Being Better in Siouxland . Summer 2018

Summer 2018

in Siouxland

Prepare for

The Storm Storms of life Home damage Storm prep

Trending

LimeBike Lunch & Learn Drones day job

Home updates

Gearing up for summer LVT that will floor you Your perfect space

Better body

Hair loss help Surrogacy today

Food

Pack your picnic

Phil & Stephanie Freiberg

Delivering a 30 lb tumor Why having cancer was the best thing that ever happened to Phil

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

Table of

CONTENTS BEING BETTER / SUMMER 2018

18 . Making the AWWW Humane Society volunteers.

18 . How to stop ruining the stuff you love How to slow photo aging.

19 . Your perfect space

How to visualize what you want.

20 . Window shopping

What to know before you buy.

Cover couple by Mark Karrer. Background storm image by LilKar/, Family photo by Oleksandr Briagin/Shutterstock.com

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15 19

21 . Gearing up for summer 5 tips to get sports gear organized.

24 . The coolest stuff

What's cool in window treatments.

25 . After the storm Getting back to better.

26 . Who you're not if you drive one of these.

BETTER BODY

27 . Keeping a watchful eye on your child's vision.

28 . Brain benders

Exercise for your noggin'.

29 . Baby on board

Surrogacy is evolving and online.

31 . On the front lines

BETTER NOW

7 . Tales from the Tribe

A look into tribal missionaries.

9 . Better stuff

Stuff to make you smile.

10 . Tips & Trends

What people are talking about now.

12 . Top 5

Ways to stay safe this summer.

13 . My best advice Three experts weigh in.

BETTER HOME

15 . About to floor you A look at luxury vinyl tile.

for some of people's worst days.

32 . It's complicated

Pain can be a complex issue.

33 . When things are hairy Insight into hair loss.

34 . The shoe may fit but... should you wear it?

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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54

43. Money matters

How to pay less when you borrow.

44. That Texas twang

How a former president is responsible.

47. A storm is coming Are you ready for it?

48. Tornado season

Being prepared for the worst.

Publisher

BEING BETTER MAGAZINE, LLC. Sioux City, IA

Editor-in-Chief

JENNIFER WINQUIST jennifer@beingbettermagazine.com

50. Seeing the signs

June is Elder Abuse Awareness month.

50. When you're scared

Unplanned pregnancy? Where to go.

BETTER LIFE

35 . Yep. These women have the hardest job imaginable.

Copy editors

MIKARA BONHAM BARB MICKELSON

Photography

33

MARK KARRER

SALES Account Executive

JESSIQUE STEELE jess@beingbettermagazine.com

38 . My favorite things

Helping those with memory issues.

38. Etiquette when it counts Knowing what's right at a funeral.

39 . The best thing

©2018 ­Being Better magazine.

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

Why finding cancer was the best thing.

BETTER FOOD 51 . Pack your picnic

Interesting items for the grill.

55 . Food focus: Cucumbers Enjoy the cool, refreshing, crunch.

39

On the cover 4

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

SUBSCRIPTIONS/ACCESS FREE PRINT ISSUE Being Better [in Siouxland] 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 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 $19.99 [check, MC/Visa, or money order] for five issues.

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

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Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for great ideas, insights, and inspirations during your week!

Facebook.com/BeingBetterMagazine

Avocado egg by Magdanatka, hair guy guy by goodluz, and sliced cukes by Anna Sedneva/Shutterstock.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

LETTER / From the editor

Welcome to the storm.

W

hat if the absolute worst thing happened to you? Your life is going along fine and then, CRASH!, and life is 1000 miles away from fine. Nobody wants their life to be a train wreck, but what if it ends up putting you into a place that is better than you could imagine?

Better than before.

This issue, we took a look at some bad things and some hard things people in Siouxland have had to weather. It's always inspiring to see that when things are at their worst, people are at their best. A few years ago, when we had the flooding in Siouxland, my family and I experienced the kind of people that call this place home. People came out of the woodwork to help us sandbag our property. We didn't have to ask anyone - they were just there day after day.

We ended up needing around 30,000 sandbags for our home alone. It's easy to keep going when people are there with you. No one knows that better than some of the folks featured in this issue.

When the summer storms tore through Siouxland last June, many homes were hit hard. The Lantzs of South Sioux had major damage. But then this nice guy showed up and took care of their leaking roof and told them what to do. By the time it was over, he'd turned something bad into something good.

Better.

Then there's Phil and Stephanie Frieberg. No one ever wants to hear the word "cancer" from their doctor. After you read their story you may understand why he describes it as the best thing that ever happened to him.

The good news is, what these families experienced, you could too, because they tell you how they weathered the worst, and who was in their corner with them. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, their insight can set you up for success. That way, you can come out on the other side of the storms of life better than before they began.

Sounds like a pretty good trade off.

There is so much other fun, interesting, and delicious stuff in this issue, so I'll stop telling you about it and just let you go explore. Enjoy your summer!

Hope God blesses you like crazy!

So, can I just say I super hate to have my picture taken? Working with pictures of people for the magazine I get that people are so critical of themselves, BUT it's more than that for me. I am just not photogenic. You may think this photo is okay but understand it took me 57 tries to get this one. ONE. You should see some of the photos my family has of me. Yikes.

Just so I don't feel alone in this, I have a little challenge this summer. Check it out.

Worst photo challenge

This summer as you are out enjoying yourself someone will be taking pictures. Probably many people...from multiple angles. People always delete the bad pictures of themselves and keep only the good ones. I'm challenging you to email me your WORST photos...or at least the funny ones. Next issue we'll feature the best of the worst. And, I'll include my worst photo as well. I think.

Be brave and email them to me. Be nice-If you email one of someone else, have their permission.

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

Let's be better and not worry so much about how we look - just about whether we're having a good time while we look terrible. :)

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 / Summer 2018

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Healthy Living

Protection & Advocacy

No matter your age, good nutrition is essential for good health. We offer meals for those 60 and over that are delicious and nutritious.

We offer: Meals on Wheels (delivered to your home) Meals with friends (offered at Senior Centers) Frozen and shelf-stable meals that are delivered and easily prepared at home.

The focus of Connections AAA advocacy efforts is to educate seniors, their families, caregivers, and elected officials about the needs of older adults and to encourage seniors to advocate on their own behalf.

June is

Elder Abuse Awareness month.

See pg 50 for Elder Abuse signs.

Elder abuse can happen to anyone. It is one of the most under-recognized and underreported problems in the United States.

Legislative advocacy helps to secure support and funding for home and community-based services.

SHIIP Counselors give free, unbiased, and confidential information about Medicare.

The Connection To Resources For Older Iowans

800-432-9209 2301 Pierce St Sioux City, IA 51104

We help seniors be independent as long as possible by offering services and assistance in various ways:

The Service Navigation and Case Management Program for the frail elderly help seniors remain in their own homes.

The Information & Assistance Department plays an important role in connecting people to resources.

Our Housing Program manages four senior-designated apartment complexes. Seniors 62+ can enjoy an active life without the worries of home ownership. Rent is based on income, assets, and expenses.

Answering FAQs about topics like where to start looking for senior services, navigating Medicare and Social Security, and how to pay for services with limited funds.

We partner with the Iowa Family Caregiver Program, and we support their mission, "to make your caregiving role easier..." because "caregiving should not, cannot, and does not need to be done alone‌"

We provide Caregiver support by connecting you to resources in your community that may be of assistance to you and your loved ones.

Respite services are available to provide temporary relief for families of adults 60+ with special needs. Whether a few hours of care one time to overnight or extended care.

The Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren Program assists grandparents or relatives 55 or older who are caring for a child 18 years or younger.

Volunteer We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for everyone. We welcome individual volunteers as well as group service. Donate time, knowledge, services, and financial gifts to make the lives of our senior community bright.

Other Iowa Locations: 300 West Broadway, Suite 240 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Creston Office: 109 N Elm St Creston, IA 50801

Couple eating by Monkey Business Images and combing hair by Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Services for Independence

Caregiver Support

Ready to scale cliffs, flee machetes, and escape tsunamis?

Tales from the Tribe will pull back the jungle canopy to see what life as a missionary is really like for a Siouxland family serving in Papua New Guinea.

Now

Take a trip to the jungle to be inspired at home

BETTER

Tales from the Tribe is a missionsfocused devotional book that will inspire, challenge, and educate you through incredible true stories that come to life from the jungle to your home. Get ready to see, feel, and even taste what it’s like to be a missionary living in a tribal village with stories like: • ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and I Was Barefoot • Scaring Away the Spirits • The Trapped Parrot • The Lost Baby • How a Chicken Saved Christmas • Screams from a Stingray This book can be read straight through from beginning to end, in random order, or as a 35-day devotional study. It is a great tool for individual devotions and has been designed to work especially well in a small group study format.

Aaron Luse and his family moved from their home in Siouxland to the tropical jungle of Papua New Guinea in 2001 to work among the Patpatar people. He and his wife, Lori, have been involved in doing Bible translation, developing literacy programs and Bible curriculum, planting churches, and equipping leaders.

These daily devotions take a close look at the lessons, insights, and challenges found in God's Word and their relevance for each of us today.

You will be encouraged to make a difference on your side of the world and maybe on the other side as well.

Book available on Amazon, or save on the hardcover book and find out more at www.talesfromthetribe.com. For more info you can reach Aaron via email at aaron@talesfromthetribe.com.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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BETTER / Now

Nowhere to go Some What happens when a father suddenly finds himself with no where to call home? Whether through job loss, divorce, or other hardships, people can find themselves without a home and without hope.

In Siouxland, men with children now have a place to stay with their kids while they get back on their feet.

That place is the Single Men with Children Shelter at the Gospel Mission.

This brand new facilty has a fenced yard, family apartments, in-unit laundry machines, access to meals, and basic dry goods.

Partnering with local Siouxland agencies these men are given nutrition education, financial planning, early childhood development training, and spiritual guidance - everything needed to allow dads and kids to step into their future with hope.

To find out more, volunteer, or make a donation contact us.

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."

Proverbs 19:17

The Gospel Mission

P.O. Box 3745 Sioux City, IA 51102 712-255-1769 missions@thegospelmission.org

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Photo by altanaka/Shutterstock.com

The Gospel Mission is funded completely by donors, churches, and businesses. This facility exists soley because of God's blessing and because Siouxlanders care about their community and have given generously of their time and money.

BETTER Stuff Work stuff

I have a question. = I have 18 questions.

I’ll look into it. = I’ve already forgotten about it.

I tried my best. = I did the bare minimum.

Happy to discuss further. = Don’t ask me about this again.

No worries. = You really messed up this time.

Take care. = This is the last you’ll ever hear from me.

Cheers! = I have no respect for you or myself!

Source: thecooperreview.com

Pickled stuff

The average American eats over 8 lbs of pickles each year.

That means there is probably a jar in your fridge right now.

People probably pick pickles primarily for their piquant punch (because they taste good). But, pickles have a reputation for being a home remedy for things like PMS and hangovers, plus they have antioxidants that benefit your health. One caution before you crunch: pickles are higher in sodium.

Factoid: A peck of pickles is about 2 gallons.

BETTER / Now

Have a seat

The Adirondack is a chair that just screams summer. This is a modern take on the beach classic, but you can find varieties in traditional wood, or go for plastic or composite.

Lots of colors and prices exist to fit any budget. POLYWOOD® St Croix Modern Adirondack chair available at Target, $329.99

Clean stuff Need to clean a lot of stuff? You can use Clorox Anywhere for just about every hard surface-counter tops, bathtubs, toilet seats, door knobs, toys, whatever. It's gentle enough to use around kids, pets, and food, and it's color safe. Kills 99.9% of bacteria on hard surfaces. It's pretty great.

Pickles by Fascinadora, fan by Taeya18, and grovin' girl by mimagephotography/Shutterstock.com

Quotable stuff “Don't die old, die empty. That's the goal of life. Go to the cemetery and disappoint the graveyard.” ─Myles Munroe “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

─ Proverbs 3:5-6

Breezy stuff When you are enjoying the outdoors, don't let it get ruined by pesky flies and mosquitoes. Neither one likes a good stiff breeze so create one with a fan.

It will also keep you and your guests more comfortable in the heat.

“If plan A doesn't work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet.”

─ Unknown

Grovin' stuff

We know that moving to the beat can make us smile, but it may be a strong pick-me-up after the music stops.

Studies show that engaging in dance regularly not only made people happy in the moment but ongoing. Dance is showing a positive influence for people with depression.

Factoid: The sound you hear when you snap your fingers is not so much your fingers connecting but the sound of your middle finger hitting the base of your thumb.

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BETTER / Now

Tips & Trends Bridging the gap

There is a free lunch...or latte

Restore your confidence

A trend at the office is to hold monthly Lunch & Learns.

You get the staff (and maybe even your customers) together and bring in people who can educate them on various topics. Dr. Davis with Chiropractic First in Sioux City, and his staff even bring lunch for everyone. Or if you prefer a morning session it's Learn-a-Latte with coffee and breakfast goodies.

If you're missing a tooth (or two), you know how it affects your ability to eat, speak, and chew comfortably - not to mention how it impacts your confidence to smile and laugh.

If this is an issue, one of the docs at Family 1st Dental and Lilly Family Dentistry may recommend a dental implant.

Employers who regularly schedule learning events for their employees find that comraderie, productivity, and wellness are all positively impacted.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function, and appearance.

If you are interested in dental implants, contact Family 1st Dental in Sioux City or South Sioux City at www.familyfirstdental.com, or at Lilly Family Dentistry Sioux City at www.lillyfamilydentistry.com.

Ride the lime

Cost and time. Dr. Davis' presentation is free and he brings the food. The class runs less than an hour and can be flexible if employees have various break times.

Schedule a Lunch & Learn for your office with Dr. Cody Davis with Chiropractic First and get a perk (see pg 34 for details). To schedule a Lunch & Learn contact them at 712-560-8913. www.chiropracticfirstofiowa.com.

You can locate and rent a LimeBike in Siouxland. Riders can unlock the bike with a text message or by scanning a QR code with their phone.

Discounts are available for low-income riders and students.

LimeBike arrives this summer in Siouxland! The easily identifiable lime "smart bikes" are available to rent starting at just $1 for 30 minutes. Using their app, you locate a nearby bicycle and then rent it using a credit card or PayPal. There are no docking stations like other bike-sharing services so you can just park it where you get off for the next rider to use.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

LimeBike images courtesy of LimeBike. Office photo by wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

The implant is surgically implanted with a small titanium screw into your jawbone. The result is a new, realistic looking, feeling, and functioning tooth.

Dr. Davis' team gears each learning class to the nature of your work and what will best benefit your staff. For example, at a dentist's office they will discuss how chiropractic care can alleviate the symptoms of TMJ, a jaw misalignment requiring special treatment. They love giving everyone a posture evaluation, and sharing tips for staying mobile and pain free.

BETTER / Now

Drones. Their day jobs are pretty cool.

When drones came out, people had lots of ideas of what they thought they could be used for. Maybe delivering pizzas or our Amazon order. What professionals are using them for is really very practical and really pretty cool. One of those professionals, Brian Nickum of Geosphere Design Studio, has used them in some interesting ways.

Diet-friendly frying

According to Pinterest, this year "Pins" for diet-friendly frying are huge.

In fact, they show an increase in pins for "Air Fryer" are up 1809%! Air fryers use hot air instead of oil to deliver the crispy we all crave without all the fat.

Images: Farm by Brian Nickum. Roof by kritsada doungdao, golf course by John Wollwerth, and chips by DROBOT VIKTORIIA/Shutterstock.com. Air Fryer courtesy of Cozyna.

Air fryer tips

L

ast summer's storms led to many damaged roofs in Siouxland.

Somebody had to access those roofs to determine the extent of the damage.

In the past, some poor insurance agent had to get a ladder and check it out no matter how high or steep that roof was. Brian says, “Today, we can just fly the drone up there to take a look and everyone can be safe on the ground.”

Realistically, an air fryer is more like a convection oven than a fryer, so having an "oven" mentality is key.

Creating a better view. “If you

are selling a house or landscaping services, having a bird's eye view can help show great features in a new way.

Farmers can check on the well-being of livestock and crops much easier.

And for golfers, we can show them the landscape from tee to the hole.”

Seeing the big picture. Obviously,

using a drone to look at roof damage makes things easier and safer.

Sometimes there's really no other way to get the perspective on damage except from above it. Brian explains, “Imagine if you had crop damage like in the photo below. It would be difficult to convey the extent of damage with ground level photos. A shot overhead can make a huge difference.”

A business perspective.“Capturing photos or video snippets of the local area can add some personalization to your corporate "welcome" video, marketing collateral, or website for potential clients. Having original shots, such as a known landmark, downtown areas, or other local scenes, can help tell viewers that you are proud of your community and want to keep your business local. GDS can help you showcase your business. We have the appropriate FAA approval to fly in downtown areas to capture those unique shots.”

Give 'em some space In a fryer, you'd normally pile everything in the basket, but in an oven you wouldn't do that. Every item needs to be exposed to the heat so layer as little as possible. If you are cooking fish you might be able to do just 2 portions of salmon at a time. Some fryers have a rack so you can do a second layer.

Shake and bake If you are cooking fries or homemade potato chips you can pile them up a bit more, but make sure you shake the basket every few minutes to rearrange things and you'll get much more evenly cooked food.

Commercially licensed FAA UAS Remote Pilot. Drone photography and videography.

Licensed & Insured.

Geosphere Design Studio 712-490-2336. www.gdstudio.net www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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2

1

ways to stay safe

Watch the wee ones

this summer

According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, drowning is the second most common cause of death by unintentional injury. Kids under 5 are the most likely victims. The most likely source ─ a swimming pool. Be especially mindful when there are a lot of adults. Everyone gets distracted talking and parents let their guard down thinking nothing could happen with so many people around.

3

Grill smart

We like our meat on the “barbie,” and we all want to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.

Unfortunately that equals more people going to the E.R. with burns. Be cautious around fire pits and grills. It just takes one misstep for a little one (or the drunk one) to grab where they shouldn't.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Slather it on

What's lurking beneath the surface is not the biggest danger for beach goers this summer.

Sharks kill only about 10 people each year, but skin cancer claims more than 10,000. Use your sunscreen generously and reapply often.

4

Bug out

In the Midwest, ticks can be a real problem. People worry about getting Lyme disease which is something no one would want to have. To avoid ticks, stay out of areas with high grass, brush, and leaf clutter. If you are venturing in, wear long sleeves and long pants and make sure you have closed-toe shoes.

A hat doesn't hurt either. If you do find a tick that has attached itself to you, don't panic but pull it out firmly and quickly with a tweezers. Experts say if it's been attached less than 24 hours any disease transfer is less likely.

5

Dine cautiously

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food-borne illnesses peak in the summer months.

The combo of heat and humidity provide a prime breeding ground for bacteria to multiply rapidly.

When dining outside, don't let food sit out too long. Wash fruits and veggies well, cook meat thoroughly, and refrigerate food promptly.

Woman by David Chalongphum and shark by Digital Storm/ Shutterstock.com

Top 5

BETTER / Now

My best advice

CHRISTY KELLEY, LMT, RT LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST TOTAL WELLNESS

MY BEST ADVICE:

“Don't live with pain.”

“There is a misconception that massage is a luxury item or that it's just for relaxation or stress relief.

People are often surprised that it is also a therapy to reduce and rid pain and restore mobility.”

Not all massage is created equal “I specialize in clinical massage. People who are in pain come to me. Most of my clients come in for a specific issue and we spend time focusing on their problem area and the area that affects it. We set a goal and we work toward it.

Some massage therapists focus primarily on stress relief or relaxation massage.

Make sure you choose a massage therapist who provides what you want.”

Give yourself time “Just like physical therapy or exercise, the benefits of massage take time.

Don't expect immediate results and don't try to focus on too much at once. Whether you have chronic headaches, pain in your back, neck, shoulders, joints, post surgery pain, or whatever, for those who commit to the process, clients so often see the results they were looking for.”

Total Wellness Massage Therapy & Bodywork 3500 S. Lakeport St. Ste. C Sioux City, IA . 712-899-9640 E: TotalWellnessBodywork@gmail.com

Travis O’Connor CEO/TRAINER THRIVE FITNESS

BETTER / Now

experts in their field weigh in

KALYNN Sortino

Business and Entrepreneur Support Coordinator DOWNTOWN PARTNERS

MY BEST ADVICE:

MY BEST ADVICE:

“We are in the business of getting people more healthy and fit and we see how hard it is for adults to relearn new habits. Obesity is such an epidemic and that is a huge health risk. More than half of heart-related issues are due to the way we eat. Teaching kids now sets them up to make good choices that continue into adulthood.”

“This summer, downtown Sioux City will be filled with numerous fun and exciting opportunities for all ages.

From concert series and block parties, to art walks and multiple contests and games, downtown is the place to be all summer long!”

“Set kids up for health.”

Where to start “Set a good example. Take advantage of what is at your disposal. Take your kids or your dog for a walk. Go to the park with the kids and do everything they do. Play, have fun.”

Where things change “Learning about nutrition and how to make good choices and how to work out properly are important for a healthy life. Educate yourself and your kids and you'll see the benefits for all of you. It's truly an investment in their future.”

Sign up “Thrive Go is our kids’ 10-week summer program. Kids 4 to 17 years have fun learning life habits: how to respect and get along with others, exercise and how to do it properly, and understanding nutrition. We start good habits.”

For more information on Thrive Go contact: Thrive Fitness 707 North Derby Lane . No. Sioux City, SD 605-540-0211 . www.thrivefitness-sd.com

“Enjoy your downtown.”

Kicking things off “The Sioux City Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm through October 27th.

Thursday nights starting in June, DowntownLIVE will begin their concert series (4th & Nebraska) on Thursday, June 7th from 6 – 8 pm and retail businesses will be staying open as well! Food Truck Fridays begin on June 1st and will be located by Pearl Street Park (7th & Pearl).”

Take a ride “The trolley will be available Friday and Saturday nights throughout summer, and every Saturday night after September.”

For more information on all these events and more, follow us on Facebook, visit our website @ www.downtownsiouxcity.com, or give us a call - Downtown Partners, 712-252-0014.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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BETTER / Now

ARE YOU READY TO BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG? 14

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

There are nearly 30 Siouxland children waiting to be matched with a mentor. With just a few hours of your time each month, you can impact a child’s life for the better.

Forever.

CALL TODAY! 712-239-9890

BETTER

About to floor you

Why luxury vinyl tile is

Home

BETTER / Home

WITH Rachael DUNCAN

FASHION FLOORS CARPET ONE

Y

ou may think vinyl flooring went out with disco music and bell bottom pants, but the truth is it's made a classy comeback that rivals more expensive flooring options. Here's why this second look will have you doing a double-take.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Spring 2018

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BETTER / Home Pros

1.Durability. In spades. Plus, it

requires little to no maintenance.

2. Affordability. Yet with highquality styles like hardwood and tile.

3. Easy installation. Keeps installation costs down or you might even be able to install it yourself.

A

Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, rustic, country, modern, or something completely unique, there are lots of tile looks (including stone, ceramic, and porcelain) or hardwood styles (planks) - both in plenty of shades. You can choose flat, or some styles have a textured option for an even more realistic appearance.

s you look at these different floor options, one thing is the same.

Don't let your eyes deceive you -aw, what the heck...go ahead. They are all luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Not hardwood, not ceramic tile, or stone but vinyl.

There are basically three things that make LVT a great choice.

Cons So what's the downside? While luxury vinyl tile is coveted for its durability, up-scale style options, application ease, and (of course) cost, at the end of the day it's not really hardwood or stone. If having something real on your floors is important to you then skip LVT.

Planks of luxury vinyl tile lay together with natural-looking seams to replicate the look of hardwood. The surface of luxury vinyl tile is extremely resistant to scratches, stains, dents, and dings and it's highly protected from fading.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

BETTER / Home When it's a good fit for you If you need tough durability, this is a great choice. Warranties on LVT are 10 years or more - which is going to hold up a lot longer than say a laminate floor. Oh, did we mention the floor is waterproof?

If you don't want to deal with maintenance you've come to the right product. Once your LVT is down, that's pretty much it. This isn't the case with hardwood and certain types of tile flooring.

If you want it down quickly (and less expensively). The cost per square foot is considerably less than laying hardwood, ceramic, or stone. Plus there's not extensive preparation and you don't need skilled specialists to get it in. This is a good choice for the DIY crowd.

You can choose a tile with texture and depth, giving you the look and feel of a natural floor but at a lower price point.

Typically LVT has five layers to keep it protected and looking great. Its two-core layers resist most inconsistencies and sub-floor issues which makes for less prep work before it's laid.

If you are in the market for a durable, affordable, easy-to-install flooring, then luxury vinyl tile may be a style that will floor you. Come and see Rachael or one of the team no matter what your flooring needs.

Fashion Floors Carpet One 305 West 7th Street, Sioux City, IA 712-252-4382 www.fashionfloorscarpet1siouxcity.com

STORE HOURS Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9:00am - 5:30pm Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm Sunday Closed

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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BETTER / Home Making the

“Awww”possible

Fact. The Siouxland Humane Society finds homes for 100% of the adoptable pets that are brought in.

How to stop ruining the stuff you love Don't let this

become this

How is this possible? Volunteers.

Humane Society's volunteer manager Kelly Erie says, "We almost need an army of volunteers to put on our fundraisers, take pets on outings, and help with day-to-day activities."

Fact. About 3,000 animals come to the Humane Society each year.

Fact. You can help.

Those 14 years and up can help. Call or go online today to sign up.

Once you're approved, follow through and get there!

The Right Place, All the Right Pets, Always The Right Thing To Do! Check out volunteer opportunities at www.siouxlandhumanesociety.org.

Click the “Get Involved” tab. 712-252-2614.

Open Tues-Sat 10– 5, Sun Noon – 5.

1015 Tri-View Ave., Sioux City, IA.

18

FastFrame . 1929 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, IA . 712-224-2140 Open Mon-Fri 10 - 6 & Sat 10 - 4 www.fastframesiouxcity.com . email: erosston@cableone.net Let Ed help you frame your art and images to make sure they last a lifetime.

A

t this very moment every photograph you cherish and every piece of artwork hanging in your home is fading. All of it.

The bad news is that there is no way to stop it. Not completely. The good news is that you can slow the process down.

Depending what you do, it could slow it down a lot...or you may unknowingly be speeding up the process.

We spoke with Ed Rosston at FastFrame in Sioux City. Ed explains, "Many people think because they have their photos and art framed that they are protected. The problem is that everyday frames offer no UV protection and any surface (matting, mounting board, and glass or acrylic covering) may be creating or allowing deterioration and fading.”

What's the problem Ed warns, “Fading is caused primarily by light, heat, and humidity. Damage from light is caused by UV rays. Light damage from sunlight or indoor lighting is cumulative and irreversible, so once it's faded there's no fixing it. When things get too hot you get thermal aging which makes your images yellow and crack. Without glazing, pollutants in

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

our environment also take their toll (cleaning fumes, cooking residue, candle and air freshener vapors, etc.).”

How to slow down the process.

“To protect your framed images as much as possible, your glass or acrylic should have optimal conservation properties (blocking 98%-99% of UV rays). You can get anti-reflective, non-glare, or clear glazing with this conservation property.”

Art and photos framed under acrylic or glass glazing will slow down aging and fading as much as possible. Conservation glass comes in various styles and blocks 98%-99% of damaging rays. You can see how Museum Glass almost appears invisible with no glare.

Ed adds, “For photos and art that are important enough for people to frame, it's devastating to see them get ruined.

We want to take a few easy steps to push that out as long as possible.”

Framing photos by Mark Karrer. Pets by absolutimages/Shutterstock.com

What is the biggest need when there's so many pets? Volunteers. Kelly stresses, "We need people who sign up and show up. We always have need for people to come in and love on the animals - walking them, reading to them, brushing them. Some volunteers take them to nursing homes and to public places where they can be seen. Some foster a pet in their home while they are nursing pups or going through a health issue.

BETTER / Home

How to visualize

Your perfect space WITH C&C LAWN CARE

Y

ou can see yourself out on your patio with your family, winding down after a hard day, catching up with one another. It's perfect in your dream. But when the reality is a tangle of weeds, overgrown bushes, or a barren wasteland it can be hard to visualize the details. Or, maybe you have your space landscaped but you are having trouble seeing beyond what's there to what could be.

Even if you know exactly what you want, it can be challenging to understand all it will take to make your dream yard a reality.

Curt Vonhagel at C&C Lawn Care has some ideas on how to define your vision - and how to make it a reality.

Curt says, “Ask yourself a few questions.”

Family photo by Oleksandr Briagin/Shutterstock.com

What's the point? “How will you use the space most often? Will it be a place for you and your spouse to relax and have coffee in the morning, or will it be a place to

C & C Lawn Care, Inc. . 712-255-7888 www.candcfertilizer.com . E: vonhagels@yahoo.com

entertain lots of family and friends. Maybe both. Will kids be a factor? Think through different scenarios and list most frequent needs and desires before lesser uses. Depending on budget and space this will help you make decisions and prioritize projects.”

What's the lay of the land? “Think about the location of your space. You may be limited where your landscaping happens, but you may need to make allowances for where the sun hits at certain times of the day. This will definitely be a factor when you choose plantings. Also think about things like visibility to neighbors which may be great if you're creating a beautiful flower gardens but not so great if you want some private time.”

What's your style? “What you're creating should be a reflection of you and it should pair well with the style of your home. People often start with a design from a book (we have several catalogs to get the project concept), but adding your own twist will make it truly yours. People may start out wanting it to be just like photos they see, but after discussing their unique thoughts for the space with us, we're able to make suggestions that lead to something better. Their vision comes into focus and they are so much happier.”

What's your budget? “You need to know not only how This family-friendly patio design created by C&C Lawn Care features a fireplace, hidden wall lighting, built-in dining table, sitting wall, and barnwood-look patio pavers.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

19

BETTER / Home much money you have to spend but also how much time you can budget for the project. A common misconception is how long projects will take. Rome wasn't built in a day and your landscaping project likely won't be either. Communication is key with your landscaper, especially if you have changes or problems along the way. For a project of any length, weather delays are almost inevitable.

“Knowing what you can spend will help you make decisions much quicker. A budget will help you prioritize elements, choose materials appropriately, or break the project into phases.”

Curt encourages homeowners not to get overwhelmed. “If you are having trouble pulling your vision together, get some

Knowing how you'll use your space will help you make some decisions. For a personal space that's cozy and quiet you may opt for taller more dense plantings and a small deck. If you love to garden but need space for the kids to run, defined spaces may be the answer.

help to think it through. Even if you have no idea what it will cost or exactly what you'd like to do, we can come out and talk through your ideas, options, and get you in the ball park on price. We want to help you get your dream yard realized.”

Curt and Chad with C&C Lawn Care can take care of all your lawn needs from fertilization and planting flower beds to major landscaping and patio design projects. They'll help you think through your plans and offer suggestions to save time, money, and stress. Their goal is to give you an outdoor area you'll love for years.

C & C Lawn Care, Inc. . 712-255-7888 www.candcfertilizer.com . E: vonhagels@yahoo.com

What to know before you buy

WITH CHARESE YANNEY, Guarantee Roofing, Siding, & Insulation Co., LLC.

B

eautiful windows are a surefire way to boost the appearance of your home, business, or commercial property. Weighing functionality, aesthetics, placement, price, and efficiency can be challenging.

Luckily, simply understanding some

20

terminology will help you make your decision. Charese Yanney with Guarantee Roofing, Siding & Insulation Company defines some often-used words and phrases to grasp before you go window shopping: Window glazing. “The actual glass in a window is called glazing. Older windows have a single pane of glass within each frame. It's a traditional style, but it’s not energy-efficient.

Double-glazed windows feature two panes of glass in a frame. The gap between the panes acts as a layer of insulation. It improves the window's ability to maintain the building's temperature. Some newer structures have triple-glazed windows. These are more expensive, but they provide additional insulation benefits.”

R-values. “R-values measure the amount of heat a window loses through its glass panes. Higher R-values mean more energy efficiency.

An R-value of three is very desirable."

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Guarantee has been

serving Siouxland for 90 years, specializing in roofing, siding, insulation, and other home and commercial renovation and repair.

Guarantee Roofing, Siding & Insulation 2005 4th St., Sioux City, IA . 712-277-3981 www.guaranteeroofing.com

U-values. “U-values tell you the level at which a window conducts heat.

The lower the U-value, the better. For wintry climates, choosing replacement windows with strong R-value and U-value ratings help conserve energy.”

UV factors. “Blocking UV rays will spare your carpets and furniture from sun damage.”

Argon Gas.“Double-pane windows can be filled with argon gas to help insulate a room and minimize the transfer of heat through the window.

It's colorless, odorless, and not harmful if it were to leak out. Argon gas is denser than air so it insulates better. Some companies fill with less, around 75%, while others fill to 98%.”

Window couple by oneword, Black table by Hannamariah and single chair image by Olga Miltsova/Shutterstock.com

Window shopping?

Gearing up

for summer

5 tips

to keep sports gear organized, accessible, and adventure ready You've got a lot of activities planned this summer. Let's take a little time to get everything organized so plans can go smoothly.

Take a look at your garage, basement, or storage shed.

Do you even know where the camping gear is? Can you get at the golf clubs? Where did all the baseball stuff end up?

Image by Phovoir/Shutterstock.com

If you need some help, Smarter Spaces has some tips to get things arranged so you are ready for a carefree summer!

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Spring 2018

21

BETTER / Home

Gearingforupsummer

T

ired of always searching for your children’s sporting gear or your wife’s golf shoes? It’s time to make a plan and get your sport's gear organized.

Gina Jepsen with Smarter Spaces offers some expert tips to take your garage from frustration to organization.

Smarter Spaces . Sioux City, IA .

Contact us for a free estimate at 712-274-3911 or www.smarterspaces.space Smarter Spaces does more than just garageslike closets, pantries, home and commercial offices, mudrooms, and any other space that you need help with design and storage ideas.

Before

1 2 3

It only makes sense to keep everything you'll need for one activity together, so make sure every sport has a place. Bats with mitts and balls. Fishing poles with tackle box, hip waders, and stringers.

Stow away out-of-season gear. Some sports aren’t year-round, so equipment like ice skates or snow skis can be hung or stored until it’s time to use them in the winter.

For the serious four-season athlete, your garage or basement is likely to get cluttered quickly once the next sport season comes along. Rotating items, and keeping in-season gear most accessible, will encourage little ones (and adults too!) to put their gear away after use — instead of leaving it to pile up on the garage floor.

Get a vision and create a system that works. Incorporating shelves, bins, racks, and wall units will get you organized like a boss. (If you need some help, call us at Smarter Spaces.)

Inside track

After 22

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Winter 2018

Photos courtesy of Smarter Spaces

As you sort through your sports gear remember that organizations like YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and Special Olympics are always in need of usable equipment.

BETTER / Home duffel bag in the car just for shoes, and save yourself unneeded clean up.

Sports gear is expensive — clean and safe organization protects your investment, and your fun! There are a number of ways to keep your garage organized all year long, ranging from simple shelves, to custom-made cabinets, to wall-mounted storage systems. The possibilities are endless.

4

Keep camping gear together for ease of packing. Store sleeping bags in breathable bags to prolong life and comfort, or better yet, turn them inside out and hang them. Washing and hanging tents to dry before storage will avoid mildew and rot. Always be sure to keep fuels and flammables out of the house, and remove batteries and anything that can melt (looking at you candles!) if your garage tends to be hot.

5

The garage is a good place for sportsrelated footwear, but so is the laundry room, mudroom, or an entryway when adequate storage is available. Don’t forget that shoes can get muddy — keep a

Top: Slat walls are a step up from peg board. Quickly arrange and position shelves, hooks, and brackets to accommodate all your gear for one activity.

Above: Cupboards are the perfect way to store equipment together and out of sight.

Below: Open access to tubs make a great place to store balls and bulky items together.

Smarter Spaces offers a broad selection of cabinets allowing you to customize the look of your garage.

They offer nearly 200 standard garage cabinet sizes including blind corner cabinets, center-divided tall cabinets, and sink bases.

Their cabinetry is extra deep and can even be installed with sliding doors to protect your vehicle from swinging doors.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

23

BETTER / Home

The coolest stuff in window treatments WITH PAM KALLSEN JCPENNEY DECORATOR CONSULTANT

I

f you have a home then it's almost a given you need to have window treatments. Even if you like the view, sometimes you need some lighting control and privacy. Today, there are some cool updates, particularly for window blinds.

Pam Kallsen, Decorator Consultant with JCPenney, walked us through some options Hunter Douglas offers. . “Across the board, cords are going away. Some blinds can be positioned easily by hand or there are some interesting powered versions. . “Hunter Douglas has something called SoftTouch™ motorization. Pull the wand and your shade goes down. Tap the wand up and the shade follows. . “For those who want complete control, they offer PowerView®. This is fully motorized and controlled from your iPad or remote control. You can set up different scenarios so with one touch you can have one or multiple shades comply. You may have multiple settings programed - one for morning, one for evening, an option for when you're doing yoga, and another when you're eating dinner. You can even program settings to happen automatically. .“Hunter Douglas has a great app called The Art of Window Dressing. It allows you to use a picture of your own windows to see what all the different blind options look like on it. You can easily view different styles and colors so you can make the best choice for your taste and needs.

Right now, it's only for iPad or iPhone users. I do free home consultations, so for those who want to use it I'm happy to walk them through it - and all the other cool options.”

Hunter Douglas Silhouette shades with their exclusive PowerView® control system.

1 2 3

If your windows need an update, contact Pam Kallsen, Decorator Consultant, at JCPenney at the Sioux City, IA, store at Southern Hills Mall. She can show you lots of options even for challenging window styles. Reach her at 712-276-2747 ext. 287 or email her at pkallsen@jcp.com Free in-home consultation.

24

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Heating & Cooling

Blinds image courtesy Hunter Douglas

4

BETTER / Home

Getting back to better

After the storm WITH ROYALTY ROOFING & RENOVATIONS

Royalty Roofing & Renovations Sioux City & Omaha Call us (402) 216-8850 General: info@royaltyroofing.org Price Quotes: quote@royaltyroofing.org Sales: sales@royaltyroofing.org

Storm- damaged fence & shed

Right: The Lantz's home after the 2014 Labor Day storm tore through their neighborhood.

Above and below: Larry & Kathy's restored home, better than before.

D

o you remember what you were doing Labor Day Sunday, 2014?

Larry & Kathy Lantz of South Sioux City know

After photos by Mark Karrer

all too well.

As the weather began getting worse and worse that day, Larry discovered he couldn't open his back door because the storm was creating a vacuum. Fearing a tornado was coming, they headed for the basement.

Moments later their yard and roof had over $60,000 worth of damage.

A short time later, Kyle Guthmiller was heading home from church and

saw the Lantzs and other neighbors standing outside. Kyle stopped to see if everyone was alright and if they needed help. Everyone was okay, but they weren't sure what to do. Several roofs were heavily damaged and exposed to the elements. Kyle told the Lantzs he'd be right back.

It just so happened that Kyle and his brother Nick own Royalty Roofing and Restoration. They rounded up their crew and headed back and began securing tarps on the damaged roofs.

Cleaning up. The Lantzs hired Kyle's team (who leads the Sioux City crew) to replace the damaged roof, but it didn't stop there.

Rebuilt shed & fence Larry said, “We had contracted with another company to do our siding work. After they got started it was a complete disaster! The crew was unreliable and it was a mess. Nick saw what was going on and stepped in. They were able to pay off the other

Storm-damaged yard (above) & roof (below).

company and they took over. That was the best thing that happened to us. They fixed it and finished it up including the soffit, fascia, and gutters. They also redid our fence and rebuilt our shed.

They took very good care of us.”

Storm advice. Kyle says, “After a big storm, contractors come out of the woodwork. Whoever you hire, it's always best if they are local and have a good reputation around town. If they aren't somebody who will be around after the storm, beware.”

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

25

BETTER / Home

Who you're not if you drive one of these

I

f you ask people what kind of person drives a Ram truck, you'll hear things like "intimidating," "take-no-bull," "aggressive," and a few other adjectives that shouldn't be said

in polite company.

While the answers vary, the same idea emerges: lazy, wimpy people don't buy them. Colorful, interesting, rugged, rough and tumble, get-thingsdone people buy them.

Jensen Dealerships treat the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We feature both new and used cars and offer financing and service on all our vehicles. Come visit us in LeMars or Sioux City on Stadium Drive, or online at jensendealerships.com

2018 DODGE JOURNEY

2018 JEEP CHEROKEE

*Some *Some restrictions restrictions may may apply. apply. See See dealer dealer for for details. details.

2018 RAM 4X4 1500 BIG HORN CREW

712-546-8833 1258 Lincoln St. SW Le Mars, IA

Pictures for illustrations only. Actual vehicle may vary. Includes all factory rebates and incentives. Must finance through Chrysler Capital. See dealer for details..

26

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Tread graphics by Double Brain and Top Ran Rebel photo by Ed Aldridge/Shutterstock.com

RAM Rebel TRX releases in 2019

WITH JENSEN DEALERSHIPS

However, don't confuse that terminology to uncouth and unprofessional. Climb in one and you'll see that it's one classy cab.

Jensen Dealerships, who know their consumers, understand why they sell so many. “Consumer Reports, Car & Driver, and Edmunds all tout it as one of the most comfortable-riding full-sized pickups on the market. And, with its V6 and V8 options, it can handle whatever tow-it, haul-it, grunt work you've got.

“Bundle that with its modern interior, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and lots of styles and customization options, and it's easy to see how driving a Dodge Ram checks all the boxes for the bold. How do I know? Because I’m Jensen.”

on your child's vision WITH DR. JANET FETT

Body

Keeping a watchful eye

BETTER

We all want our children to succeed, but vision problems could be a major factor. Dr. Fett with Kincaid, Fett & Tharp Vision Source walks us through some key insights to focus on.

Birth to age 3

“At birth a child has to learn to see just like they learn to walk and talk. Their visual system is being developed. Our goal from birth to three years is to make sure nothing is interfering with how the child is learning to see. Even though a child can't tell us what's wrong, by just examining the eye we are able to identify many problems.”

Preschool to 2nd grade

“The goal of our eye exam is looking for things that are not allowing the eye to focus accurately and that the eyes work, or "team," together. Now that the child is able to respond, we can get more details about how they see.”

3rd grade on up

Photo by Serhiy Kobyakov/Shutterstock.com

“We can learn a lot more once a child is reading. We look at how they read and how they process that. Some may have trouble processing visual information. Sometimes problems aren't vision based but another issue - like dyslexia.”

Don't wait to have eyes examined

“Success in school is largely based on the ability to see well. 80% of learning is typically done visually, yet one out of five children have a vision problem that limits them from performing in school. We hear a lot about literacy, but if you can’t see, how can you read and understand?”

Drs. Kincaid, Fett & Tharp Your Vision Source OPTOMETRISTS will help keep a watchful eye on you and your child's vision. Schedule an appointment today.

402-494-5533 1000 W. 29th St. Ste., 302 . So. Sioux City, NE www.visionsource-kftvision.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

27

Brain benders

BETTER / Body

Top down

A.

B.

C.

D.

Choose the right view from the top of the pyramid.

Riddle me this

Can you answer each of these riddles?

1. What loses its head in the

morning and gets it back at night?

The beach scene

2. What can you hold in your right hand but not in

These tropical beaches may look the same but there are 5 subtle differences. Can you find them all?

your left?

3. What rock group has four men that don't sing?

4. When you need me you throw me away. When

you're done with me you bring me back. What am I?

What am I?

I have seas with no water.

I have buildings with no brick.

I have deserts without sand.

I have forests with no wood.

What am I?

Matchstick madness

Move 3 matchsticks to make 3 identical triangles.

How's it done?

A famous magician claimed to be able to throw a ping-pong ball a short distance, have it stop in mid-air, and reverse direction. He stated he would not tie anything to it or bounce it off any object. How is that possible?

28

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

ANSWERS

Riddle me this: 1) A pillow. 2) Your left hand. 3) Mt. Rushmore 4) An anchor 5) The letter "e" Beach scene: different color of flower center, missing wing end, black rectangle on plane's underbelly, ticket missing the plane symbol, and shortened palm branch on tallest tree.

What am I: It's a map.

Top down: C How's it done? He threw the ball straight up.

Images: Flower stump by Caramel_3A, matchstick by Viktorija Reuta, headless by studiostok, and beach plane by Vadim Georgiev/Shutterstock.com

5. I am the first on the earth, second in heaven.

I appear twice in a week but you can only see me once in a year. What am I?

Baby on board Surrogacy is evolving and online

WITH BRITTNEY BELDIN R.N. OF SIOUXLAND OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY PC

BETTER / Body

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

no genetic connection to the baby but just grows the baby. The couple wanting the child provides both the egg and the sperm.”

The process. It's like dating

M

eet Siouxlanders Brittney Beldin and her husband, Eric.

They have three kids and Brittney is pregnant again.

The thing is, it's not “ Eric's baby. Before you cringe, you should know: it's also not Brittney's.

Brittany is a nurse at Siouxland Obstetrics & Gynocology, PC and she sees couples that want children so much but aren't able to conceive them for various reasons. Brittney wanted to help.

“After having three beautiful children so easily, I just thought it would be selfish not to do this for someone else.” After talking over the idea with her husband, they made the decision to give the biggest gift possible to another couple and become a surrogate. They started what would be over a year-long journey to getting pregnant.

Couple with baby image by Uber Images/Shutterstock.com

What surrogacy means

Dr. Hannah Dewald explains, “In general, surrogacy is carrying a baby for someone else who is unable to get pregnant and carry the pregnancy on their own. In the past, traditional surrogacy meant the surrogate became pregnant with her own egg. Because the surrogate was biologically the baby's mother, if she decided she didn't want to give the child up at some point, there were a lot of moral and legal issues. That is rarely done today.

“Now, a gestational surrogate is the norm. That means the mother has

There are many surrogacy agencies that facilitate the process. Most have similar requirements for surrogates like age and weight limits, having had a successful pregnancy, and being financially stable.

Brittney and Eric researched for the best agency that would meet their needs. The process starts by each side filling out a profile (kind of like a dating site) and registering with the agency.

Brittney said, “It's not a fast process for a couple trying to find a surrogate or for the person offering to be one.

We spent over a year going through the screening process, background checks, psych evals, tons of blood work (for my husband too), and records of past pregnancies to make sure I was going to be healthy enough.

“Once you're approved you make some choices to narrow down what couple might be a good fit. I got sent five profiles. The reason I chose our couple was because their story was so sad. They were my first pick. They picked me as well. They told us they spent two years looking for me.”

Going all in

The doctors of Siouxland Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC. From left, Dr. Melissa Holtz, Dr. Tauhni Hunt, Dr. Paul Eastman, Dr. Angela Aldrich, and Dr. Hannah Dewald.

has heard other stories. “Parents are worried about their child and they have to trust a stranger, and they have no control. Some are demanding, some will hover, and some won't care all that much about you. We do have a case manager that runs interference on both sides to keep things as smooth as possible.”

In the end

“People ask whether I will be able to give the baby up to the parents when I give birth.” Brittany smiles, “Yes. We went into this knowing this was not our baby.

“The other day the parents got cupcakes to find out the sex of the baby. They were pink. I was so excited for them. Eric and I feel that we are doing something completely amazing for someone else. We get the privilege of completing someone else's family.”

There is a lot of time spent getting to know each other before the final decision is made. There are online chats and face-to-face meetings, even if couples are states or continents apart. The actual transfer is done on the parents' turf. The birth in the surrogate's town.

In between, communication happens frequently. Brittney is part of a surrogacy chat group.

While her baby's parents have been wonderful, she www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

29

BETTER / Body

Laughter Laughter is the

best medicine.

Why teachers are glad it's summer!

You are a librocubicularist if you read in bed. (Say that 10 times fast...or just once.)

Better perspective Improve your way of thinking

[Skin deep

Skin is the body's largest organ. It defends against bacteria, viruses, pollution, and chemical substances.

[Get some shut-eye

Research has shown that sleep quality impacts skin function and aging. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

[Take a shot

You know the drill - especially in the hot summer months. Apply a shot glass size of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

[Splish splash

Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from our skin. Limit bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.

[Below the surface

What we eat is so important to skin health and vitality. A variety of fruits and veggies provide skin key nutrients. Try mangoes for antioxidants to help protect components of the skin, like collagen. Tomatoes have skin cancer-prevention benefits. One study in mice revealed that daily tomato consumption decreased the development of skin cancer by 50% after UV light exposure.

30

Q. Teacher: I hope I didn't see you looking at John's exam?

A. Student: I hope you didn't either.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) was Britain's Prime Minister during World War II. Churchill was famous for his stubborn resistance to Hitler during the darkest hours of the second world war and was a great orator - motivating others to action and to persevere no matter what.

Q. Teacher: Answer my question quickly - What is 22 + 43?

A. Student: Quickly.

Q. Teacher: Convert this statement into future tense: I killed a person.

A. Student: You will go to jail.

In the know

[Almost] worthless facts.

According to sleep.org, walruses can go 84 hours without sleeping. Giraffes and horses cat nap, which totals just a couple of hours a day. Sheep and elephants hit the hay about 4 hours.

The closest living relative to a T. rex is a chicken.

Factretriever.com says true crabs can walk slowly in any direction, but when they need to hurry, they usually move sideways. Some crabs have teeth in their stomachs.

Perseverance

“Kites rise highest against the wind not with it.”

“It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.”

“If you're going through hell, keep going.”

“Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm.”

The southern cricket frog can jump to a height of 60 times its body length. That's like a person jumping a 38-story building.

An elephant can't jump, and neither can rhinos or hippos. However, when rhinos and hippos run, all four feet could be off the ground.

Not so with the elephant.

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

“Never, never, never give up.”

Elephant by Dennis Cox, Comic by Cartoon Resource, kite flying by Gregory Johnston, I can by tomertu, legs by Maridav, and tomatoes by Mikhail Martynov/Shutterstock.com

Body of Knowledge

On the front lines for some of people's worst days

BY AMY BUSTER

1 in 5

Adults and teens are dealing with mental health issues.

Elderly man by By Dmytro Zinkevych and worried woman by abd/Shutterstock.com

I

Who should call?

“In 2017, the mobile crisis response team received 212 phone calls. We get calls from law enforcement, jail/ probation, school systems, individuals seeking help themselves, concerned family members/parents, doctor's

Mobile Crisis Response Team

assists both adults and youth in 11 counties in Nebraska. They support not only the person dealing with the mental health issue but also the family, law enforcement, schools, and doctor offices.

Crisis line open 24/7.

If a person is feeling suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic, call our crisis numbers.

In Northeast Nebraska call 877-958-7776 or 402-494-7655.

According to the CDC

t is one of the worst moments of someone's life. When the phone rings for the Mobile Crisis Unit, it truly can be life or death.

Jennifer Jackson, Heartland Counseling's executive director oversees the operation. “We might get a phone call on our crisis line from a parent saying that they have a 29-yearold son who is saying he wants to kill himself.

“We’ll explain that we have two options. Option number one is that we, the mobile crisis unit, can come out to their home and do an assessment. We will have to contact law enforcement and have them there with us for safety reasons when we do the assessment. Or, option two would be to have the parent drive their son to our offices and we can conduct the assessment there in a controlled environment.”

Formed in 2012, the mobile crisis unit assists both adults and youth in 11 counties in Nebraska. Jennifer says, “We wrap services around clients to keep them safe.” And the cost? Jennifer adds, “They don’t have to pay a thing.”

BETTER / Body

#2

In Western Nebraska call 877-488-9928 or 402-336-9928.

Suicide is the #2 cause of death for people ages 15-34 in IA, NE, & SD.

Heartland Counseling Services, Inc.

According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

offices, churches, and therapists.

Jennifer explains, “I could get a call from a doctor and he shares with me that he is treating an older gentleman who has had a life-long struggle with depression. He was seeking counseling and medication to deal with the problem, but then his wife passed away. He confided to his doctor that he simply did not want to live anymore.

He stopped taking his meds, had been drinking, his home was a mess, and he was isolated. We would send the mobile crisis unit out to meet with the gentleman. We would show the gentleman how to cook crock-pot meals, as his wife had done all of the cooking during their marriage. We would help him find a person who

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services No insurance necessary!

917 W. 21st St., South Sioux City, NE 402-494-3337

www.heartlandcounselingservices.org

could assist with his housekeeping needs. We would make sure he had his doctor appointments made for seeing his psychiatrist, and that he was able to get his medications refilled. Later we'd see that he was taking them regularly as prescribed, and see if he could make it to any area substance abuse meetings.”

When you should call

Jennifer stresses, “If a person is having any suicidal thoughts at all, feeling hopeless or like they just don’t want to live anymore, hurting someone else, so depressed that they can’t get out of bed, or if a person is totally irritable all of the time, it’s probably time to reach out for help. Call the crisis number (above). It is manned 24/7.

We will do all that we can to help get a person the services or things they need to start to feel better.”

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

31

BETTER / Body

It's complicated

A

55-year-old woman fell on her shoulder. It didn't seem to be any big deal and nothing was broken, but something was wrong.

She had a lot of nerve pain, her arm was swollen, and she had a tingling, burning sensation all the way to her finger tips. She also lost the hair on her arm and the skin became shiny.

After seeing her primary doctor for

four months, she was sent to Midwest Pain Clinics.

PA David Welch said, “She had something called complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS. We gave her a stellated ganglion injection followed by physical therapy and she actually resolved.

“The cause of CRPS isn't completely understood. It typically occurs as a result of forceful trauma or an injury to an arm or a leg. However, other issues like surgery, heart attack, infections, and even a blood draw could be the trigger.

“We've seen a few work comp issues.

The injury they initially sustained had healed but they're still unable to use their arm because it's immobile or so painful.

“CRPS is uncommon. Sometimes

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32

WITH MIDWEST PAIN CLINICS

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Midwest Pain Clinics . 211 Sioux Point Rd., Suite 200 . Dakota Dunes, SD, 57049 605-242-3456 . www.midwestpainclinics.com

Dr. Cook (third from right), David Welch, PA (center), and nurse practitioner Amy Klimisch (third from left) and their staff work together so you can participate in life again.

it will resolve on its own, but other times it can become chronic and debilitating. Treatment is most effective when it's started early.”

Business people by Monkey Business Images and Shoulder pain image by Doro Guzenda/Shutterstock.com

Pain can be a complex issue

BETTER / Body

When things are

Getting hairy

S

eeing too much hair in your comb or brush, or too much of your scalp is something very few people take well. Our hair is part of who we are and when it gets scarce so can our confidence.

The big question is, can you stop the fall out and get your hair growing again?

The answer is a resounding maybe.

Woman by SpeedKingz and guy by goodluz/Shutterstock.com. Product by Mark Karrer.

What's causing the fallout?

There are several reasons a person's hair can fall out: family history, medical conditions, and stress just to name a few.

What's going on up there It's normal to lose 30 to 100 hairs a day. The average person has around 100,000 hair follicles (slightly more or less depending on hair color), so a hundred a day won't make a dent.

That is if they are growing back after they fall out. Each hair follicle goes through a cycle - it grows, rests, sheds, and regrows.

Hair loss occurs when this cycle of

hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle dies and scar tissue forms.

Preventative measures

• Avoid tight hairstyles.

• Don't twist, rub, or pull your hair compulsively.

• Avoid harsh treatment via brushing, styling, and harsh hair products and chemicals.

• Review medications and supplements that could cause hair loss.

• Protect your hair from UV light including the sun.

• Stop smoking. Some studies show a link between smoking and baldness in men.

Hair fall solutions Everyone's situation is different. If you are worried that your hair loss is excessive, it's not a bad idea to see your doctor or dermatologist.

If you have cancer and will be undergoing chemotherapy, the Mayo Clinic says to ask your doctor about a cooling cap. “This cap can reduce your risk of losing hair during chemotherapy.”

One newer option making headlines for restoring hair loss is in the Monat hair care line. Monat is a salon-quality shampoo and hair care line that has only been around for a few years. More and more reports are popping up with people all over the nation seeing hair regrowth who are using the products.

In Siouxland, we heard the story of a young girl in college who was very stressed out, and her hair started falling out. A stylist who had just started carrying the line gave her some products to try. To both their surprise, her hair stopped falling out and has completely grown back.

Another woman who had gone through cancer was concerned when her hair growth was almost non-existent. After she started using the Monat shampoo her hair began "growing like crazy," she reported.

Joann, a 77-year-old Siouxland woman found her hair was getting very thin and sparse. Her granddaughter got her the volumizing system. It not only made her hair look so much fuller, but she saw it start filling back in with new growth.

If you are concerned about thinning hair, see your doctor, and maybe give Monat a shot and things may get a little hairy...where they should be.

Locally, you can order Monat products from Jess Steele in Emerson, NE. Call her with questions or to place your order at 712-253-8574 or order online at www.jesswin20.mymonat.com Monat's Intense Repair Shampoo and Intense Repair Treatment are touted as effective for hair regrowth.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

33

BETTER / Body

The shoe may fit but...should you wear it?

4501 Southern Hills Dr. Sioux City, IA 712-276-8087 Facebook: PeakSC/ Sun: 12-5 . Mon-Thur: 10-8 . Fri & Sat: 10-6

WITH JIM EWOLDT - PEAK PERFORMANCE Jim Ewoldt, owner of Peak Performance holds one of their many styles of shoes.

Below: A customer goes through a Standing Gait Analysis to determine her foot type.

J

Present this coupon and your first visit is just

What do you look at?

“We do a Standing Gait Analysis to determine your foot type. We look at things like your arch height, the bone alignment, how you walk, how your knees track, and your balance. After that we can show you which of our three shoe types you should consider.”

$20 or

What are the benefits?

“When you get the correct type of shoe that matches your foot, two things happen. One, you'll get more life out of the shoes, and two, you cut back the risk of injuries associated with an ill-fitting shoe. Our process takes just a few minutes and that knowledge can make a big difference.”

Dr. Cody Davis and we'll give that to a Siouxland charity First visit includes: consulation, exam, x-rays (if needed) + relaxing therapies!

Your $20 is donated to our monthly local charity.

Spots limited so schedule yours now!

Set up a Lunch & Learn (see pg 10 for more information)

at your office (or get your boss to do it) and you'll get your first visit free! www.ChiropracticFirstOfIowa.com

34

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Chiropractic First of Iowa 4242 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 712-560-8913

Lunch & Learn sign by ducu59us, Scissors by Artizarus/Shutterstock.com. Peak Performance images by Mark Karrer.

im Ewoldt with Peak Performance hears it often. “When we ask people when the last time they had their foot measured, most can't remember because it's been so long. And people are often wrong about their size. Our feet change over the years.”

And that's just the beginning of people getting not only shoes that don't fit all that well, but shoes that are not right for their feet.

Jim explains, “There are other things we gauge besides size that should be assessed to determine the right shoe.

Life

Yep.

BETTER

These women have the hardest job imaginable.

I

BY JENNIFER WINQUIST

Photo by ARTIST/Shutterstock.com

f you think your job is tough, size it up against what these women have to deal with everyday. They may not look different from anybody else, but these women are pretty much superheroes.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

35

O

BETTER / Life You never know

More than 90% of the time a child knows their abuser. That's not to say they are living with them. There are a lot of different types of abuse that happen to kids. It may be going on for a long time before anyone finds out.

Remember the Olympic Gymnastic's doctor? The gals at MCAC see similar things all the time.

Amy warns, “A perpetrator works very, very hard to gain access. They manipulate adults and kids.

Access to a child was there because a relationship was established. Adults don't

90%

of the time kids know their abuser.

know for their age, they have an injury with a questionable story, or they just aren't themselves.

When bad things happen that involve kids, Mercy Child Advocacy Center (MCAC) gets the call. This highly trained group of caring women have a strategic and effective process to help everyone involved. They often diffuse emotionally charged situations by bringing order, calm, education, and compassion.

Everyone's at risk

Amy Scarmon, Manager of Mercy Child Advocacy Center, says there is no typical demographic where kids are more likely to be abused. “We see kids from all kinds of families. One-parent and two-parent homes, families with money and no money. Abuse runs the whole gamut.”

36

From the receptionist who greets kids and caregivers coming in to the family advocates, interviewers, RNs, and therapists, everyone's role is a vital part of the process.

suspect this person and kids don't think that they will be believed, so it can go on for a long time.”

It happened. Now what?

Amy says, “Kids come to us mainly from law enforcement agencies, DHS, and child protective workers.

Basically, any open child abuse investigation.

“This is a big deal going on in a kid's life and we don't want this happening at the police station. They come here because we know how to talk to kids in a developmentally appropriate way.

Plus, coming here, the child only has to tell their story once - not multiple times. The child talks to one forensic

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

interviewer here, which is recorded, and all the involved investigators can hear the information.”

More than one victim

Amy shares, “When non-offending family and care-givers bring them in, it's sometimes the parents who need more care than the child. Kids don't always understand the magnitude of the situation, but grown-ups do.”

Getting comfortable

Amy explains, “Once a family comes in they get their own personal waiting room with a TV and toys. Privacy is a big deal and we make sure they feel safe. We sit down and go through the process of what will happen.

“Our team convenes to discuss what the situation requires and then an interviewer will go meet with the child. The majority of our interviews are about sexual abuse, but we also do interviews for physical abuse, kids who were exposed to some drug situation, or witness to a crime (homicide, domestic violence, drugs).

“During the interview, a family advocate is with the family to answer all their questions and explain the process.” Amy adds, “Most people have no idea how to deal with this.

“After the interview, the child heads back to their waiting room.

Investigators (police, DHS, etc.) who have been watching the video interview in real time, talk to the family advocate.”

Everybody's different

Torri Hilton, who is a forensic interviewer at MCAC, has seen how kids who've experienced abuse handle it. “Surprisingly, when I first started I thought the kids would be more upset.

Each case is different, but oftentimes they aren't upset, just very factual. It's just something that happened.

“Some kids struggle to talk about it. As kids get older they understand consequences. They know someone may get in trouble, or that they may have to go to foster care so they may worry about that. We've started doing mental health screenings to make sure

Staff photos by Mark Karrer

n Jackson Street, you've probably seen that strange building with the "noggin's" out front. But you may not know what goes on inside.

And you may not want to...if it weren't for some big-hearted women who bring smiles and hope in the worst of situations.

Imagine if you are with your child, or you're a daycare provider, teacher, coach, or a family friend. Something just isn't right. The child uses words they shouldn't

BETTER / Life how kids are handling things. Many admit to having suicidal feelings.

“Yet, sometimes kids are funny.

We understand the gravity of the situation, but some kids are excited because there are toys. We see it all.”

Calming fears

Amy Scarmon has been with the center for 14 years. She is a forensic interviewer and recently was promoted to manage the center.

Another step the kids go through is seeing an RN who will diagnose and treat any immediate problems, and make recommendations for follow-up.

If sexual assault was a factor, they may perform an evidence collection. But an important part is something deeper.

RN Bobbi Jo says, “It's important for a child to hear from a professional that they are going to be okay despite what has happened.”

Dealing with the worst thing

Mom & daughter by wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Torri Hilton is a forensic interviewer. She works with kids to help them feel comfortable and help them find a way to communicate when the worst has happened.

RNs Karin Ward & Bobbi Jo Wright physically assess children's well-being.

So how does someone deal with seeing hurting children day after day and still show up smiling?

Torri says, “There are always cases you take home with you. They can be really heavy sometimes. But you see these kids come in very nervous and afraid of what's going to happen. They tell as much as they can tell, and when they leave they are just lighter. You can tell they're different than when they came in. They've had a weight lifted off.”

Bobbi Jo agrees, "There are those who break your heart, and you keep wondering how they're doing. For me, I say a prayer for the kids. We don't have control over any situation, but this is one thing I can do.”

Amy weighs in, “In 14 years I've seen a ton of kids and I still love it everyday. As difficult as it is to sit down with them and hear the things they have to say...and your heart just breaks for them...you're doing something for them, hopefully having a positive impact. It's very fulfilling.”

The one element they all agree on is that it's their team that keeps everyone grounded. Before they leave they can process through the hard things with one another and even the larger group with law enforcement and DHS. Their job may be the hardest, but they have each other.

Keeping kids safe It's scary, but bad things happen to kids everyday. Amy & Torri have a few tips to help keep your kids safe.

Talk to your kids now.

Don't put off talking to kids. Start early and keep the conversation going. As they get older you can share more details, but start young.

Give kids the ability to talk about what might happen to them.

Tell it like it is.

Make sure your kids know all the names of their body parts. Don't make up cute names. If you call a private part "a cookie," when your child tells the babysitter someone was touching her cookie no red flags go off. Give your kids the right words to communicate.

Be alert.

You know your kids the best. If you see a change in their behavior or they suddenly know things beyond their age appropriateness, don't ignore it. Call if you have concerns.

Talk boundaries.

Talk about what's appropriate and what's not. Who is allowed to touch or check certain parts. As kids get older, talk about scenarios. Practice by asking about what they would do if someone did something. Make it clear that it 's not their fault if something happens.

Who you gonna call?

If you have concerns about abuse happening, they should be reported either to law enforcement or your state's child abuse hotline: Iowa: 800-362-2178 Nebraska: 800-652-1999 South Dakota: 877-244-0864 www.mercysiouxcity.com/child-advocacy-center

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

37

My favorite things

Helping those with memory issues WITH RHONDA CAPRON, RHONDA'S SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES

S

ometimes, everyone has a bad day.

For those dealing with seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia, figuring out why may not be possible. But Rhonda with Rhonda's Senior Support Services has a trick to change frowns to smiles.

“We try to do things for them, or with them, that they enjoyed in the past. They still want to do things they were used to doing in their past.

“It might be brushing their hair, putting on makeup, or going to a favorite spot to eat. We have one woman who loves french fries. She was tickled to get some from a place she hadn't tried before.

“If they liked walks, they still enjoy them even if it's in a wheelchair.

Changing a bad day to good is often found in a few of their favorite things.”

We provide nonmedical activities to relieve families of dayto-day responsibilities.

We help keep seniors active and in their own homes, as well as saving families the much greater expense of assisted living or nursing homes. Call Rhonda Capron at 712-281-5631. www.rhondasseniors.com

Etiquette when it counts WITH DALE MEYER, MEYER BROTHERS FUNERAL HOMES

P

erhaps the hardest situation to know how to react to and what is expected is when someone dies.

If there were ever a time for us to have some advice on how to proceed, this is it. We asked Dale Meyer with Meyer Brothers Funeral Homes to give us a few tips on funeral etiquette.

Giving condolences. “While everything is moving online, it's still respectful to call or mail condolences to the family.”

What to wear. “It's not necessary to feel you need to wear black or to be overly dressed up. Dressing tastefully and showing dignity and respect for the family is what's important.”

Where to sit. “The first couple of rows are typically reserved for the family of the deceased.”

What to say. “Trying to find something appropriate to say is hard for many people. It's best to avoid cliché sayings like, 'He's in a better place now.' Instead, focus on the survivor and ask how they are doing.

Be a good listener and let them share.”

Sending flowers. “If you choose to send flowers order them to arrive at the funeral home before the first visiting hours. It's a good idea to review the obituary before sending flowers. Some families may request that donations be sent in lieu of flowers.”

Who to thank. “After a funeral the

38

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Meyer Brothers Funeral Homes in Sioux City 3220 Stone Park Blvd. & 6200 M’side Ave. 712-255-0131. Email: mbfh@cableone.net

family will typically send Thank You notes to people who helped with the service: the pastor or person who officiated, those who read eulogies or participated during the service (including musicians and singers), pallbearers, and those who helped with a luncheon or in other service activities. Also thank those who gave flowers or monetary condolences.”

How to help. “Helping someone deal with a loss can be hard to navigate. On our website we offer more insight on specific situations for those dealing with a family suicide, loss of a baby, death due to overdose, and other scenarios. Click the Griefwords tab on our website to find out how to approach and help loved ones in this hard time.” www.meyerbroschapels.com

Senior couple by Ruslan Guzov and mourning couple by Kzenon/Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Life

Why finding cancer was

the best thing that ever happened to me.

BETTER / Life

Y

WITH STEPHANIE AND PHIL FREIBERG

Storm image by Olga Sapegina/Shutterstock.com. Freiberg photo by Gabe Luse.

ou know that moment when the weather changes but you're not quite sure what's going to happen - how bad it's going to be? That's how a journey began for Phil Freiberg. He looked in the mirror and saw something was changing. Something disturbing.

Phil and wife Stephanie took a vacation in November of 2016 and the family photos showed a happy group with everyone looking tan, happy, and healthy. But looks can be deceiving.

Signs of the impending storm.

Phil reflects, “In December 2016, I had a cough, an incessant cough and it was getting worse.

I went to the doctor but nothing seemed to be wrong. The cough got worse - so bad that sometimes it would take me to my knees.

As I looked in the mirror I noticed my neck was getting skinnier, and my shoulders were losing muscle mass. I thought maybe there was something more going on. I decided to make another doctor appointment, not for the cough, but to have a physical.

“During the exam he was poking around my stomach and he told me to relax my belly. I told him this is as relaxed as it gets. I figured I just had a beer belly.”

When the doctor said, “This isn't good. This isn't normal," Phil knew it was more than age creeping up on him. Blood tests and a CT scan were done right away.

The doctor got right to the point, “There is something very large in there that shouldn't be there, and with what else you have going on it's most likely cancer.”

That was a hard message to hear. The ensuing biopsy wasn’t as helpful as they’d hoped. What they did know was that it had to come out.

While the Freibergs waited for plans and scheduling, they could see how different Phil looked. It wasn't good.

Sometimes the storms of life deliver big. 30 lbs big. www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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BETTER / Life

The best thing

that ever happened to me

Going into the unknown Phil smiles, “Anytime you’re sick with anything, everyone around you has a very strong opinion. It comes from a place of caring, but everyone becomes a doctor.” One of those voices said they should be considering Mayo Clinic.

Because there were so many unknowns with his condition, they thought that might be a good idea. But that decision would push things back.

Phil said, “Just to see a doctor would take three weeks. We didn't know if I should stay here and get it taken out right away or wait. People told me how to get in the "backdoor" of Mayo. If you just show up to the ER they can't turn you away. So, I'm wrestling with everything and we're both thinking about my mortality.

“During this time, we’d show up at church and we were a mess. Everyone wanted to help but it was hard to just get through a conversation. People knew something was wrong, but everything was very uncertain.

“On this particular Sunday I was sitting in church, and it was the strangest thing. There was a song that was going on and I was lost in my own thoughts. I had been studying about the Israelites in the desert, and I’m thinking: I’m in my own desert.

And a line from the song says, 'We won't move without you.'” Phil choked back the tears as he remembered, “I realized I was literally not supposed to do anything. I had been praying since all of this started and now it was as if someone was saying, 'Don't do anything.' And I'm thinking, Really, seriously? Come on I have to do something. And it was as if God was saying (not verbally, but the message was clear for me), 'I'll take care of this, you just don't do anything.'

“So there it was. Just, wait...wait.”

The other side of the coin Stephanie's time at church that day left her feeling very different. “With this appointment we had to wait for in April and people telling us we could go in the back door -which Phil felt was very wrong because what makes his

40

cancer so much more immediate than these people who already have appointments scheduled-there is another thing you can do at Mayo. You can be a checker. You can go up there and tell them you have an appointment in the future, but you want to wait. You could wait an hour, or a week, or more. You just camp out and hope you can be seen. A lot of people have done that, but we had work and could we really think that we could just go camp out there, possibly for weeks?

“He came home Stephanie and Phil enjoying a night out, but Phil's tumor was dining on him feeding on his muscle mass and reducing him to a bag of bones. from church that day thinking this is going look at you like, Are you kidding me? to be okay. I came home from church Even myself, I was thinking, How are thinking I can't do this! I can't deal with this anymore. I can't deal with my you [Phil] going to know that? But I own feelings and when people ask me I thought, 'Okay, I guess I'll ride this wave with you.' And one minute I was don't have any answers.” okay with it and many more minutes a Waiting for... day I was not.”

Phil continues, “Having our usual They got into a routine in the after-church discussion I said that I waiting. Phil said, “At Mayo, you was doing good and Stephanie could can call everyday to see if there's a hear that. She said, 'You seem happy.' cancellation, and we continued to And I was. I felt like it was a fantastic do that every morning. One day, as I resetting for me. It was a before and prayed, I so clearly heard God say: GO. after experience. Everything before Go what? Go to the ER? Go to be a was bad and scary and confusing, checker? Go where? Go what? and everything after was okay. But “Just go, I'll take care of it.” explaining to everyone around, So I said, “We're going to Mayo.” including your wife, that we are just Stephanie asked, “Are we going to go waiting was filled with questions with to the ER?” no answers. I didn't know what we “Uh, I don't know.” were going to do, I was just waiting. We “Are we going to be a checker?” didn't cancel any appointments. We “I don't know. Maybe.” just waited and prayed everyday. I was They worked through it and made just going to check with everyone like a plan. It was snowing that day and I was supposed to but otherwise I was Rochester got really nailed, so odds doing nothing.” were that someone could cancel. Phil Phil was fine with waiting, Stephanie said, “Typically I would call in the was not so much. morning and again at noon. After that “When people would ask what was there was no point because their day going on I'd say, 'I don't know how was scheduled. That day I called maybe to explain this, but he is just waiting three times before we left but no one for direction from God,' and people had canceled. We left anyhow because

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

BETTER / Life we were supposed to 'go'.

“We talked the whole way up about what we were going to do when we got there. We decided we'd make a decision at the hotel. Late in the afternoon of our drive, I thought, what the heck, I'll call one more time.

I told them who I was and asked if they had any appointments available, any cancellations, and they said, 'Yes. we do. Can you be here at 7:30 in the morning?' Elated Phil replied, “YES! YES I CAN. We're already on the way!”

They pulled over and cried. This was a miracle. An amazing moment.

What it is The next morning as they met with the surgeon he knew right away what it was - liposarcoma - a very rare, soft tissue cancer. He told them they wouldn’t be able to see an oncologist unless they had a biopsy confirming the cancer and the schedule for a biopsy was unknown. However, by the time the meeting was over, a call came saying there was a cancellation and they could have the biopsy right away.

It was, in fact, liposarcoma. The good news was that it was operable. On March 31, 2017, Phil's 30-pound tumor was removed.

An unexpected fear The bad news with this type of cancer is that statistically it's unusual for it not to come back. As Phil got close to having his first checkup, surprisingly his worry wasn't that the cancer had returned. His fear was something very unexpected: He was afraid that everything would be fine.

“We both know it's likely to come back, and fairly quickly. We figured that spectrum between 'it's clean' to 'your on death's door' - we'd be somewhere in the middle. Most people have recurrence in the first year. We were both praying incessantly at this point. I learned a lot about prayer. “I pretty much stopped praying to have God take it away. Because I knew everyone else was praying for that, which I appreciate, but I had prayed it myself a hundred times, and it's not like praying it for the 101st time would make him say, 'Oh, okay.'

“I really started praying for other things - to have this be a good thing and not a bad thing, to be thankful for what He has done. We already had a good marriage at the time, but it brought us closer.

“I had this theory that most of my prayers and other people's prayers to God are like a little kid talking to their parents. Most of the time they ask for what they want-all good things. If I want my prayer life to make a difference for my relationship with God, it's got to get a little more

Waiting in the hotel before the surgery (above) and a look at the 30 lb tumor during surgery (right).

Stephanie and Phil snap a selfie after the surgery. The next phase of the journey begins.

mature than that. And it did.”

At their three-month appointment, Phil's biggest fear wasn't whether his scan would be clean. He was worried about losing the intimate relationship he had with God. “I felt I could go and talk to God and he would talk back to me. In that moment, my one big prayer was for God to keep me in that eternal perspective I had gained.”

Phil explains, “That is one thing that changed in me-and I think this is what has to happen for everyone. We say we believe we're going to go to heaven because we believe in Jesus. It's not that we don't mean it, but we don't live it. We live with the illusion that we're going to live a long time-and that was taken from me. It was really the best thing that ever happened to me. It was the hardest thing-but it was the best thing. I got to a point where

it was a clear choice: I could either live like I was going to die and be dead forever, or I could live as if I was going to live forever, regardless of how long my life was. And I lived that

way, and it was fantastic.”

Heading into this scan Phil worried, “Part of me thought, If I have a clean scan then I'm going to go back to the guy I was before. Not worried that I might be-I KNOW I'm going to be. I looked around and saw that everybody else was that way and I'm no different.”

That first scan was not bad...but, www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

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BETTER / Life

that every happened to me

not totally clear either. Phil's lung scan showed something questionable. Not something they'd worry about in most people, but for Phil, it was a bigger concern and something to keep an eye on.

Heading home, Phil and Stephanie were feeling pretty good about the appointment. Phil says, “We were exchanging thoughts about it and I started to giggle. In that moment I realized that God had answered my prayer.”

God had left just enough worry behind to keep Phil and Stephanie close to him.

In the last year, each appointment has been the same and they leave feeling optimistic. Stephanie says, “Right after the checkup you are good, but the closer we get to an appointment, you live in this cancer cloud. Every cough, every sniffle, even a bad haircut and you think it's the cancer coming back. My relationship with Christ has gotten so much stronger, and in those tough moments I realize how much I need that. I think about people who go through hard things and don't have faith. I can't even imagine how they cope. It definitely changes you. I changed a lot. I know that I need to be close to God all the time.”

What's the point Thoughtfully and slowly Phil unpacks it: “Cancer, or any other serious sickness, is no different than any other trial in this life and God gives them to us for a reason. All difficulties are designed to make us better. Not necessarily well, but better. If you look at your situation from that perspective then it causes you to come to grips with where you are eternally. The more serious your situation is, the more urgent the note is from God. It may be God asking, 'So how's our relationship going?' Have a conversation.”

Help in your struggle Phil advises, “Don’t wait until you receive a cancer diagnosis to begin a relationship with God. You don’t need to be at death’s door to consider your eternal fate. You can start right now, today.” If you don't know how to do that, see the box on the right.

Going through cancer is a scary place for everyone but, with God, it may be the best thing that ever happens to you.

Cancer Care Because of what the Freibergs went through, along with several others who have dealt with cancer, Sunnybook Church formed a Cancer Care ministry.

They know the physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles cancer brings. Whether you have cancer or someone you love does, you don't have to go it alone.

Sunnybrook's Cancer Care provides one-on-one help throughout the journey. To find out more, call or email Bonnie Van Holland at Sunnybrook Church 712-276-7915 x29 . bonnievh@sunnybrookchurch.com

Phil asks, "What's the most important life QUESTION? Our days are full of highs and lows, wondrous adventures, and miserable tragedies. Some lives are long and some are short, but they end the same.

Sooner or later, we all die.

The question is: What’s next? Many people can believe in an afterlife but don’t really know what it means. Lots of folks believe there is a God, but they don’t know Him. Some people think they need to clean up their lives before reaching out to God. That couldn’t be more wrong! God wants to meet you wherever you are in your life right now!

The Bible tells us, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) That means you can have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Some people think they need to balance the scale of good deeds in their favor to get to heaven. It doesn't work like that! God says, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).

We cannot save ourselves – only Jesus can do that.

To have a relationship with him it's simple as A, B, C. A: Admit you’re a sinner in need of a savior.

B: Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who lived a sinless life and died to take the punishment for your sins.

C: Commit your life to following Him. Even if you are far from God, just talk to Him. If you don’t feel like you can even start the simplest of prayers, chances are you know someone who is close to Him. Ask for help. Followers of Jesus are always willing to lend an ear and a hand!

Stephanie and Phil Freiberg with their sons on their farm near Sgt. Bluff.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Storm image by Olga Sapegina/Shutterstock.com. Freiberg family photo by Gabe Luse.

The best thing

BETTER / Life

Money matters

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR FINANCES IN 2018 WITH SIOUXLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

How to pay less interest when you have to borrow.

Siouxland Federal Credit Union has five convenient locations: South Sioux City, Dakota Dunes, and three locations in Sioux City. We’re a secure, convenient, friendly, and helpful place for all your financial needs. 402-494-2073. www.siouxlandfederalcu.com Federally Insured by NCUA

your credit history. It also will help the even bigger part (30%) of your score that’s based on your utilization ratio: your credit card debt relative to your total available credit.

Y

our credit score is a three-digit number that creditors use to assess how likely you are to repay your loans. A high score can help you qualify for the lowest interest rate and gives you the ability to borrow money for purchases.

Here are ways you can make sure your credit score works for you.

7 ways to protect or raise your credit score

Photo by Jirapong Manustrong/Shutterstock.com

1. Pay back your debts on time.

How you’ve repaid past debt is the most important factor (35%) in calculating your credit score.

2. Apply for new credit only when you need it. Ten percent of your credit score is determined by how many new credit accounts you’ve opened and the number of times lenders have checked your credit. Another 15% of your score is determined by the length of your credit history. When you add a new account into the mix, the average age of your credit accounts drops.

3. Don't co-sign. Be cautious about co-signing a loan—even for family members—unless you are willing and able to take on the payments later if necessary. If a payment is missed and you don’t pay it, it can negatively affect your credit score.

4. Consider keeping starter cards open. Cards designed for people without a credit history, called starter cards, usually have high interest rates and fees, low limits and few rewards.

Even though you’ve stopped using them, it’s a good idea to keep them open. This will help the 15% of your score that comes from the length of Auto Loan Payment Comparison

5.Guard your personal information.

Be very careful when giving out your Social Security number, birth date, credit card numbers and other personal information. Use secure websites, and be cautious on phone calls. Don’t leave paperwork with this information on it lying around—shred it.

6. Regularly monitor all your accounts. Even if you don’t use them, check each account to make sure there aren't charges, such as annual fees, and that no one is fraudulently using your card.

7. Stay diligent. Make sure that the good credit score you’ve worked so hard to build stays that way.

Look at how your credit score and credit decisions can affect the amount you pay for credit.

The rates and terms listed above are examples to illustrate how your credit score may change the amount of interest you pay for a loan.This is not an offer of credit. Rates and terms vary on a regular basis. All loans subject to approval.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

43

That Texas twang

BETTER / Life

and how a former President is responsible for it 1893

Original home is built

Bridget's Victorian home that now houses her Bed & Breakfast was originally built in 1893.

W

e've all heard her commercials on the radio and TV for her Tri-State Nursing promos.

For the full effect, you need to say it with that southern, Texas twang like Bridget Hoefling has: "Tri-State Nursin'!"

What's particularly interesting is that she is from right here in Siouxland.

One sister went to Heelan, one to Blessed Sacrament, and Bridget was born at the old St. Joseph's hospital. So how is it that she has that Texas drawl?

It's all President Lyndon B. Johnson's doing.

Bridget's dad, Mike O'Connor, was a cattleman who bought cattle at the Sioux City Stockyards back in the 1960s. When LBJ became president, he needed someone to oversee his cattle - being a cattleman himself. His righthand man and attorney knew Briget's daddy and it was a done deal.

The family packed up and moved to Johnson City, TX where they'd live for the next few years yet spending summers back in Siouxland.

Hanging with LBJ. There were a number of times her family was invited

44

to different events. Her father rode on Air Force One once, her sister was invited to their daughter Lucy's party (and even got to borrow a fancy dress), and her mother was invited to tea with Lady Bird on occasion. Bridget's mother owned an antique shop and Lady Bird would stop in to browse or to see about selling an item.

Bridget's mother had a story about a visit with LBJ when Bridget was just a baby. While sitting on the President's lap, probably for a photo, he suddenly lifted her and announced she was wet - as evidenced by his damp trousers.

After LBJ's presidency was over, the family moved to Marble Falls, TX, and her daddy opened Shamrock Cattle Co. A good turn. At their new home, they befriended a widowed woman who had no children of her own. They took her for a drive whenever she said she needed to "exercise her car" and made her part of their family. As she

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

WITH BRIDGET HOEFLING

2018 Bridget's B&B today got older and less confident, someone would spend the night at her place to make sure she was okay. When she passed away, Mrs. Alexander left her car, her house, and everything in it to Bridget's mama, Betty. It was a beautiful old Victorian home and she knew she would never tear it down.

That home (lovingly dubbed The Big House) soon became her mama's new antique shop. Years later, after Bridgett's daddy passed away, her mama moved into part of the house.

In time, Bridget headed back to Siouxland, married, and started her company. But when her mama passed away a couple of years ago, Bridget just couldn't let all the memories go.

A love for old things. With her love for old things, just like her mama had, Bridget renovated The Big House and made it into a quaint B&B. Years ago, her daddy had added onto a garage that was behind the house and she converted that as well - now known as the Cozy Cottage.

Bridget has a full time staff that runs her B&B in Texas, but she visits often.

If you have a taste for the historic, or just love a good B&B, make a reservation to enjoy a little southern charm. Donning a Texas twang is optional.

A snapshot of President Lyndon B. Johnson with his daughter Lucy.

W

ho owns this B&B? None other than Bridget Hoefling. You know her by her Southern drawl you’ve been hearing on Tri-State Nursing’s ads for years. She also owns this great Bed & Breakfast in her hometown of Marble Falls, TX. If you’re looking for a getaway this year for you and your spouse or for your family, Bridget has a couple of options.

She has The Big House (right) which can sleep up to 12 guests and The Cozy Cottage with two bedrooms. Rent a room or the whole place.

Located right on Main Street, you’ll find great shopping, “Market Days on Main,” and much more. Lake Marble Falls (the Colorado river) is just minutes away where the annual drag boat race, Walkway of Lights, as well as many other events take place.

Check out the website for all the details and area attractions.

AMENITIES Bridget’s Bed & Breakfast is located in Marble Falls, TX - called the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, as the highways and byways are filled with colorful wildflowers in April and May.

BETTER / Life

• Four Patio Areas with fire pits • Free Wi-Fi • Six-seat “limo” golf cart for

escorts to main street Continental Breakfast 6-11am Deck Pet Friendly (minimal fee) Horseshoe and Washer pits Washer/Dryer Available Vending/Ice Machines Irons/Ironing Boards Hot Tub Close to several wineries, hiking, fishing, and lake • 45 minutes to Austin, TX or Fredricksburg, TX

• • • • • • • • •

Clockwise from top left: The Queen Elizabeth room and bathroom and kitchen in The Big House. The Grande Room in The Cozy Cottage.

Book your stay online www.bridgetsbedandbreakfast.com www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

45

Come to the

FAIR BETTER / Life

DAKOTA THURSTON COUNTY

fun for the whole herd! August 1-5

pull Tractor PM THUR 7

SAT

New this year

Dueling Pianos Pro Wrestling

Air-Conditioned Exhibit Hall Escape Room Trailer

Fair Location

Fri 6-8P

ay SAT, all d

Special

Don't Miss Tractor Pull Mexican-Style Bull Riding ​Wine & Beer Tasting Event Free Video Game Trailer Community BBQ Thursday Free Breakfast Friday

KID'S DAY

FRIDAY: FREE BREAKFAST SATURDAY: Kids and Family Day! Kid's $5 wristband gets a full day of fun!

Plus all your favorites like Little Prince/Princess contest, rock wall climbing, mud volleyball, barrel racing, mutton busting, live animal shows, 4H exhibits, vendors and so much more!

Atokad Park . 1547 Stable Drive . South Sioux City NE 68733

46 Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018 For a complete fair schedule, tickets, and information visit: www.DakotaThurstonFairOnline.com

Eating fries by Ruslan Guzov and grieving couple by Kzenon/Shutterstock.com

l riding l u B N A MEXIC 4:30 PM

ING EER TAST WINE & B M

BETTER / Life

A storm IS coming

Farm Bureau Financial Service 5414 Gordon Drive . Sioux City, IA (712) 274-2004 www.fbfs.com

Are you ready for it?

WITH FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES

Storm over farm by Jason Patrick Ross and car image by JFs Pic/Shutterstock.com

Agent Brenton Feuchtenberger and Sales Associate Jill Willmott will help you with all your insurance needs for the storms of life.

L

ast summer, Siouxland was hammered with a major thunderstorm that left feet of hail piled up in some areas, along with millions of dollars in damaged crops and property.

When something major happens is when people realize just how good or bad their insurance is. We talked to Brenton Feuchtenberger and Jill Willmott of Farm Bureau Financial Services in Sioux City to get some insight.

What mistake do people make when looking at insurance?

Jill says, “Most people have insurance but typically you don't think about multiple losses at the same time. Can you imagine if you lost everything at once? This is what happened in last year's June 29th storm. People had damage to their cars, homes, out

Don't miss the deadline!

If you had damage from last year's storm on June 29th and you haven't had it looked at yet, you must act quickly. All insurance claims, no matter who your carrier is, must be registered by June 29th of this year.

Can you explain that more?

Jill clarifies, “We had a client who has his primary house in Siouxland, along with two rental houses in the same area. With last year's hail storm all three of his houses had hail damage as well as one of his vehicles. With most companies you pay a separate deductible for each house and car affected. With Farm Bureau you pay just one deductible (whichever one is highest) and we pay to fix everything from there.

“His auto had a $1000 deductible and each house had $1500 wind\hail deductible. He was looking at $5500 just in deductibles. But, with us he paid just $1500 and we fixed all three houses, his garage, and his auto.”

Before the next storm hits, make sure you have the insurance you need - and know what it will cost you if the worst happens. This time we'll be ready.

buildings, and more. Paying just one deductible can be hard. If people have a separate deductible for each that can be financially devastating. People don't think about that scenario typically when they are purchasing their insurance.”

How can you get around that?

Brenton offers, “We've already solved it for our customers. While each item within one policy may have a different deductible, if you experience multiple claims at one time, you pay just one.” www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

47

BETTER / Life

Welcome to

Tornado season

BY AMY BUSTER

Headed this way. Deanna Hagberg recalls the night a tornado hit Wayne, NE on October 4, 2013. Deanna is the Director of Emergency Management Department in Dakota County. “I’m very passionate about what I do. I love helping people. For me, people come first,” said Deanna.

This steadfast belief in putting others first was apparent even in her off-duty hours the day of the Wayne tornado.

“I’d been in the hospital and was set to discharge that day.

Doing this work, it just gets in your blood. You’re never really off-duty. The room I was in had a really good view for keeping an eye on the weather outside, and I’d been watching the news and keeping an eye on the developing weather on TV,” said Deanna. She and Marv (her husband) at that time lived across the street from the football field in South Sioux City. “We’d gotten home late that afternoon.

They were going to play a football game there that night and were starting to set up the concession stands. I called Dr. Tom Luxford and expressed to him my concerns about the area being in a tornado watch that could change to a

48

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

warning at any time and the safety issues if the football game were to be played,” said Deanna.

While she was on the phone to Dr. Luxford, Marv had walked over to the field and started talking to the people there and letting them know how the weather was being reported. In a few minutes, they were ushering everyone off of the field and into the school. The storm hit soon afterward. South Sioux City was not hit by a tornado that evening, although the western side of Dakota County did suffer damage from strong straight-line winds.

The aftermath “Once the all clear was given after the sirens had sounded, Marv and I went out and got in the state truck. I called my boss, Pat Foust, and said I was strictly just riding, but we were going to go scope out the western part of the county to assess the damage. If we came across anything, Marv said he would get out and see what needed addressing. Pat agreed as long as I agreed to only riding along that was acceptable. We spoke to several families in that part of the county and had reported back to Emergency Management what issues needed to be addressed,” said Deanna.

For most people, at that point and time, they would have probably called it a night and headed for home.

“Marv didn’t have to even ask me, he just started out to Wayne on the back roads. Once we got there, I had my badge and stuff with me, we checked in with NEMA

Image by Rasica/Shutterstock.com

T

he late spring, summer, and early fall months in Siouxland are the prime months for tornadoes to hit the area. When the winds start to howl, the trees start to bend, and the coloring in the air and clouds go black or green, trust that the Emergency Management Agency in Dakota County is wellaware and tracking the storm.

BETTER / Life

(National Emergency Management Grab a fewOne items atguys I knew Association). of the walked overSpecialty to me and asked me what Palmer Foods I(in wasthe doing there.

I told him, back corner of I’m not here. You don’t see me. Then he asked Palmer Candy) to whip up a me what I wanted. I said I wanted homemade to see what therebrunch was thatwithout I could be all the work. doing from home to assist,” Deanna replied.

“I love and hate tornadoes. When you know there is one coming, you get such a rush from tracking it, getting the word out to warn people. Then after the storm hits, it’s following up into the area to get emergency services and assistance. What I hate about tornadoes is the damage and destruction that they leave in their path,” said Deanna.

However, Deanna wanted to make sure it was well understood that in her job she does not chase tornadoes.

Tornado art by Macrovector/Shutterstock.com

Chocolate

Computerized storm chasing Banana “I run three computers. I’m Donuts watching the current weather radar and reports on one computer, sending out emails and answering emails on another computer, and on the third computer posting findings of watches and warnings on The Dakota County Emergency Management Facebook Page,” explained Deanna.

Whether it is from her office at the Emergency Management Agency Office in Dakota City, or at her home, she coordinates through the use of radar, computers, and cell phones with the National Weather Service out of both Sioux Falls and Omaha for possible weather watches and warnings

for Dakota County.

“I get that information out to local law enforcement and fire departments if necessary. I have two major email lists that I contact: 1) City officials and the police department and fire department for Dakota County.

2) General public emails from residents who have contacted me and wanted their names added to the list to be included in any weather issues that affect the area.”

this,” said Deanna.

Preparing for the worst Prepare for severe weather by having a preparedness kit packed. Prepare for survival as if the power is out, water and/or food is scarce, or access to cash sources are limited.

“We follow the same outlines the Red Cross suggests for kits,” said Deanna.

As a basic minimum a person should have the following supplies listed below for a minimum of 3 days - 7 is better:

Listen to the right info Educating people about tornadoes and how to prepare if one hits your area is another aspect of her job.

“Please, educate yourself. Trust us when we tell you to prepare for bad weather. We have been through the proper trainings to be able to give you as accurate information as possible. I use social media to get the word out to people about storms, but so do others who may claim to be storm chasers, or tornado watchers, or meteorologists who are not properly trained. The people latch on to this misinformation, and it can be very dangerous. The information I pass along is coming to you directly from the National Weather Service, and they are trained to do

6. First Aid kit 7. Medications: A week’s supplies

Storm Kit 1. Water: Gallon per person, per day.

2. Food: Non-perishables & easy prep.

3. Flashlight 4. Weather radio: battery powered or hand-cranked.

5. Extra batteries for those items. for family members, and pets.

8. Multipurpose tool 9. Sanitation and hygiene items 10. Copies of personal documents

(med list, medical info., proof of address, home deed/lease, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) 11. Cell phones with chargers.

12. Contact information for family and emergency

13. Extra cash 14. Emergency blanket 15. Maps of the area

“It surprises me people do not think to have emergency cash ready in these instances. If the power is out, you can’t get to the ATM, and getting to the bank, or the bank being able to get access to your funds may not be possible for days,” advises Deanna.

Tornado season is upon us so plan now and be prepared for whatever comes.

Top: Some of the damage caused in Dakota City from the straight-line winds in October 2013.

Left: Deanna Hagberg, Director of Emergency Management for Dakota Country, NE, and her husband, Marv.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

49

Seeing the signs

When you're scared where do you go? WITH HER HEALTH

June is Elder Abuse Awareness month WITH CONNECTIONS AREA AGENCY ON AGING

N

o one wants to think about seniors suffering, so let's pay attention to those around us. Here are some signs that some one may need help Neglect • Significant weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration • Lack of cleanliness, grooming, personal, or medical care • Lack of environmental needs or unsafe structures • Advancing memory difficulties • Withdrawal, depression, or isolation Financial risks • Caregiver, family, or others relying on an elder's finances • Unpaid bills when finances are sufficient • Living above or below means • Unusual spending by elder, caregiver, or family members • Elder has little knowledge of finances Physical Abuse • Unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with reasons given • Confused elder confined to a room or left unsupervised • Under or over medicated • Medications used by caregiver as a way to control behavior • Elder is restrained to a chair • Bruises of varying color • Unset, untreated fractures • Confused elder showing up unescorted at an emergency room

Elder Abuse can happen to anyone. It is one of the most under-recognized and under-reported problems in the U.S. To make a referral or to speak to an Elder Rights Specialist email: info@connectionsaaa.org or call (800) 432-9209. If you suspect dependent elder abuse, call the Iowa DHS Abuse Hotline at 800-362-2178.

50

M

aybe you think you’re pregnant but aren’t completely positive.

Perhaps you’re pretty sure you’re pregnant but are scared and don’t know

what to do next. Maybe you think you’ve contracted an STD. These can be very scary things. But fear ends when we have answers and options.

The gals at Her Health Women’s Center say to take a breath. Realize that there are people who can help and who care. Client Services Director, Kristi Nathaniel, sees young women come in all the time. “They are so scared and they don't think it can be okay, but everything changes when they have a chance to talk through their fears and find out what their options are. We see a lof of smiles at the end of the day.

They don't have to be afraid.”

Her Health Women’s Center offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL pregnancy services.

Contact us today.

5732 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City, IA www.herhealthwomenscenter.org . Call: 712-224-2000 or Text: 712-522-2920

Join Us In Welcoming Dr. Aaron Fuehrer

to our Family First Dental South Sioux City team!

Dr. Fueher has been practicing in our Lilly Family Dentistry location since July 2015 and we are excited he has joined our South Sioux City team.

Dr. Fuehrer is active in furthering his education and giving back to Siouxland through great dental programs. He also attended a week-long oral surgery course/mission trip in Guatemala to help the under-served get access to dental care.

We are excited to have him join our dental family as he continues the tradition of excellent dental services to the patients we are privileged to serve. www.familyfirstdental.com.

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Worried girl by Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley/Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Life

BETTER / Food

Food

Pack your Picnic

BETTER

with items to grill that go beyond all expectations

Grab a few items at

Palmer Specialty Foods (in the back

corner of Palmer Candy) and take summer foods to the next level of YUM!

Grilled Bing Smores

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

51

BETTER / Food

Grilled stuffed burger Makes 4 burgers

Make patties ahead and have the cheese tucked inside. No ketchup or mustard needed when you top them with this flavor-packed mayo.

Grilled stuffed burger with chipotle mayo

2 lbs ground chuck 6 T Stockyard Burger Seasoning Mix Dimock cheese (any flavor) 4 hamburger buns Sir Kensington Chipotle Mayonnaise Mix seasoning well with ground chuck. Make 8, 1/4 lb patties. Slice pieces of Dimock cheese and place on top of 4 of the patties. Put remaining patties on top. Crimp the edges of the two patties together. Grill to desired doneness. Top with chipotle mayo.

What happens when you meld a patty melt with a twisted PB&J? Something totally unique and delicious!

1 lb ground chuck 6 slices hearty white bread Peanut butter 3 T Stockyard Burger Seasoning Mix 3 T Terrapin Ridge Farms Hot Pepper Bacon Jam

Softened butter 6 slices American cheese 6 slices Swiss cheese Mix the burger seasoning into the hamburger then make into 3 patties.

Grill until cooked to desired doneness.

Remove from grill. Lightly butter 6 slices of bread on one side. Place 3 of them butter side down onto a skillet and smear peanut butter on the open face. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top

Patty melt with hot pepper bacon jam

of the peanut butter and place burger on top. Add a slice of American cheese.

Spread jam on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices and add to burger, butter side up. Cook on a skillet until bread is browned, flip and brown the other side.

Grilled pizza

Pizza on the grill, eaten outside is the best and the combo of Italian sausage and muffalata can't be beat!

Pizza dough (homemade or store bought) Urban Accents Chicago Classical pizza sauce Victoria Taylor Pizza Seasoning Pickle Guy Muffalata 1/4 c fresh grated Parmesan 3/4 c grated pizza cheese 1/3 lb Italian sausage, raw 12 slices pepperoni Arugula Prepare the pizza dough as directed.

Brush one side of the pizza dough with olive oil and place crust oil side down on a grill mat or pizza pan with small holes. Bake on grill just long enough to raise and firm up. Take pizza off the grill and oil the opposite side, now placing that side down on the mat or pan. Spread sauce over crust

52

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Photos by Mark Karrer

Patty Melt Makes 3 burgers

BETTER / Food done, drain grease from the pan. Mix together melted butter, olive oil, and seasoning. Drizzle over Brussels sprouts and carrots and toss to coat all sides. Cook in cast iron pan to give them a little char and cook until tender. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.

Grilled pizza with Italian sausage and muffalata and sprinkle half of the cheese on top. Break off pieces of the Italian sausage and sprinkle on top. Evenly place pepperoni and use a fork to sprinkle muffalata on top. Add remaining cheese and sprinkle with pizza seasoning. Grill until crust is browned and sausage is cooked through. Top with arugula leaves.

Bing s’mores

This is just too fun not to try! See pg 51

Twin Bings Graham Crackers Mini Marshmallows Break each cracker in half and lay on a tray. Slice each Bing into 4 slices and put on top of crackers. Add marshmallows and top with another cracker. Place s’mores directly onto

Items in blue available at

Palmer Specialty Food (located inside Palmer Candy Company) 405 Wesley Parkway, Sioux City, IA 712-258-7790 www.palmerspecialtyfoods.com

the grill in an area with indirect heat.

Turn over carefully when melting starts. Remove from heat and serve when done.

If you prefer, prepare crackers and Bings as before but don't grill.

Instead, brown large marshmallows on sticks over your fire and add hot marshmallows like a traditional s'more.

Grilled balsamicglazed Brussels sprouts

The combo of veggie seasoning and a cast iron skillet add such flavor that even non-veggie lovers will change their minds.

1 lb Brussels sprouts 1 lb rainbow carrots 1/2 lb thick-cut bacon 3 T A L'Oliver olive oil 1 T Urban Accents Veggie Roaster Seasoning 1 T butter, melted Villa Manopori Balsamic Vinegar Chop bacon into small pieces.

Preheat cast iron skillet on grill and add bacon. Trim the stem off the Brussels sprouts and then slice them in half. When the bacon is 3/4

Grilled balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts www.beingbettermagazine.com / Summer 2018

53

BETTER / Food

Q&A Food

Foods that reduce cholesterol

I

f the doctor doesn't like your cholesterol level you were probably instructed to eat better. Eating probably got you to where you are and eating differently can turn things around. It's time to send in some help to clean up the fats floating through your bloodstream.

There are a few of ways food lowers cholesterol. Some deliver soluble fiber, which grabs onto cholesterol and its buddies in the digestive system and kicks them to the curb before they get into circulation. Some contain plant sterols and stanols, which put up road blocks so the body won't absorb cholesterol. Others provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. Start by cutting back on fatty foods and add these cholesterol fighters into your daily menu.

Apples, citrus fruits, grapes, & strawberries are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers LDL.

Q. What's the difference between all the milk options?

Nuts, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts offer heart health benefits.

A. Taste and benefits. There are all kinds of milk popping up from coconut milk to rice, pea to cashew, and so many more. There are health benefits for each, but it may just come down to taste. Here are three options and how they stack up.

Unless you are lactose intolerant, this is a winner whether you want whole milk, non-fat, or something in between. It is high in protein, calcium, and B12, which is critical for brain function and other important stuff.

Almond milk

Nope, you can't milk an almond. The nuts are toasted, ground, and blended with water. The resulting creamy liquid has a nutty taste. The downfall is it's low in protein compared to others. It wins for being low in calories, sodium, and it's lactose free. Plus, it's calcium packed with 45% of your daily allowance.

Oats (like oatmeal or Cheerios) start your day with soluble fiber.

Beans (like navy, kidney, lentils, garbanzos, etc.) are loaded with soluble fiber and help you feel full longer.

How to cook eggs a new way

F

or a protein-packed breakfast with a punch of omega-3s, try baking eggs in an avocado. You can prep this in less than 5 minutes and pop it in the oven while you finish getting ready for your day or wrangle the kids out of bed. It's the perfect start to your summer day.

Soy milk

Soy beans are soaked and blended with water to create a smooth drink. Behind cow's milk, soy is very nutritious and has about 8 grams of protein in an 8 oz glass. Something to be aware of is that soy is considered a phytoestrogen (or plant-sourced estrogen), and the soy estrogens in soy milk can affect hormonal balance. It's also higher in fat and lower in calcium.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Summer 2018

Directions:

Heat oven to 425°F. Cut an avocado in half and remove the seed. Scoop out a little more avocado to make room for your egg. Crack an egg into each half.

Tip: put the yolk in first and add egg white until full. Bake until the egg white is firm (about 15-20 min). Sprinkle with pepper, chopped tomato, red bell pepper, and green onion.

Images: Milk by Chepko Danil Vitalevich, Avocado egg by Magdanatka, cereal by Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.com

Cow's milk

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and trout are great choices.

Food focus Cool

& refreshing

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Cucumbers come in many sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, including white, yellow, and even orange.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are 96% water, which means they do not contain as many nutrients as a drier vegetable like squash, but cucumbers are low in fat, sodium, and calories. They offer 10% DV of Vitamin K.

Cool as a cucumber

Imagaes: Salad by Timolina, Facial by Denizo71, jar by MateuszSiuta, cucumbers by EVGENIYA68, sliced cukes by Anna Sedneva/Shutterstock.com

Cucumber facts

• Cucumbers are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium.

• The skin of a cucumber is often waxed to keep in moisture.

• The phytochemicals in a cucumber can extinguish bad breath.

• The biggest cucumber, grown in southern China, was 67 inches long and weighed 154 pounds.

Ingredients:

Choose what you like: Cherry tomatoes Cucumber Yellow grape tomatoes Red onion Bell pepper Olives Kalamata or Black Feta cheese

Dressing: 6 T olive oil 11/2 T fresh lemon juice 1 T red wine vinegar 1 clove minced garlic 11/2 T minced fresh parsley 1 t dried oregano 3/4 t honey Salt, to taste

Directions:

Chop up a variety of fresh Mediterranean veggies. Toss in some olives and feta cheese.

In a container, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over salad and serve.

Tip: If red onions are too strong, just rinse them under warm water (and drain) before adding to the salad.

Ever wonder why cucumbers are often used during a facial?

When applied topically, a cucumber really does cool the blood and ease facial swelling.

A peck of pickled cucumbers

Pickles are cucumbers that have been soaked in a brining solution made of salt, vinegar, and water. For a quick version, boil equal parts water, sugar, and vinegar. Cool and add cucumber slices. Soak for a couple of hours or overnight. Enjoy like pickles, keeping leftovers in the liquid and refrigerated.

Greek salad with cucumbers

Great People with Great Values Employment Opportunities Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products.

We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact.

Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Why do people choose Michael Foods?

Opportunities Include:

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The People & Teams

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Competitive Benefits Package

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Paid Time Off

• Industrial Maintenance • Quality Assurance / Lab

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Competitive Pay

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Bonus Eligibility

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Recognition and Service Incentives

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Opportunities to Learn, Grow & Advance

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Tuition Reimbursement

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Location

• Operators / General Labor

Full-time and part-time positions available!

visit: www.michaelfoods.com/careers

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