depending on your provider and specific policy.

Q. WHen CAn i resuMe My e xerCise rouTine?

A. Many patients can resume

normal activities immediately. For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

Q. WHAT A re V AriCose Veins A nd T Heir s yMpToMs? Q. HoW s oon WiLL i A. Varicose veins—which affect see iMproVeMenTs in My 10% to 20% of all adults—are s yMpToMs A nd A ppeArAnCe swollen, twisted, blue veins that of My V AriCose V eins? are close to the surface of the A. Most patients report a skin. Because valves in them are damaged, they hold more blood at higher pressure than normal. That forces fluid into the surrounding tissue, making the affected leg swell and feel heavy.

noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.

Anthony Alfieri, DO, FACC is a board certified interventional cardiologist, who has been practicing in the New Castle County area for over 25 years. His efforts to improve the quality of life for all individuals - both men and women alike - who suffer from the effects of venous insufficiencies continues with the formation of Delaware Advanced Vein Center. Dr. Alfieri has found that for many people, having varicose veins is needlessly limiting and it is a common misconception that the treatment of varicose veins is painful and not worth the effort. So as to provide better care for his patients, Dr. Alfieri is now performing radiofrequency ablations.

inTersoCieTAL CoMMission for THe A CCrediTATion of V AsCuLAr LABorATories:

The purpose of ICAVL is to ensure high quality patient care and to promote health care by providing a mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality noninvasive vascular diagnostic

testing by a process of voluntary accreditation.

inTersoCieTAL CoMMission for THe A CCrediTATion of n uCLeAr M ediCine L ABorATories:

The purpose of ICANL is to ensure high quality patient care and to promote health care by providing a mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality nuclear cardiology and nuclear medicine diagnostic evaluations by a process of voluntary accreditation.

inTersoCieTAL CoMMission for THe A CCrediTATion of e CHoCArdiogrApHy L ABorATories:

The purpose of ICAEL is to ensure high quality patient care and to promote health care by providing a mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality echocardiographic diagnostic evaluations by a process of voluntary accreditation.

If your question wasn’t answered or to schedule your free screening call Michelle, our customer relations specialist at 302-690-0933.

Q. HoW A re V AriCose V eins T reATed? T esTiMoniALs A. Since valves can’t be repaired, the only alternative is to reroute blood flow through healthy veins.

Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. Venous procedures provide a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the

February / March 2016

“I had a venous procedure done and I cannot believe the improvement I noticed in my legs almost immediately! I no longer have a tired feeling or heavy pressure feeling in both of my legs. My dark purple ugly veins I had around my ankles are not

15

Free vein Screening Your First Step to Beautiful Legs!

40 Omega Drive, Building G Newark, DE 19713

302-737-0857

Call (302) 690-0933

To schedule your free screening

www.delawareadvancedveincenter.com

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine

health&medicine

educate. enrich. empower.

How To Find A Good Hospice How To Find A Good Hospice Program: Program: Six Features To Look For

Six Features To Look For

I

n just 39 years, the amount of hospice providers nationwide has grown exponentially. As with most services, there are many factors to consider when selecting a hospice provider for either yourself or a loved one.

To help navigate the variety of options, Consumer Reports published an article, “How to Find a Good Hospice Program: Six Features to Look for” and Delaware Hospice is the only organization in the area to meet all of the criteria.

1. Not-for-profit status and 20+ years of experience. Delaware Hospice is the only not-forprofit hospice serving Delaware.

We were established in 1982 by Delawareans who saw a need for hospice care in our area.

Throughout our 33 years of service to Delawareans, we have become a trusted community partner in providing the highest quality hospice and healthcare services through end-of-life education and support.

2. Hospice certified nurses and doctors on staff and available 24 hours per day. By having certified hospice personnel on staff, we are able to truly care for the individual needs of our patients.

Regardless of the time of day, patients and caregivers are able to talk with a nurse, nurse practitioner, or doctor that will be able to answer questions.

3. Palliative care consultants who begin care if you’re not yet ready for hospice. Our Delaware Palliative program assists with the physical and psychosocial burdens of a serious illness through home visits by a physician, nurse practitioner, and a social worker. Delaware Palliative patients are able to benefit from the individualized care provided while they still receive curative treatment.

4. An inpatient unit, where patients can go if symptoms can’t be managed at home. Delaware Hospice has the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford providing 16-single patient/ family suites that are set in a

comfortable and peaceful homelike atmosphere, with space for your family to gather. A team of professionals will provide specialized hospice care 24 hours a day, allowing family members to spend quality time together.

Visitors are encouraged to use family oriented spaces including the country kitchen, living room, family room, and a children’s playroom. Families are also able to enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Delaware Hospice offers a variety of programs Transitions, Delaware Palliative, and Delaware Hospice. To learn more about any of our programs, please visit www.delawarehospice.org or call us at 1-800-838-9800.

5. Ability to provide care in nursing homes and assisted living residences. We provide service in 48 nursing homes throughout the three counties in Delaware.

With these partnerships, we are able to offer our families with timely visits and expert care.

6. Medicare approval. Delaware Hospice is a Medicare, Medicaid and state licensed hospice program.

Recently, we have achieved re-accreditation from The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Home Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.

Established in 1988, The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation program supports the efforts of its accredited organizations to help deliver safe, high quality care, and services.

More than 6,000 home care programs currently maintain accreditation, awarded for a three-year period by The Joint Commission.

Delaware Hospice has also earned the Elite Status in the 2015 Hospice Honors from Deyta®. As a data-driven management company, Deyta works with thousands of healthcare agencies including Delaware Hospice to compile accurate, up-to-date survey information. As a named Hospice Honors Elite member, an organization must have scored better than the national average on all 18 of the evaluated questions provided to family members.

www.TheWomensJournal.com

My dad taught me to fly, to never fear tomorrow.

So I will teach my son to soar and not to accept limitations.

That’s why I chose Delaware Palliative.

If you’re coping with a serious illness Delaware Palliative can help alleviate symptoms and stress. Even if you’re still receiving active, curative treatment.

We help keep the focus where it needs to be- life lessons between a father and son.

See how palliative care can improve quality of life at www.delawarepalliative.org or call 800-838-9800.

23

Call us today for more information 1-800-838-9800

February / March 2016

16

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Health&Medicine Dry Eye A Common Affliction DRY EYEOverlooked A Common Affliction Often Overlooked Often Why AndHow How Should Be Treated Why And It It Should Be Treated D ry Eye is one of the most common eye conditions. It is not only bothersome, but it can cause significant damage if left untreated.

Proper diagnosis can also lead to discovery and treatment of other related conditions in the body.

Simply defined, Dry By Eye is a condition Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D. in which one’s natural tears do not adequately lubricate the eyes to keep them comfortable and healthy. Symptoms may include stinging, burning or scratchy feeling, as well as light sensitivity, blurring and eye fatigue. Ironically, dry eye induced irritation may also cause excessive compensatory tearing.

rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogrens Syndrome, and occasionally trauma or laser vision correction (especially when done with LASIK flaps - one reason I have transitioned to laser vision correction WITHOUT FLAPS). Excessive tear evaporation may be environmental (dry heat in the winter, or air blowing directly on the eye), behavioral/structural (poor blinking due to lid abnormalities, sleeping with eyes slightly open, or failing to blink while concentrating for long periods of time reading or in computer work) or due to an imbalance in the tear composition. The normal tear film has three important layers (watery, oily and mucus). Correct balance is required to ensure adequate wetting, good tear spread, and slower evaporation from the surface of the eye.

Dry Eyes may be caused by either insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation.

Diminished tear production (Aqueous Deficiency) is commonly caused by aging (especially over 50), hormonal changes (especially women), drugs such as antihistamines and certain blood pressure medications, medical conditions including

Testing for dry eyes is important not only to properly diagnose and guide treatment, but also to identify possible systemic diseases, (diseases in the body) which may be associated. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, and other autoimmune and collagen vascular diseases such as Lupus. Evaluation includes a careful patient history, examination of the ocular surface (with special dyes testing for damaged surface cells), and if indicated a measurement of tear volume and production.

Recently, several new tests have been developed including tear osmolarity and measurements for inflammatory markers associated with dry eye. These tests may further assist in directing treatment.

In addition to discomfort, Dry Eye can cause blurry vision, infection, abrasions, inflammation (which causes further damage), and scarring of the surface (which can lead to permanent vision loss). Dry eyes can also complicate planned ocular surgeries performed for other reasons, such as cataract and refractive surgery.

Treatment options include environmental and behavioral changes (humidifiers, avoiding wind or direct exposure, taking breaks from extended periods of reading/ computer work, smoking cessation), instilling artificial tears (choices dictated by disease severity and type (aqueous

deficient or evaporative), plugging tear ducts (to keep tears in contact with the eye longer), antiinflammatory medication (steroid drops or Restasis), omega 3 fatty acid pills and diet, special therapeutic contact lenses, and several other less common options for severely affected patients.

Although often overlooked or disregarded when compared to “more serious” ocular conditions such as cataract, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinal disease, dry eye is one of the most common ocular diseases and can profoundly affect ocular comfort and visual performance. Regular examinations are a valuable way to screen for this and other conditions.

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD is an ophthalmologist with Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Minkovitz specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, and is one of only a few Delaware surgeons specially trained in corneal transplantation.

He completed a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at the renowned Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins. Previously, he graduated magna cum-laude from Harvard, earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts, completed internship at Harvard’s Mt. Auburn Hospital, and served his ophthalmology residency at Washington University.

Dr. Minkovitz participated in the early research on Excimer Laser refractive surgery, and has offered this procedure to Delawareans since FDA approval in 1996, before Delaware had its own laser. These early pioneering individuals travelled to Wilmer Institute with Dr. Minkovitz, where he maintained his teaching and clinical appointment. In addition to introducing laser vision correction to Delaware, he also introduced NearVision CK to eliminate reading glasses, DSAEK (a newer, less invasive type of corneal transplant) and most recently the newest advance: laser cataract surgery.

Dr. Minkovitz is a co-founder of the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts and serves on its medical advisory board. He is also on active staff at Christiana Care. While on staff of Wilmer at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Minkovitz received the Outstanding Teacher award. He was also named Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine six consecutive years, and has been an invited instructor at American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meetings.

For further information or to schedule an appointment please call 302-656-2020 ext.1.

Testimonials...

“Best surgeon ever! Dr. Jeffery has the greatest staff from the receptionist to the surgical nurses. Wonderful results.” ~ Rosalie R. “It finally occurred to me what has been missing during the last 2 days. Since Richard’s surgery, he isn’t complaining about his inability to read something on the fly without searching for his glasses. He wired 6 recessed lights (NO GLASSES), he read the Sunday paper sections A & B and menus (NO GLASSES), and is using the computer (NO GLASSES). I suppose for Richard, needing to look for glasses when he wanted to see something, has been the hardest adjustment of becoming older. His dependence was so gradual that I never related to why he would get so angry over needing them. My house has been quieter. I now have 2 less things to do everyday: find the glasses and make sure they were clean!”

February / March 2016

17

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Living Fit&Well The Four Gifts Of Shamanic Medicine Although there are many reasons to pursue a spiritual practice, the support of a shamanic healer produces four very important gifts that will benefit your healing journey and wellness goals.

Receiving shamanic healing is not a casual interaction like going out to dinner or picking a movie. When you are serious and committed to healing, you are ready to receive the gifts of shamanic medicine:

This means that the shaman knows how to sit with discomfort, to learn and grow from it for a better life. True healing is so much more than treating the painful symptoms. If this sounds like tough love, it is. When you stop attempting to escape, minimize and avoid every discomfort, your life changes in profound ways. Most importantly, you will gain trust in your life’s path and live each moment with joy and gratitude.

1. Insight to unlock new understanding The spiritual guidance received during a healing service is unlike any advice you have received before. That’s because I do not tell you what you should do. What I do counsel is the how and the why behind your actions and attitudes. When you focus on how you are living your life (primarily incorporating spiritual practices) and identify the why underlying it all, the what always just falls into place. Think of it this way - knowing why chocolate is your favorite food and looking at how chocolate is part of your life is far more valuable than identifying chocolate as the what. Most diets look at what you eat; exercise plans tell you what movements to do and for what amount of time; a physician can tell you what pill to take and what part needs surgery. The shaman helps you to see the whole.

3. Be able to go with the flow You know what it feels like when everything just seems to go well and things fall into place. It is more than the perception of life being kind to you. When you are in the flow, you are living totally present with your life through both good and bad life circumstances. Shamanic healing fosters that grace within you so that you remember your connection to Spirit. Upholding your spiritual truth allows the mundane to ebb and flow naturally.

You will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle you.

2. Learn to sit with discomfort A good shaman will not focus on relieving all of your symptoms right away. Pain is a very powerful and effective teacher.

Sometimes, you have to accept the discomfort at face value. Most shamans experience a near fatal wounding during their lifetime. It is through self-healing that the shaman gains his power and wisdom.

4. Live authentically It seems commonsensical to be you and only you, but everyday I meet people who are unhappy, are uncomfortable and experiencing disease in a myriad of ways because they are not living authentically. Unfortunately, our egos and cultural norms help rationalize, justify and otherwise dismiss any incongruities

between your values and your actions and beliefs. Shamanic healing exposes these differences, then empowers you to make the necessary changes so that you are wholly authentic. This exemplary life is marked by clearly defined values that are grounded in spiritual truth.

I offer a range of shamanic healings including: chakra balancing, soul retrieval, crystal therapy and a unique destiny retrieval called STAR Healing. On this page you will find a coupon for 50% off your first healing service with me at Kaya Wellness Center. Kaya Wellness Center also offers body work (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral), acupuncture, reiki, and both public and private traditional floor and aerial yoga classes. Many warm blessings to you!

By Nate Metz, The Green Shaman

Nate Metz is a certified VaihAyasa Aerial Yoga Teacher and Shamanic Healer at Kaya Wellness Center. For a full class listing and to see available appointments, please visit our website [www.kayawellnesscenter.com] or call us at 302-227-3450.

Kaya Wellness & Yoga 43A Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach For Appointments: www.KayaWellnessCenter.com 302-227-3450 or email info@kayawellnesscenter.com For Information: http://shaman.natemetz.com Enter Kaya to open your practice & still your mind...

February / March 2016

18

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Living Fit&Well Spring Clean Your Body ose Weight?

Why Can’t I L

ement is a and manag weight loss e, with no ersonal body and an imperfect scienc e Learn the delicate balanc solution—until now! loss sal any weight single, univer essential for from nents that are inating toxic foods t main compo health—elim find new weigh good and and rs plan chapte books.

Peruse these weight loss your diet! sed in other discus not loss solutions having are you are with fifty, odds do and g to female It has nothin If you are do meltdown. everything to e-age and se, middl a exerci are shutting mption and calorie consu of ingested toxins, which the blame e stop with a lifetim ne system. It’s time to help you on immu the tools to down your yourself with t loss. Purge your home game and arm weigh shed recovery and detox your body. And to road your to s. Learn how go away! of its poison ht would never s you thoug those pound er’s Holistic owner of Heath therapist, Torbert is a hypno ’s Lisa Heather , Delaware. She is also holds a master l Health in Dover and yoga instructor. She ist, and, by natura QRA special counseling weight while community s of excess degree in es, thirty-five pound f of eighteen illness means, lost hersel disease, sly curing hair loss, Lyme fatigue, simultaneou o, fibromyalgia, es, adrenal diabet 2 including vertig n Barr, type RLS, Epstei hmia, and IBS. heart arrhyt

P

T ox i n

n

io mat

7 Massage Therapists, 2 Aestheticians,

pH

T ox i n s

Detox ing

Chem

icals

am

Infl

s

Toxic

Corti

sol

s

Emotion

Hormone Balance

Fat

n

stio

e Dig

Infect ion

s nals

Adre eth

c Te

Torbert Lisa Heather

Toxi

bert

Tor Lisa Heather

2 Hypnotherapists, an Acupuncturist and a Colon Hydrotherapist !!!

Seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal all around us. Start fresh. Has your get up and go packed up and left? Time to kick start your heath regime with some of these healthy therapies.

Acupuncture and Spring Allergies If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, we recommend acupuncture. Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the person’s symptoms. Most clients report long-term improvement within a few treatments.

We practice Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture. When our Qi (or life force) is weak, we are more susceptible to troubles such as allergies and asthma. Our acupuncturist Michael uses acupuncture needles to stimulate strategic points on the body where Qi is weak. Acupuncture can be useful if you are suffering from any type of body pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, poor digestion, bowel problems, headaches, stress, and thyroid issues and can improve and strengthen your immune system and almost any diseases or disorders.

Facials and Weather Damage Springtime weather in Delaware is unpredictable. Our clinical aestheticians will guide you through the best practical daily skin routine for your needs and life. Consider a facial for aging skin, damaged skin, dry skin, and acne. Facials address immediate concerns in addition to protecting against future breakouts and weather damage. Add a peel to your facial; it’s an excellent way to exfoliate, leaving your face soft and smooth. Exfoliating may also soften the appearance of wrinkles.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that diminishes imperfections like sun damage, blemishes and fine lines. This procedure uses tiny and rough grains to buff away your surface layer of dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is highly recommended if you have acne prone and blotchy skin, small scars, rhytides, keratoses, large pores, milia, or sebaceous hyperplasia.

Cleanse Your Body from the Inside Out Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle, natural method of washing longterm wastes from the entire colon. After the process, the body no longer has to deal with waste accumulated during a lifetime, and can use more of its own strength to heal itself and fight disease. Virtually everyone has these built-up wastes in their colon, especially from eating processed and fast foods, white flour and sugar, pesticides and the chemicals and hormones that are added to many of our foods. Colon hydrotherapy is not painful or

February / March 2016

19

dangerous. The pressure felt is less than naturally occurring gas.

Research from scientists have demonstrated that people may carry from 10 to 50 pounds of accumulated toxic materials in their colon.

Some aliments, which may be relieved are: allergies, colitis, low back pain, halitosis, arthritis, constipation, headaches, indigestion, and lack of energy just to name a few.

Refresh Your Body, Get Rid of Winter Tightness Benefits from Massage • Relaxes muscles • Improves circulation without increasing heart load • Increases range of motion • Relieves pain from muscle tension, fractures, sprains, sciatica, and stiff joints • Shortens recovery time from muscular strain • Flushes lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes from tissues • Stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple • Stimulates the skin and nervous system while relaxing the nerves • Helps reduce emotional and physical stress We offer Deep tissue, Reflexology, Swedish, Bamboo, Warm Stone, Pregnancy Massage (with special pregnancy tables), and Energy work.

Spring Clean Your Body with Supplements that Really Work People who are wondering whether they should take supplements should schedule an appointment with our Quantum Reflex Analysis practitioners, Lisa Torbert or LaDonna Graham. Supplements balance and repair the bodies by detoxing and strengthening the immune system. The hour-long QRA test will let your body pick the exact nutrients and precise amounts it truly needs. Our supplement store carries a premier line of supplements that are organic, in BPA free containers, with no toxic tagalongs.

For more information call 302) 678-3433 or visit http:// heathersholistichealth.com.

Heather’s Holistic Health

302-678-3433 heathersholistichealth@yahoo.com 1169 Walker Rd Dover, DE, 19904

Enroll in our yoga and belly dancing classes

wMassage: w w. t hUnwind e w o mand e nrelax sjournal.com 

Warm Stone



Warm Bamboo

Living Fit&Well Kindness Is A Habit

pour water or write a note), the children tended to override the original request and handed over the working object instead.

According to Yale professor, Paul Bloom: “It tells us something interesting and important about early kindness — that when young children help someone, it is genuinely motivated by a desire to help the other person achieve his or her ultimate goals.” Children think beyond filling a request and help the person in need to reach their goal.

Help your children look for opportunities to show kindness. Here are some little ways to encourage thoughtfulness and caring in your little ones: Share abundance: Did you make cookies this afternoon? Did your garden push out a bushel of beautiful veggies or a plethora of gorgeous roses? Teach your child to think of some people who can share in this abundance as a way to show kindness.

Kindness refers to the caring words and considerate actions you use to show thoughtfulness and concern for others. Kind people are empathetic. They value other people’s feelings. They help people when they are in need without expecting anything in return.

When we use kind words and actions it makes the world a better place to live for everyone.

Kindness is a key part of friendship. It is also a vital social skill that will help children in all types of relationships. Even when very young, children can tell when someone is in need of help and they desire to help that person!

Studies tell us that in children as young as 3 years old, children really want to be kind and helpful. Researchers at Yale University (2013) set up a variety of objects such as a working marker and a dried- out marker or a working cup and a broken cup. When young children were asked to hand over a dysfunctional object for the sake of achieving a goal (i.e. the researcher wanted to be able to

By Patrick Preece Mr. Preece is the owner and chief instructor of Kaizen Karate Academy.

Mr. Preece has been teaching martial arts as his full time profession in the Dover area since 2003. Mr. Preece’s strengths include teaching both youth and adult classes. He says his favorite part about martial arts is teaching leadership skills to a new generation, as well as encouraging families to train together to reach their full potential.

3rd Degree Blackbelt: Tang Soo Do (World Tang Soo Do Association) 4th Degree Blackbelt: Hapkido (World Sin Moo Hapkido Federation) 1st Degree Blackbelt: Taekwondo (World Taekwondo Federation)

February / March 2016

20

Respect the Earth: Even little children can learn about reducing, reusing, and recycling! Teach your child the many ways s/he can care for our planet. Turning off the water while brushing their teeth? That’s showing kindness to the Earth. Watering the plants?

That’s also showing kindness to the Earth. Recycling a water bottle instead of buying a new one off the shelf at the store? Yes, that’s being kind to the Earth as well.

Teach them to ask; “how can I help?” The household runs so much smoother when everyone pitches in. Can your child set the table? Clean up the toys her baby brother dropped? Read his sister a book when you are cooking dinner? Asking how they can help can be applied to a school environment, team or neighbor.

Make it easier on someone else: Teach your children to look for ways to lighten someone’s load or make a task a little easier. If someone is holding groceries, hold the door or offer to take a bag from his/her hand. If a neighbor got your mail, offer to come over and get it rather than have the neighbor come to you. Meet someone on the bottom of the stairs instead of waiting for them to come to the top! All of these ways of showing kindness are easily done by a young child.

Make Kindness a family Affair: Show your children that being a kind person is part of the value system of your family. Model kindness yourself by doing small, thoughtful acts for friends and family-- and talk about how they make people feel! Kindness feels good for everyone involved!

As part of “kindness month,” we like to encourage our students to generate and act on various ways to show kindness to others.

Can they do 10 acts of kindness this month? 100? Random acts of kindness don’t need to take a long time or cost money. When your child thinks to open the door for another person, gives a hug to a friend or helps clean up, s/he is showing kindness! Challenge your child to do one, two or even three random acts of kindness per day- they add up!

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Living Fit&Well

Living Fit&Well

Regular Exercise Develops Strength, Flexibility And Balance

An old adage about an ounce of prevention being better than a pound of cure is attributed to several sources. Regardless of who said it first, the quotation has some validity. People who take time to exercise regularly and properly are usually stronger, happier and healthier than those who just talk about it.

Lessons learned from Pilates practice carry over into lifestyle

We’re now into 2015, a new year, new beginnings, but the New Year’s resolutions to exercise more and eat properly may have been tossed along with the holiday wrapping paper. Many people make those resolutions based on a desire to see an ideal number when they step on the scale.

In doing so, they set themselves up for disappointment and failure.

Making resolutions without a specific plan or guide in order to reach a numeric goal sets up an opportunity for an easy out the first time there’s a missed workout or unwise food choice. When that happens, the best and most noble of intentions fall by the proverbial wayside.

For better success in keeping the 2015 resolutions, try articulating exactly what fitness means and developing a plan for how you will move toward that goal. After all, fitness is not just a three or six-month program; it’s a way of life.

Fitness is not about deprivation. It is a lifestyle that incorporates and develops strength, flexibility and balance in the physical, mental and emotional aspects of a person’s life. It’s a process that takes commitment, and some people find it difficult to believe that exercise can be

equally fun and beneficial.

People who practice Pilates learn that mind/ body connection because there are obvious links that fit people recognize and respect. Pilates is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates, embraced early on by the dance community, and one that has survived the test of time since its creation in the early 20th century.

The Pilates system is a series of exercises that develops spinal mobility, strengthens the body’s core, encourages body awareness and simultaneously increases flexibility as well. Pilates’ exercises can be performed on studio apparatus or on a mat, often using small apparatus, such as balls or rings.

Each exercise demands concentration and control. Pilates requires attention to details, and as individuals become more proficient in the practice, an experienced personal trainer has the skills to make the exercises more challenging.

An often overlooked bonus that accompanies the practice of Pilates is that clients may notice their posture has improved or that that they are able to take the focus they’ve learned during a training session off the mat and into the rest of their lives. Developing a strong core and flexible spine are other benefits of Pilates that also serve as injury and fall prevention. Pilates’ exercises definitely work the entire body.

Wondering where to start? Feeling somewhat intimidated? Why not rely on the expertise of a trainer qualified to guide you through these exercises on the apparatus? The one-on-one relationship offers individualized support and the instruction you’ll need to understand the basics of this reliable exercise system that benefits mind and body.

By Nancy Hawkins Rigg

By Nancy Hawkins Rigg Founder and Owner, Founder and Owner, Forever Fit Foundation Forever Fit Foundation

Nancy Hawkins Riggs is the Nancy Hawkins Riggs is the founder and owner of Forever founder and owner of Forever Fit Foundation, a personal Fit Foundation, a personal training business specializing training business specializing in Pilates, Gyrotonic, in Pilates, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Yamuna Gyrokinesis, Yamuna Body Rolling and sport Body Rolling and sport specific training. Forever Fit specific training. Forever Fit Foundation accepts clients at Foundation accepts clients at three sites: Dover and Lewes, three sites: Dover and Lewes, Del., and Mendenhall Station, Del., and Mendenhall Station, Pa., just over the Delaware Pa., just over the Delaware line. A certified athletic trainer, line. A certified athletic trainer, she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Delaware she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in exercise science and sports medicine and her master’s degree in exercise science and sports medicine from Miami University in Ohio. Please call (302) 423-1816 or (302) from Miami University in Ohio. Please call (302) 423-1816 or (302) 698-5201 to schedule an appointment for more information.

698-5201 to schedule an appointment for more information.

February / March 2016 February/March 2015

21 20

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m www.kentcountywj.com

Food&Fun

The Drunk’n Baker A New Year’s Resolution It’s that time of year again. Most of us make some kind of New Year’s resolution or in the very least we attempt to make the changes we seem to think we need to make about ourselves whether it is to lose weight, eat healthy or get better organized. Well it’s no different for businesses. The New Year is the perfect time for small businesses to look at the past year and see how things were done and where changes need to be made.

Here at the Drunk’n Baker it’s even more important for us to take look back, evaluate, and then move forward, since this was our first year being open. Where do we make the changes and how can we continue to improve upon our business to bring a great product and service to our growing customer base? We certainly have had some wonderful customers that have kindly offered constructive criticism that we were happy to listen to. There have been some changes in staffing that should allow us to offer even more variety in our product line as well as putting a plan together that will increase our bread production and selection.

Also, in addition to the daily chicken salad lunch special, we have been rolling out a second or even a third special of the day for customers to enjoy.

As we enter into 2016 The Drunk’n Baker will be adding more music events scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights. Our plan is to offer more of that coffee house atmosphere with an alternative to the bar scene for some live music. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our scheduled performances https:// www.facebook.com/DrunknBaker.

In addition, we’ve added more breakfast-like items especially on weekends. You can get our giant cinnamon buns and sticky buns on weekends. We’ve been testing some breakfast pizzas as well as trying different treats to see what our customers are like best.

February / March 2016

However, you won’t see traditional breakfast sandwiches or full breakfast servings- not what our bakery is designed for. Though we are always looking for ways to bring you wonderful options all hours of the day!

The Drunk’n Baker is in the process of partnering with Birch Tree Bakers to provide gluten free products. We’ve already had our first delivery that went over well with our gluten free customers that have been patiently waiting for this to come about. The first shipment included cupcakes, brownies, muffins, breads and two types of dessert cups. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Birch Tree Bakers and expanding the selection offered. Keep checking in with us to see availability and selection. Our goal is to have it daily but with any new venture it takes a little time to get it off and running.

Our next project is to add some sugar free choices. Flavor is a top priority and we are working to bring you the most flavorful sugar free products possible. So, when we have the best sugar free products possible they will be added to our menu and not before.

your order for your sweetheart’s special treat. And St. Patty’s Day should be a blast as that time lends to some wonderful dessert pairings with alcohol. Spring will be here before we know it which means Easter will be a fun dessert holiday and a great time to see what the bakers come up with.

As always, we take special orders for cakes, cupcakes, breads and specialty desserts.

Most orders only require 48 hours notice but the sooner the better as our baker’s schedules fill up quickly.

We want to thank our wonderful customers who have made our first year in business a huge success. They happily gave us input on menu items helping us to make necessary and welcome changes. We always strive to offer a good and fresh product. Baking truly is a science that we have quickly learned is affected by everything from who is baking to the building or space you are baking in. We are looking forward to good things coming from our kitchen and hope you will continue to join us.

You asked so we made it happen.

As of January 1 we changed our hours. We are now open 7 days a week for the winter.

Monday thru Thursday 6:30 am to 6:00 pm

Friday and Saturday 6:30 am to 9:00 pm

Sunday

8 am to 1 pm Call 302-389-6807 to place orders.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so make sure you place

22

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Fashion&Beauty Your Permanent Cosmetic Questions Answered

Your Permanent Cosmetic Questions Answered

sat down with Carmella Schultz, Mia Prezio and Kristina Alibrando, the Permanent Makeup Artists of The Permanent Cosmetic Studio to ask the questions anyone entertaining the idea of getting permanent makeup would ask. You will be shocked with some of their answers.

By Ashley Bizzarri Q: How long do procedures take?

A: It varies per area, but you need to know that it takes a minimum of two hours for a new procedure, but timing will vary. This is your face, it’s not to be rushed.

Q. What’s the number one thing someone should know when getting permanent makeup?

A: It’s permanent, the markings are very hard to get off so you have to be careful who you go to.

Q: Can a bad permanent makeup job be fixed?

A: Most of the time it can be improved, we can help, but it’s never going to be 100%. It cost more money to fix a problem than it does to pay for the initial treatment by an established Artist.

Q: Is it painful?

A: It is an annoying discomfort initially but it is doable and we do use topical numbing agents. We are understanding of the anxiety and discomfort during the procedure so we do what is necessary to keep you comfortable.

Q: How do I choose the right Artist?

A: The drawing of the design takes longer than the actual procedure itself. We draw on what we’re going to do and get your approval, we discuss pigment, post treatment and the healing process, it all has to be perfect before we perform the procedure.

Not all artists follow our procedures. Do your homework. Look up reviews.

I

Q: A lot of people say body tattoos are painful, is it the same process?

A: It is a different process. We use a different needle grouping and technique and we numb the area topically for comfort.

Q: What can clients expect after their procedure?

A: There may be slight swelling the day after. A cool compress is all you need, use as needed. During the consultation we go over home care and the healing process. After the treatment we give you products to take home to aid in the healing process. We also send you home with a hard copy of post treatment instructions. All of this is discussed before we perform the procedure.

Also, it is very important to know the first week after treatment it will be much darker than what the end result will be. The pigment adheres to the surface cells and that flakes off and will typically take 5-7 days for everything to settle down.

Q: Will I have to go into hiding after a treatment?

A: Don’t get a treatment immediately before a big event but the treated area can be camouflaged so clients can go to work and about their normal daily routines with no problem.

Q: How is the color chosen?

A: We do a consultation to determine the tone of the color, but the artist will choose the pigment with the client’s permission. You have to be highly educated in pigment base colors, skin undertones and color theory because this is where other artists mess up. Pigments change when they’re put in the skin.

Q: How can I identify a bad Artist?

A: Check their portfolio, ask for referrals from their Permanent Cosmetic clients, ask your stylist or plastic surgeon for referrals. If the atmosphere looks unkept. Cleanliness is number one. Are there other clients there?

Also, pay attention to the attitude of the Secretary. How you are treated as a client from the beginning is an extremely important indicator of how your entire treatment will be handled, including post treatment.

Ask if they are certified and if their certifications are not prominently displayed in the office, ask to see their certifications. Also, ask if they have referring doctors.

The most important thing clients need to understand is Permanent Cosmetics is a self-regulated field which is why there is potential for issues, therefor buyer beware.

Your Artist should not only be a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) but they should also have apprenticed under an established, credible professional.

To book your free consultation, call 610-883-0636 or visit our website www.permanentu.com for more information.

610-883-0636

www.permanentu.com

Q: How long do treatments last?

A: Everyone’s different, depends on your lifestyle. If you’re in the sun a lot or have oily skin, your treatment may not last as long. Also, color choice is a factor. Consult your Artist on how long it will last.

A guideline is eyeliner lasts the longest, 3-15 years, brows the least, 1-3 years, and lips, 3-5 years. Dark colors last the longest.

Q: Is there anything I can do to make my treatment last longer?

A: SPF, SPF, SPF all day every day. The sun prematurely fades permanent cosmetics. Also, Retin-A and Renova will prematurely fade treatments, in fact it’s a recommended tatoo remover.

Q: Will I still have to wear makeup?

A: You are still going to wear makeup if you are a makeup diva, and the makeup you buy won’t affect it. I’ll give you “wakeup makeup”, we’ll do the details and you can enhance your permanent cosmetics. It’s great for the people who never wear makeup but should.

Q: Can I have an allergic reaction?

A: There’s nothing to be allergic to because we use a hypo allergenic pigment.

February / March 2016

23

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

People in Profile The Power of a Woman’s Heart Behind the fashion show curtain and red heart displays of the annual Southern Delaware Go Red For Women Luncheon, you’ll find a group of empowered women polishing scripts and managing last-minute details. Before the curtain is ever drawn, a committee of women chaired by Elaine Bittner, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, will have spent countless hours to help raise awareness of heart disease in women – and how to prevent, treat, and live with its effects.

It’s the combined power of these women – and the hearts that power them – that lead to an inspiring, educational and meaningful event.

Here are their stories, the Power of a Woman’s Heart.

Elaine Bittner, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation In her second year as Event Chair for the Southern Delaware Go Red For Women Luncheon, Elaine Bittner has motivated many.

This year’s event planning committee is comprised of many caring and dedicated women working together to promote awareness of heart disease and stroke in women.

“Being part of the Go Red For Women campaign is a remarkable experience,” said Elaine. “The power of women supporting one another is inspirational and an opportunity to connect with our communities and colleagues. The collaboration with our Delaware neighborhoods as well as the energy demonstrated by our planning committee are tremendous.”

Heart disease and stroke have affected many members of Elaine’s family. A significant influencer of Elaine’s heartfelt commitment to the Go Red For Women campaign is her dear grandmother, whom Elaine lost to heart disease. Elaine was one of her grandmother’s caretakers while she battled with this disease.

“I am compassionate about the Go Red For Women,” Elaine said. “This movement is essential toward understanding the unique health needs of women. The strength of these women coming together contributes to

February / March 2016

Go Red

life-saving research and improvements in the treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke. The 2016 Southern Delaware Go Red For Women Luncheon is a celebration of The Power of a Woman’s Heart!”

to the American Heart Association. Also as a member of the Go Red for Women Committee, Debbie is dedicated to empowering women to take care of their minds, bodies and souls.

Cassandra Humphrey, Bayhealth Medical Center Working in healthcare and being an advocate for women’s health are not Cassandra Humphrey’s only motivators for being part of the Go Red For Women Committee.

Cassandra’s inspiration is credited mostly to her love for her grandmother.

Heidi Watkins, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation When Heidi Watkins was a sophomore in high school, her father suffered a massive heart attack that only a small percentage of people survive.

“My dad lived for 16 years after that heart attack – long enough to walk me down the aisle and enjoy the birth of my son,” said Heidi. Unfortunately, on Thanksgiving Day in 2000, Heidi’s father passed away as a result of heart disease.

“Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, Flourine Brown, who lived in Nashville, Tennessee and was affectionately called ‘Bigmoma’,” said Cassandra. “My grandmother was a wonderful cook. I looked forward to her homemade baked goods as well as her delicious Southern cuisine!”

Cassandra’s grandmother suffered two heart attacks with her battle of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Cassandra experiences the same issues which her grandmother had with her heart health shortness of breath and difficulty walking upstairs.

“Remember to exercise, eat healthy, and see your doctor routinely,” recommends Cassandra. “This can make a huge difference in your quality of life!”

Debbie Smith, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation “The Southern Delaware Go Red For Women Luncheon is an annual event that is near and dear to my heart as my maternal grandmother, Lovie King Hart, suffered a stroke in 1990,” said Debbie Smith.

After her stroke, Debbie’s grandmother at age 75 had a triple bypass procedure which increased her life span to the age of 95.

As a result of her grandmother’s stroke, Debbie has been faithfully contributing

24

“When I was little I was always a ‘daddy’s girl.’ I was the youngest of three, with two much older brothers, so I admit I was a little spoiled,” said Heidi. “My dad and I had a special bond because he had wanted a little girl for many years. We shared a love of family time and animals, and enjoyed going to craft shows together. My contribution to Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association gives me a feeling of fulfillment that I am helping others, women and men, to live healthier and longer and to enjoy the important things in life – their families.

Lisa Klotz, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation “My grandmother never really knew that she had any issues – until she had her first heart attack at age 61,” said Lisa.

At that time, Lisa’s grandmother was then diagnosed with coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. From then on, she saw her cardiologist regularly and remained on blood pressure medication. Additionally, Lisa’s grandmother suffered from angina due to blocked arteries and would occasionally have to take nitro glycerin. However, she refused any type of surgery and just managed her condition with medication until age 86 when she had a fatal massive heart attack.

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

People in Profile “My grandmother and I were very close,” said Lisa. “She was always there to listen to me no matter how big or small my problem was. She taught me to be strong willed, yet gentle and kind; to work hard but to still have fun; and to be able to laugh at myself.

She was such an important part of my life, but I don’t think I ever told her how much I really appreciated her. I guess I just took for granted that she was always there and didn’t expect that the day would soon come when she wasn’t there anymore. I was only 7 years old when she had her first heart attack, so I don’t remember much about it, but I will never forget her last heart attack and how it devastated our family. There was no warning, no time to say good bye - just a phone call that she was gone.”

Eight years later, while at a company health fair, Lisa had her blood pressure checked for fun. To her surprise it was extremely high.

Like her grandmother, Lisa only went to the doctor when she was sick and didn’t have a physical in years. Lisa now has regular checkups with her cardiologist and takes medication for her high blood pressure.

Lisa was also diagnosed with a heart murmur and atrial septal aneurysm. Lisa never knew that she had both of these conditions though they are minor issues which can be monitored. Lisa’s blood pressure is now under control and she is committed to keeping her heart healthy.

“I am truly honored to be part of the Go Red For Women Committee and dedicate my service to my beloved grandmother, Dorothy Elizabeth Kwiatek,” said Lisa. “I GO RED to spread the word that heart disease is the number one killer of women. I GO RED to stand together with amazing women to fight back by educating others about the signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attacks.

I GO RED to honor my grandmother and countless other women who have lost their

Go Red

lives to heart disease.”

Melissa Stamper, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Melissa Stamper’s heritage is that of strong women who have been stricken with stroke and heart disease, which is the spirit of her compassion for the Go Red For Women Committee.

“My family’s medical history has caused me to educate myself and other women on the signs, symptoms and the importance of regular doctor visits,” said Melissa. “My maternal grandmother passed away at the age of 83 from congestive heart failure.

As a note, she was also legally blind.

I watched a strong woman who never complained about anything, pass away with no warning. Also, my aunt, one of my mom’s eight siblings and one of my favorites, who my family says that I have her spunk and love for Christmas, had a stroke.”

After the stroke, Melissa’s aunt suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 53.

“Then there is my mother who just celebrated her 70th birthday,” said Melissa.

“A woman who had never been seriously ill for her entire life began a battle in 2009.”

Melissa’s mother had a cough that doctors at the time tried to treat with steroids and other medicines for approximately six to eight months. After Melissa’s mom repeatedly commented that something was not quite right, a doctor confirmed that her arteries

were clogged. In 2010, Melissa’s mother had surgery for a stent implementation.

Following, Melissa’s mother was required to take medicine daily to avoid the arteries from clogging again and for the stent to function without any issues. In 2012, Melissa’s mom had a second surgery to reopen the arteries and insert another stent.

“We are so thankful that our bodies are built to recreate the wheel,” said Melissa. “My mom’s cardiologist showed us an image where her arteries had begun creating their own pathway to allow the blood to flow. If not, she would have had a massive heart attack. To date, she is seeing her cardiologist regularly and doing well! Being a part of The American Heart Association has opened my eyes and my heart to the work that we need to do to keep us heart healthy!”

Marie Kozel, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Marie Kozel’s inspiration for being part of the Go Red For Women Committee is her parents. Marie and her family have supported the American Heart Association since losing her father, John Kozel, Jr., to cardiac arrest. “My father, who suffered his first heart attack in the fall of 1988, had open heart surgery in March 2006 and passed away later that same year from cardiac arrest,” said Marie.

Additionally, Marie’s brother suffered a heart attack at the age of 49 and today, thanks to the advancements in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, he is living a healthy life. While reading to her granddaughter’s first grade class, Marie’s mother, age 77, found it difficult to read and even struggled speaking. Suspecting that she may be having a stroke, Marie’s mother was able to get to the emergency room where her suspicions were confirmed. She suffered a stroke. With her determination and resilience, Marie’s mother overcame the effects of the stroke.

“Time is critical in identifying and treating heart attacks and strokes for everyone,” said Marie.

February / March 2016

25

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Home&Garden Blinds, Shades, and Child Safety Do you remember all the news stories, a couple years ago, concerning child safety and window coverings? The subject sticks out in my mind obviously because it is related to my work and because I have small children. The concern was mostly over mail order and or stock items that were bought off a shelf and installed, usually, by the homeowner. There were tragedies, huge recalls and lawsuits but fortunately the custom window covering trade was not really involved.

Shutters are another great choice. They are naturally string free, simple to use, even for children, and are one of the best insulators against both heat and cold.

With their timeless look and classic feel they a great child safe choice in window coverings.

One way that the industry is changing to become more child safe is the introduction of cordless control into a wider variety of products. Cordless roller shades and cordless honeycomb I would say that the overall higher shades have been around for a while but quality of product and the experienced lately we are seeing the industry really sales and installation that comes with a improving and trying to mainstream the custom retailer helped to keep the trade option. The string free lift systems are uninvolved however the custom window getting better and more reliable plus covering community definitely took notice now we are seeing the option more and and many positive changes have taken more on roman shades and wood and place. There is much more awareness faux wood blinds which was mostly an about the subject compared to a couple unavailable option in years past on these of years ago and that in its self is very popular window coverings. helpful but the industry has been very proactive in making their products more Window covering manufacturers are child safe as well. also making improvements on shades and blinds that do have strings with On the awareness side of things, it breakaway mechanisms that will is good to note that there are many separate when too much stress is products out there that have applied and they have made it so that been around for a long time like shutters small children can’t get their heads and draperies that already are or can be between the back of the shade and made without child safety’s #1 enemy the strings found there on roman style which is strings. Draperies, when set up shades. These are two very important to traverse by hand, present no problems changes. Next time you have a window for toddlers or even pets who like them covering need, please give us a call and because they can easily move the fabric let us help you make choices that are aside to leave wet nose marks on the safer for your children and pets while glass. improving the look and efficiency of your home.

a style for every point of view TM

Custom Window Coverings Shutters • Draperies • Blinds

Huge selection of the best brands!

302.856.6799

FREE In-Home Consultations & Estimates Professional Installation Each Franchise Independently Owned and Operated

budgetblinds.com

February / March 2016

26

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Home&Garden

Frequently Asked Questions When Addressing Crawl Space Moisture PRoblems HOW IS WATER GETTING INTO MY CRAWL SPACE? Water may enter the crawl space through penetrations in the foundation wall or through a normal foundation wall due to hydrostatic pressure. Moisture may enter the crawl space through open foundation vents and condense on cool surfaces in the crawl space. Water may leak from faulty plumbing or HVAC systems.

Moisture may evaporate from the cool soil floor into the relatively warmer crawl space air.

DO I NEED A SUMP PUMP IN MY CRAWL SPACE? The amount of standing water will determine the need for a sump pump. However, the relatively low cost of a sump pump installation is outweighed by the benefit of preventing or lessening the potential water damage to a crawl space HVAC system or other crawl space mechanical system.

DO I NEED A DEHUMIDIFIER? Dry-Tek attempts to prevent excessive crawl space humidity and moisture without the use of mechanical or electrical equipment. A dehumidifier may be deemed necessary at the time of initial system installation. However, we may recommend a trial period without a dehumidifier to determine if one is required. Many of our CHAMP® (Crawlspace Humidity And Moisture Prevention) systems function without a dehumidifier. Of course, a system that functions without the need of a dehumidifier, will also function with a dehumidifier.

IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE PLASTIC ON THE GROUND IN MY CRAWL SPACE? Yes. A significant amount of the air moisture content in a crawl space is secondary to evaporation of water from the crawl space dirt floor.

The floor may appear “dry”, but, the cool and moist dirt will release

vapor into the warmer crawl space air, which in turn will condense on other cool surfaces such as wooden frame members.

SHOULD I KEEP THE CRAWL SPACE VENTS OPEN IN THE SUMMER AND CLOSED IN THE WINTER? “This is the one question I am most commonly asked.” says Austin who is certified in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Microbial Remediation. The crawl space vents should be kept closed throughout the year in the Mid Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. The traditional idea of decreasing the moisture in the crawl space by ventilating the space with outside air through wall vents has not shown to decrease the moisture in the crawl space. In fact, Advanced Energy in Raleigh, NC www.advancedenergy.org has research showing that during warm seasons, the outside air contains more moisture than the crawl space. Therefore, the outside air contributes more water vapor, passing through the vents and into the crawlspace, leaving no potential to dry the crawl space. This humid air entering crawl space vents is responsible for moisture related problems such as condensation, high wood moisture content, mold growth, and wood rot.

IS THE MOLD IN MY CRAWL SPACE UNHEALTHY FOR ME? IS IT BAD FOR MY FAMILY? Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause adverse health issues in some people. Molds growing in buildings may cause odors, and symptoms such as headaches, irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, as well as, difficulty breathing and allergic reactions.

However, each of these symptoms may be caused by conditions and exposures unrelated to mold. Therefore, mold may or may not be the cause of these symptoms.

“The job they did on my crawl space is fantastic. The difference it made was instantly noticeable. I cannot wait to see how it effects my utility bills.

Austin is very professional and great to work with. You can tell that he is passionate about his job and is very true to his word. I highly recommend them for fixing your crawl space.” — Paul S. Bethany Beach, DE

818 Brown Street * Salisbury, MD 21804

410-543-4848 Office

www.drytekenvironmental.com February / March 2016

27

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Home&Garden Insulation That Warms Insulation That Warms Your Home, Saves You Money AND Your Home, Saves You Money Protects You From Bugs!Bugs!

AND Protects You from Principally made from recycled paper, it uses borates as the active pest control ingredient. Borates are mineral salts mined from the earth and are commonly used in many consumer products such as contact lens solution and antifungal creams. They are deadly to insects yet have extremely low toxicity to mammals.

By Dannis Warf Sales Manager, Royal Pest PEST CONTROL INSULATION Innovation at Work for YOU!

Your home is one of your most

2. a unique and proven method of pest control WHAT IS ROYAL PEST CONTROL INSULATION? Royal Pest Control Insulation combines a specialized natural insecticide with the best insulation for a patented product that is proud to carry the ENERGY STAR® seal.

?

Do you have a PEST QUESTION

PERMANENT PEST PROTECTION Royal Pest Control Insulation is an EPA-registered product, available exclusively to certified Pest Management Professionals.

Royal Pest Control Insulation serves as a blanket for your home when installed in the attic. The cellulose fibers interconnect to create a nearly perfect balance of the two qualities you should look for in your home’s insulation: 1. dense enough to stop air flow 2. light enough to trap heat.

By installing Royal Pest Control Insulation you are slowing the flow of air thus saving the heat from being lost and therefore saving on your energy bills.

Keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Womans Journal RPS_Insulation_Dannis.indd

E-mail Dannis at AskRoyal@royalpest.com

February / March 2016

28

ROYAL PEST CONTROL INSULATION... helps keep bugs out and comfort in!

Meet Royal Customer Service Rep Jackie and Pest Professional Rob: PEST-imonials from our Customers } Jackie Buckland is a true asset to your team, and is always willing and ready to assist us with whatever we may need.

–– Middletown, DE

} (Royal Customer) spoke very highly of Rob saying he was a wonderful man and very helpful. She was in a tough situation with a terminally ill sister and had hundreds of ants.

Needed someone before going to the hospital to pickup her sister.

Jackir Buckland

Rob Wardell

Customer Service

Pest Technician

CALL US FOR ANY PEST ISSUES FREE PEST INSPECTION

She also wanted to say that we have the friendliest and kindest CSRs she’s come across. Service rep was very informative and polite.

}

Royal Pest Control Insulation offers two sustainable solutions in one innovative product: 1. an environmentally responsible insulation with superior thermal and sound-deadening properties

ROYAL PEST CONTROL INSULATION: • Guards against mold and mildew • Offers a rated fire resistance • Contains all-natural material • Is environmentally friendly • Reduces heat lose • Saves you money

Royal Pest Control Insulation ensures your home is more energy-efficient and comfortable, offering you year-round pest control along with energy and financial savings.

}

treasured investments. It’s where you unwind, create experiences, and make memories. Your home provides shelter and protection from the outside elements.

Offering you warmth on a cold day or refuge from the summer heat. Today’s homeowners are always on the lookout for products and services that add value to their home, deliver a return on their investment, protect their family’s health, and maintain a more comfortable atmosphere.

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Home&Garden PLUMBING



HEATING



AIR CONDITIONING



DRAIN CLEANING

®

Your Job Done Right

THE FIRST TIME

Our Technicians Attend 150 Hours Of Technical Training A Year…

So You NEVER Have To Guess If They Can Handle Your Job.

Is The Technician That Arrives At Your Home Qualified To Do The Job? About HALF of all service requests are ROUTINE—repairs that most technicians can handle. But for the other half of service calls—A FULL 50%— there are issues that require advanced training to properly diagnose and fix.

That’s why at Horizon Services, we require ALL technicians to participate in 150 hours of technical training per year, to make sure that when you have a plumbing, heating, or air conditioning problem, they can pinpoint and FIX IT RIGHT the very FIRST TIME.

New Castle, Kent, & Cecil Counties

When You Need Professional Service, You Need Horizon Services. ● On-Time Guarantee, Or Your Service Call Is 100% FREE ● Convenient Service Appointments Around Your Schedule, Not Ours ● Enough Parts On Every Truck To Get The Job Done Right, The First Time ● Industry Leading Warranties ● The Up-Front Quote We Provide Is The Price You Pay, PERIOD Call Today To Experience The Horizon Services’ Difference!

(302) 762-1200

$50.00 OFF PLUMBING, HEATING, OR A/C SERVICE Expires: 12/31/16 | 317260 Dispatch fee additional. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Residential customers only. May not be combined with any other offer or used toward existing charges on account. Limit 1 per household.

Learn About Our Services: HorizonServices.com

© 2015 By Horizon Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DE License # PL0000726, HL0000299.

MD Master HVACR contractor Lic. # 47186, Master Plumber Lic. # 63739 – David Geiger.

February / March 2016

29

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Business&Finance The CDCC is Gearing Up for the Spring!

March 18, 2016 – The Annual CDCC Legislative Luncheon You’re invited to meet Kent County Senators and Representatives at The Legislative Luncheon, brought to you by BIG Investment Services. A panel of legislators will be answering a series of questions prepared by Kent County business leaders. These topics may affect your business so be sure to attend to gain insight on important matters happening in Kent County!

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at Dover Downs® Hotel & Casino. The cost to attend is $30 for Chamber Members if paid by March 9th (Cost increases to $35 if paid after) and $50 for non-members.

Heather Patosky started her education at Delaware Tech, where she earned two Associate’s degrees in general business and marketing.

She continued her education at Wilmington University and earned a Bachelor’s in business management. Heather’s new career at the chamber will allow members and staff to fully communicate to help the chamber and its members grow. Heather enjoys spending her time with family and friends. If you are interested in joining the CDCC, feel free to call at (302) 734-7513 or visit us at www.cdcc.net

Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber office at (302) 734-7513 or by emailing adminassistant@cdcc.net.

April 12, 2016 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Dover Downs® Hotel & Casino With over 5,000 people in attendance, you will have a great opportunity to acquire new customers and clients by promoting your organizations, products, services and information. Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your business to Delaware’s fastest growing population – the 55+ population!

There will be over 100 vendors, a cooking show, wellness center with free health screenings, a volunteer fair, live entertainment, and so much more!

A complete list of exhibitors and a schedule of events and seminars will be available in March so be sure to visit cdcc.net/55plus for more information!

Food&Fun Events Tasting Room Open @ The Painted Stave – Check website for dates and times Unleash Your

Find us at – The Golden Fleece tavern and Grey Fox Grille and Public House in Dover

Palette

302-653-6834

www.paintedstave.com 106 W. Commerce St. • Smyrna, DE 19977

/PaintedStave @paintedstave

February / March 2016

30

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Business&Finance New Year Insurance Check-up The start of a new year is a great time to reevaluate your current insurance policies.

Take some time to talk with your agent and review your policies to see if they still meet your current needs. Your agent (or an HR staff member at your employer) can help determine whether your current coverage is too much, not enough, or just right. Even if you haven’t experienced a life changing event, you could be eligible for discounts, or new insurance products may better serve your needs.

pipes in their home. If the damage to the home is extensive, you can expect repairs to take 30 to 60 days, or more. With the proper homeowners or renters insurance policies, you and your family will have temporary housing paid for while the repairs are completed.

Auto Insurance: Call your automobile insurance company annually to ask about discounts. Discounts may be available due to your age, employer, or membership in certain organizations – sometimes you can even get a discount by subscribing to a certain magazine. If you have a new job and are driving more or fewer miles to work than you used to, you should make sure you always keep that information current with your insurance company.

Homeowners/Rental Insurance: This is a great time to update your home inventory and make sure your homeowners or renters policy is up-to-date. Take photos or video of the more costly items that you own. Remember to note any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent or insurance company to ensure that they are properly covered. If you need to create a home inventory, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book, helps make the process easier. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play.

•

•

Remember to add any new gifts to your home inventory, too. Include as many details as you can and take a photo of each item.

Most basic home insurance policies have standard limits for big-ticket items like electronics, art, jewelry or sporting equipment. You may need special coverage, so call your agent to discuss changes for your policy.

Last year’s winter was brutally cold and many people experienced flooding due to burst

Review your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without the fault of another driver.

Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium.

Before hitting the road, make sure you have a copy of your insurance card and your insurance agent’s number in your vehicle. Delaware now allows for electronic proof of auto insurance.

But, since not all states accept electronic insurance cards, it is best to keep a paper copy of your card in your car at all times.

Protect Yourself from Fraud: Insurance fraud can happen to anyone, anywhere. Protect yourself in 2016 and beyond by following the tips below: •

Don’t give out any personal information—like your social security number, Medicare number, or bank information—over the phone until you have verified the legitimacy of the insurance company and agent.

Use the free Licensee Lookup tool on the Department of Insurance website, www.delawareinsurance. gov, to verify the status of an agent’s insurance license. You can also verify a license by calling the Department of Insurance at 302-674-7300.

•

Ask for copies of everything you sign and keep a copy of the payment receipt or check for the initial premium payment you gave the agent for the policy.

•

Call the insurance company if you don’t receive a copy of the insurance policy outlining your coverage and its limitations within 30 days of your purchase.

By Karen Weldin Stewart Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart has been leading the Delaware Department of Insurance since she first took office in 2009. The department’s mission is: “Protecting Delawareans through regulation and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.”

The department is composed of several divisions that provide services to the public, including: a Consumer Services and Investigations Division and a Fraud Prevention Bureau. Within the Consumer Services Division there are two programs that provide additional services to the public: the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau, DMAB, which provides Medicare counseling services to Medicare recipients in Delaware at no-cost; and, the Workplace Safety Program which helps businesses reduce workers compensation premiums by up to 19% annually if the workplace meets certain safety qualifications. Contact us today at 1-302-674-7300 if you need help with an insurance-related issue.

February / March 2016

31

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Community&Education Flower Power And A Woman’s Heart Written by Eugenia Thornton Just as flowers can warm a woman’s heart, some widely-studied medicinal plants derived from botanical sources could also potentially protect a woman’s heart from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

So says a 2012 study found at www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201694 entitled: “Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress.” 1 The effects of oxidative stress can best be understood by visualizing a cut apple left out on the counter. As the air interacts with the creamy inner flesh of the apple, the moist white turns into a yucky dried up brown.

Nrf2 is shorthand for “Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2”.

Activation of Nrf2 has been suggested to be an important step in reducing oxidative stress associated with CVD, according to this study’s researchers.

“Okay, I got it,” you are thinking, “now just tell me what the plants are and where can I get them?”

The plants are Bacopa Monniera, Silybum marianum (milk thistle), Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha), Camellia Sinensis (green tea), and Curcuma longa (Turmeric), marketed as Protandim.

This is what happens to all cells in our bodies (including our heart muscle cells, or “cardiomyocytes”) when they are exposed to oxygen.

You can only order this product directly from the manufacturer via independent distributors’ websites.

Mine is www.mylifevantage.com/Thornton

But, if you sprinkle lemon juice on the cut apple, the browning slows. This is what happens to our cells when Nrf2 is phytochemically2 activated through phase II enzymes3.

This Valentine’s Day - and every day - give your heart the gift of flowers.

1 Study was performed at Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA 2 The chemistry of plants and their metabolic processes.

3 An enzyme system involved in detoxification.

February / March 2016

Photo by author, April 2012 Photo is of Eugenia Thornton’s husband bringing her flowers a few years ago.

Readers of this publication will recognize Don as being the face of Frontotemporal Degeneration here in Kent County. Ms. Thornton, formerly the President of the Southern Delaware Heart Association, is interested in alternative medicine and credits Protandim for keeping her fatally ill husband home with her several years longer than doctors at Johns Hopkins predicted possible.

32

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Community&Education Dealing With Test Anxiety

Sweaty Palms, Knots In The Stomach, A Cloud Of Doom Descending….

Most people will recognize these symptoms of test anxiety. “High-stakes” tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE or LSAT can compound the problem.

Approximately one-third of students experience severe anxiety during testing situations, but there are clear steps that can decrease test anxiety’s negative effects. Here are some brief tips.

Visit pcs.udel.edu/testprep/resources/ test-anxiety/ for full details.

1. Relaxation techniques A good first response to anxiety is to focus on breathing, taking long, deep breaths while attending to the sounds and sensations of the air slowly moving in and out. With practice this will reduce the unpleasant sensations associated with anxiety and result in a calmer state that puts you back in control.

In addition, spend some time practicing quiet attentiveness. Focus on your breathing to the exclusion of everything else. Once you have slowed your thoughts, “scan” the body, beginning with the top of your head, and slowly moving down the body, trying to notice each sensation occurring there.

These relaxation techniques not only help to reduce pre-test anxiety, but also provide with valuable tools when anxiety strikes during the test itself.

February / March 2016

2. Accentuate the positive Try the “half empty/half full” game. For one week, list all the negative thoughts you have about the test like, “I know I’ll never finish.” At the end of the week, next to each negative thought write a true, positive thought, like, “Answering two-thirds of questions will usually end in a good result.”

From then on, whenever one of the destructive negative thoughts from your list creeps into your head, focus on the helpful thought. With practice you can automatically chase away your negative thoughts.

taking so that anxiety is less likely to interfere with your test taking if it does occur.

University of Delaware Professional and Continuing Studies offers test preparation courses for SAT, ACT, GRE and LSAT. Please visit pcs.udel.edu/testprep for details or call 302-831-7600.

3. Perform Reducing anxiety is not enough to guarantee success on test day; you must also be wellprepared. Students with test anxiety probably benefit more than the average student from taking many practice tests, and under circumstances as much like the actual test as possible.

The familiarity that results from repeated exposure to the testing situation not only serves to reduce anxiety itself, but it also helps to routinize your test

33

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Fashion&Beauty Choosing A Photo Booth

By Katherine and Cristian Escudero Photo Booths can provide fun and enjoyment to all types of events. Laughter and fun are great for the heart and photo booth strips can make you laugh and smile for years to come when looking back at the strips and remembering and the fun you had. If you are having a fundraiser or any get together adding a photo booth to your next event can adds loads of laughter and fun for you and your guest.

How to choose a photo booth company for your next event First decide if you would like to have an open or closed photo booth.

• An open photo booth does not have sides and you typically stand up in front of a backdrop for the photos.

• A closed photo booth is your more traditional looking photo booth with sides or curtains to close the booth in. This type of booth could be one to sit or stand in depending on the design of the photo booth • Ask to see photos of the booth. Since many are homemade each company has booths that look different. Make sure that the look of the booth is something that goes with the your Second ask about the specifics of the booth.

• Make sure the booth is using a thermal printer. You do not want a booth that uses an ink jet printer. The printer will not keep up with the speed of the guest in the booth. You want your prints in under 30 sec.

• Look at photos from the booth. Make sure that the color looks good and that the guests aren’t blurry or too dark.

Third ask about what is included in the package.

• Do you need a flash drive or CD of the photos of the night?

• Do you need props to add to the fun?

• Do you need an album to remember the event?

• How many hours do you need the booth running?

• How much time do you need the booth on standby?

Katherine and Cristian Escudero Escudero Photography www.escuderophotography.com 302-389-8593 Cristian and I are excited to be working with The Kent County Women’s Journal, and are honored to be working with such an amazing group of people. We started Escudero Photography eight years ago, and have enjoyed capturing so many wonderful memories for our clients and friends. Over the years we have focused our business towards Wedding Photography, High School Senior Portraits, and our Photo Booth Rental, however we also capture many other wonderful memories for our clients.

Fourth check out the company.

• Check the company’s online reviews.

• Look into their social media to see what others are saying about the company.

By asking these questions and including these thoughts into your decision making process you will be able to book a photo booth not just for its price but also for the quality of service. Remember photo booths can be used for fundraising events, weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, anniversaries, school dances and so much more.

Be sure to include Escudero Photography in your search for Photo Booth Fun.

February / March 2016

34

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Fashion&Beauty Design Your Own Ring! Have Fun! Let Your Imagination Run Wild!

Introducing our new Sayers Design Station. You design your own jewelry with our expert guidance. See your jewelry designs come to life before your very eyes. Gone are the days of pen and ink sketches on paper with the hope you will like the finished product.

We now can show you what your ring will look like in real time, and make adjustments that you can watch happen.

We have hundreds of diamond mountings in stock for immediate setting of the diamond you select or a family heirloom diamond you may already own. But, if you want your ring to be a one of a kind sensation that all of your friends will envy, start with a design you like and enhance it from there.

In the past we would sketch your idea on paper then use our CAD-CAM design and manufacturing software to design a ring to your specifications. We would then call you in to review the wax model. If a change was needed we would change the model and do a rendering along with another wax model for final approval before we began the manufacturing process. That has all changed for the better. It is now possible to start with a style you like and then change the shank, change the head style or even add a halo.

Want to see what it looks like with a round diamond and then a princess cut or a cushion cut? It can be done in seconds. You can add side diamonds or maybe a surprise diamond on one or each side of the head. We can also show you what it would look like with alternating side stones of sapphire and diamond or ruby and diamond etc. You are only limited by your imagination. When you are pleased with what you see we can render the image to look like a finished ring on your finger with your skin tone and choose a nail color to compliment it.

Do you have gemstones or gold of your own to use? Perhaps you want to remake a ring that belonged to your Mother, Father or a Grandparent. We can restore the item or use the parts to make a new up to date style of your choice. Pendants, bracelets, earrings, pins or rings are all options for you to consider. And best of all, our expert designers and craftsman manufacture everything start to finish right in our store. Our equipment is state of the art and our employees have over 200 years combined experience in the jewelry and manufacturing business.

You have a beautiful ring in your mind and our job is to guide you in choosing a design and gemstones that work well together and have the durability and beauty to last.

By Ron Sayers Graduate, Gemologist (GIA)

February / March 2016

35

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Rent the Schwartz!

The Perfect Venue for Your Next Meeting or Event.

Rollins Theatre, McNinch Room, The Ballroom or All Three!

SchwartzCenter.com 302.678.5152 This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated

to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National February / March 2016

Endowment w w w.forttheh Arts. ewomensjournal.com 36

Community&Education

Lights of Life Saturday, February 27, 2016 7:00 p.m. to Midnight

Commemorating the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s 25 Years of Service Benefiting Local Breast Cancer Programs and Services in Delaware

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware Sponsorships start at $500 Photos by Watras Photography

Individual Reservations are $150

Event Co-Chairs: Susan Chinnici, Gerri Coble, Michele Domenick, MD, Patti Key, CPA, Kelli Meoli, Okemah Strickland & Claire Zaragoza Honorary Chairperson: Don Tricarico, RN, MSA, CNOR The Lights of Life gala (formerly known as Southern Lights of Life) is Delaware's premier breast cancer fundraiser and this year's gala will commemorate the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition's 25 years of service in the community. The evening features wine, gourmet food stations, dancing, exciting live and silent auctions, live entertainment and local breast cancer survivors.

Live performance by: Kristen and the Noise For reservations, sponsorship details and more information, please visit: www.debreastcancer.org/Lights or call 302-672-6435.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT DBCC’S LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN DELAWARE Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

*Major Sponsors as of 12.15.15

#LightsofLife February / March 2016

37

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

Contributor Testimonials

This is what our Advertisers say about the Women’s Journal: “The Women’s Journal has proven time and again to be the most advantageous and well-rounded business builder for the salon compare-none. Each new issue brings a sharp uptick in our referrals sometimes reaching 60 new referrals per article. The editors are fair, customer-service focused, and continuously improving on the paper year-after-year. We will contribute as long as they’ll have us.”

-J Christian, J Christian Studio “Thank you for your wonderful publication, it has been the single best advertising I have ever done in my 25 years in business. Effective, cost efficient, and a return on advertising investment, everything a business woman could ask for.”

-Carmella Gibellino-Schultz, Permanent Cosmetics “Honestly, I was reluctant to do yet another print ad for my business. I had not seen results in past advertising attempts and it was hard to make another such investment. But something told me that The Women’s Journal would be different. Is it ever! I saw immediate, direct results in my business! The Women’s Journal reaches my target audience and because it is so informative to perspective clients, they follow through and I get the sale. I have the bottom line to prove it! Thank you so much.”

-Melisa Ferriola, CPCP, Lasting Looks “I just wanted to let you know that the editorial that we did last issue was a great success for us. It brought us customers that were selling and gold that otherwise we probably would not have had. Our Gold / Silver buying aspect of our business is VERY important to us. We had a great response!”

-Jewelry Exchange of Delaware “I have been in practice for over 22 years and always relied upon my patients and colleagues to refer new patients. I am honored by the trust these individuals place in me by referring friends but in recent years I realize that this is not enough. I knew I needed an ethical and tasteful way to let my community know about my ethics, practice philosophy and training. I found such a vehicle with The Women’s Journal. I feel good about helping to inform the readers about important health issues while simultaneously allowing them to get to know us. Many wonderful patients have found us as a result of our Women’s Journal articles.”

-Anna C. Giacalone, DMD, Artist in Cosmetic Dentistry

1-888-550-7200

www.thewomensjournal.com

Rated the #1 Educational Newspaper in the Country -U.S. World & Review February / March 2016

38

w w w. t h e w o m e n s j o u r n a l . c o m

“An Affair to Remember�

Celebrating 30 years!

2016 Southern Delaware Heart Ball Saturday, April 23 2016 The Green at Legislative Mall 6:30 - Midnight Your Hosts: Tom and Katie Kramedas Axia Management Dinner * Dancing * Live Auction * Open Bar Silent Auction * Live Entertainment * Casino Reservations: 877-750-4276 or Christine.shelley@heart.org $150/person Sponsor Opportunities Available Call Karen Gritton: 302-381-6426

Southern Delaware

heart ball

Please use the appropriate zip code for the area you are calling from if prompted to do so.

Salisbury/Wicomico: 21801 * OC/Worcester: 21842 * Rehoboth/Sussex: 19971 Dover/Kent, DE: 19904 * Kent Island/Queen Anne’s: 21666 * Cambridge/Dorchester: 21613 Chestertown, Kent, MD: 21620 * Denton/Caroline: 21629 * Easton/Talbot: 21601