Bella Magazine - November 2016

b november 2016

LO C A L S H O P P I N G M I N D • B O DY • S O U L FALL FASHION • GIVING BACK

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november 2016 N ove m b e r 2016

I ssu e On e Hu n d re d Twe nty- F i ve

inside

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• ADVERTISING Jane Lake Roanoke Region Advertising Sales Representative jlake@beckmediagroup.com Meredith MacKenzie Special Features & SWVA Advertising Sales Representative meredith@beckmediagroup.com Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800 ••• Contributors Aimee Strong | Centra Health, Member One Federal Credit Union, Ginger Rail, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com Internship Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

shop local page 7

Find all of your holiday party needs at Rustic and Refined!

fall fashion page 9

A few tips to help you follow the trends while staying true to yourself.

meet the maker

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Your bliss awaits with personalized essential oils from Cheryl Murphy.

giving back

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Ronald McDonald House: A haven for families when they need it most.

extraordinary women page 17

Artist Sonya Clark shares beautiful hair stories at the Taubman Museum.

veganville page 19

A monthly look into the life of our favorite vegan.

shopping on a budget Tips to keep wish lists from breaking the bank.

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exploring minimalism

Avoiding temptation to overconsume during the holidays.

women’s health

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Preventative measures to stay healthy as the end of the year approaches.

LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2016 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

happenings

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A few opportunities to support local makers and artisans.

bella loves

find us

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Unique “Thank You” gifts that your host will adore!

lovelybella.com

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local holiday shopping Find everything you need to celebrate at Rustic & Refined!

The holidays are right around the corner, and Pam Burgess of Rustic & Refined is ready to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Located in a beautiful 1940’s Cape Cod home, Rustic & Refined’s ten themed rooms include antiques, hand-painted furniture, florals, seasonal decor, and much more. Pam has nine years of experience in choosing items for her customers in Salem, Virginia. In a business that is increasing in popularity, that knowledge is invaluable.

“I am a picker at heart,” she explains. “I travel the East Coast and find those one-of-a-kind, unique items. Most of the furniture comes from estate sales. There is a thrill to the hunt—finding that special something that someone comes in, loves and buys is an amazing feeling.”

Pam becomes part of the story for every item that she sells. She refinishes certain pieces of furniture, creates floral arrangements and wreaths, and most importantly, she connects customers with new treasures for their homes.

“I found a gorgeous buffet in West Virginia,” she recalls.

“A couple bought it and used it as a sink in their bathroom. It’s always fun to think about what people are going to do with an item or where they are going to put it.”

Of course, with multiple DIY shows on HGTV and Pinterest right at the fingertips of everyone with a smartphone, the market for repurposed items is booming. Pam recently visited a Flea Market Extravaganza in Ohio boasting 3,000 vendors. Knowing what will sell and what customers are seeking is a valuable asset. In addition to knowing her market in Salem, she also looks for specific treasures.

“I carry a little pink book that I try to put people’s names in and what they’re looking for,” she says. “When I find something that fits, I send them a snapshot. If it is what they want, I buy it and bring it home.”

Pam’s friend and colleague, Beth Shearer, has been with her at Rustic & Refined since day one. Together, they work to keep the store open five days each week and find the best home and gift items for their customers.

Join us for Rustic & Refined’s Holiday Open House Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5. Visitors will enjoy light refreshments as they tour the ten decorated rooms and shop for gifts and decorations.

“The main room will have a heavily white-flocked tree. There will be a 9-foot tree in the big sunroom. The entire house will reflect a Christmas theme,” says Pam. This is a great opportunity to purchase your holiday decor and perfect unforgettable gifts for everyone you love!

Visit www.facebook.com/RusticandRefinedva1 for more information on store hours, location, and contact information.

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Join us for Rustic & Refined’s

Holiday Open House

Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5

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fashion with

purpose Revamping your wardrobe as the weather gets colder

Fall 2016 style is about discovering your identity, and projecting that outward through clothing, shoes, and other accessories. The choices can be overwhelming, and it is important you invest wisely. Fortunately, Urban Gypsy on Grandin Road makes it easy with a beautiful selection and a savvy staff who can help you find the look that best reflects your personality. Here are a few things we learned from owner, Ashley Shaffner, during our trip to stock up our wardrobes for cooler weather...

All fashions & accessories from Urban Gypsy Fabulous model: Devon Steiner

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fashion with

purpose

Ladies, the flare leg is coming back!!! (If you wait

long enough, the best things always do.) Be ready to rock that flare cut with heels, boots, and wedges. Bold patterns and screen prints are also filling the shelves. There really is something for everyone out there. Find what works best for you, and OWN it!

Style shouldn’t be a drag. We all know we are our own worst critics. It’s easier to give yourself a break (and maybe even LOVE your look) when you are excited about it. Fill your wardrobe with practical items that make you confident, not necessarily things off the sale rack. You’ll get much more out of your purchase, and the confidence alone is worth paying a little extra.

Make one bold statement. Too many patterns and bold colors can be a little intimidating. Having several neutral staples in your wardrobe will allow you to alternate and play with bold pieces. Pairing black leggings with a dark blue poncho, light blue scarf, and black boots can help you stand out in a sea of oranges, reds, and greens.

Subtly can also make all the difference with accessories. For example, jewelry from The Artful

Sojourn makes a statement by reflecting your personality with minimal effort. With unique stones, keys, and silhouettes of the beautiful state of Virginia, you can’t go wrong!

Above all, be comfortable in what you wear. Find those pieces that work for your day to day activities, but also allow you to be the best version of you. The Nomad Hempwear collection features several pieces that transition very well from business casual at the office to active weekend wear.

Finally, shop where your money is making a difference. During the month of November,

All fashions & accessories from Urban Gypsy Fabulous model: Devon Steiner page 10

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Urban Gypsy will be donating proceeds of their sales to our local Ronald McDonald House. “Our donations will be in honor of my son, Lucas, and in memory of his brother, Elijah,” says Ashley.

“Their Family Room in the NICU of Carilion Children’s Hospital fed me for four months. As a parent you need that room for your sanity.”

Join us as we shop at Urban Gypsy during the month of November! Go to www.facebook.com/urbangypsyva for more information and to check out their gorgeous photo gallery.

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MEET THE

MAKERS Mixing aromatherapy & gemstones to find your Essential Bliss.

Tammy Ewen

Cheryl Murphy

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Ten years ago, Cheryl Murphy started to look for ways to live a more environmentally friendly life. Like many of us, she started by investigating her cleaning products. The harsh chemicals that often make up these concoctions can be terrible for adults, children, and pets. She turned to essential oils to address her cleaning and household needs. Next, she bought an essential oils kit and began researching their benefits on the internet.

“Of course, you can’t believe everything you read on Pinterest and Facebook,” she says. “I wanted to learn more, so I decided to seek a certification in aromatherapy.”

Cheryl began an online course from a school in Sedona, AZ. The course was rigorous, but that didn’t stop Cheryl or her friend, Tammy Ewen, who agreed to take the classes with her. Cheryl completed that training, and continues to take classes to this day at another school in Sedona. The classes she takes now, however, she flies out to attend in person. Both Cheryl and Tammy are certified aromatherapists.

“There is a growing interest in this field. People want to take control of their health. They don’t always want to take a pill. They want more natural alternatives, and they want to have control,” she explains.

Cheryl and Tammy share their knowledge through their business, Essential Bliss. They offer consultations and workshops to help people learn how to use essential oils safely and effectively. Not only can Cheryl teach a client how to use their own oils, she can also mix oils to create a product that will specifically target trouble areas.

For those who want to take their aromatherapy on-the-go, Cheryl has developed aromatherapy bracelets. This concept is the result of merging aromatherapy and her jewelry-making business, Follow Your Bliss, to create a unique and beautiful product for her clients. With the addition of a lava bead to any one of her mindfully handcrafted bracelets, the jewelry becomes a diffuser.

Of course, clients who seek jewelry featuring symbolic charms and semi-precious gemstones without aromatherapy can purchase them through Cheryl as well.

Like her essential oil blends, her jewelry can be customized to target specific needs of the client. To help determine what will work best for an individual, Cheryl offers workshops on healing gemstones. Participants can attend these workshops and design their own bracelets as she talks about the metaphysical properties of gemstones. A bracelet created at one of these events can contain many different gemstones. It is not always about aesthetics, but instead about healing.

If you’re interested in learning more about gemstones, consider attending one of Cheryl’s upcoming workshops. She will be at Center of Gravity Yoga and Pilates on November 5 and Uttara Yoga Studio on November 20. To place an order or request a bracelet customized to fit your needs, go to www.fybbracelets.com.

For information on aromatherapy, clients can schedule consultations at Laurel Hill Salon in Roanoke. You can also attend Bella Magazine’s Aromatherapy Lunch and Learn on Thursday, November 17. Visit www.facebook.com/bellamagazine for more information. november 2016

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giving back

Help children and their families through the Ronald McDonald House Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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The local Ronald McDonald House opened in May of 1984, just ten years after the national charity began. There are currently more than 360 Ronald McDonald houses around the world. Most of them are in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Although McDonald’s is a corporate sponsor, the houses are not solely supported by the fast food franchise. In fact, most of their funding comes from the community through private donations and contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

The Roanoke location is an 18 bedroom home for families whose children are patients at Carilion Clinic or being treated by a doctor in Roanoke. Over their lifetime, this location has served more than 25,000 families. In addition to the house itself, they also maintain a room on the 14th floor of the Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room serves as a respite area for adult family members and guests of hospitalized children.

“It is a quiet space,” says Jeanne Bollendorf, Director of Community Development. “We have snacks, coffee, and phones. We have computers and Wi-Fi there. It is a comfortable place for people to regroup while still at the hospital. That way they aren’t too far away from their child’s bedside.”

As for the house itself, guests are chosen through a direct referral system. Nurses, social workers, or medical staff at doctor’s offices send families in need to each independently-operated Ronald McDonald House. In our area, many of those families live in Southwest Virginia. Some, however, would have a much longer drive if they had to go home every night.

“Families that stay at the house have to live at least 25 miles outside of Roanoke,” explains Jeanne. “A lot of families come from two or three hours away. They would spend more time on the road than they did with their child if they didn’t stay here.”

Regardless of where the family is from, the time and services they receive from the Ronald McDonald House are priceless.

“One of the things we’ve always done is give out baby blankets to families with a new baby. So many people that I meet out in the community will say, ‘We stayed at the house, and our son is 18. He still has his quilt from the Ronald McDonald House.’ I really love to hear those stories,” says Jeanne.

If you want to help with the needs of the Ronald McDonald House, you can donate in-kind donations like pantry items for the home and the hospital respite room, paper products, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Of course, monetary donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.

You can also donate your time. Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House receive a cooked meal every night from a group of volunteers. Additionally, the Family Room at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is managed by volunteers and would be a great place to help out families that truly need it this holiday season.

For more information on Roanoke’s Ronald McDonald House and how you can help out, visit www.rmhc-swva.org. november 2016

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extraordinary women Written by Hayleigh Worgan Follicular: The Hair Stories of Sonya Clark

Sonya Clark (American, Born 1967), The Hair Craft Project: Hairstyles on Canvas, 2013, Silk threads, beads, shells, and yarn on eleven canvases, The Heritage Fund for a Diverse Collection, Frederick Brown Fund, Samuel Putnam Avery Fund, and Helen and Alice Colburn Fund Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Above right) Sonya Clark (American, Born 1967), Pluck and Grow (detail), 2015 – present, Dyed paper, 6’ x 4’, Courtesy of Sonya Clark

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To say that the work of African American multi-media artist Sonya Clark is dynamic and powerful would be an understatement. Throughout her career, Clark’s work has often featured hair and combs in the place of more traditional fibers and art-making materials. Her exhibition, Follicular: The Hair Stories of Sonya Clark, is currently on display at the Taubman Museum of Art and will remain there until May 14, 2017. It addresses the roles of hair in African American society and features site specific installations. Last month, it included a performance entitled, “Translations.” This performance featured stylist Kamala Bhagat, who reinterpreted an African hairstyle on Clark’s hair as she read poetry by Rita Dove and Nikki Giovanni. Both the performance and the exhibition explore hair as an indicator of social status, a symbol of age and authority, a statement of contemporary style, an object of beauty and adornment.

As we all know, hair is a medium with which we express our identity. It is a political statement as much as it is a personal one—the idea that we can be ourselves while being professional, active members of a society that tells us what is in fashion or appropriate in magazines or on television.

Unfortunately, those differences are often made into something negative.

A trait as innocuous as hair can be made into the thing by which we set ourselves apart—and even above—other people. Understanding the importance of a hair style to everyone’s freedom of self-expression is a key component to removing ourselves from the dehumanization that plagues media and entertainment. It is the same dehumanization, Clark reminds us, that has made it easier to subjugate groups of people throughout history.

“Angela Davis was wearing a huge Afro during the black power movement,” says Clark. “It became a symbol of embracing identity. The idea of celebrating the kink, the curl, and the twist is something that is celebrating a rich history and legacy.”

In addition to hair, Clark integrates plastic pocket combs into her work. She describes them as objects that are invested with a lot of cultural identity.

“The unbreakable comb is designed that way to win the battle against knotted hair. It is pocket-sized to be carried with you all the time,” explains Clark. “A tool like a comb has to do with certain groups of people that grow hair in a certain way. They tell us something about our economic structure. Being groomed means something.”

Follicular: The Hair Stories of Sonya Clark will be on display until May 14, 2017. It is an exhibition rich with history that you do not want to miss! For more of Sonya’s work, visit www.sonyaclark.com. november 2016

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veganville Written by Ginger Rail*

Vegans Love Thanksgiving…

Just kidding—it can actually be very awkward. Because of that, I’m going to be kind for once and provide some self-preservation tips for those of you who are going to be mixing with your chill herbivorous friends and relatives this holiday season:

Don’t make Tofurkey jokes. We’ve heard them. All of them. A million times. They weren’t funny the first time, and they’re way less funny now. Come up with a wacky humdinger and get back to me.

Don’t remind everyone else at the table that so-and-so is vegan, especially not every ten minutes. They don’t care, she’s not interested in explaining where she gets her protein from to cray Uncle Herbert, and if anyone does bother to respond all they’ll say is “how do you LIVE on just RABBIT food?!”

But the biggest safety tip of all: Don’t tell us we’re missing out on the turducken, that Frankenstein freakfest of a deboned chicken stuffed inside a deboned duck stuffed inside a deboned turkey and baked (you hope) until all the salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are mostly dead, or at least wounded.

Trust me, in no way are vegans worried about missing out on turducken. You and your 1970’s time-warped cronies can enjoy that old chestnut all by yourselves.

As for me, just bring on the turquila!

Oh, and by the way, here is the guest list of vegan supah-stars coming to my house for dinner this November. (They won’t be arriving until I’ve had sufficient turquila.)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Al Gore (he invented the internet) Chelsea Clinton (she probably uses the internet a lot) Cory Booker, Junior US Senator from NJ, future President of America Forest Whitaker, Academy Award winner who has a zillion movie credits Hannah Teter, Gold-medal winning snowboarder Jared Leto, actor, rocker, director Kendrick Farris, the ONLY male weightlifter from Team USA who qualified for Rio this past summer Liam Hemsworth (check your pulse if you don’t know who this guy is. Props to Australia!)

Mayim Bialik, super-smart, funny actress and future President of America Pamela Anderson, Baywatch genie RZA, Wu-Tang Clan!

Steph Davis, one of the world’s leading rock climbers Tony Gonzalez, only one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history (take that however you want) Venus and Serena Williams, tennis rockstars Woody Harrelson, kind of nutty, but really good actor

For awesome vegan recipes to make this Thanksgiving, just search Al Gore’s internet. One site that I like is www.greatist.com. Check out their magical Fig and Olive Tapenade!

*Ginger Rail is the pen name of our favorite vegan writer in Southwest Virginia. She spends her spare time entertaining her friends and family with her hilarious adventures–and now she’s also sharing them with us! Be ready to laugh with her each month (and maybe learn a few things too)! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Ho, Ho, Hold on to your money (and sanity) this shopping season!

shop on a budget during the holidays Article courtesy of

We know what you’re thinking: It’s already the holiday season. Before we transition from Halloween to the holidays, we’ve got one more scary thought for you—HOLIDAY SHOPPING. This time of year sends shivers down our spine as we consider the punishment our bank account is about to endure. We love gift giving, but do we need to break the bank in order to spread holiday cheer? Luckily, we’ve discovered a few ways to deck the halls without going broke.

Look at your discretionary income. This is exactly how much you have to spend AFTER you’ve paid for things like a roof over your head, utilities—survival essentials. This is a great place to start creating a budget for what you can afford to spend, unless you have friends who’re planning on paying your bills this December!

Make a list of everything you anticipate purchasing. This goes for gifts for loved ones, outfits for parties, baked goods (and their containers if you’re giving them as gifts), cards and postage, and even décor for your home. If your discretionary income isn’t going to cover everything, time to make some cuts!

Use cash for all of your purchases. Let’s say you’ve budgeted exactly $600 for holiday spending. Get that in cash, and use that any time you’re making holiday purchases.

Once that cash is gone, that’s it. That will make you more mindful when making purchases and force you to look for better deals.

Start shopping now. Many of us wait until the last minute, which results in impulse buys or missing out on sales. To avoid overspending, start crossing people off your list now. Look for deals. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all those other special days offer a lot of discounts.

People love the intangibles. Experiences. Memories. These are things

people value over time (not the cute sweater that is in style for one season). Instead of giving each of your friends a present, perhaps plan a friend’s night in with food, beverages, and holiday games and/or crafts. Your effort and your company means a lot, and if you really want to give something tangible, perhaps a framed picture of all of you from that night will do the trick.

Your wallet can now come out of hiding; you’re now equipped to make holiday shopping less painful on your bank account and psyche. Preparing yourself for seasonal spending now will allow you to focus on the things that truly matter this time of year—not your account balance.

Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips and financial advice! Be sure to visit their website, www.memberonefcu.com, for more information on the products and services they offer. page 20

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exploring minimalism

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

Sticking to your goals during the holiday season.

Minimalism stands in stark opposition to many images you will see during the holidays. From the family gatherings and work parties to shopping for gifts, the season can be quite overwhelming. As we prepare for these events in the weeks to come, beginner minimalists should keep a few things in mind.

Don’t give in to Black Friday ads. Plan on spending that day relaxing with your family instead.

Many of these sales will begin on Thanksgiving Day. If you don’t think about the retail employees who are cutting their Thanksgiving Day short to attempt to manage crowds fighting over Barbie Dolls, think about your own family. A little research can yield much more meaningful gifts in the same price range. This way, you spend the entire day building memories with your family instead of standing in a line that wraps around a building to spend valuable assets on something that will not last forever. The memories you make around your table or in your backyard will last much longer than a plastic doll.

Consider donating time, clothing, or money to those in need. We have covered an organization every month this year that gives back to our community. In this issue, we feature the Ronald McDonald house. They do so much for parents whose children are being treated at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital. A simple donation of pantry items, a few hours of your time to cook dinner for them, or money to help pay for their stay could make a huge difference this holiday season.

Explaining your new minimalist lifestyle to loved ones every holiday can be exhausting. Instead, if someone asks for a gift idea, make it easy by recommending tickets to one of Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s performances, a show at the Jefferson Center, or a trip to Bubblecake followed by holiday movies at home. As for presents, deal with them as soon as you get home from holiday parties. If you have children, it may be easier to wait a couple of days to see what they will play with longer than one evening and what should be quickly cast aside. However, you can also include older children in your decluttering by letting them choose gifts to donate to those in need. Write your thank you cards and say nothing else on the matter. Gift giving is often more about action of giving than the gift itself. Be thankful for it, but if it doesn’t continue to bring you joy, there is no reason to hold on to that burden.

Shop local, but do it before Thanksgiving. The most unique and thoughtful gifts for the hard to buy for people on your list can be found at local retailers like Urban Gypsy, Chocolate Paper, Rustic & Refined, and Punch Boutique. Your gift will stand out from the rest, and you’ll avoid letting stress ruin your holiday spirit!

This is the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of shopping and overconsumption of goods tarnish it for you!

Hayleigh is a beginner minimalist who loves going anywhere she can hang her hammock. When she's not writing for and editing Bella, she enjoys trying new things in the community. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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the dangers of vaping Why electronic cigarettes may be more harmful than you realize Article courtesy of

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Women’s Health

Written by Aimee Strong

Vaping, the inhaling of vapor from electronic cigarettes, has exploded in popularity over the past decade. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, the use of e-cigarettes among adults has more than tripled from 1 percent in 2010 to 3.7 percent today. Usage among high school students has skyrocketed, with those who reported trying ecigarettes soaring from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices with which a user inhales doses of nicotine, the chemicals propylene glycol or glycerine and often flavorings ranging from cherry to cotton candy.

Users point to the benefits of lower nicotine concentrations, potential effectiveness in smoking cessation efforts and lower costs when compared traditional cigarettes. However, recent evidence has begun to emerge on some of vaping’s shortterm effects. The lack of clinical data leaves many unanswered questions about the long-term use of vaping, and there is little evidence to support the claim that e-cigarettes help traditional smokers quit. In fact, although estimates vary, anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of e-cigarette users are “dual users” who also smoke traditional cigarettes.

Public health officials have become concerned about the effects of vaping and secondhand vapor exposure, particularly to children, adolescents, pregnant women, people with known respiratory illnesses and people with heart disease.

The dangers of nicotine are well-known, ranging from the increased risk of certain cancers to heart and blood vessel damage to the negative effects on reproductive health. Nicotine is poisonous in its concentrated, e-liquid form, and there have been cases of accidental poisonings of infants and young children who have ingested it. And when heated, propylene glycol breaks down to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

The effects of inhaling flavorings on a person’s health is unknown. Higher rates of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses have been reported as a result of people breathing liquid vapor. Although the flavorings used in e-cigarettes have been found to be safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption, there is no data that shows they are safe for inhalation.

As a result of these public health concerns as well as false advertising claims and widely differing manufacturing procedures, the FDA in August extended its authority over the regulation of e-cigarettes. These new rules also ban the sale of e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18 in stores and online. Sixteen states have banned e-cigarettes use in the same venues in which cigarette smoking has been banned and towns across the country have voted to ban e-cigarette use in areas where cigarette smoking is also banned.

Although e-cigarettes can potentially deliver less nicotine than traditional cigarettes, they are not considered a safe or effective way to stop smoking. Individuals who wish to quit smoking cigarettes should use an FDA-approved cessation technique such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum or lozenges or medications such as Chantix® (varenicline) or Zyban® (bupropion).

Aimee Strong, MSN, AGACNP-BC, is a thoracic nurse practitioner with Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. For more information about smoking cessation, call 434.200.3812 or visit centrahealth.com.

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Women’s Health

your journey to better health

Show your body love with a little help from Nutrition Stripped!

McKel Hill

There are a lot of books, websites, and social media pages out there that promote healthy living in various forms. Some of them are reliable, and others (especially those promising the ever popular “quick fix”) do more harm than good. Finding a book of recipes that also gives guidance on balancing your life, eating healthy on a budget, and creating a food philosophy is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, for those looking to become more mindful about what they are eating and, as a result, structure a healthy lifestyle, there is hope! Nutrition Stripped by McKel Hill is a collection of over 100 whole food, plant-based recipes. Not just an approach to eating, Nutrition Stripped is about a balanced lifestyle that will help you look, feel, and be your best.

McKel doesn’t dive directly in to Instagram-worthy avocado and kale creations. Instead, she opens with advice—things to keep in mind as you decide to live your life more mindfully of yourself and others. She even includes a section on references for those new to meditation! Unlike other cookbooks that promise bikini bodies or weight loss, McKel’s goal is for those who pick up her book to love themselves. It begins with something as simple as a positive mantra like, “I am beautiful” or “I am strong.” The mental change of loving oneself is imperative to the journey of eating better. It makes the commitment of putting only good things into your body much easier, because why would you want to fill something you care about so much with harmful chemicals?

If you need any additional reasons to pick up this book, consider this: many of us develop colds as winter approaches. One of the most soothing ingredients for an itchy, sore throat or a stuffy nose is ginger root. Our favorite recipe using ginger is the Immunity Tonic. It’s easy to recreate, and great to have on hand to soothe those pesky winter colds. We’ve included the recipe for you here! Also, check out McKel’s website, www.nutritionstripped.com, for more information on how to live healthier for the body you love!

Immunity Tonic 2 cups filtered water 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced 1/2 inch piece fresh turmeric, peeled and minced or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 cups freshly juiced pineapple juice of 4 lemons 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar (optional) 2 fresh mint leaves, for garnish In medium saucepan, combine the water, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove from the heat and add the pineapple juice, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar (if using). Serve warm, with each mug topped with a mint leaf. Or cool and pour over ice to serve chilled.

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happenings November

Finish your holiday shopping before the Black Friday chaos!

There are several opportunities to support small businesses through your holiday shopping this month! Join us as we finish our own gift list BEFORE Thanksgiving!

Bella Magazine Meet the Makers Event!

On Sunday, November 13, Urban Gypsy will host Bella Magazine’s “Meet the Maker” event from 11 am-4pm! Several of the makers we have featured this past year will be in attendance selling their products alongside the unique and beautiful items at Urban Gypsy in Roanoke! Buy everything from cold brew coffee and spices to essential oils and jewelry.

“We all know that shopping small gives back to the community in ways that make a difference,” says Hayleigh Worgan, Editorial Director. “By making a commitment to shop with small business owners and local makers this holiday season, you are also ensuring that their holiday celebrations involve less stress and more joy.

Additionally, your gifts will be some of the most memorable items given. It is a win/win for everyone!”

Stay tuned to our website, www.lovelybella. com, and Facebook page for more details on this event as it approaches.

Piedmont Craftsmen’s 53rd Annual Craft Fair

The Piedmont Craftsmen’s 53rd Annual Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 10am-6pm and Sunday, November 20 from 12pm-5pm at the M.C. Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This one-of-a-kind shopping experience showcases the work of more than 100 fine artisans from across the United States. This year, shoppers can choose from a broad sampling of artist-designed handmade home goods, wearables, jewelry, furniture, and decorative items. Specifically, the fair will feature more than 30 jewelers and 15 fiber artists making gorgeous pieces that will accentuate your style or make the perfect holiday gift!

“While shopping online is convenient, the process denies buyers the unique opportunity to experience products by handling them, and has helped consumers forget the pleasure of shopping for high quality handmade goods,” says Fair Coordinator, Deborah Britton. “Purchases can become insignificant, cheaply bought and easily discarded, rather than acquisitions to be treasured.”

If you’re looking for meaningful gifts and priceless pieces to add to your wardrobe, don’t miss this opportunity to find them and meet the artist that created them! Visit www.piedmontcraftsmen.org for more information!

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bella loves

“Thank You” gifts that stands out from the rest!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Holiday gatherings and parties are already filling up our schedules. When deciding which parties to attend, don’t forget to purchase a “Thank You” gift for your host/hostess! Chances are they will be receiving wine, candy, and even flowers from other guests. With that in mind, we want to give you a few ideas that are sure to be a hit! { Stay tuned to our Facebook to win these items AND to see more gift ideas all month long! }

For the one who has everything: Woodcut Memory Game { available from your favorite bookstore } Fun planners to keep friends on track: 2017 Hustle Weekly Planner { www.startplanner.com }

For the food lovers in your life: Love With Food Subscription (www.lovewithfood.com)

Something different for the hostess with the mostess: Molly & Me Pecans { www.mollyandmepecans.com }

Personalized & good for them: Whimsy + Wellness Essential Oil Rollers { www.etsy.com/shop/ WhimsyandWellness } page 30

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november 2016

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