Being Better in Siouxland . Honor Issue 2019

Honor 2019

Setting Boundaries

Healthy Relationships 101

Hottest window treatments Keeping your summer fun regret free

Chocolate

zucchini bread

Our Honor Issue

-It’s time to bro-out!

-What you’re skipping -Finding support -Overcoming PTSD

Put together a

Patio Party in just minutes

Working to help vets: From left, Sarah Petersen, Gene Stockton, Tim Grover, & Mary Jordan

Take this magazine with you. When you’re done, give it away.

Last year,

MercyOne Child Advocacy Center helped more than 800 victims of child abuse.

70%

were victims of sexual abuse.

78%

were under the age of 12.

40%

were under the age of 6.

99%

know their abuser.

The number of children abused sexually, physically, and emotionally in our community has doubled over the last ten years.

The MercyOne Child Advocacy Center is the only one of its kind within 100 miles of Sioux City, assisting law enforcement and the courts in getting perpetrators off the street, allowing the abused to tell their story, keeping them safe and protecting their dignity.

For more information, or to give to the MercyOne Child Advocacy Center, please call 712-279-2548.

Table of

CONTENTS BEING BETTER / Honor Issue 2019

15

19 . Finding a good partner Service dogs for servicemen.

21. What you’re missing by 50% or more.

21 . Dog days of summer Beating the heat for your pets.

23 . 3 Things to tackle now Closet clean out before fall.

Cover background by Peyker, lemonaide by Vitalina Rybakova and Picnic by Pressmaster,/Shutterstock.com. Bedroom by Gotch Covered.

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25 . Why houseplants

The benefits of having real plants.

26 . Air pollution

27

Is the worst in your home?

BETTER BODY

27 . Keep summer regret free Key ways to keep summer safe.

29. Setting things straight

More than just having a nice smile.

30 . When your period is a pain Take a time out.

30 . Meet the Doc

MercyOne’s new family medicine doc.

31 . What you never planned on Working through PTSD.

BETTER NOW

12 . Top 5

Overcoming the hardest things.

13 . My best advice

7 . Unbroken

9 . Better stuff

Stuff to make you smile.

10 . Tips & Trends

What people are talking about now.

Ways you can make the planet better.

before it’s an inferno.

32 . 3 Great benefits

Three experts weigh in.

What exercise gives you.

BETTER HOME

15 . We gotcha covered

32 . Put out the fire

33 . Common & unique

Military & first-responders pain.

Choosing the best window treatments. www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER LIFE

48 . Something special for the kids in your life.

BETTER FOOD

49 . Throw a patio party

Pull together an outdoor party.

35 . The battle of life

How to win.

-It’s time to bro-out!

Tim Grover, pg.36 -The thing you’re skipping Pastor Gene Stockton, pg. 39 -Finding some support Sarah Peterson, pg. 41 -Learning to readjust Mary Jordan, pg. 45

Eggs and toast get fancy.

53 . Food Q&A

Why would I want a pressure cooker?

54

Photography

MARK KARRER

Account Executive

JESSIQUE STEELE jess@beingbettermagazine.com To contact us for any reason: Being Better Magazine P.O. Box 5105 Sioux City, IA 51102 . 712-301-4341 www.BeingBetterMagazine.com Email@BeingBetterMagazine.com

Keeping your mind sharp.

47 . Peering into the future

©2019 ­Being Better magazine.

Please ask publisher’s permission before using content for other public purposes.

How to stack the deck in your favor.

48 . Setting boundaries

SUBSCRIPTIONS/ACCESS

Healthy relationships 101.

FREE PRINT ISSUE Being Better [in Siouxland] is published every-other month and is available free to the general public in the Siouxland area. For a list of locations you may find it, go to our website at www.BeingBetterMagazine.com

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53 . Superfood: Quinoa

How to cook it and why you should.

53 . The perfect iced coffee How to brew a cold cup.

54 . Food focus: Zucchini

Versitile, abundant and delicious.

4

Copy editors

MIKARA BONHAM BARB MICKELSON

SALES

46 . Brain benders

32

Editor-in-Chief

JENNIFER WINQUIST jennifer@beingbettermagazine.com

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

FREE DIGITAL ISSUE You may also view a digital version of the current or past issues online by going to our website.

MAILED ISSUE If you’d like to receive magazines by mail, send $24 [check, MC/Visa, or money order] for six issues.

Include your name, address, and phone number to the address above.

Facebook.com/BeingBetterMagazine All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Group by Mark Karrer. Runners by Maridav, Bread by vm2002, and pool dog by Stacyann105/Shutterstock.com

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52 . Taking breakfast in hand

Publisher

BEING BETTER MAGAZINE, LLC. Sioux City, IA

LETTER / From the editor

What I know about

A cure for brokeness and things like PTSD

I

used to be normal. Or at least what I thought normal was. Life was good-a wonderful family, a career I enjoyed, good friends. And then something happened that changed everything. Something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Something profound. Something wonderful.

As a “normal” person, I thought I pretty much had things figured out. I believed in God, and did life calling myself a Christian. After all, I was doing the things I saw other “Christians” doing. But when God let the rug get pulled out from under me, I didn’t know what I believed. Nothing made sense and I couldn’t find which way was up. I was in a nightmare and I couldn’t wake up. I wanted to go back, do something different, change this reality. I thought about some negative ways to “improve” my situation.

Thankfully, I dismissed them knowing they were no “fix.”

They say that people will only change when the fear of changing is less terrifying than the fear of staying the same. I couldn’t fathom anything worse than what I was going through, but I knew I couldn’t fix this. I honestly thought it was unfixable. I thought, Maybe God could. But, what if I put my very last bit of hope into finding out if God could save me, and He doesn’t? Won’t. I had no other option. I had to find out who God was and whether he was going to save me.

Journeys with God are not easy, but never boring. The first year was the hardest of my life, but finding glimpses of Him was like a drug. I just wanted more.

There’s a Bible verse that says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” That is true. I found God, I met Jesus...really for the first time, and I found myself. I wasn’t broken anymore.

It’s been a few years since then, and what I originally wouldn’t wish on anyone, I also wouldn’t trade for anything. What I have gained so outweighs the struggle: No more fear, no more uncertainty, no more alone, no more death-only life, joy, and peace. What I learned about God is that He cares, He loves you, and He will save you.

Let me tell you how to fix your broken life. Believing there is a God and knowing him are very different things. Knowing God and hanging out with Jesus will change your life. Do not let anyone feed you the lie that you will merely have to learn how to “cope” with a hurt in your life. God does not do things halfway. As we’ve worked on this issue with military service men and women I have been saddened to hear that limited thinking so much. PTSD is a very real thing (as is every other life struggle) but it has a very real cure.

His name is Jesus. Here’s the how to: You get to know him by spending time with Him everyday-just tell Him everything and ask Him to help you. Read the Holy Bible so you learn what He wants you to know about Him. Start the journey-you won’t regret it.

May God bless you like crazy!

What you don’t know

We started doing Being Better magazine a few years ago because we saw that people were struggling. People needed help but didn’t seem to know who they should turn to. We figured we could be that hub of information to connect hurting people with helping people-lost people to found people. And we’ve been doing that ever since. We wanted people to have a better life.

Part of that better life was telling people about God, but in a way that was real. I’d noticed that when people talked about Jesus they tended to use terms that no normal person said. It was getting way too religiousy and people were getting freaked out. Who wants to be part of something weird? God is not weird.

So, we keep it real. We tell stories about how God shows up in people’s lives. And we wanted to start explaining how people can have that for themselves. Who doesn’t want a transformed life? So let’s stop being all vague and mysterious. Jesus came to save people and show them the way, so we’re going to be better about sharing that in a clear way.

And this is where you come in To allow for more life-changing content, we needed some help. We are currently in the process of becoming a non-profit so we will be able to solicit donations to help off-set our costs. While the magazine is free, our production of it is not. :)

While we have not yet gotten our non-profit confirmation (as of press time), we could use some help. Prayers and cash would be greatly appreciated. Talk to God about both and let me know what He says.

Jennifer Winquist, Editor-in-chief jennifer@BeingBetterMagazine.com

And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. -Jesus [John 17:3] www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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Make your travel plans now

Gems of Eastern Europe

June 19-29, 2020

FREE AIRFARE! UNTIL JULY 31st!

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or just getting started, this is a totally unique river cruise through 5 picturesque countries.

Call for a brochure today!

RSVP TO FREE

no-obligation travel presentations: 5:30 PM July 17th in Sioux Center 5:30 PM July 18th in Sioux City

Israel the Holy Land

March 9-19, 2020

If you’ve always wanted to walk on a spiritual journey where Jesus walked, this is your chance. This trip is well over half sold out so call for a brochure, BOOK NOW, or join us at the presentation.

RSVP TO FREE

no-obligation travel presentations: 5:30 PM Aug 12th in Sioux City 5:30 PM Aug 13th in Sioux Center

Siouxlanders Todd & Rhonda Moss lead tours to destinations next door and around the world.

Photos/Shutterstock.com

www.extratouchtours.com • Our 26th year! • Call 712-276-1564

Now

A WWII vet, experiences things beyond comprehension as a POW. The nightmares followed him home. One act of courage ended them.

A true story.

BETTER

Louis Zamperini returned from WWII to reclaim his life, but nightmares and hate were consuming him.

Trying to drown out the nightmares and thoughts with alcohol lead him down a dark path, and his marriage was crumbling. With persistent friends and a wife who was fighting for him, he took a step that would lead him to walking down the path he needed to change it all.

L

aura Hillenbrand’s detailed and gripping book, Unbroken, takes you into the cockpit of war planes, into the minds of men lost at sea, and holds you hostage in inhumane death camps, and shows you the resilience of the human spirit.

As the story unfolds, you painfully understand why soldiers come back traumatized. You see the struggle of trying to regroup at home, at what they face. But, for Olympic runner, Louis Zamperini, you see hope and the discovery of the what changed his life forever. A life of forgiveness and peace.

This is one story you want to read, not watch. Angelina Jolie made it into a movie a few years ago, but she left out the most important part at the end detailing how Louis overcame his PTSD. Read the book, and then get the DVD Louis Zamperini, Captured by Grace. Louis himself explains what happened when he got home, and how he found the one thing that changed everything.

Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace tells the story of life after returning home a hero. Through the power of the Gospel—and his experience at the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles — Zamperini overcame alcoholism, night terrors, and a failing marriage to live a full and joyous life.

Available at Amazon and other book retailers.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Now

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

BETTER / Now

BETTER Stuff

Fast food stuff

You’re tired and you just want something good, but fast. How about some Sesame Lime Chicken Kebabs? Cut chicken breast into 1” cubes and slide onto skewers. Brush with a mixture of 2 T. each lime juice and sesame oil, then salt and pepper to taste. Grill over medhigh heat for 3-4 minutes per side (or until internal temp is 1650. Great with a Black Bean and Corn Salad with red onion, and red bell pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil, squeeze of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Enjoy.

Misunderstood stuff

True story: In a second grade classroom, the teacher read a story about a little girl who flew around the world and saw many different things, including the Statue of Liberty. When the students were asked to name something she saw on her journey, a little boy eagerly answered, “The Spatula Delivery!”

Quotable stuff

Clean stuff

Make cleaning your microwave super simple and smell great too. In a microwave safe dish, add a cup of water. Squeeze a cut lemon into the water, and add the lemon too. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the water comes to a boil. Let it sit for another 5 minutes, then wipe all the loosened gunk off, leaving a nice fresh oven.

“No person was ever honored for what he received.

Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

─ Calvin Coolidge “Humility forms the basis of honor, just as the low ground forms the foundation of a high elevation.”

─ Bruce Lee

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” ─Billy Graham

Pillows by Elena Elisseeva, lemons by Pineapple studio, chicken by Rutina/Shutterstock.com

Power stuff

Smart stuff

Don’t want to run out of power on the go? Get a portable charger. The Anker PowerCore is an ultra high capacity power bank external battery pack for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and more.

It charges most phones five to seven times.

Having a connected home is easier than you think. Gosund’s 2-in-1 Smart Plugs are controlled with an app on your phone. Control lights and appliances individually or in groups. Set timers that work for your schedule. Make life convenient and save energy too.

Portable Charger Anker PowerCore 20100mAh - Ultra High Capacity Power Bank with 4.8A Output. About $50 on Amazon.

Sleep stuff Before the invention of the light bulb, people slept an average of 10 hrs. Now we get just 6.51 hours of Zs a night.

Gosund 2-in1 Smart Plug works with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. About $20 for a set of 2 (4 outlets) on Amazon. www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Now

Tips & Trends A blast from the past

Summer decor tip

I ost of us aren’t able to design our home for a particular season. We choose wall colors, rugs, and furnishings that we are going to enjoy throughout the year.

But, some styles lend themselves much better to the vibe of a particular season. So how can you change the feel of a room without a big effort or big budget?

Try swapping out one or two elements. A big difference can happen with art. If a main focal point of the room has a decidedly fall or winter feel, swap it out for a few months with something lighter, brighter, or more vibrant.

For summer in particular, adding a vase of fresh flowers does wonders. Perhaps you have a wicker chair you can add in or lighter weight throw pillows.

With a couple of swaps, you can be feeling the season inside as well as out.

Have some happy coffee

Today

What is happy coffee? Vendor Traci Bodlak says, “Happy coffee is a ‘smart’ coffee with natural and botanical ingredients. These smart or ‘functional’ beverages are trending big right now because they offer benefits.”

Traci reports those benefits include weight loss and mental clarity. “It curbs my appetite from sweets and carbs, so fat is burned.”

Traci lost 55 lbs, and gained clarity. “I didn’t realize I had mental fog until I drank this.

I feel like I’m seeing things clearer - even colors seem brighter!”

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Before To find out more about happy coffee and their other products, contact Traci.

712-898-0339 Email: Traci.bodlak63@gmail.com www.elevacity.com/TraciBodlak

Room by John Wollwerth, and Happy coffee by xtock/Shutterstock.com

M

f you are over 40, you probably have some fond memories of spending a weekend evening at the drivein movies. Mom would make a giant paper grocery bag (that was a lot!) of popcorn and fill the car with snacks and blankets. Kids would wear their pjs and get comfy in the backseat, determined to make it through the double feature (that’s two movies in a row for those who missed the experience).

For teenagers, it was a place to take your date and have a little more privacy than a typical theater, hang with friends, and of course, sneak as many of them in as possible, stowed away in the trunk of the car.

As access to movies became an experience we could have in our homes, the outdoor movie experience died off and drive-in theaters closed. But the trend is re-emerging.

People are heading back outside with new technology and having movie viewing get-togethers in their backyards or open lots. Riverside Lutheran in Sioux City is showing movies July 5th & August 2nd (weather permitting) behind the church. If you’d like to give it a view, just bring a chair or blanket, your snacks, and get comfy. All are welcome. Call 712-233-1491 to see what’s playing.

BETTER / Now

Why is the sky blue?

B

Sky by Akugasahagy, paper liners by Sarah2, grilling by Simon Kadula, baby by MIA Studio, feeding animals By Muskoka Stock Photos, and fair by Gregory E. Clifford/Shutterstock.com

elieve it or not, this is one of the most Googled questions worldwide. So, in case you were wondering why the sky is blue, here’s NASA’s short answer on the subject.

“Sunlight reaches Earth’s atmosphere and is scattered in all directions by all the gases and particles in the air. Blue light is scattered more than the other colors because it travels as shorter,

Summer life hacks

smaller waves. This is why we see a blue sky most of the time.”

So why is it more red in the evening?

“As the sun gets lower in the sky, its light is passing through more of the atmosphere to reach you. Even more of the blue light is scattered, allowing the reds and yellows to pass straight through to your eyes.”

All clear now?

S

ummer moves fast, so let’s do some things better that will keep everyone enjoying and smiling. Here are three quick hacks to make life better.

1. Drip catcher Popsicles and hot summers are a must. If you have little ones that have trouble keeping up with the melting, simply slide the Popsicle stick through a paper cupcake liner, and you’ve got a drip catcher.

+

It’s fair time!

S

ome of the biggest items trending in late summer are the county and state fairs. If you want to go big, check out one of the tri-state area’s big venues for all the best fair fare!

Iowa State Fair/Des Moines, IA August 8-18 See a diaper derby, outhouse races, and mullet contest, and don’t miss the butter sculptures. Great music by For King & Country, Dan + Shay, and Luke Bryan.

Nebraska State Fair/Grand Island, NE August 23-September 2 All the great fair attractions you love and acts like Little Big Town, Trace Adkins, and Zach Williams.

2. Grill cleanup Keep your grill ready to go and cleanup to a minimum by doing two simple things. First, before you fire up the grill, spray the grate with nonstick cooking spray. After cooking, leave the grill on with the lid shut for a few more minutes. Shut it off, and use your wire brush to rid the residue.

3. Sunblock like a boss Have a wiggle worm you need to put sunblock on? Use both hands.

Generously apply the sunscreen to your hands then grab your tot, and give ‘em a rub down.

South Dakota State Fair/Huron, SD August 31-September 4 Great events like SD Women’s Expo, Wheel Jam, BBQ Championships, livestock events, horse events, and so much more! Concerts by Brothers Osborne and The Beach Boys. www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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Top 5

2

13

ways you can

Park it

If you can leave your car at home just two days a week, you’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year [source: EPA]. Plus, we’ll be breathing less toxic air. Ride with a friend or coworker, combine your errands. Better yet, ride a bike or take a walk, and you’ll really benefit.

Bag it

We all know what a threat plastic bags are to marine life and our environment.

Recycling them is better than throwing them away but that takes tons of water and energy, so it’s not really a win.

Get some reusable bags and keep them in your car so they are at hand when you need them!

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4

make the planet better and benefit

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Refill, reuse

Bottled water and throwaway packaging overwhelm landfills.

It’s estimated that it takes about three pints of water to package one pint of bottled water. Drinking and eating out of some plastics is shown to be a risk to your health.

Protect your body and your wallet, and buy reusable water bottles and storage containers.

Be a brighter bulb

Make the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They not only last 10 times longer, they also use at least two-thirds less energy. The less energy we use, the less greenhouse gas emissions are released. We save money on energy costs, and we don’t burn up our ozone.

5

Care about something

Let’s admit it. We do really good at looking out for ourselves and what impacts us now. If we want to leave the planet a better place for our kids and our grandkids, we have to care deeply for something other than us. Find a person, a group, a cause, or a creature that needs help, then move heaven and earth to bend the needle in a better direction for them. The rewards for others, the world, and yourself will be more than you can imagine.

By soul_studio/Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Now

My best advice

Paul Mahaffee

Pastor/Executive director The Gospel Mission

MY BEST ADVICE:

“Approach volunteering with prayer and careful consideration.”

“In Matthew 23:11, Jesus tells us, ‘The greatest among you will be your servant.’

“Tour the place where you are considering serving. Evaluate it wisely to see if it can make an eternal difference. We only have so much time in life, and it’s too short to waste on things that will turn to dust.

“Then do it. Become involved, sharing hope and encouragement, in an honest and loving manner. You’ll be truly amazed, and blessed, as you see changes in others because you gave of yourself.

“People need hope to survive. Your action can truly be a source of hope.

The more we approach serving with a self-sacrificial attitude, the more we will see the riches.

“1 Peter 4:10-11 says, ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’”

Find out about volunteer opportunities at The Gospel Mission 500 Bluff St., Sioux City, IA 712 -255-1769 Email: mission@thegospelmission.org www.thegospelmission.org

BETTER / Now

experts in their field weigh in

Dr. Wagner, MD

shari black

Owner/Doctor Wagner Ear, Nose & Throat

SALES Director Mary Kay

MY BEST ADVICE:

MY BEST ADVICE:

“You have to not only know who you are, but whose you are.

“We don’t know what our value is.

So many people work in traditional workplaces, not being appreciated. It’s interesting to me how these people think they have job security. They don’t.

Most jobs are ‘at will,’ so technically you can get let go at any time, for any reason.

But, when you have your own business, you keep yourself in business. You’re it.

You truly do have job security.

“Mary Kay is based on Christian principles. Through my work, my faith has deepened. I know whose I am. I belong to God. He wants great things for me. When someone doesn’t treat me the way I know I deserve to be treated, I feel comfortable walking away. Because I deserve better.”

“I have a t-shirt that says ‘Know your worth, then add tax.’ I love it!”

“Hearing plays a central role in our lives. In adults, it is crucial to our ability to work effectively, communicate and maintain relationships, and poor hearing can result in social isolation, depression, anxiety, and frustration.

“Taste, smell, and vision all involve chemical reactions, but hearing involves physical movement and mechanical systems. This means that hearing can be negatively impacted by more external factors than other senses, but there is a great opportunity to protect and/or enhance our hearing.

For many adults, hearing loss is slow and progressive so the change goes unnoticed. Sometimes people ignore changes because they fear the stigma of a hearing aid. Getting to the severity and nature of the problem is important-and easy with a hearing evaluation. Don’t fear. New technology offers good options and some products are virtually invisible.

Be proactive with your hearing so you can enjoy it for your lifetime.

“Know your value”

Shari’s primary focus is on finding and building up leaders within Mary Kay. If you are interested in finding your own value, contact Shari. www.marykay.com/sblack10011 Email: shariblack31@gmail.com 330-310-4569

“Hear for a lifetime”

Contact us to arrange for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation.

Wagner Ear, Nose, & Throat Two Sioux City locations: 2730 Pierce St Suite 204 & Unity Point Sunnybrook Medical Clinic 712-234-8787 . wagnerent.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Now

Sioux City

BIG ENOUGH TO MEET YOUR NEEDS, SMALL ENOUGH TO MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Sioux City Farmers Market, go to www.farmersmarketsiouxcity.com Buy Fresh Buy Local - Siouxland, Inc. is the non-profit organizer of the Sioux City Farmers Market.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Farmer’s Market art by Paul Craft/Shutterstock.com

The Sioux City Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm.

Need guidance selecting window treatments?

Photos courtesy We Gotch Covered

We Gotcha Covered

Home

BETTER

W

hen you’re redoing, updating, or styling a new space, window treatments can end up being an afterthought.

When you do start considering your options, needs, and limitations it can get confusing. No worries.

We gotcha covered.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Home

We Gotcha Covered

with Nicole Layman & Laura Pedersen

W

e all want to feel comfortable in our home. We want it to reflect who we are. Making a house a home is all about the details.

Sioux City-based entrepreneurs Nicole Layman and Laura Pedersen with Gotcha Covered understand that it can be confusing and frustrating trying to pick the right window treatments. They are here to simplify and take the anxiety out of the process of designing and ordering window coverings.

1

Understand your needs

Above] Layering is a great way to get the ultimate light control. Bedrooms especially offer challenges: Sometimes you want to see the view and have light to read by. Other times you want to shut out the world for privacy and the light for sleeping. Having shades and drapes provides flexibility.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Photos courtesy We Gotch Covered

Siouxlanders Nicole Layman (L) and Laura Pedersen, owners and design consultants of Gotcha Covered, help homeowners and businesses find the right window treatment that suits the style and function they’re looking for.

Having an extra set of eyes is always helpful! We come to your home to see your current space and discuss your needs, style, budget, and your overall goal for window treatments.

There are three main factors when determining what window treatment is best for your home.

1. Budget. There is a solution for every budget. We have relationships with a variety of vendors that have a wide range of products and price points.

2. Privacy. The need for privacy will be different for different areas of your home. For example, bedrooms require both privacy and either blackout or light filtering options. To keep a beautiful view while maintaining privacy and filtering light, you may be interested in a top down/ bottom up or a window shading option.

BETTER / Home 3. Function. Do you have drafty windows? There are window covering solutions that provide an additional level of insulation that will assist in creating efficiency for your heating and cooling needs. Are you interested in automating your window coverings, or are you building and want a smart home? Consider motorization for your window coverings. Do you have small children? There are now laws for maximum cord lengths for the safety of your children.

2

Determine your style

Do you love watching HGTV or pinning favorite pictures on Pinterest?

By showing a design expert the samples of your favorite looks, your decision-making will be easier.

Experts can assist in drawing out the elements from your examples to find a pattern that defines your style.

Start to define some elements.

Do you like sparkle? What textures are you drawn to? Do you like

Above] Light filtering blinds offer enough privacy yet help keep things bright throughout the day.

Anchoring the ends with drapes can help soften the blinds and add style details that tie the room together.

Start with beautiful window treatments, and the rest of the room will follow.

Above] Shutters don’t just have to be rectangular and white. Custom shutters add flair and a bold style element while being quite functional.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Home

We Gotcha Covered Left] Sometimes it makes more sense to let light in from the top of your windows. Sometimes you want to see out. With top down/bottom up shades you are not limited.

3 4

contemporary and modern, or shabby chic? It’s also good to know what you definitely don’t like. Adding and eliminating things will help you hone in on your perfect style.

Bring it together

Once you know your needs and style, you can begin exploring the various types of window coverings along with color, fabric, and lift options. Now it’s time to dig in, begin looking through samples, and visualize it all coming together.

Another advantage to custom window treatments is to achieve a perfect fit. Our expert guidance extends to the measuring and installation of your window treatments.

Measuring is critical to assuring limited light gaps. Also, the depth of your window frame will determine whether to measure for inside or outside mounted window coverings.

Do you have a specialty-shaped window? Measuring for a perfect fit is critical and can be difficult. We take care of all of this for you…from the beginning of the process to the end.

With Gotcha Covered of Siouxland you will receive top notch customer service. Once we help you discover your needs and identify your style, we will show you options which satisfy your functionality requirements and stay true to your design preferences, all while staying within your budget.

Remember…We Gotcha Covered!

18

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Are you ready to get started? Call Laura and Nicole today for your complimentary in-home consultation!

Gotcha Covered of Siouxland 712-201-9984 www.gotchacovered.com/ siouxland

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Making it a reality

Finding a good partner Service dogs for servicemen and women

A

By Cindy Brodie

dog helps them to gain confidence and independence. Traumatic Brain Injuries can cause balance issues, and the dogs are always there for support.

Veterans confined to a wheelchair can depend on their dog to assist in many daily tasks like getting objects, opening doors, helping to take off shoes, and bringing the phone.

These dogs require a lot of training and depending on the condition of the disabled Veteran, are in training for 6-18 months.

We rescue dogs from shelters and rescue groups whenever possible, so we are changing two lives for the better.

The dogs go through medical and temperament test to assure they are sound in body and mind. The dogs are put through training in many situations, so they can accompany the Veteran anywhere they have to go, whether it is to a doctor’s appointment or just out to eat

with the family.

It is impossible to describe what these service dogs do for the Veteran on a day to day basis. We are determined to provide the best trained dogs to assist these men and women. We feel they deserve as much as any of us can do to help them achieve a better quality of life.

To help provide service dogs to waiting disabled vets, please donate generously.

PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS 3312 210th St., Anthon, IA, 51004 712-541-7763 E: Info@PartnersForPatriots.org www.PartnersForPatriots.org

Tools by ALTOP MEDIA/Shutterstock.com

service dog is an invaluable asset to a disabled Veteran.

These dogs, besides giving companionship and loyal service, help the Veteran in many ways. PTSD can be debilitating and can keep the veteran from functioning in society. These dogs react to the slightest hint of anxiety and intervene by bringing the Veteran back to reality. Always with them, the

BETTER / Home

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

19

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Let your hometown experts at Carpet One help you choose the right floor for you.

Let your hometown experts at Carpet One help you choose the right floor for you.

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What you’re missing...by 50% or more

with KYLE KLEIN

I

f you have an older home, it’s likely that it’s under insulated, not just a little, but by fifty percent or more. That may be true even if you’ve gotten some added in the past.

Kyle Klein, owner of Klein Insulation explains. “If you have an older home with cellulose insulation in the attic, it settles over time, leaving you short on insulation values. We can add an extra layer for blow-in fiberglass over the top to make it more energy efficient.

“Foundations also are a very leaky spot. It is a good place for spray foam insulation to seal up any gaps and cracks and add insulation value, again, making it more energy efficient.

BETTER / Home “If you’re building new you have one chance to do it right the first time.

Spray foam and BIBS (Blow-in-Blanket System) offers a very high R-value and seals every area. You’ll reduce your energy costs and continue to save for the life of your house.”

If your home is falling short on proper insulation, call Kyle for a free estimate.

Klein Insulation Inc. 1675 Industrial Rd SW . Le Mars, IA 51031 712-540-5691 . kyle@kleininsulation.com

Dog days of summer

Pool dog By Stacyann105, car dog by Javier Brosch, and fan dogs by Ezzolo, Family by Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

Beating the heat & keeping your pets safe

By Kelly Erie

To view our pets who are ready for adoption go to www.siouxlandhumanesociety.org and click the Adopt tab. 712-252-2614.

Open Tues-Sat 10– 5, Sun Noon – 5.

1015 Tri-View Ave., Sioux City, IA

window cracked open, can reach 1020 within just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes the temperature will reach 1200!

Go for walks in the early mornings or late evenings. Hot pavement can burn the pads of your pet’s paws. “Take extra care with older pets, overweight pets, and short-nosed dogs as the heat can be very unbearable and a bit harder on them.

W

e’re not for sure why they call these the dog days of summer, because most dogs can’t handle this heat! When the temp’s up, it’s important to remember that heat and humidity can be dangerous for our pets. They can succumb to heat stroke, dehydration, and even get sunburnedall of which can be prevented. With just a few extra precautions, you and your four-legged family members can have a happy and safe sun-filled season.

On hot days, it’s plain and simple: leave your pet inside with the air conditioning on. If that is not an option, it’s your responsibility to make sure they have a shaded area with plenty of water. In addition, you can fill a kiddie pool with cool water for

pets while they are outside.

While Fido may leap at the opportunity for a joy ride, leaving any pet alone in a parked car during warm weather can be deadly. On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

For example, on an 850 day, the temperature inside a car, even with the Check with your veterinarian on a good sunblock for your dogs. Watch for distress signs: Excessive panting, drooling, pacing, respiratory distress, and lethargy. Take action-get your pet into air conditioning, apply cool wet towels, and get your pet to the vet immediately. The best place and safest place for your pet during the heat is inside with you-keeping cool! www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Home

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2019 Subaru 2.5i • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive 3 + 32 2019 mpg hwy Subaru 2.5i • Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Standard Multimedia 3 + 32SUBARU mpg hwySTARLINK™ with•standard CarPlay™ and Technology ® Standard Apple EyeSight Driver Assist 2.5i Android™ AutoSUBARU integration ••Standard STARLINK™ Multimedia Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic with standard Apple and 3 CarPlay™ + 32 mpg hwy Alert available Android™17 Auto integration ®

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with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Auto integration $• Android™ KDB-01 Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available17 KDB-01

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2019 Subaru 2019 Subaru STaNDarD 2.0i • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive 4 2019 Subaru 9 + 33 mpg2019 hwy Subaru + 33 mpg hwy STaNDarD 15 2.0i ® •• Standard DriverAll-Wheel Assist Technology ® StandardEyeSight Symmetrical Drive • Standard Symmetrical Drive • EyeSight Driver All-Wheel Assist Technology • Standard 9 + 33 mpgSUBARU hwy4 STARLINK™ Multimedia + 33available mpg hwy16 ® standard Apple CarPlay™ and 15 STaNDarD • with Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology ® • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology • Standard SUBARU STARLINK™ Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Android™ Standard • SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia Auto integration • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Dr available16 with standard CarPlay™ Multimedia with+Apple CarPlay™ + Apple 33 mpg hwy4 andEngine • Smartphone-Enabled Remote 33 mpg hwy9 • Standard SUBARU STARLINK™ ® Android™ integration Start with•Auto Climate Control available and Android™ Auto integration Standard EyeSight Driver26Assist Technology15 ®

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

3 things to tackle before fall

BETTER / Home

another year. After all, only you know you spilled coffee on it no less than eight times last season. It’s a dark color. No one will know. Or will they?

2

. Storage smells. If you have your out of season attire in a storage bin or secondary closet, things can tend to get musty smelling. Toss in a sachet, a few favorite scented wax cubes, or air fresheners like Febreze’s Small Spaces.

W

hen it’s blazing hot outside, we stop hating the idea that it’s going to get cooler before we know it. On one of those days when you’re longing for fall, take some time to tackle a couple of things that will set you up well when that time comes.

1

. Winter wear. Go through your closet and pull out coats and sweaters that need to be professionally cleaned and take them in now. If you wait until you need it, you’ll kind of be in a tough place. Then you’ll probably end up just wearing it

Waffles VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

3

. Closet clean out. By now you’ve probably got a pretty good idea of what summer clothes you’re not going to wear. Clear out that swimsuit you haven’t fit into for four years, the t-shirts with yellowed underarms, and that pair of shorts that were cute a decade ago. If you’re unsure about a few things, move them to one end. If you haven’t worn them by the first day of fall, clear ‘em out.

WE LIVE HERE AND HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR

93 YEARS!

Closet by Tirachard Kumtanom and waffles By D. Pimborough/Shutterstock.com

FOR

Warriors

Last Wednesday

“You can expect quality service with us! I am the third generation!

We are a GAF Master Elite Contractor.” -Charese Yanney

of every month

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com

Support Siouxland Soldiers 1551 Indian Hills Dr. Ste. 102

Roofing ∙ Siding ∙ Insulation ∙ Windows Doors ∙ Gutters

This free event includes a hot breakfast of waffles, sausage, eggs, coffee, juice and milk, groceries, hyygiene items, supplies, an information booth of additional resources, community agency representatives and good company!

Guarantee

Roofing ∙ Siding ∙ Insulation LLC. 2005 E. 4th ∙ Sioux City, IA ∙ 712-277-3981 GRoofingsi@aol.com ∙ www.GuaranteeRoofing.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

23

BETTER / Home

A new day, a new logo The reason we’re evolving our logo is because we believe everything matters. It’s time we update our mark to keep pace with the way people bank today. After all, we have grit, passion and more than a century of experience being this region’s most secure and trusted bank, and our look must be every bit as strong. We’ve evolved our mark to welcome the future while preserving the past. It’s a new logo for a new day.

July 8th - 11th 6:00 - 8:00 pm

July 12th Program & Movie Night Starting at 7:30 pm Pre-registration encouraged but not required at www.nhcc.me For questions, call 712-233-1491

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

1800 11th Street . Sioux City, IA 51101 712-252-3007 . service@cwsuter.com WWW.CWSUTER.COM l

Bldg icons by Artur. B /Shutterstock.com

esidential

BETTER / Home

522 S. Rustin St. ◆ Sioux City, IA 51106 712-276-7014 ◆ rprescottsons@qwestoffice.net

Why you should have a plant Why real is the real deal

Succulents by panattar, livingroom by MJTH, cat By Okss, and black background by vitek3ds/Shutterstock.com

fatigue and anxiety, and are released from the hospital sooner.

A Dutch study showed adding plants to office settings decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats, and flu-like symptoms.

An Agricultural University of Norway study saw sickness rates fall 60% plus in offices with plants.

D

uring the summer months when we get outside more, it seems like everyone is happier, more upbeat. As we move indoors, the doldrums set in, and we feel a little down. So how can we keep our summer high going? Maybe a few houseplants would help.

One of the reasons we feel more alive in the summer is because we are around nature. Things are green, flowers are blooming - who wouldn’t smile? If we live in a place where no other life exists, it can feel dead.

If you’re thinking some nice artificial plants would do, it might help your decor, but there are other

benefits of having something real.

Improving Health According to researchers at Kansas State University, patients who have plants in their room request less pain medication, have lower heart rates and blood pressure, experience less

If you have curious cats or other pets, check with a greenhouse to see what plants are pet friendly and not poisonous for them.

Breathe easier When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During the day, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

This opposite pattern makes plants and us perfect partners. A few plants –succulents, orchids, and epiphytic bromeliads – do their taking in of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen at night. Place these plants in your bedroom to refresh the air during the night.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

25

BETTER / Home

Air pollution

BEFORE

Why the worst may be in your house with Art Figueroa

I

t’s been building up year after year.

Everything that’s sprayed, sneezed, coughed, smoked, drifted, and blown into our homes gets circulated through our air ducts. Whether we’re blowing cool air in the summer or warm air in the winter, that air is streaming across dust, skin cells, debris, and contaminates. It’s no wonder the air quality in our homes is 10-20 times more polluted than outside.

Art Figueroa, owner of A-1 Preferred says that junk in our ducts isn’t just effecting us either. “When we have a cold we breath with our mouth.

The same is true with our HVAC system. When our ventilation system has to work around ducts filled with debris, it is gasping for air which is reducing efficiency.

“Having your ducts professionally vacuumed out periodically gives you a

AFTER

YOUR PROPERTY IS MY PRIORITY Liz Deurloo, CNE

. 712-490-5141

Full-Time Realtor • Prompt Communication Multi-Million Dollar Producer • Friendly, Personal Attention • Efficient, Experienced

fresh start. Not only will you and your system breath easier, you also won’t have to dust as much.”

Art’s cleaning process vacuums, sanitizes, and deodorizes your ducts. Call today to breathe a little easier.

Ready for the next phase of life?

A-1 Preferred LLC Sioux City, IA . 712-239-4299 W: A-1preferred.com E: Art@A-1preferred.com

Sunny Sunday Swap Meets

If it’s sunny on Sundays this summer, the swap meet is on!

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Be on top of the hill just off the paved hwy. This home on 15+ acres shows pride of ownership! 3 BR, 2 bath, 2-car attached garage, and Quonset holds 4-6 cars complete with a car lift and heated office in it!

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4400 S. York St., Sioux City, IA I-29 Exit 143 @ Singing Hills Blvd.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

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Paper family by Rido and coffee couple By wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Check us out

BETTER

Body

BETTER / Home

How to

Keep your summer regret free

Photos/Shutterstock.com

3 in 100 adults in the United States have lifethreatening allergies to insect stings.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

27

BETTER / Body

How to

Keep your summer regret free

W

hen we’re having a good time, it’s easy to overlook things and get complacent with safety. Let’s get reaquainted with consequences just to remind ourselves that we don’t want to be the one sitting in the emergency room wishing we’d done things differently.

We’re better than that.

300,000 people go to the hospital each year for food poisoning-the biggest up-tick is in the summer. Eat safe.

in the summer. According to WebMD, anything that has mayonnaise, dairy, or eggs in it and any meat products can develop some pretty nasty bacteria after only a couple of hours unrefrigerated. Keep cold foods on ice as much as possible, and grill meat thoroughly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggest cooking steaks to an internal temp of 1450F, ground beef and pork to 1600, and poultry to 1650.

Anyone riding in a boat who doesn’t know how to swim should wear their life jacket at all times. Tubing, it’s an absolute. Hang tight.

Riding high E.R. docs see way too many boating accidents each summer. Drinking and driving, too much sun, and pushing the limits has left many wishing they’d slowed their roll just a tad.

It’s no picnic Food poisoning will quickly end your family fun, but it happens all to often

28

sunscreen, wear a hat, and sit in the shade. Really.

Drink up It’s not uncommon to sweat when you are outside in the summer, but be sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to replace what you’re loosing.

If you suddenly find you are dizzy or lightheaded, or your mouth is like cotton, take a break and get some water...maybe a Gatorade, before heatstroke sets in. That’s when your internal temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Even though your skin is hot, your body stops sweating. Fainting, hallucinating, and seizures will not contribute to a fun day.

Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had just five sunburns in your life. Stay shady.

Stay shady Every summer we all hear the warnings about skin cancer, but apparently it is falling on deaf ears.

Percentage rates for skin cancer continue to rise. Put on your

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Heatstroke is the most severe form of dehydration. Drink up.

Picnic by Pressmaster, tuber by stock_photo_world, snoozer by Alla Laurent, and hat girl by A. and I. Kruk/Shutterstock.com

Avoid the sting By the time we’re adults, most of us have been stung a time or two.

If you are someone who is allergic, you know you have to be diligent in avoiding contact. But even for those who aren’t going to have a lifethreatening reaction, no one wants to get stung or bit. It hurts, and the pain, tenderness, and itching isn’t going to be pleasant. So, avoid wearing perfume or using laundry products that have a floral scent, and keep sweet drinks covered outside. Wear light-colored clothing with no floral patterns (just like hummingbirds, nectar-sucking insects are attracted to dark colors and flowers).

Setting things straight

BETTER / Body “Where your family comes first.” www.familyfirstdental.com

with family 1st dental

by melanie olson

Why it’s about more than just a nice smile

www.lillyfamilydentistry.com An affiliate of Family 1st Dental

straight teeth is just a cosmetic bonus.”

D

on’t we all want a great smile?

As a dentist with Family First Dental, Dr. Soni Gelinne knows it’s even more important to have a healthy smile.

See your future “As an Invisalign preferred provider, Family First Dental has the training and experience to give you the most benefit. We’ve learned so much from Invisalign over the past ten years. We can even do a ‘smile scan’ so you can see your future, healthy, smile in 3D!” Now that is something to smile about!

Senior woman by stockfour, teens by Syda Productions, and family by Monkey Business Images /Shutterstock.com

The force may be against you Dr. Gelinne shares, “We talk to our patients about the structure of their teeth. When our hygienists are cleaning teeth, they educate the patient

on the consequences of crowded teeth.

It’s more difficult to clean misaligned teeth, which increases the risk of decay.

When we talk to a patient about Invisalign®, we explain that having aligned teeth is important to the health of their teeth. Properly aligned teeth last longer. The complete tooth, all the way to the root, is healthier when not being subjected to the lateral forces of misaligned teeth. And the end result of

Advancement of the invisible “I’m impressed with Invisalign. They’re continually improving their technology and materials used. One significant advancement is moving from a new tray every two weeks to one-week trays. Getting to your perfect smile can happen in half the time now.”

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

29

BETTER / Body

by melanie olson WITH Dr. Hannah dewald

I

t’s a common problem most women have experienced. Painful periods. But is it something to be concerned about? Or simply how your body handles your monthly cycle?

Dr. Hannah Dewald with Siouxland Obstetrics & Gynecology shares, “There are lots of things we can do to help with painful periods. Often treatment is some kind of hormonal birth control.

It’s not uncommon for women to be nervous about taking hormones. I want women to know there are a lot of non-hormonal options.”

You have options “In thinking about managing painful periods, there are a number of different ways to administer treatment - depending on what works, what you’re comfortable with, what you can remember to take every day, or not able to remember. You can try one, and then try something else if needed.

“One of the most popular things to help with painful or heavy periods is

Meet the Doc

H

Why should I have a primary care physician?

Dr. VJ explains, “Everyone should have a family physician, as they play a very important role in patients’ lives.

30

When to worry “In general, painful periods are not a presenting symptom of cancer or anything dangerous. If you’re having a very different or more severe type of pain during your period than you’ve ever had before, that is something that should be evaluated by your gynecologist.”

If you need a timeout from painful periods, Siouxland OBGYN can help.

2730 Pierce St. Ste. 201 . Sioux City, IA 712-277-3141 . www.siouxlandobgyn.com

to and cared for, specifically for their needs. I want to be the one to give them the specialized care they deserve.”

WITH vijaya Subramanian, M.D. MercyOne Singing Hills Family Medicine

olding a degree in medicine and surgery from Madras Medical College, India, Dr. Vijaya “VJ” Subramanian completed her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She has been practicing in the Midwest since 2006 and has worked in Oakland and Norfolk before coming to Sioux City. She provides comprehensive primary care services to all age groups at MercyOne Singing Hills Family Medicine.

Her focus includes management of chronic medical conditions, periodic health maintenance, screening, and preventative services.

an IUD. Generally, the IUD will have a small dose of hormone in it. But a lot of women aren’t aware that the dose and type of hormone you get from an IUD is significantly less than what you would get from a birth control pill. This is a good option for women who are sensitive to, or worry about, hormones.”

As patients age, they have different medical needs. Family doctors get to know their patients and help make good healthcare choices for them and their loved ones. They help with a variety of patient needs, through many phases of life. I find it is all about getting to know your patients and providing the best care available.”

How are the health care needs of aging adults different?

“I am a family practice physician, but I enjoy geriatric care and adult medicine.

As patients age, they have very unique needs. I find that, first and foremost, geriatric patients want to be listened

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Why do you love practicing medicine in Siouxland?

“In the tri-state area, people are unique.

This community is very welcoming and accepting of people from other cultures.

I am a willing listener, compassionate, and respectful of patient’s needs and concerns. As a mom, I pay attention to my kids, and listen to their needs and concerns. As a family practice physician, I want to be able to show that attention to my patients, as well. I will make their health needs the highest priority and help them make the best choice to improve their daily lives.”

Dr. “VJ” is accepting new patients at MercyOne Singing Hills Family Medicine.

MercyOne Singing Hills Family Medicine 3520 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City, IA 712-294-7400 . www.mercyone.org

Timeout woman by Aaron Amat/Shutterstock.com

When your period is a pain take a time out

BETTER / Body

Getting past

What you never planned on with AMY BLOCH

A

Helicopter by Chueasuwan Phunsawat /Shutterstock.com

s wars and military conflicts go, there’s never a good one, but those who took part in the Vietnam War could never imagine all of the terrible outcomes and ramifications that it brought. It was a nightmare from the start, and for some, still a stark reality. For Bob Gruber, he had blocked out that part of his life and moved on...until something made him face those experiences again.

His life, filled with things he hadn’t planned on, would need to be dealt with. His daughter, Amy Bloch, executive director at Catholic Charities went on the journey with him and saw close up what can happen.

The force may be against you “My dad is a Vietnam veteran. He experienced heavy combat and was shot twice. He has a bronze star and two purple hearts. After the war he met my mom and started a new life.

“Growing up, we were a very close family. Dad only talked about the war if we pried it out of him, and even then, it was only a little. I knew it affected him, but it never showed. Occasionally, when I was a kid, he would have dreams and scream out. Nothing that made us

worry. He was a very loving dad.

“At 65 (now 74), he went in to have his hip replaced. He got a blood clot and almost died. The trauma of that opened up a part of his brain that had been shut off, and the experience brought back a flood of past memories.

“Dad was raised in the church, and like all young men, you were taught to defend women and children. A very different focus than when he was in Vietnam. His mission in the war was to protect his men. When he returned from the war, there were people at the airport yelling in protest. He was spit on and screamed at as a baby killer.

Protecting freedoms came at a very high cost. The nightmares and memories left him unable to function. He was overwhelmed and became suicidal.

“My mom called and said, ‘Your dad is having thoughts of wanting to kill himself.’ When I asked him about this he said he would shoot himself.

“Being out of state, I quickly called my sister to go and take all the guns out of the house, as my dad is a hunter. My parents called the VA, and he started to see a therapist. He also participated in yoga, was part of a group, and started on medication for PTSD. He also used

Left] Private Gruber stationed in Germany before leaving for Vietnam 1965.

Below] Amy and her dad visiting the Vietnam War Memorial nearly 50 years later.

the VA Crisis Hotline many times (800-273-8255). Nine years later, we are closer than ever. He’s learned to share the hard stuff, and he opens up more.

He went on an honor flight, went to the Vietnam War memorial, and we have had family therapy sessions.

“Dad was afraid we would see him differently. As a parent you want your kids to look up to you, and he thought that would change if we knew. When we found out what he really went through, it just made us love him more.

“The message is that this can happen.

But, my dad went from saying, ‘I can’t bear this pain one more day,’ to finding help and hope. No one has to feel alone in their suffering. The most courageous thing you can do is to get help.”

At Catholic Charities, we treat PTSD, and have services for family members as well. We also offer crisis debriefing for first responders.

Don’t wait. Contact us today.

Catholic Charities Offering hope, healing, and understanding

1601 Military Rd, Sioux City, IA 712-252-4547 Go to www.cathchar.com to get help or to donate.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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Put out the fire before it’s an inferno with Dr. rhett ruehle

by melanie olson

“Answer this question.

What ache, pain, or physical limitation are you ignoring right now?”

Dr. Rhett Ruehle, owner of Ruehle Family Chiropractic, asks for a very good reason. “We are busy people, but where our health is concerned waiting could have big consequences.

“Imagine that you’re outside of your house, and there are firefighters standing right there. If you light a match and drop it on the front step, they would immediately turn the fire hose on and put the fire out. That’s going to cause little to no damage to your house. But, if you wait until there’s no house standing to call the fire department, they can put out what’s left of the fire, but you’ve still got no house left.

“With chiropractic, like most things in life, there is a point of no return. Everybody’s point is at a different spot. It’s much better to get things checked out early, rather than waiting until you’ve got no house left, and then try to restore things.”

Ruehle Family Chiropractic is celebrating a decade of service in the Siouxland area.

Come and see what Rhett can do for you.

Ruehle Family Chiropractic 3215 Gordon Dr, Sioux City, IA 712-224-3949 . www.ruehlechiro.com Hours: M-W-F . 9-1 & 3-7

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3 GREAT benefits of exercise

with Dr. Keith roed

Dr. Keith Roed, PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.

Impact Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC 712-560-0460 . 4295 Sergeant Rd. . Sioux City www.impactptwellness.com

a state of being… at peace both in physicality and mentality. And it gives you balance in your life. Give gratitude for your ability to workout and to how good you will feel after you have completed what you set out to do.

This makes working out meditative, especially if you bring focus to yourself during your run.

I

t’s SUMMER TIME, and with that comes many outdoor activities, including working out. Here are 3 GREAT REASONS to get out this summer and have some fun! #1 The runner’s high That happens after a really good workout, and the feeling is second to none. It’s the sense of euphoria following a run or workout and makes you want to do it again and again.

It can be like a drug, and you’ll do anything to get that feeling back. And in some, it can be so addictive that they run for those endorphins even when injured. The endorphins are natural “feel good” hormones that get released, and that’s what makes you want more.

So, get out on the trail and feel good! #2 The meditative state When you workout, you tend to drown out everything else around you.

You forget about the paperwork at the office or the bills to pay at home.

Working out is addictive because you find yourself listening to your music or zoning out on the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Meditation is

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

#3 The health benefits This one seems obvious and the effects are to both mind and body. Inside your body, you increase cardiovascular stress, which the body adapts to. It strengthens both the heart and lungs and forces the body to pump blood to fill this demand. It strengthens the muscles of your legs and core as you call on them to carry you up and down the trails. It forces your integumentary system (or skin) to sweat, making it efficient in cooling your body. And when you workout with a group of friends, it strengthens your bond with one another. So make the addiction of working out provide you with the health benefits that work for you!

If you are experiencing pain that is preventing you from working out or enjoying the great outdoors this summer, contact us for a Free Discovery Session. This is a free consultation where we can assess the injury or area in question to help give you an idea of what’s going on. Then you can make a better decision about what to do next or how to help fix the problem. See our contact info above, or visit our website at www.impact ptwellness.com/free-discovery-session/

Toy fireman by Alena TS, runners by Maridav, and trail run by Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock.com

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Military & first-responders’ pain can be

Common & unique

Family by Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com

F

or servicemen and women who have served hard in the military, pain can go with the territory.

But for most, the fallout results in things that the average citizen suffers with too.

“Some of the most common service-related injuries that providers at Midwest Pain Clinics treat aren’t big and impressive, like amputations or gunshot wounds. They’re things like arthritis of the knee or ankle, or low back pain.

According to David Welch, PA, with Midwest Pain Clinics, most of the veterans they see are older individuals, but they also see people from the 185th and the army guard, as well. “Most of these veterans and active duty military are suffering with low back pain or arthritis.

“Most of our treatments for these patients are similar to that of the general public. We treat with antiinflammatories, knee braces, ice packs, and steroid injections.

“We do have one patient who was shot multiple times. He has all kinds

with David Welch, P.A.

BY MELANIE OLSON

of scars and trauma to his body. We just put a pain pump in him, which is an internal pump that delivers a continuous medication, and, overall, he is doing really well now.

“For servicemen and women who may be struggling with substance abuse or opioid addiction, we can help. We work closely with the VA, mental health professionals, and other service-related organizations like ‘Support Siouxland Soldiers.

With the Woodbury County Veterans Treatment Court here in town, we try to work with individuals to find options.”

Like veterans, first-responders also present with more “common” complaints such as low back, hip, and lower extremity pain. Welch explains, “With all of the running, jumping, and lifting these people do, their injuries are really similar to sports injuries.

“We forget that when first-responders arrive, the person isn’t always just lying on the ground. They could have fallen into, or onto, something. Stairs are the biggest nemesis for moving

Midwest Pain Clinics 211 Sioux Point Rd., Ste. 200 Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 605-242-3456 www.midwestpainclinics.com people to safety.”

Welch explains that progress has been made in recent years for firstresponders transporting patients.

“Back in the 1980’s, it was more of a ‘load and go’ mentality. You not only had the gurney to lift, you were also lifting the weight of the patient. Today the gurneys are like a hydraulic lift.

You still have to be strong, be able to lift, and do different things, but your equipment is much better, and actually helps you do your job.”

While some things have improved, like ergonomic equipment and increased mental health awareness, some things remain the same. “I think those of us who are veterans, active duty, or first-responders, all have residual issues. I have seen that these things have helped build my character.

You learn to respect things, people, and life, because it’s fragile. For me, my biggest thing is that I don’t take life for granted. I’ve learned to appreciate the fact that I am alive, to enjoy it, and rejoice in it!”

Whether you are military, a first-responder, or anyone suffering with pain, MidWest Pain can help. Contact them today to set up an appointment to go over options that work for your unique situation and goals.

David Welch, PA at MidWest Pain Clinic in Dakota Dunes served in the USN, HM2, 1984-1992

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Body

Laughter is the

best medicine.

Jokes that bear repeating A turtle is crossing the road when he’s mugged by two snails. When the police show up, they ask him what happened. The shaken turtle replies, “I don’t know. It all happened so fast.”

Body of Knowledge

[Toe the line

To keep nails trim and prevent ingrown toe nails, WebMD suggests cutting your toenails straight across with a nail clipper. Then use an emery board or nail file to smooth the corners to prevent the nail from growing into your skin.

[Dry up

Feet that are bound up in shoes all day are susceptible to fungus. If your feet are damp when you take off your shoes, use cornstarch or anti-fungal powder, and wear moisture-wicking socks to keep things dry.

[Out of joint

Bunions develop on the side of your big toe joint. Women are more likely than men because of narrow shoes (among other reasons). Be proactive and watch shoes that put pressure on your toes. This can also lead to ingrown toenails and other issues.

[Foot fix

Many people have various types of foot pain, but few ever exercise their feet specifically. Fitness expert Miranda Esmonde-White has people do stretches and exercises without shoes and within a couple of weeks they have no more foot pain. Sit and point your toes down as far as you can, then lift your toes toward your shin. Stand and lift one heel, putting weight into toes. Switch. Do often.

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A car hit an elderly man. The paramedic asks, “Are you comfortable?” The man says, “I make a good living.”

A man is struggling to find a parking space. “Lord,” he prays. “I can’t stand this. If you open a space up for me, I swear I’ll give up the drink and go to mass every Sunday.”

Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot.

Without hesitation, the man says: “Never mind, I found one!”

In the know

[Almost] worthless facts.

A giraffe neck has the exact same number of bones as a human neck.

Barbie is 60 years old. She was “born” on March 9, 1959.

The size of an ostrich brain is smaller than the size of its eyeball.

In Singapore, since 2004, it is against the law to import or sell chewing gum.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

Cats cannot taste sweet things.

According to the Social Security office, the most common names in the last 100 years are James & Mary.

Lake Hillier in Australia is bubble gum pink in color.

On any given day, about 5.2 million people celebrate their birthday?

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

A palindrome is a phrase that can be read the same forwards as backwards.

Do geese see God?

Better perspective Improve your way of thinking

We are often looking for some words of wisdom from others. Here are some from King Solomon, who God said was the wisest man ever...then, and now.

Don’t brag “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”

Proverbs 27:2

Be wise

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs:29:11

Take some advice

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Proverbs 19:11

Stay humble

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

Proverbs 3:7

Get to work

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

Proverbs 6: 6-11

Find better friends

“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.”

Proverbs 14:7

Have some character

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

Proverbs 22:1

Feet couple by Maridav, cupcakes by Ruth Black/Shutterstock.com

Laughter

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the battle of life

Life

How to win

BETTER

Group by Mark Karrer. Background by Peyker/Shutterstock.com

From left: Sarah Petersen, Pastor Gene Stockton, Tim Grover, and Mary Jordan

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eople in the military are a tight group that are a unique breed. Their bonds are strong because no matter what their role-active military, military spouse or family member, or veteran-they are living in roles where life and death are always on the line. Soldiers will die for each other, but can find it hard to fight for themselves. Many find the internal battle more difficult than any other. In isolation, bad things can happen. But together, they strengthen one another and people find help and hope. We found four individuals who have a unique perspective and can offer opportunities, resources, and guidance to getting through this mission called lifetogether, well, and smiling.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Life

the battle of life It’s time to

Bro-out! with Tim grover . By Jennifer Winquist

Tim Grover, Ian, and Nick on a “ruck” together...bro’in out!

I

f you are in Tim Grover’s presence for more than five minutes, you’ll see what a funny guy he is. He is always smiling, and his upbeat attitude is infectious. You can’t not smile around Tim. This doesn’t mean he’s not serious though, and what he’s serious about he’s living out in a very unique way.

Tim’s passion is people-and he has a deep bond with combat vets.

Which is no surprise because he is still serving our country as a US Army sniper.

When he’s not doing work for the government, he spends his days running Rev-Tac Firearm Instruction

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which is on his property just outside of South Sioux City. Rev-Tac’s staff focuses on quality training for all aspects of personal defense. They believe that “through great training, you can potentially save your life, and the lives of others.” This training is for anyone, but after an unforeseen turn, he knew he needed to do something more.

Recently, Tim reached out to a vet he saw on social media who was obviously struggling. Tim reached out to him and made arrangements for him to come to the ranch even though he was several states away. At first he said he would come, but later Tim heard, “a bag of excuses,” why he couldn’t. Sadly, Tim

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

reported, “He wasn’t able to take that first step and instead took his own life.

After losing this brother-in-arms, Tim’s eyes were opened to how close to home this problem actually is.

Tim knew he could do something, but wasn’t sure what it was right away.

His positive perspective came from a belief that you get to control your outlook on this life, and if people know their purpose that would change everything. He’d found his what.

“I knew I could help these guys find their purpose outside of their service to this country. To not just cope, but to heal.” And he had an idea how to do it.

Getting real Tim understands the internal struggle vets are going through and the toll it can take-on families, relationships, mental health, and life itself. The suicide rate among soldiers returning from war is staggering.

“For many, military service becomes your identity. When that chapter in your life is over, many have trouble turning the page to start a new chapter.

And when you lose that purpose, often the panic of feeling useless sets in.”

Tim believes these guys needed a way to begin their new life, and the feeling of a true brotherhood seemed like a great place to start, and Contact Front was hatched.

Contact Front is a place where combat vets come together to lean on each other and learn from each other.

It’s a brotherhood that starts by “bro’ing out” as Tim likes to call it. What’s that?

It’s vet guys doing vet guy stuff. Doing things that make you sweaty, dirty, smell bad, and pushes your limits. Tim says, “Even though you’re working or exercising, it’s enjoyable to just be with the guys again. Accomplishing tasks together.” And then something else happens.

Tim reveals, “When you’re working together, sweating together, guys talk and things get real.” How real? Real

BETTER / Life

enough that guys admit that they struggle with home life, that they don’t know what their purpose is, how much they miss serving this country, and how close they’ve come to ending it all.

“One guy recently admitted that he’s sat on the bathroom floor with a gun in his mouth. These are the things we need to talk about, so we can support each other through this.”

Tim tried to fill me in on the realities of a few things in their world. “Guys feel comfortable in a small team of guys that understand what they’ve been through, and what they are currently dealing with. We thrive in this type of brotherhood. If vets can’t find a positive brotherhood, some guys end up getting into various types of gangs or other shady groups just because they are so hungry for that feeling of brotherhood again. Or they become loners, feeling like nobody can understand what they’ve been through, or what they used to be. Isolation sets in causing this crazy downward spiral. It’s nice to feel this brotherhood outside of the unit or a deployment. And that’s what we’re offering out here.”

Along comes Nick Nick was medically discharged from the army after eight years. He felt cheated out of his career. Even more so when his GI Bill that was suppose to take care of his college was denied after his discharge. Nick explains, “I loved

Guys get instruction at a sniper competition at the range in May.

On the shooting range at Rev-Tac.

the military, and I felt lost without it.

Who am I now? I felt like I spent my entire 20s defining my life as a soldier and now it’s over. I kept thinking, Is that it? I was definitely having some dark thoughts about my life. I didn’t think there was anything else for me.”

And then his wife volunteered Nick to help out at the range.

“I found out Tim had posted something on Facebook asking for help on his ranch ‘with the metric crap-ton of work.’ I was basically being voluntold that I was going to go help. I had just met Tim once a few years before, but I knew he was a good guy, so I went. My wife says I’m much happier now, a better husband, a better father.

Not only have Nick’s thoughts gotten better, so has his weight. “All of my thinking about who am I, what am I doing, and is this all it’s ever going to be, lead me to living a 400 lb. life.” After he was discharged, Nick gained nearly 200 lbs. in two years. Food was his coping mechanism.

“Going and sweating on the ranch, talking with Tim, changed my thinking.

I realized what was can’t be the pinnacle of my life. I have four beautiful daughters and a beautiful wife. I need to be there for them. I don’t want someone else to take care of them. I get to control the legacy that I leave. I still have bad days, but I don’t let myself go down that path of bad thinking so far. I dismiss those negative thoughts quicker. I have too much to live for.”

Nick has lost over 100 pounds in the last few months. He’s also gotten his schooling worked out and will be

starting classes in the fall. He’s excited to get back to his life goals.

Tim adds, “I see guys that get into those dark thoughts. If you wallow in that moment then you will get sucked in. When death is a solution to problems in war, you think that may apply to your life as well.”

“When death is a solution to problems in war, you think that may apply to your life as well.”

Varying darkness, same result Tim tells of another type of struggle some vets have, “There’s this guilt.

Guilt of not doing enough, or not doing the right thing.” Nick weighs in, “You question everything. You play the what-if game. What if I had gone left instead of right. Would my buddy be alive? I went left and was okay, so he had to go right, and he took three bullets in his head.

They shared that a vet struggling with this kind of guilt recently drove himself down a dirt road to end it. But instead he reached out to one of the

Tim training some guys on small team tactics.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Life

the battle of life guys in our brotherhood, and they just spent time together during that low point. That helps you climb out of it.

Tim stresses, “Man, you have to be tough and not let your thoughts perpetuate into a cycle of despair. Do not give misery a foothold in your life.”

Some road blocks If you aren’t a veteran, you may be wondering why vets struggling with such profound anguish don’t get professional help. Tim’s answer made it clear why this brotherhood of his is even more necessary.

“Many vets don’t trust organized therapy for a couple of reasons. One, guys know the potential expense of letting your worst thoughts out. There’s a perception that if you say you’ve thought about hurting yourself that you’ll end up in psychiatric hold. It’s that fear that there will be this fallout where everyone is looking at you in a negative way. For those still serving in the military, there are always those stories that you could get labeled or discharged altogether.

Second, for some, leaving your basic training behind is tough. You’re taught to suffer in silence. If you’re in training, you push through-you don’t whine.

So guys won’t get professional help or say anything to the people who love them. They pretend everything is fine.”

A new mindset As Tim’s guys get to know each other, not only do they share their struggles, they also begin to read each other.

Recently on a “ruck” with some guys (that’s a long hike with heavy packs and equipment), Tim noticed one of the guys was struggling and offered to help carry his load.

“The guy was adamant, ‘I will never let another guy carry my load!’

Tim stresses, “Guys think they should do things on their own.

Carry their own problems, solve it by themselves.

“I said, ‘Dude, that’s what we’re

38

this cabin together as a labor of love for other guys who will need it.”

To fund the cabin and get things rolling he’s doing a fund-raiser. The Viking Challenge (see back cover).

Tim’s family (L-R): Bailey, Gina with Bear, Tim with Addie, Austin, & Scout.

here for. Our job is to complete the mission, not to do it alone. Sometimes you need to have someone carry some of your load.’”

And that is what Tim and his guys are doing. Carrying each other’s load in an effort to complete the mission of life together.

The big picture So what does Contact Front’s “brogram” look like for the future? Tim says, “For a long time I had no idea how I would possibly keep this range going on my own, but everything happens for a reason. Having these guys helping me makes a difference, for both of us. Throughout this whole experience, we’ve been able to heal as men and get a lot of work done. They take a burden off of me, and in turn these guys get to find purpose, and we’re all healing in the process.

So, Contact Front is just getting started, and Tim is taking it step by step.

“This is a very tranquil place. We have a pond and a waterfall, and it would be a perfect spot for a cabin. It could be a place guys can come and recalibrate, just reset. We could host combat vets that can’t afford to get away.

Of course, we will build

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

What this isn’t “I want to be very clear, that I am in no way a therapist, and I don’t try to be one. I’m just here to be a friend and to be someone guys can trust and lend an ear to. As humans, we need to be whole, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We know we can be better when we focus on all aspects of being better. We are just a part of that.”

“So many times, guys are just learning how to cope.” Tim explains, “We need to be healing all the way. We won’t heal if we don’t trust each other enough to talk about the hard stuff... before it’s too late.”

Coming full circle “With Nick and some of the guys we’ve been hanging out with, I see that God knew we needed the right guys right away. To see what good could happen.

Those first guys were instantly willing to put a hand out to the next guys. They have a heart for this just as much as I do!

As the Good Book says, ‘Iron sharpens iron.’ The more we pour into others, the better we all get, and the more we want that for others.

Tim encourages, “You don’t have to go through this alone. If you or someone you know is hurting, let’s figure out how to get them here.”

If you’re a vet who’s struggling to find your purpose, call or text us. Take the first step.

You won’t regret it. 712-253-8810.

To help support Tim’s efforts, by donating supplies, swinging a hammer, or financial contribution, contact him or go online. www.Rev-Tac.com. Click the link for Contact Front.

Rev-Tac 1545 Knox Blvd.

Jackson, NE . 712-253-8810

ContactFront22

BETTER / Life

The thing you’re

By Pastor Gene Stockton

Rock skipping by Valley Journal/Shutterstock.com

A

s a retired Air Force officer, and now a pastor, I want to thank all of you gentleman and ladies who served our nation in the armed forces. Most people outside the military often don’t know what veterans are dealing with as a result of their service.

For those who aren’t aware, veterans experience homelessness, family separation, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury at disproportionate rates compared to their civilian counterparts. Shockingly, 18 to 22 American veterans commit suicide daily, and young veterans aged 18–44 are most at risk.1 There are a lot of issues, and it’s obvious that more needs to be done.

But, I see something that is available that so many are not focusing on.

For those with physical and mental health issues, many of you are receiving treatment from medical professionals for a variety of reasons.

Of course it makes sense to seek out that care that you desperately need.

If you’re not receiving the proper

Skipping

care, reach out to advocacy groups (you’ll find them listed elsewhere in this issue), and contact your congressional representatives. And then think about the final piece of your wellness pie.

God designed human beings as physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual beings. Unfortunately, however, many of us ignore or neglect our spiritual well-being.

Don’t dismiss this, even if you feel you have a good reason. We’ll get to that, but hear me out.

First, I know from personal experience and the testimony of others that spiritual care is critical.

Second, there is mounting evidence that spiritual health is linked to a variety of indicators of mental health. Furthermore, our spiritual health plays a significant role in recovering from mental illness as well as protecting us from addiction and suicide. 2 Maybe you’re struggling with your faith or maybe you haven’t begun your faith journey. And, for some of you, you’ve tried religion, but that didn’t ‘work’ and even made things

worse. So, let’s start by addressing how to start a spiritual journey.

God wants to have a relationship with you, but He isn’t going to force you. We get to have a closeness to God through his son, Jesus Christ.

He is always available, but He is waiting for you to open the door. To start the conversation.

With that said, allow me to ask, have you given your life to Christ?

I mean, really? Be careful how you answer because this isn’t religion my friend. It is about a relationship with Jesus and surrendering your life to His will.

The faith journey begins when you acknowledge that your sin made a relationship with God impossible, and you need forgiveness to restore that relationship. You receive forgiveness by the grace of God when you confess that Jesus is Savior and Lord. He is Savior because He died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, including yours. He is

Pastor Gene Stockton is married to his lifelong partner and wife, Cheri, and they have been married for 39 years. They have 2 sons and 8 grandchildren. Gene served in the Air Force for 25 years and now has pastored Heartland Church for 14 years. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family and gets in an occasional round of golf.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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the battle of life Lord because He is God and has all authority in heaven and earth, and we are subject to His authority at all times.

So then, just to make sure, our journey begins in faith by repenting of our sin (that means you turn away from them and toward God) and believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Simply, we are saved by grace through faith (ref. Holy Bible, Ephesians 2:8-9).

After that, you allow Him to run your life in order to grow in your faith and relationship with Jesus.

How do we let Jesus run our life?

Let me give you five things to work on.

5

Steps to getting your life on track

First, read the Holy Bible daily to discover what God wants, expects, and how He wants you to live.

These aren’t just stories about people from eons ago, it’s still applies to our lives today.

Second, respond to what you’re reading in the Bible by obeying.

Don’t just read the words, DO what it says.

Third, learn to have a daily conversation with God. Talk to Him about everything. Everything. You will soon discover that Jesus is your best friend.

Fourth, participate in a faith community (church), in worship, and serving. God is worthy of our worship, and you also have the privilege of using your gifts and talents to bless others.

Fifth, grow with others through a small group among your faith community, and do life together with them. You need the encouragement, support, and accountability, and so do others.

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I know what some of you are thinking. Pastor, I believe in Jesus, so why is my life so messed up? Okay.

That is a fair question. Simply put, our faith in Jesus doesn’t insulate us from the evil and heartache in our world (ref. Holy Bible, John 16:33).

You might think of it this way: our faith isn’t bubble wrap. Nonetheless, in reading the Old Testament book of Daniel, we see that the faithful aren’t saved from the fire, but God saves the faithful through the fire.

Why is this important to know?

It helps us to understand that God is always here for us no matter what we’re going through. Do we always understand what He is doing? No. Will we always know why He is allowing it? No. Sure, we may wish that He would protect us from any and all harm. But, all in all, that isn’t realistic. In any case, we can learn to trust that God is at work and has a plan for each of us. At the very least, through suffering, God is at work strengthening our faith (ref. Holy Bible, James 1:2-4).

Again veterans, thanks for serving!

As you were willing to fight and die for freedom, even suffer as a result of your sacrifice, I want to remind you that Jesus died for your eternal freedom. Why did Jesus do this for us? He loves us. Begin your journey with Jesus today!

I encourage you to reach out to a Christian pastor who can assist you with your spiritual health. Discover for yourself how this type of care can play a substantial role in your overall health and wellness.

Gene Stockton served in the U.S. Air Force.

Holy Bible References Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1(Olenick, Flowers, Diaz, “US veterans and their unique issues: enhancing health care professional awareness,” 2015) 2 (Unterrainer, Lewis, Fink: “Religious/Spiritual Well-Being, Personality and Mental Health: A Review of Results and Conceptual Issues,” 2012)

With Respect and Dignity,

Pastor Gene

If you don’t have someone to talk to in your spiritual journey, Pastor Gene is available.

Contact him today by calling the church or email: pastorgene@hcbchurch.org

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Heartland Church

2201 W 19th St, Sioux City, IA 712-255-5989 . www.hcbchurch.org

BETTER / Life

Finding some

Support

with sarah Petersen

disabled, came not only for waffles, but for the free groceries. A former Marine shared stories of her time tending to the wounded and still learning how to do life back home. But today was a good day being around people who understood. Who truly knew how much they gave in service to their country.

Literally, vets from every era were there that day. Sarah is there, busying herself with necessary tasks, routing volunteers, and seemingly standing aside-humbly watching, appreciating.

She wouldn’t stand out except that everyone keeps grabbing her to say thank you, to shake her hand, or give her a hug. She doesn’t take any credit, but what she is doing it huge.

The volume of physical and emotional needs for our area soldiers and vets is huge, but Sarah, like a platoon leader, has rallied the troops and is moving the needle for so many military individuals and families. But she needs more help.

If you or your group wants to help support our Siouxland soldiers, Sarah has some opportunities:

Sarah Petersen and volunteer Nancy Wilcox doing what Sarah does. Supporting Siouxland Soldiers.

I

f you don’t know Sarah Petersen, then you are probably not connected to Siouxland military.

Everyone in this community knows Sarah, and everyone is glad they do.

Being a wife of a soldier, Sarah understood first hand the joys and struggles of being integrated in this lifestyle. When she felt the need to have support and community around what she and her family were dealing with, she saw a problem. Not only were there not enough services, it was hard to find out what was out there and how to access it. Out of her need she created a solution for many, and Support Siouxland Soldiers (SSS) was born.

On their website it says, “Support Siouxland Soldiers is a non-profit,

volunteer organization that hosts 20+ support events each year that honor and support Siouxland veterans, Service members, and Military families. All of the events include hundreds of community partners and require thousands of volunteer hours.”

All of that is true, but you have to go to one of these events to see what is really going on.

At a recent Waffles for Warriors event the place was buzzing as vets and volunteers were coming and going. Old friends were chatting, people had smiles on their faces, and everyone was having a good time. Hang around awhile and look deeper and you’ll see what a respite this is for some. For others it is a lifeline.

One young soldier, life-changingly

Become a Siouxland Battle Buddy and receive monthly email notifications about volunteer opportunities. We are in need of help to serve meals, pack care-packages and grocery boxes, distribute

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Life

Last year, with 750 volunteers, Support Siouxland Soldiers hosted 24 events to serve 3,500+ veterans and military families.

Some of SSS Battle Buddies who match their skills, experience, and passions with opportunities to serve and support our Siouxland veterans, especially those who need us the most!

groceries, make patriotic lap quilts, help with home improvement projects, collect food donations, stock the food pantry, provide haircuts or just sit and visit with a veteran at one of our 20+ support events per year.

To become a Siouxland Battle Buddy email us at siouxlandtroops@gmail.com

Help with one of our large events that includes a hot meal, grocery distribution, clothing, health screenings, haircuts, and a resource fair for hundreds of veterans and military families. Events are held five times a year.

Help serve at our monthly Waffles for Warriors held at Support

Siouxland Soldiers in Indian Hills where we offer a large breakfast buffet and grocery distribution, (since 2007 we’ve distributed over 200,000 lbs. of groceries!).

Be part of our holiday events including a Valentine Ball, Valentine Care-Pack, Independence Day Celebration, Veterans Day Concert, Fall Festival, Military Monster Ball and Christmas Care-Pack, and Holidays for our Heroes event. (Since our start in 2007 we’ve sent 5,700 large care-packages to deployed troops.)

To volunteer, contact Sarah at siouxlandtroops@gmail.com

Getting the help you need

Another aspect of what Sarah does is to act as the hub in this military community. She is the one who knows what all the other agencies are doing, what services there are, how they work, and what is available. If you are a Siouxland soldier or family member in need of assistance, check out Sarah’s agency list on page 43. If you have questions or need more, don’t hesitate to contact Sarah.

1551 Indian Hills Dr., Ste 102 . Sioux City, IA 712-541-8020 . SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com

Veterans Stand Down August 22, 2019

Welcome all Veterans

to this gathering of county, state, and federal Veterans’ services.

On-the-spot help including meal, clothing, community housing referral, medical triage, readjustment counseling, legal assistance, women veteran services, and much more.

42

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Flag background By STILLFX/Shutterstock.com

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Long Lines Rec Center 401 Gordon Drive . Sioux City, IA

BETTER / Life

Veteran Support Organizations

in the Siouxland area [Download a PDF at SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com] Community Action Agency Childhood education, emergency assistance, heating assistance, weatherization, transitional housing, senior employment training, family development and child care food program.

2700 Leech Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 274-1610 web: caasiouxland.org County Veterans Affairs State and Federal benefits and basic living needs assistance.

1211 Tri View Ave Ste A, Sioux City, IA 51103 Phone: (712) 279-6606 web: woodburycountyiowa.gov/ departments/veteran-affairs Education services (515) 252-4468 web: iowanationalguard.com FAVA Housing Assistance for Veterans Zach Van Reese (641) 243-4103 x 52102 emal: zachary.vanreese@westcare. com

Iowa WORKS of Greater Siouxland Veteran employment services (712) 233-9030 x 46054 email: frank.wellenstein@iwd.iowa.gov web: iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov Micah project Beds, furniture, hygiene items, medical supplies, food pantry, clothing and household items. (712) 574-6020 web: micahproject.me Partners for Patriots Providing service dogs for disabled Veterans.

Cindy Brodie (712) 541-7763 Projects for Patriots Assisting Siouxland Combat Wounded Veterans with home projects.

Breezy Struthers, Board Member (712) 301-2764 web: projectsforpatriots.com Puppy Jake Foundation Service dogs for Veterans (515) 777-2837 email: info@puppyjakefoundation.org web: puppyjakefoundation.org

Home Base Iowa Connecting veterans to careers web: homebaseiowa.gov

Red Cross (712) 252-4081 web: redcross.org

Iowa Air National Guard Family Assistance Gary Schmidt Airman Family Readiness Program Manager and Suicide Prevention Program Manager email: gary.c.schmidt5.civ@mail.mil

Sioux City Vet Center Readjustment counseling, guitar therapy for combat Veterans.

Phone: (712) 255-3808 1551 Indian Hills Dr Ste 214, Sioux City, IA 51104 web: vetcenter.va.gov

Iowa Army National Guard Family Assistance Jacquie Adams (712) 252-4347 x 18030 email: jacquelyn.l.adams.ctr@mail.mil Iowa Legal Aid (800) 532-1275 web: iowalegalaid.org Iowa Strong Bonds Events web: iowanationalguard.com/ Chaplains/StrongBonds.htm

Support Siouxland Soldiers Support events, care-packages and food assistance for veterans, service members and military families.

Sarah Petersen (712) 541-8020 1551 Indian Hills Dr. Ste 102 Sioux City, IA 51104 email: Siouxlandtroops@gmail.com web: SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com or facebook.com/SupportSiouxland Soldiers

Survivor Outreach Services Resources for families of the fallen.

Jessica Nutz (712) 535-1810 email: jessica.a.nutz.ctr@mail.mil Transition Assistance Billy Foley (515) 252-4150 email: billy.j.foley.ctr@mail.mil web: jointservicessupport.org VA Healthcare Clinic CBOC 380 W Anchor Drive Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 Phone: (605) 232-2800 VA Homeless Program (605) 232-2800 x 2791 Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255 Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255 Western Iowa Tech Community College Don Duzik - Veteran Representative (712) 274-8733 x 1440 don.duzik@witcc.edu web: witcc.edu Yellow Ribbon Program Loni Kuhlmann (712) 233-0818 loni.s.kuhlmann.ctr@mail.mil Download a PDF at: SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com

Connect with

Support Siouxland Soldiers Call (712) 541-8020 email: Siouxlandtroops@gmail.com web: SupportSiouxlandSoldiers. com

1551 Indian Hills Dr. Ste. 102 Sioux City, IA 51104

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

43

BETTER / Life

IN IA S, U C AR M

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

BETTER / Life

the battle of life Learning to

Readjust

By Mary Jordan, LISW IADC

Active U.S. military service members alongside retired veterans unfurl a large American Flag at the Memorial Day ceremony on the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Fleet Week, New York, May 29 2017.

Rolling flag by Glynnis Jones and Soldier w/son by PEPPERSMINT/Shutterstock.com

F

or many veterans, settling in after service to country can be a huge transition.

While different branches and positions offer unique circumstances, finding direction can begin in the same place. Mary Jordan, director at the Sioux City Vet Center, says this can be where to start.

“It is very important to know that veterans/service members/military families within our community have a wealth of support available to them throughout the community via the VA as well as many service organizations.

Once someone has connected with the VA, or one of these groups you will find, they most often have great things to say and turn into some of the best referral sources of others in need of help and support. This hits at the heart of our beginnings and surely is the best representation of what we wish to achieve here.

“Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) were established by Congress in 1979 out of the recognition that a significant number of Vietnamera Vets were still experiencing readjustment problems. Vet Centers are community based and part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1991, in response to the Persian Gulf War, Congress extended the eligibility to Veterans who served during other periods of armed hostilities after the Vietnam era.

“In October 1996, Congress extended the eligibility to include WWII and Korean Combat Veterans.

The goal of Vet Centers is to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible Veterans in order to help them make a satisfying post-war readjustment to civilian life. In 2003, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs extended eligibility for Vet Center services to Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and subsequent operations within the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

The family members of all veterans listed above are eligible for Vet Center

services as well: “In 2003, bereavement counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children, and siblings of service members who die of any cause while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel were also added.”1

Something new “We have been providing music therapy to clients for approximately one year via guitar lessons to a variety of learners. One of the office’s counselors, Michael Flaherty, PhD LPC, leads these lessons and spearheaded the initiation of this modality. Since its start, we have had much interest within the community, including by those that are otherwise skeptical of a therapy environment but were welcomed by a lower risk entrance into services via guitar lessons. These lessons are one more way we are teaching veterans skills and promoting wellness and rehabilitation.”

How to help “We do frequently need volunteers, particularly with large events, such as our annual Stand Down which will be on Aug. 22 this year (see pg.

42). We have found great success with partnering with other groups in the community, such as Support Siouxland Soldiers, the Red Cross, The Micah Project, and many others. By partnering, people of the community are able to enter into volunteer roles in a variety of different ways.

Additionally, community partners can assist with the coordination of volunteers over time for future events.”

1(retrieved from vetcenter.va.gov/About_US.asp on 5/28/19)

To volunteer, or to find out more about their services, contact Mary and her staff.

Music therapy promotes wellness and aids in rehabilitation.

Sioux City Vet Center 1551 Indian Hills Dr Ste. 214 Sioux City, IA 51104 712-255-3808

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

45

Brain benders

BETTER / Life

Riddle me this

Coded message

Figure out the code below and fill in the right letters to reveal a quote by Oscar Wilde. __ __

20 15

__ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ 20 8 9 14 7

__ __ __ __ __ __ 16 5 15 16 12 5

Can you answer each of these riddles?

__ __

12 9 22 5

__ __ 9 14

9 19

__ __ __ 20 8 5

__ __ __ 20 8 5

__ __ __ __ 10 21 19 20

__ __ __ __ __ __ 18 1 18 5 19 20

__ __ __ __ __. __ __ __ __ 23 15 18 12 4

__ __ __ __ __.

13 15 19 20

5 24 9 19 20

Changing season

These beach scenes may look the same, but there are seven subtle differences. Can you find them all?

1. What is a wasp’s favorite article of clothing?

2. I can be half without

3. What’s a foot long, made of leather, and sounds like a sneeze?

4. Three equal numbers that when you add

them up is sixty but not twenty. What are the numbers?

5. No matter how much it rains, I never get any wetter. What am I? 6. A rooster lays an egg on the roof of a barn.

Which way does the egg roll?

Parrot problem

Pat owns a pet store. If she puts one bird per cage she has one bird too many. If she puts two birds in a cage she has one cage empty. How many birds and how many cages does she have?

Popsicle math

? __

Decipher the formula to fill ? __ in the value of each popsicle. ? __

46

+

+

= 34

-

=7 ANSWERS

+

= 59

Riddle me this: 1) Yellow jacket. 2) The moon. 3) A shoe. 4) 55+5. 5) Water. 6) A rooster doesn’t lay eggs.

Parrot problem: 4 birds, 3 cages. Popsicle math: Watermelon pops = 17, green pops 24 (so half a green pop = 12), and the swirl pop = 6. Coded message: To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.

Changing season: Extra bird, missing green tree above tent, fire color, missing logs, extra branch on tree on left, extra rock in the stream, smaller dark green clump of grass on left.

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Wasp by Alexandra Petruk, caged parrot by Pogorelova Olga, free parrot by adecvatman, loaded car by Vadim Georgiev, and camping by Klara Viskova/Shutterstock.com

getting thinner. I can shine with no fire. I can be hidden but never taken. I can stay dry while moving the ocean. What am I?

Peering into the future

BETTER / Life with dignity. Her assets were passed to her family – not given away to cancer.”

with shannon stewart

How to stack the deck in your favor

W

By Foxberry/Shutterstock.com

hat if we could take a peek into our future? See down the road a little farther. If we knew what was, or wasn’t, going to happen, we could plan so much better.

Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from other people’s journeys and see where they went wrong and what was a win. Better yet, what if we could make some decisions that would be a win no matter which way the road forked?

Tag along with Shannon Stewart with Family Heritage as he shows you your possible future.

Learning the hard way “I was recently at a meeting filled with dozens of businessmen and women.

I asked people to raise their hand if they had been impacted by cancer.

Nearly every hand went up. When someone gets cancer, it’s not just the individual that is impacted. The fallout from cancer leaves a lot in its wake. Just like those business people, I know that first hand.

“When my father was diagnosed with cancer in the 90s, he was a farmer. As his treatments began, he had to travel for care. Money was needed for gas, hotel, and meals. As

his health deteriorated, he was unable to work. My father passed away from cancer in 1998. Not only did our family lose him, but because of the increased expenses and lost wages (none of which health insurance covered), we lost the family home and land.

“When Mom remarried, also to a farmer, after 10 years of marriage, he too got cancer, and history repeated itself. They lost his family farm, and he passed away. Twice in a lifetime, my mom was left with nothing but a pile of debt, her clothes, and some furniture.

“The things that got them were traveling and lost wages. As an independent business person you have to pay someone to do the work you would have done. The bills don’t stop just because you are sick.”

Finding a happier ending “A few years ago, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had gotten Family Heritage cancer insurance a few years before, and it paid her bills the last three years of her life. While the cancer ended up taking her life, my sister-in-law was able to be in her own home, and pass away

The win-win “Seeing that difference impacted me greatly. No one ever wants to plan for cancer, but I know the likelihood of it showing up is great - and it doesn’t play fair. When I was looking for a passion job for the second half of my life, I wanted something that I was passionate about. I have seen the devastation from cancer and medical tragedies - we’ve all gotten the invitations to benefits and Go Fund Me pages to help with the financial burden. While I was impressed with the payout, I understood people’s reluctance.

Most don’t have money to waste, so we risk it. And then I found out the really good news.

“Family Heritage gives you your money back if you don’t have a claim (or whatever’s left if you do have a claim). With our 100% return of premium, there’s no risk of not getting your money back.

“Plus, your rates never go up. What you start out paying is what you’ll always pay. You are never dropped no matter how many claims you have or how old you get. Got kids? Whether you have one or a dozen, the family rate is the same.

“I enjoy sharing my experiences with people to help them avoid future catastrophes themselves. It gives me great joy knowing that people are protecting their financial future and saving for their future at the same time.”

Want to ensure a better future?

Call Shannon today to find out more.

Shannon Stewart Siouxland agent

Family Heritage 712-251-7482 www.FamilyHeritageLife.com E: ShannonSFHL@gmail.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

47

Setting your boundaries

Something special for the kids in your life

with Alisha dykstra

Healthy Relationships 101

BY Robyn Lieber

the price and individual attention we provide.”

I

f I decide that I want to eat better, I make some rules for myself of what I will and won’t buy when I go to the store, so I have a better chance of reaching my goal.

What about our relationship goals?

So often we just go with the flow without considering what we will and won’t do to get into a relationship.

We don’t think about boundaries for ourselves before we jump in.

Imagine you’re going to play sand volleyball with friends. There will be people there you don’t know. What if there’s a cute guy there? What will you do in order to get his attention? Will that get you what you want for the long term, or just what might be fun now? Remember, everyday people wish they could take back a behavior that led to an STD, unplanned pregnancy, or unhealthy relationship.

Not to mention how you’ll feel about yourself and who you want to be.

Once you’ve set up some boundaries for yourself, think about what others will think. Will your friends pressure you to make a different choice in the moment? Plan now to stay firm in your decisions.

Don’t allow circumstances or the heat of the moment to sway you from your bigger life plans.

B

irthday parties and special events for kids can be a hassle to do on your own, and making sure they’re not bored is challenging. Not any more.

Alisha Dykstra, co-owner of V.I.P. Gymnastics, Ninja and Cheer has a very interesting option that kids and parents are going nuts for.

V.I.P. treatment birthday parties Last year, Alisha and her staff oversaw over 150 birthday parties at V.I.P! Why is it so popular? “We really roll out the red carpet for them! We make them feel like it’s their day. We don’t send the kids off to play, the trainers engage with the kids. We make sure all the kids have fun and get involved in activities-and we show them how to do them. Kids can master the warped wall, walk the balance beam, learn tricks, and conquer our ninja course. People keep telling us we are unmatched for

5732 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City, IA www.herhealthwomenscenter.org Call: 712-224-2000 or Text: 712-522-2920 Call Robyn @ 276-0237 to have Healthy Relationships teaching for your group.

48

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Friday nights @ V.I.P. “Need a date night without the kids?

We started offering Friday Nights @ V.I.P. where kids come and hang with us while mom and dad go out for dinner. We typically have 35-50 kids and it’s a blast! Quite a few Fridays we even sold out.” Friday Nights in the past have included Ninja Nights, Super Bowl Parties, V.I.P. Winter Olympics, and a Vino & Vinyasa Parent Night Out for the adults.”

Field trips and group rentals “We have preschools and daycares planning field trips to V.I.P. for fun field trips and incentives. All of our field trips are instructor led obstacle courses and games. The time flies by and the teachers are thrilled!” V.I.P. also offers group rentals and even hosted an after-prom party this year.”

Contact us to schedule your special event, party, or to find out more.

V.I.P Gymnastics, Ninja & Cheer 300 Centennial Dr., Suite 150 North Sioux City, SD . 605-540-0854 www.VIPgymnasticsninjacheer.com Check out our Facebook page for upcoming Friday Nights @ VIP.

Beach party by Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Life

By Vitalina Rybakova/Shutterstock.com

Patio Party

Food

Throw a

BETTER

r o o d t u o n a r e h t e g o t l l Pu ty in minutes! par www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

49

BETTER / Food

Throw a

Patio Party

WITH palmer specialty foods

a n o n o m l a s Cookalyayouarn salt block!

Him

Cook trendy. Have some fun and cook your salmon, shrimp skewers, and some bacon-wrapped asparagus (not shown) on a Himalayan Salt Cooking Brick. The salt brick can be heated in the grill or oven and imparts a small amount of salt into your food.

It can also be chilled and used to serve cold items like shrimp cocktail or sushi.

50

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Food on outdoor a skew eating er make a breez s e.

Food photos by Mark Karrer

I

t’s summer and everyone wants to be outside-including the host.

With the right menu you can prep in just minutes and even cooking won’t require standing over the grill for hours. The best part is you won’t sacrifice taste or interest.

With just a few simple supplies, you can create a couple of entrées, a side dish, appetizer, and drinks. Palmer Candy & Palmer Specialty Foods makes it easy with seasonings, prepackaged essentials, and unique addons that are ready to serve.

BETTER / Food Grilled salmon. Rub your salmon with the Kodiak Salmon Rub, put it on the salt brick* or grill pan, close grill and bake about 20 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of your salmon). *Follow the salt brick cooking guide.

Shrimp skewers. Shrimp and grape tomatoes and some Baja Style Shrimp Seasoning Mix is all you need to make flavorful kabobs. Of course you can go nuts and add pepper hunks and mushrooms. These only take a couple minutes per side to grill.

Bacon ranch pasta salad. Make this ahead and serve it as a cold salad, or, if you’re kind of cooking your bacon and pasta last minute, there’s no rule that says you can’t eat it hot. Start with a package of the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, and add bacon bits and tomatoes. The dressing is 1/2 cup of mayo mixed with 1/4 cup of milk. Voilà.

Who says lemonade can’t be classy?

Above] Take things up a notch with Elderflower Lemonade and Elderflower & Rose Lemonade.

Right] Have some fun with lemon martini mix. Dip your glass (or plasticware) in the sweet Lemon Drop Martini Rimmer, then pour in Lemon Drop Martini mix and your choice of club soda or vodka.

Offer the unexpected like Lemon Martinis.

Below] A jar of Asparagus Asiago Brushetta Spread & Dip can be served cold or heat in a bowl and served with toasted baguette chips.

Food and products in aqua available at

Hot or cold.

It’s your ch oi

ce Palmer Specialty Foods (located inside Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe) 405 Wesley Parkway, Sioux City, IA 712-258-7790 www.palmerspecialtyfoods.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

51

BETTER / Food

Taking breakfast in hand

Some days it’s a run-out-the-door-clutching-a-power-bar morning. This is not that day. This is a day-off breakfast that you can take a bite out of while sitting on your deck on a beautiful summer morning day. Power bar, you have the day off!

Grilled asparagus & poached egg on toast

Asparagus . Olive oil . Sourdough bread . Large eggs White vinegar . Parmesan cheese . Salt & pepper Heat a skillet and drizzle with olive oil. Saute asparagus for a few minutes until tender. Poach eggs. Drizzle bread with olive oil and toast in skillet until golden on each side.

Assemble as shown and top with salt, pepper, and cheese.

Scrambled egg brochette

Whole grain bread . Eggs . Butter . Cherry tomatoes . Olive oil Parsley . Oregano . Basil Scramble eggs (one for each toast slice). Drizzle some olive oil in a non-stick skillet, and sprinkle in some parsley, basil, and oregano. Add bread and toast, turning once. Remove bread, melt a little butter, and add eggs. Once eggs start cooking, toss in tomatoes and finish cooking until eggs are no longer wet. Serve on toast.

How to poach an egg: Heat some water in a pan deep enough to have your egg fully submerged. When the water is almost boiling (you don’t want a rolling boil), add 1 T vinegar for every quart of water or so. Crack an egg into a small ramekin (a little container), then gently pour the egg into the water.

Reduce the heat a bit, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the water, and put it onto a paper towel.

Soft boiled eggs on avocado with rye toast

Eggs . Avocado . Rye bread . Butter . Pine nuts . Salt & pepper Boil the eggs in their shells for the proper time to result in soft, firm, or hard boiled eggs. Toast rye bread, then spread with butter. Arrange avocado on toast and top with boiled egg. Sprinkle pine nuts and salt and pepper to taste.

How to cook a soft boiled to hard boiled egg: Bring a pot of

52

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

How to scramble eggs: Whisk eggs and pour into a buttered, hot skillet. Using a spatula, keep mixture moving, scraping it from the bottom and sides as the eggs cooks. Continue until eggs are fluffy and no longer wet.

Avocado egg toast By Tom Eversley, poached egg asparagus toast by Magdanatka, and tomato toast by Stepanek Photography,/Shutterstock.com

water to a boil. Add eggs and cook 5 minutes for a runny yolk, 7 minutes for a medium, but spoonable yolk, or 10 minutes for a firm yolk. Remove from water, run under cold water, and peel.

Superfood: Quinoa

BETTER / Food

Food

P

eople often think quinoa (say KEEN-wah) is a grain, but it’s actually a nutritious seed.

It is classified as a pseudocereal, a seed Quinoa protein per that is prepared and 1/2 cup. eaten like a grain. It is a good source of protein and fiber, is gluten free, and one of the few plant foods that contain sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids.

It is also high in magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and various beneficial antioxidants. Quinoa is closely related to spinach, chard, and beets.

Quinoa dish by MariaKovaleva,dry quinoa by Shawn Hempel, pot roast by Brent Hofacker, and shredded chicken by zoryanchik/Shutterstock.com

14g

How to cook quinoa. Make sure to rinse seeds in a strainer before cooking.

They naturally have a bitter, soapy-tasting coating-but it washes off easily. If you toast quinoa before cooking, it will result in a nuttier flavor. To do this, just toss the rinsed seeds into a non-stick pan over med-high heat, stirring often, until golden. To cook the quinoa, cook it like rice on the stove, microwave, rice cooker, or pressure cooker. For every cup of quinoa, use 2 cups of water. Yields 3 cups. Substitute quinoa for rice or other grains in your favorite recipes.

The perfect iced coffee

T

o make the perfect cold brew, we asked local coffee experts at Jumpy Monkey® for their recipe. “Our Cold Brew starts with freshly roasted Jumpy Monkey Colombian Gran Galupe coffee beans. We grind the beans to a course grind and add to a large container (for smaller quantities, a large mason jar works great). We recommend 6 oz. of coffee to every 64 oz. of water. Use a little of the water to wet (bloom) the dry coffee, and let it set for 30 seconds, allowing the water to fully penetrate the coffee grounds. Slowly add the remaining water.

Cover the container and place in the fridge. Allow to soak overnight 12-16 hours. Strain the coffee through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Enjoy over ice.”

“Serve cold brew over ice and add milk, cream, or flavored syrups.

We love to add our house-made Caramel Cream!”

Discard coffee grounds, or add them to your compost or houseplants!

Try Jumpy Monkey’s Columbian Gran Galupe flavor from South America for a smooth, clean, full-bodied iced coffee with a sweet, caramel finish.

Jumpy Monkey coffee is available in Siouxland at local grocery stores, through fundraisers, and at www.jumpymonkey.com.

Q&A

Q. Why would I want a pressure cooker?

A. To cook faster, and other stuff...

A pressure cooker creates a higher heat which helps your food cook faster. By raising the temp under pressure, it forces liquid into the food quickly, so it doesn’t burn or dry out the food. For some foods, like tough meat, this process turns it very tender very quickly.

The Instant Pot® is one of the best-selling pressure cookers.

Amazon, $99.

The results are similar to what you get in a crock pot, but instead of having a tender pot roast after several hours of slow cooking, you can have the same results in an hour.

Less cooking time is more convenient for a busy life, and energy saving.

An added bonus, several studies have found that pressure cooking preserves the nutrients better than any other cooking method.

Jumpy Monkey Coffee Roasting Co. 306 1st Street, Suite 1 Sergeant Bluff, IA 712-943-3026 jumpymonkey.com E: info1@jumpymonkey.com www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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BETTER / Food

Food focus Versatile

[1920

Zucchinis were first brought to the United States in the 1920s by the Italians.

Zucchini

While zucchini can grow quite large, the most flavorful zucchinis are small- to medium-sized, and the darker the skin, the richer the nutrients. These nutrients and vitamins packed in zucchini are thought to aid in preventing cancer and heart disease.

Delicious zoodles

• The world’s largest zucchini on record was 69 1/2” long, and weighed 65 lbs.

• A zucchini has more potassium than a banana.

• There is a yellow zucchini. Nope, not the same as a summer squash.

• Even though zucchini is served as a vegetable, it’s technically a fruit because it comes from a flower.

• A zucchini flower is edible.

Chocolate zucchini bread Ingredients:

4 cups grated zucchini 2 1/2 c flour 1/2 c unsweetened cocoa 2 t baking soda 1/2 t salt 1 t cinnamon 1 1/2 c sugar 2 eggs 3/4 c butter, melted 1/2 t instant coffee granules 1/2 t almond extract

Snack time

For a quick nutritious snack, whip up Baked Parmesan Zucchini.

Combine 1/2 grated Parmesan, 1/2 t each of thyme, oregano, basil, and 1/4 t garlic powder, pepper, and salt.

Cut zucchini into spears and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan mixture and bake @ 3500F for 15 min., then broil 2-3 min. until golden.

Directions: Drain excess liquid from grated zucchini. Preheat oven to 3500F, and grease two 9”x5” loaf pans. Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs, then add the butter, coffee, and almond and beat until smooth.

Add the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring well each time.

Pour half the batter into each pan, and bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then remove from pan. Let cool completely.

Want extra chocolatey goodness?

Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking and drizzle with chocolate frosting before serving.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Honor issue 2019

Bread by vm2002, Parmesan snackby TalyaAL, zucchini noodles by Magdanatka, flowers by Valentyn Volkov and basket of zucchini by alicja neumiler/Shutterstock.com

Zucchini facts

A cup of zucchini only has about 19 calories and make great “zoodles” as a delicious pasta alternative. Use a julienne peeler and create noodles in short order. Use your zoodles raw or boil like spaghetti. Add sauce or other toppings.

Special thanks

to our partners

Dan VanderLinden

By David Kay/Shutterstock.com

Remodeling Services, Inc.

Our partners’ generous donations make this issue possible and help offset the costs of added value content for our area nonprofits that are helping Siouxland be better. www.beingbettermagazine.com / July/Aug 2019

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JOIN THE

Viking Challenge Grab your Viking clan and prepare for battle!

5

Form a team of to compete in Contact Front’s Viking Challenge.

This competition will push you and your team to the limit.

You’ll run, row, and battle doing burpies, push-ups, and pull-ups. You’ll swing your sledgehammer and run with the spoils of war over your shoulder. When it’s over, we’ll pound down your beverage of choice and devour a meal as we celebrate the day’s victories.

Photo Nejron Photo/Shutterstock.com

If you are a savage specimen ready to do battle for a good cause, sign your team up today. Find out more at www.Rev-Tac.com.

Proceeds will support Contact Front as they serve combat vets (see pg. 36 inside).

$50 per person . Saturday August 17th . 9 am - 4 pm Rev-Tac . 1545 Knox Blvd . Jackson, NE . 712-253-8810