Healthy New Albany Magazine March/April 2024

March/April 2024

MAGAZINE

Smiles for Miles

Richard Wofford spreads the joy of running Plus Understanding food labels Benefits of sun and fresh air Community garden movement

The Ireland Family

Tickets on sale now for

{ 2023-2024 Season }

General Wesley Clark

Retired Four-Star Army General and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander

Moderated by

Malcolm Nance

Martha Raddatz

Former MSNBC Terrorism Analyst and New York Times Bestselling Author

ABC News’ Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and Co-Anchor of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”

Misty Copeland

Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre; New York Times Bestselling Author

Syndicated Political Columnist; Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch; Former National Review Senior Editor; Author

Artistic Director, BalletMet

National Security

Mental Health and Social Justice

MARCH

Thank you to all who participated in the February 6th program.

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Jonah Goldberg

Interviewed by

Edwaard Liang

Ezra Klein

New York Times Columnist; “Ezra Klein Show” Podcast Host; Bestselling Author

Laura Linney

Moderated by

Leila Fadel

Award-Winning Theatre, Film and Television Actress; Cancer Advocate

Host, NPR’s Morning Edition

Interviewed by

Neda Ulaby

Reporter, NPR ‘s Arts Desk

Civil Discourse and Debate

Arts and Health

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MAGAZINE www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Phil Heit Executive Editor

1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 101C Columbus, OH 43215 614.572.1240 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Jamie Armistead Gary Hoffman Maisie Fitzmaurice, Rachel Karas, Tyler Kirkendall

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President/CEO

Vice President, Operations Creative Director Editors

Katie Allen, Elizabeth Cullinan, Katie Giffin, Ava Huelskamp, Cassie Kelly, Molly Scott

Contributing Writers

Ria Akhilesh, Cailyn Burr, Jane Dimel, Mary Nader, Amber Phipps

Editorial Assistants

Aaron Gilliam Megan Brokamp, Rae Moro, Laura Pappas

Social Media Coordinator Advertising Sales

Healthy New Albany Magazine Advisory Board Healthy New Albany Magazine is the Official Publication of Healthy New Albany, Inc., convened by The New Albany Community Foundation.

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The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication.

Enclose a SASE with each submission or email rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The appearance of advertising in Healthy New Albany Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of New Albany or Healthy New Albany, Inc. Healthy New Albany Magazine is published in January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions are free for households within New Albany-Plain Local Schools. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Gianna Barrett at 614-572-1255 or gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Healthy New Albany Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2024

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inside

march/april 2024 vol. 13, no. 4

5

First Glance

22

Letter from the Executive Editor

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In & Out What’s happening around New Albany

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Personalities Richard Wofford

30 Food Know Your Food

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33 Living Here Comes the Sun

10 On the Path

36 Impact Keep on Walking

Pawsitive Influences

38 On the Horizon

14 Initiatives

Sylke Success

Wonders of Pickleball

18 Cold as Ice

42 HNA Column New Growth

NAPLS science teacher shares experiences in Antarctica

22 Beyond Diagnosis Local families celebrate kids with disabilities

26 Student Spotlight Creating Community

On the Cover

Richard Wofford Photo courtesy of Richard Wofford www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

43 HNA Programming 44 On The Shelf Library recommendations

45 46 47 48

Red Roof 50th Celebration Top Homes Sold in New Albany Luxury Living Real Estate Guide Scene in New Albany

Follow Healthy New Albany on Instagram! @healthynewalbany Share comments/feedback at editor@cityscenemediagroup.com 3

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first glance

At Your Service

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E

very issue of Healthy New Albany Magazine piques my curiosity. While it’s my role to review each submission for content accuracy, grammar, relevance to the community and many other editorial details, I always look forward to reading about the many varied and interesting happenings taking place in our amazing community that serve to reinforce my view of how special New Albany is. Each issue, every article and the unique personal experiences that I read about further makes me aware that we live in a community replete with a diverse litany of offerings that often go unnoticed.

When I read Maisie Fitzmaurice’s article, Pawsitive Influences, I thought about one of our community’s gems, Canine Companions. New Albany is one of only six sites in the country to be home to this special organization. Fortunate to spend a short period of time with one of Canine Companions’ residents, a four-legged friend named Vincenzo, his presence helped me experience a sense of calmness that neutralized my worries about what I had to complete before day’s end.

While Fitzmaurice’s article shared how Canine Companions serves others, I did not realize that there are a number of other programs and services it provides. At the core of Canine Companions’ mission is raising and training service dogs – and matching them free of charge with children and adults who have disabilities. Canine Companions dogs, like Vincenzo, are trained in over 45 tasks, like turning on light switches, opening doors and retrieving dropped items from the floor. With a service dog by their side, clients are able to increase their sense of independence. The organization also trains facility dogs, who live at home with their handlers and go to work to perform official tasks in settings like hospitals, schools and court settings. In recent years, they have expanded their reach to serve veteran clients, and have also started a therapy dog program, certifying Canine Companions – dogs who don’t become service dogs – to provide comfort in therapeutic settings alongside their owners.

Canine Companions is proud to be part of the New Albany community, and they are always eager to welcome new visitors and volunteers to their campus. I myself enjoy attending their quarterly graduation ceremonies, which are free and open to the community. If you do attend, remember to bring tissues to wipe your tears as you witness the trainers who have spent 18 months working with their dogs give them up to their new owners, a touching experience.

Healthfully,

Phil Heit Executive Director Emeritus Healthy New Albany

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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in & out

What's happening in and out of New Albany

Saturday, March 2

Healthy New Albany Indoor Farmers Market 9 a.m.-noon, Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St. www.healthynewalbany.org

Sundays, March 3 and 24 Scioto Mile Spring Race

8 a.m., Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus www.sciotomiles.com

Sunday, March 3 and 24 - Scioto Mile Spring Races

Sunday, March 3

New Albany Symphony presents The Story of Wilbur and Orville Wright 3-4 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com

Wednesday, April 3

History of Columbus Baseball with Joe Santry 7-8:30 p.m., New Albany Library, 200 Market St. www.columbuslibrary.org

Monday, April 8

Solar Eclipse Experience

Saturday, March 9

1-5 p.m., Bevelhymer Park www.naparks.org

Artist Opening Reception For Kyndall Potts & Priya Rama 5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Saturday, April 13

Artist Opening Reception for Carolyn Heffelfinger & Dana Grubbe 5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Tuesday, March 12

New Albany Community Foundation presents National Security Discussion with General Wesley Clark and Malcolm Nance

Saturday, March 9 - Artist Opening Reception For Kyndall Potts & Priya Rama

7-8 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Friday, March 15

Voting opens for CityScene Best of the ‘Bus www.cityscenecolumbus.com

New Albany High School Performances 7600 Fodor Rd. www.napls.us

Monday, March 4

Thursday, March 14

7-9 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

Choir Concert

Tuesday, March 5 Band Concert 7-9 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

April 19-21 and April 25-28

New Albany High School theatre presents “PUFFS” Times vary

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www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Saturday, April 13

Bourbon Street Gala 5-10 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com

EST. 1 978

Saturday, April 13

Branford Marsalis Concert 7:30-9 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com

Thursday, April 19 Blood Drive

12-4 p.m., Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St. www.healthynewalbany.org

Saturday, April 27

Capital City Half Marathon 8 a.m., Downtown Columbus capitalcityhalfmarathon.com

ADDITIONS KITCHENS BATHS Saturday, April 27 - Capital City Half Marathon

New Albany Walking Club meets Sundays at 7:30 a.m. inside the Philip Heit Center www.newalbanywalkingclub.com

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personalities

By Katie Giffin

Sprinting with a Smile Happy runner brings joy to his community

R

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Richard Wofford loves to run and participate in events, even when on a cruise.

Wofford is very passionate about volunteering and has helped with some events at The Ohio State University.

vascular diseases. Studies also show that running, he has sustained two major inrunning - or any form of regular exercise juries that helped him see running was more than just a sport.

- can also improve overall mood.

In 2021, Wofford began to experiHitting roadblocks ence pain in the bottom of his foot. What It hasn’t always been full speed ahead was originally a hairline fracture soon befor Wofford. Throughout his 40 years of came a full break when he caught himself www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Richard Wofford

ichard Wofford runs six to eight miles a day, seven days a week and he has no plans of stopping.

“My goal is to be able to run into my old age,” Wofford says. “I want to be 90 and still running.”

Wofford started running at the age of ten when he would try to race his school bus home on foot. While he was never part of the track and field or cross country team, he did participate in summer track and field programs when he was younger.

Ultimately, it was after he graduated from The Ohio State University in 1978 that he put his running shoes on for real.

A friend challenged him to run the Columbus Recreation and Parks 10,000-meter run and he agreed to give it a try. After that race, Wofford was hooked.

He went on to run in the May Classic and other similar races every year, leading him to his first marathon in 1983.

To prepare for a marathon, runners need to comfortably run around 20 miles, Wofford shares. However, he wanted to be absolutely certain he could finish the race so he ran 26 miles once a week for the entire month leading up to the race.

After his second marathon, Wofford decided to step away from racing and instead simply enjoy the act of running.

“When you do the marathon, you get caught up in trying to run fast. That takes a lot out of your body,” Wofford says. “I run to feel good; it’s a part of my daily routine. A race doesn’t motivate me because I am already running.”

During his first few years of racing, Wofford trained six times a week, logging about 58 miles a week. Now, Wofford runs seven days a week – rain or shine.

“If it’s raining, I run. If it’s snowing, I run. If it’s going to be hot, I run early,” Wofford says.

While running six times a week may be a lofty goal, according to an article from Harvard Health Publishing, even five minutes a day of low-intensity running has been shown to increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of cardio-

Running tips from a pro “Running is hard on the joints,” Wofford says. “But if you want to run, you want to start slow and build your program. Don’t try to do too much.”

Wofford encourages beginners to start with fast-walking around the block. After doing that for about a week, try to incorporate spurts of running to reduce the risk of injury while building endurance.

“The main thing is don’t overdo it,” Wofford says. “Start slow.”

Wofford has been a cheering on walkers at the New Albany Walking Classic® for more than 18 years as a course marshal.

after losing his balance. The injury kept him off running for three months. “(The injury) was not good for me, mentally,” Wofford says. “When you have been running for as long as I was running and then you’re not running, the only thing you’re thinking about is running. It (was) always on my mind.”

Although Wofford was supposed to be fully resting, he used his crutches to walk around with his boot. He was able to rest his leg while still trying to stay in shape as his body healed. Once his foot healed, he was back to running every day.

Wofford sustained another injury years later when he dislocated his shoulder and broke his wrist while playing in a dodgeball tournament.

The broken wrist caused Wofford to stop running for about six weeks, but he was soon back on his feet.

More than miles For Wofford, running isn’t just a way to stay physically and mentally fit, it’s also a chance to connect with the community.

“I run to stay healthy, but it gives you a chance to really reflect on your day and www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

gives me a chance to say hi to people. I always say hi. You get to see people grow,” Wofford says.

Because Wofford runs every day, he gets to see a lot of the same people.

Known as the Happy Runner by the community, he always says ‘Happy - whatever day of the week it is’ and now, those who know him try to beat him to the greeting.

Wofford has met many neighbors and made countless friends while on his runs. One such neighbor Wofford met years ago while she was pregnant and now, , he still says hello to her and her now seventeen-year-old daughter.

“I say hi to everyone because I think it is important to acknowledge people.

Sometimes people are having a bad day, and if I say hi it usually perks people up,” Wofford says. “If I can brighten someone’s day that’s good. It always brightens my day because I feel fortunate I still have my health and I can run.”

Wofford’s efforts to interact with the community regularly does more than just create a feel-good moment. Interacting with strangers regularly not only creates a temporary mood boost, it can also lead

Wofford always makes time to run, no matter the weather.

to a greater sense of well-being, improved health, a greater self-esteem and may also reduce feelings of isolation according to an article from BBC. When he isn’t running, Wofford spends time with his wife, Stephanie Ladson-Wofford, and their three grow-up children Jayden, Jerrin and Jeila. He also connects with his community through volunteering.

“Any program that comes up, I’ll volunteer for if I have the time,” Wofford says.

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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on the path

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Pawsitive Influences

Dogs as guardians of physical, mental and emotional well-being in American homes

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www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Canine Companions and Gigi’s

H

e waits patiently at your front door with his big brown eyes staring intensely at the doorknob, waiting for it to turn signalling your arrival.

Before you even get your foot through the door, he greets you with a big hug and kiss.

You’ve been on his mind all day.

While he may steal bites of your food, make messes he doesn’t clean and take up most of your bed at night, you know no one in the world loves you more than he does.

I’m not talking about your romantic partner, but your loyal canine companion. And, Americans love dogs just as much as their dogs love them.

There are an estimated 65 million dog owners in the U.S., almost half of all households. Many dog owners spend thousands of dollars a year on keeping their pups happy and healthy and often consider their dogs to be as important, or even more important to them, than their human family members.

Our immense love for dogs may be attributed to the physical, mental, emo-

Helping Paws

There are many ways therapy and service dogs can help us. Here are just some of the tasks dogs can complete in order to help their owner achieve a greater quality of life.

• Diabetic alerts • Guide the visually or auditory impaired • Retrieve objects, open doors, press automatic door buttons and turn on lights • Detect anxiety and offer support • Seizure alerts • Allergen detection • Unload groceries, do laundry • Bracing assistance • Interrupt nightmares or flashbacks What dogs are thought to make the best service dogs?

Labrador/Golden Retriever Poodle German Shepard Great Dane

duce stress which is a contributing factor in many diseases and is considered overall detrimental to your health. By reducing stress, you can get better sleep, improve your digestion and boost your immune system, as well as lower your risk of heart attacks and obesity.

For those with physical disabilities, dogs can have an even greater impact on their health. Service dogs and therapy dogs receive specialized training and learn skills to assist humans with various needs.

Trained therapy dogs have even been present during medical procedures to help lower a patient’s blood pressure and help them relax.

Canine Companions in New Albany raises, trains and helps place service dogs with those who need them. Emily Oliver, a public relations and marketing coordinator at Canine Companions, says it is rewarding to see the individuals who have

received service dogs thriving with the help of their companion.

“We have a client who has limited mobility, maybe there is a power wheelchair and they drop items on a fairly regular basis, this dog is going to be very in tune with their handler and be able to understand what that person is looking for so that person can communicate with the dog and the dog can retrieve the item,” Oliver says.

Mental health

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression are all common mental health illnesses that can be debilitating to a person’s life. Along with traditional therapy and medication, therapy dogs have been a tool professionals use to help alleviate symptoms for those struggling with mental health decline.

tional and social health benefits they can provide. Or it may just be that endearing tail wag and playful bark, you decide.

Physical health

While some dogs are more active than others, all dogs need exercise and stimulation every day, just like humans.

When a dog’s owner knows their furry friend wants to play, it can motivate them to get on their feet and get moving.

A 2019 study, conducted in a British community, found that dog owners spent significantly more minutes per week exercising compared to participants who didn’t own a dog. Whether it’s taking them for a walk around the neighborhood, throwing a ball in the park, or chasing each other in the backyard, these activities can raise your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular fitness over time.

Canine Companions volunteer therapy dog handler and evaluator, Jane Nolan, says dogs can even aid in a human’s physical rehabilitation.

“You’re more likely to throw a ball and get movement in your arms and your shoulders for a dog than just being in a physical therapy room throwing it against the wall,” she says.

The health benefits don’t stop at exercise, owning a dog has been known to rewww.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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Running buddy or cuddle bug?

A dog’s breed, age and health can help determine just how much exercise they might need. Here are some breeds known to be energetic busybodies or total couch potatoes.

Most active breeds: Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Siberian Husky Weimaraner Doberman Pinscher Less active breeds: Japanese Chin Basset Hound English Bulldog Pekingese Chihuahua

Director of Behavioral Medicine, Education, and Outreach at Gigi’s, a dog shelter that offers veterinary and behavior care and adoption services in central Ohio, says.

Specially trained dogs aren’t the only ones who can have mental health benefits for the humans around them.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll found that more than 85 percent of dog owners who participated in the study say their dogs have a significantly positive impact on their mental health.

Emotional health

How we feel emotionally is also an important aspect of our overall health to consider. One emotion that dogs show best is love, something those struggling emotionally need to heal and function throughout their daily lives.

When Nolan lived in Dallas with her therapy dog Maddie, they would frequently take trips to the children’s hospital to uplift the patients. One patient, a young girl who was injured in a car accident that killed both her parents, was feeling emotionally closed off and didn’t seem motivated to improve. Through frequent visits with Maddie and another therapy dog named Jack, she was able to find some stability and recover.

“They just don’t take no for an answer,” Nolan says. “They nudge you, they push you and she didn’t want to get out of bed for a long time but the dogs would just get in bed with her and nudge her elbow saying ‘let’s do this, come on let’s play’ and even if she would just pet them, it’s a start.”

Dogs can also help to improve a person’s emotional health by encouraging them to be more social.

“I’ve had a lot of people tell me they’re more socially active because the dog is a conversation piece and so even for their social well-being it gets them out and about and talking to people more, helping them interact more with the community,” Herron says.

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Canine Companions

Veterans who have been wounded mentally during their military service have seen huge improvements in their mental health after receiving a service dog. Clients who are given a service dog through Canine Companions report that their dogs help them gain confidence, reduce their anxiety, establish a healthy routine and feel a greater sense of purpose.

“I never realized how little sleep I was getting until Fritter (my service dog) came into my life. Fritter’s warm personality and sweet demeanor provide a sense of calm, interrupting my anxiety before it escalates. I am building confidence in our ability to go out as a team in public. Fritter has given me a second chance at life,” Rob Garlick, a veteran and Canine Companion client says.

Adults and children on the autism spectrum have also benefited from owning service dogs. Having their service dog with them can help foster better communication and social interactions, prevent meltdowns and help them feel safe and cared for.

“There’s just no judgment in the eyes of that dog, regardless of what you do, what you look like, how you think, once they have that bond that’s hard to match,” Meghan Herron, Senior

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initiatives

By Katie Allen

Why New Albany is hooked on America’s fastest-growing sport

P

ickleball has taken the sports scene by storm and is continuing to make waves across communities and fitness circles alike.

Combining the physicality of tennis, the strategic nuances of badminton and the fast-paced intensity of table tennis, pickleball offers a unique and inclusive experience suitable for people of all ages and skill level.

“It brings a lot of people together,” says Mitch Mink, a certified pickleball instructor. “A grandmother can still play Want to stay updated about pickleball opportunities? Subscribe to the City of New Albany’s weekly CONNECTS email at newalbanyohio.org/subscribe.

You can find additional pickleball information at newalbanyohio.org/ pickleball and naparks.org.

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with her kids and be competitive. There are not many sports that the whole family can play.”

New Albany is now home to the largest outdoor pickleball facility in central Ohio, featuring 16 tournament-ready courts divided by skill level. Mink and New Albany Councilmember Matt Shull were heavily involved in the design of the complex, which opened last July, at 7300 Walnut St. near Bevelhymer Park and recently won a second-place award at the annual Ohio Parks & Recreation Association Awards of Excellence dinner.

“Given the location, the facility, and the design, I believe this is truly a unique place for our community to play pickleball,” says Councilmember Shull, a passionate pickleball enthusiast. Originating in the mid-1960’s, pickleball has an intriguing history. According to several sites, including USAPickleball.org, it was former US Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends who devised the game to entertain their families during a lazy summer afternoon. It’s rumored that the name “pickleball” came from the Pritchard’s family dog, aptly called “Pickles,” who chased down stray balls.

So how does it work? The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. The court is smaller than a tennis court, making it easier for players to cover ground.

But what makes pickleball so appealing is its accessibility. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced athlete or a total newcomer to sports, pickleball offers something for just about everyone. The rules are straightforward, and the learning curve is gentle, allowing players to quickly grasp the fundamentals and enjoy the game.

New Albany resident Kerstin Friedman has played tennis for nearly four decades but is newer to the pickleball scene.

“I was a tennis player for years and a lot of my friends started playing this game called pickleball,” Friedman says. “I thought it was for the older generation. I didn’t think it would be a lot of exercise, so I didn’t get on the pickleball court for a while. Then, when I actually tried it, from that very first game I was completely hooked.”

For fellow resident, Shawna Roteff, it was a similar introduction but maybe a little more intimidating as she didn’t have a history of being on the courts. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of City of New Albany

Wonders of Pickleball

Subscribe to the weekly CONNECTS email to get the most up-to-date information on what is happening in and around the City of New Albany.

Visit NewAlbanyOhio.org/subscribe to get started.

The City of New Albany held a grand opening ceremony for the pickleball complex on July 11, 2023.

74-year-old mom out to Bevelhymer to play,” Roteff says.

Are you ready to play? New Albany is gearing up to elevate the experience this year, offering programming such as a free introduction to the sport in addition to affordable camps and clinics.

“My advice is to get out there and try it. You won’t regret it. Absolutely anyone can play at any level,” Friedman says.

“That’s what makes it so fun.”

Katie Allen is a Communications & Marketing Specialist at the City of New Albany.

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www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of City of New Albany

“A few friends asked if they could teach my husband and me to play,” Roteff says. “Racket sports come natural to him, but I had never played, and I thought it would be fun to do as a couple. Something different for us to do for date night.”

And it seems everyone is doing it.

In fact, pickleball was announced as America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row by the 2023 Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report. To put that into perspective, a staggering 36.5 million people played pickleball at least once in the U.S. last year, representing 14% of the adult population.

Pickleball offers a variety of health advantages.

“For me, it’s cardiovascular,” Mink says. “You play a point that might last City Councilmember Matt Shull is a frequent visitor to the pickleball courts.

10 minutes or 30 seconds, and that’s the beauty of the sport. I think the numbers are, you might take 4.2 shots in tennis to reach point, but in pickleball it’s 9.5 shots.

It’s almost like you’re in an interval class.”

It’s the fast-paced nature of pickleball that encourages quick movements, reflexes and strategic thinking. It also contributes to improved hand-eye coordination, mental acuity and greater stamina. Plus, its low-impact nature makes it an excellent option for individuals of all ages, especially older adults seeking to stay active without putting excessive strain on their bodies.

“I play with people in their 20s through their 60s and 70s, and it amazes me…This past summer we even took my

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Paying it Forward

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NAPLS science teacher shares experiences in Antarctica

By Katie Giffin

I

t’s easy to get bogged down in the everyday stresses of work, family and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered.

A study done on university students, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found evidence that suggests traveling encourages an open mindset and positively affects social and mental health through personality development.

New Albany-Plain Local Schools teacher, Sandy Reed, knows the health benefits of traveling first-hand and is no stranger to the open road.

“When I travel, I am inspired,” Reed says. “Sometimes I experience moments of awe, I meet people and I just grow. I become more than what I was before.”

In addition to a personal trip she takes to South Africa every year to hone her wildlife tracking skills, Reed was also given the opportunity to take a three-week trip this past winter to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica through the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship offered by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Sandy Reed

Cold as Ice

Community Foundation supporting extracurriculars

Reed participated in a polar plunge while wearing a cardiac monitoring patch. This experience aided with research so the patch may have future use with NASA projects.

The fellowship is a two-year program that takes 50 educators from the U.S., Canada and surrounding areas to various places around the world offering them unique field experiences that they can take home with them to share with their students and communities.

Taking in the sights Throughout the entirety of her trip, Reed wore a wireless Isansys Lifecare cardiac monitoring patch to track her heartbeat. This experience, done in collaboration with STARK Industries and its CEO Joe Swantack, was a great way for her to watch her health and allowed her to share this unique technology and data with her students and community upon her return.

While hiking in the frigid tundra, Reed walked alongside colonies of king penguins and herds of elephant seals. One of the highlights of her trip was a Healthy Habits for Travel Before traveling to another country, be sure to stay up to date with vaccine requirements.

According to the CDC, building immunity takes time, so be sure to schedule vaccination appointments a couple of weeks in advance. Visit www. cdc.gov for a comprehensive list of vaccine requirements for every travel destination. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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Photos courtesy of Sandy Reed

Sandy Reed stands where Sir Ernest Shackleton stood during his 1915 Endurance expedition.

close encounter with a humpback whale that swam up to the bow of her ship, The Explorer, and was close enough that Reed saw its eye.

“You go to Antarctica and you’re going to experience the deepest, most humbling feeling and know that this world is so much greater than you. These life forms will continue when you’re no longer here,” Reed says. “I think having gratitude in your life creates a peace… I feel emotionally and mentally rich.”

Experiencing moments of regular gratitude, as Reed did while abroad, could also lead to improved mental health.

In an article published in University of California, Berkeley’s The Greater Good Magazine, psychology professors Joel Wong and Joshua Brown say that practicing gratitude can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety by actively shifting thoughts out of a negative cycle. The professors also state that the effects of practicing gratitude increased over time.

In addition to feeling a greater feeling of peace, Reed is also on her feet a lot when she travels.

While traveling with National Geographic, Reed took every opportunity to hike, kayak and explore the landscape, even taking a polar plunge.

“I wanted to connect to the land, to the place,” Reed says. “I wanted to feel it underneath my feet.”

In an article from BrainMD, which references University of Pittsburgh adjunct professor of

neurological surgery, Paul Nussbaum, Nussbaum suggests that exploring new locations isn’t just fun - it can also help to strengthen brain function and memory.

“Traveling can stimulate your brain and spur the growth of new connections within its cerebral matter. There’s a link between new experiences and the formation of dendrites, which are the branchlike extensions that grow from brain neurons,” Nussbaum states in the article.

What’s next

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

3 5 0 5 W. D U B L I N - G R A N V I L L E R D . C O L U M B U S 4 3 2 3 5

W W W. D AV E F O X . C O M . ( 6 1 4 ) 4 5 9 - 7 2 1 1

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The trip to the southern hemisphere was only one part of Reed’s involvement with the program. As she heads into the second year of her fellowship, Reed is now turning her focus to sharing everything she learned while abroad.

Reed created a science curriculum specialized for each grade which incorporated her experiences, such as the anatomy lessons her sixth graders will learn by studying her heart rate data. She plans to share her experience at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany as well as other locations in Ohio.

She hopes to educate more people on the wonders of Antarctica as well as the immense health benefits that can be gained through travel to inspire others to travel to the southern hemisphere.

“I think Antarctica stole my soul,” Reed says. “It took a piece of me that did not come back.”

While Reed continues to share what she learned with the community, she believes that classroom experience is no replacement for being an eyewitness to the wonders of the world.

“I believe that you can study, and learn and do all that ahead of time, but to go somewhere is to change you,” Reed says.

For students, studying abroad can help academically and holistically as they are exposed to new and unexpected environments.

“The more people we can get out there to see what the world is like, the more global their thinking will be and the better chance we’ll have of taking care of this planet,” Reed says.

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Beyond Diagnosis Local families celebrate kids with disabilities

By Ava Huelskamp

Courtesy of Jennifer Cohen

School Support

Elaina Cohen hanging out with friends from school 22

Caitlin and Scott Miller, friends of the Cohens, also have a daughter with a developmental disability. Nine-year-old Lucy has DDX3X, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that causes speech difficulties or delayed development of speech and language.

Caitlin echoes Cohen’s sentiments about New Albany being an inclusive place to live for families raising children with developmental disabilities. She says New Albany schools are really receptive to accessibility updates, whether that means getting rid of an inaccessible curb or making sure every building has handicap push buttons.

Caitlin has found similar comfort and support within their New Albany community as the Cohens. She and Scott decided to move to New Albany on a whim, despite neither of them having visited Ohio before, but she says she doesn’t regret a thing. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Courtesy of Jennifer Cohen

“W

hen we got that diagnosis, we felt totally in the dark.”

Jennifer Cohen explains how she and her husband felt when their daughter, Elaina, was diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson syndrome at two years old. Mowat-Wilson is a rare condition that happens at conception when part of a baby’s chromosome is deleted.

Now, Elaina is 15 years old and excelling at New Albany High School. Her family is proud to celebrate March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM) and acknowledge not only how far Elaina has come but also all of the support they have received.

The Cohens are originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and eventually moved to Kentucky, but had trouble finding a doctor there that knew much about Elaina’s condition. It wasn’t until relocating to New Albany that the Cohens felt they received the best The Cohen’s annual family vacation to Destin, FL area. care for Elaina. “(The school said,) ‘She’s getting an aid, she’s going to get speech, OTP, PT and adapted physical education,’ Cohen says. “It was really cool that the school system was so and I’m like, ‘Whoa, we did not have any of that in Kentucky,” supportive of making sure that Elaina was going to have everything she needed. And I feel very fortunate that they guided me through that versus me having to ask for it.”

“We do feel so fortunate that we landed here because I feel like everywhere we go with (Lucy), everybody knows her and everybody is really sweet,” Caitlin says.

“Kroger is one of our favorite spots to go (because we) run into teachers and staff members and they’re just really sweet.”

Lucy Miller with her siblings.

Courtesy of Caitlin Miller

Courtesy of Jennifer Cohen

A child with disabilities requires a lot of attention and care that can be emotionally and physically demanding for parents or the child’s caretaker. Caitlin is Lucy’s full-time caretaker, and does everything with Lucy on a daily basis including getting her dressed, taking her to and from school and doctor’s appointments as well as zipping her into her safe-sleep bed at the end of the day.

According to the Child Mind Institute, “parents who are the main caregivers for kids with special needs can be at risk for burnout, especially if they don’t have enough support themselves.” A study from the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinics found that there is a higher incidence of migraine headaches, gastrointestinal ulcers and greater overall distress in parents of children with disabilities.

This stress is why Caitlin and Cohen are currently in the process of setting up a support group for New Albany-Plain Local School District parents of children

Courtesy of Caitlin Miller

Caretaker Community

Lucy Miller at school. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Elaina Cohen at a Columbus Crew game with her brother Seth.

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Courtesy of Jennifer Cohen

Elaina Cohen enjoys a night out at Penn and Beech in Worthington with her family.

Family farm since 1831 Selling The Best Quality Beef In Ohio

with disabilities. The group will be a space for parents to relate to others who are in a similar situation. “(We’re starting the group) just to be able to have somebody to be able to sympathize with you or be there with you or even laugh or to cry to you, whatever,” Cohen says.

Caitlin says the two have a variety of topics in mind that they hope to discuss with the group, like community resources, extracurricular activities or the stresses of IEPs and doctor’s appointments. They would also like to start a similar group in the future for siblings.

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In August last year, New Albany opened Taylor Farm Park, which boasts a rubberized play surface intended to provide accessibility for all abilities. New Albany also holds a few events for children with disabilities including a Polar Plunge.

This year’s event happened in February and raised more than $10,000 for Special Olympics Ohio and New Albany Special Olympics. Throughout the awareness month, Cohen says New Albany school hallways are decorated with educational posters and bulletin boards. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

(my kids) to be able to answer back the best they can; it’s cool for our children but also great for the students just to learn more about different disabilities and to understand,” Caitlin says.

Elaina’s siblings have gotten a similar opportunity to not only educate her peers about Mowat-Wilson, but also how to be friends with Elaina.

“Even though she has special needs, she’s very much like a normal kid and what she likes to do and her activities and what she can participate in,” Cohen says. “It’s just she has to do them a little differently.”

Courtesy of Caitlin Miller

Ava Huelskamp is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Courtesy of Caitlin Miller

Lucy and her brother in a race.

Lucy Miller

“I feel pretty fortunate that especially in the primary and intermediate buildings, the kids are super inclusive,” Cohen says. “I think they do see (kids with disabilities) as different but they’re willing to interact with them. They’re willing to try to be friends with them.”

Caitlin has the opportunity every year to send Lucy’s siblings, Brooklyn and Austin, into her classroom to give a presentation and educate Lucy’s classmates about her disability. Caitlin says it helps open the floor for kids Lucy’s age to ask common questions about her disability.

“The kids have been wondering why (Lucy) does all these things. And so for www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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student spotlight

By Cailyn Burr

Creating Community New Albany Chamber award recipient strives to offer healthy community events mester at Otterbein University, where Iyer serves as an Academic Senator and sits on the Planning Committee for Otterbein’s Student Government.

She is also a member of the Student Alumni Board. Her commitments showcase her devotion to building a healthy community, where her impact will be long-lasting.

Iyer was nominated for the Delta Award by Lisa Hinson, who she worked under during her summer internship with Hinson Ltd., a public relations firm located in Columbus.

“Shikha is the type of person who pushes herself to learn and do more,” Hinson says. “While working

Photos courtesy of Shikha Iyer

E

very year, the New Albany Chamber of Commerce awards outstanding community leaders and businesses for their significant role within the community. This past December, New Albany High School graduate Shikha Iyer won one of the Outstanding Student Awards for her commitment to serving her community.

Iyer’s dedication to New Albany is clear. During high school, Iyer was involved with various student organizations including SOAR Leadership, Red Cross Club, the Junior Class Advisory and the National Honor Society.

She has continued with this level of involvement through her first se-

Shikha Iyer at the Otterbein Craft Bazaar.

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SP EC IA L EV EN

Courtesy of Lisa Hinson

T

Shikha Iyer (right) and New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding at the New Albany Chamber of Commerce Delta Awards reception.

Great Artist Series Luis Biava, Music Director

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at our firm this past summer, Shikha jumped into every project with enthusiasm and curiosity. We were able to give her increasing responsibilities as the summer progressed and she always rose to the occasion. She’s an impressive young person and we were proud to have her on our team.”

After the summer, Iyer continued her work with Hinson through events such as Remarkable Evening, a benefit whose proceeds go to impactful community causes such as lifelong learning, arts and culture, health and wellness, and ensuring a sustainable environment. “(Winning the award) was really fulfilling because everything I’ve done through high school hasn’t just been for myself, but also to help others in the community,” Iyer says. “It was a moment to look back and really feel proud of myself, and almost a way to thank everybody that’s helped me along the way.”

Now, Iyer works at The Five Party & Event Center where she hopes to continue planning events that will benefit the New Albany community.

At Otterbein, she is currently on a premedical track where she hopes to find an intersection between her love of event planning and medicine. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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Iyer says winning the award reinforced her goals for the future and her love for New Albany. She is still involved with the community through the tutoring she offers to New Albany High School students and the senior photos she enjoys taking for graduating students.

For Iyer, receiving the award taught her the importance of giving back to the community. The work Shikha Iyer and the Hinson Ltd. Public Relations summer internship team. that she’s done through her event planning and service Cailyn Burr is an editorial assistant has not only helped the city of New Albany at CityScene Media Group. grow, but has fostered a healthy environ- Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com. ment for community involvement.

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Courtesy of Shikha Iyer

“(Winning the award) was really fulfilling because everything I’ve done through high school hasn’t just been for myself, but also to help others in the community,” Iyer says. “It was a moment to look back and really feel proud of myself, and almost a way to thank everybody that’s helped me along the way.”

food

By Jane Dimel

Know Your Food

Regulations and information about labels and expiration dates

C

ountless companies advertise their products as “organic” and “nonGMO,” but it can be hard to know what that means and how accurate these labels are without knowing how labeling works.

Organic and non-GMO

The Organic Integrity Database website, organic.ams.usda.gov/ integrity/, offers a list of certified organic ranches, farms and food handlers in the US, as well as globally.

Organic foods are non-GMO, as they have not experienced genetic engineering or interacted with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that change the natural genetic makeup of plants and animals, such as allowing plants to create their own pesticides or withstand lethal herbicides intended to control weeds.

To be classified as non-GMO, each product must be evaluated to guarantee that there has not been contamination or exposure to the travel of GMOs. Certified

foods will have the signature butterfly label of The Non-GMO Project.

Labeling and advertising a food as organic asserts that the USDA has certified the ingredients based on the percentage of organic ingredients present in the product. According to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the National Organic Program not only regulates all organic crops, livestock and agricultural products, but also conducts oversight of organic certification, compliance and enforcement activities to ensure that organic farms and businesses follow all of the regulations.

There are more than 45,000 onsite inspections each year to monitor compliance, as well as audits, a residue testing program, robust compliance and enforcement activities, and risk-based investigations to ensure the organic label.

Adobe Stock

The saying “organic is always nonGMO” is true, but that only tells part of the story about what being organic or non-GMO truly entails.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates how food gets labeled based on strict standards of proper agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and hormones, the quality of water and soil, and the practices of raising animals and conserving biodiversity according to the National Organic Program.

Did You Know?

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Labels to Know

100% organic: all ingredients within the product are organic, excluding salt and water, which are considered natural products, and will have the USDA seal Organic: 95 percent of ingredients are organic, with the other 5 percent including approved additional ingredients, excluding salt and water, and may or may not have the USDA seal Made with organic…: may list up to 3 organic ingredients or food groups; signifies that 70 percent of ingredients are organic with the rest including approved ingredients, will not have a USDA seal Specific Organic Ingredient Listings: list of limited organic ingredients, less than 70 percent organic and remaining ingredients not required to follow regulations

MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of Healthy New Albany Inc.

Similar Labels

These labels have similar phrasing and meanings. Verification of these claims can vary widely Cage-free: birds can freely roam a building or enclosed area with unlimited access to food and water; does not specify type of feed for the animals Free-range: birds have unlimited access to food, water and designated areas inside and outside, also may not be fenced or netted outdoors; does not specify type of feed for the animals Grass-fed: grass is the main source of nutrients and these animals have continuous access to pasture; does not limit the use of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides; certified organic cows have to be on the pasture during grazing season and eat certified organic pasture or feed Humane: claims of humane treatment towards animals by private labeling programs Natural: Meat, poultry and egg products that are minimally processed and have no artificial ingredients; does not include standards about farm practices; applies solely to the processing of these specific products because no standards or regulations exist for other food products without meat, poultry or eggs Pasture-raised: no USDA labeling policy for pasture-raised products Source: USDA

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For more information about these types of labels, attend Healthy New Albany’s Community Health Talk: Monday, March 18

How to Decode Food Labels & Ingredient Lists 6-7 p.m., Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St. www.healthynewalbany.org

Quality date-labeling

r e mo d e l s • n e w h om e s • a d d i t i o n s

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helping New Albany residents their dreams for 35 years and counting 61 4 . 4 3 0.0 0 2 7 r d s h om e d e s i g n .c om

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dates applied to food packaging do not indicate a product’s safety, except in the case of infant formula. Instead, these dates estimate the time period for the product’s best quality, as it is not required by federal law to indicate dates for the product’s safety.

These quality dates measure the food’s characteristics, type of packaging and the different conditions a product will undergo in distribution and sale, such as length of time and temperature, to determine the product’s best quality.

There are two types of food product dating, depending on the type of food. Open dating estimates the time of best quality and display time for meats, poultry and eggs, whereas closed dating identifies the date and time of a shelf product’s production.

The FSIS says there is no uniform or universally accepted labeling, so a variety of labels are used to describe the same thing.

Labels such as “Best If Used By/ Before, Use-By and Freeze-By refer to the end of the product’s peak quality or taste, while Sell-By helps with inventory management.

So, while it can be better to use these products before the suggested dates, there is no hard-and-fast rule for how these dates apply to the safety of the food product, or how accurate they are about food quality. It is always best to check the product before you consume it, no matter what the label says.

Jane Dimel is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback is welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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living

By Amber Phipps and Rachel Karas

Here Comes the Sun Screened porches, sunrooms and gazebos offer health benefits

E Photos by Kylie Osmond, courtesy of Dave Osmond Builders

ach year, more homeowners are turning to screened or covered porches and gazebos for a dose of the outdoors, rain or shine.

A safe dose of sun exposure is vital to staying in good health and high spirits, and this is especially true throughout the winter, spring and fall months in the Midwest when opportunities to get outside are more limited.

According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts about 5 percent of U.S. adults. Aside from a depleted mood from inactivity, a recent study published by HealthMatch states that 42 percent of Americans have a vitamin D deficiency.

The human body needs consistent levels of sunshine since it’s our main source of vitamin D. Often referred to

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

as the sunshine vitamin, it contributes to bone growth and a stronger immune system, all while reducing inflammation according to the National Institutes of Health.

Vitamin D is exceptional since it’s one of a few vitamins that the human body doesn’t absorb from food. Though there are traces of vitamin D in cheese, fish, mushrooms and egg yolks, sunshine still proves the best way to get the necessary dosage.

According to the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, anywhere from three to 30 minutes of daily sunlight exposure is a great place to start.

According to GoodRx Health, taking in adequate sunlight improves sleep quality, reduces blood pressure, kills bacteria 33

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Photos by Kylie Osmond, courtesy of Dave Osmond Builders

and boosts overall mood. Some of these benefits are lost if you rely solely on supplements for your daily vitamin D intake.

While walking and exercise are, of course, great ways to get some sun, sunrooms and screened porches can be the perfect way to soak up some sun without venturing out of your own home.

Dominic Luppino, a senior designer at Residential Design Solutions, says the materials and design options for these spaces have improved greatly in recent decades. Companies can not only build each homeowner’s dream space, but also ensure they will be protected from the elements and any unwanted guests such as mosquitos and forest creatures.

“Today’s screening material is not like the screen material that I grew up with 30 years ago,” Luppino says. “There are specific grades of screens now that are specific to screen porch use so we’re able to get stronger material that can cover larger openings.”

Luppino says those upgrades also come with different degrees of UV protection and opaqueness to allow more

sunlight with a built-in defense against harmful rays.

To be able to soak up the sunshine and fresh air throughout the whole year, Luppino says there are a wide range of enclosure options and climate control features.

The layout and square footage of a space may differ depending on what the intended use of the space is, Luppino says. For those looking for a more openair feel, there are more rustic covered porch options, while those who would prefer to have a cozy reading or workwww.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

The benefits of sunshine, for even a few minutes daily, are enough to drastically improve mental, emotional and physical health. from-home space may find the fully enclosed and climate-controlled sunroom a better way to go.

Though some options may be more resistant to the elements, this doesn’t mean it can’t be an all-season space. With ceiling-mounted heat lamps, Luppino says it is possible to transform a screened-in porch for use in the cold without ground-based portable heaters that can be dangerous.

Although it may sound nice to include A/C units for the hotter months of the year, much more effective ways to improve the overall airflow of these spaces is with the use of different screen size and the inclusion of a ceiling fan, Luppino says.

Amber Phipps is an editorial assistant and Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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impact

By Cassie Kelly

Keep on Walking New Albany Walking Classic® Celebrates 20 Years of Changing Lives

T

Save the date Established in 2005 Registration opened Feb. 1. For

by Phil Heit, this is the additional information about the Walk, Walk’s 20th year. visit www.hnaraces.com.

New Albany residents have embraced the Walk and make up roughly 25 percent of the walkers each year.

Since its inception, more than 35,000 participants from 94 different cities and 11 states have walked New Albany’s streets and walking paths, cheered on by OSU band members, resident musicians, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and cheerleaders.

Set for Sept. 15, 2024, this year’s Walking Classic presenting sponsors are Phil and Sheryl Heit. One innovation being introduced this year is the Worksite Wellness Champions, which gives businesses an opportunity to organize teams to participate in the event.

“We want to encourage businesses to promote employee physical activity and a culture of worksite wellness,” Phil says.

Phil and Sheryl’s generous commitment, and the support of HNA’s corporate partners, help ensure that the Walk will continue to impact the well-being of thousands of people who reside in central Ohio and beyond. It also helps ensure HNA’s ability to continue offering programs and services for all ages, including the Food Pantry, Farmers Market and community conversations to inspire healthy living.

“The community support has made Healthy New Albany and all the work they do possible,” Phil says. “We hope to see you at the Walking Classic.”

Cassie Kelly is the Marketing Manager at Healthy New Albany.

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Photos courtesy of Healthy New Albany

he New Albany Walking Classic® has become a staple in the Central Ohio region – evolving into the country’s largest walk of its kind. Onehundred percent of net profits raised from the Walk support programs and services provided by Healthy New Albany (HNA).

These companies have contributed to the continued national success and recognition of the New Albany Walking Classic Join this elite group in support of 20 years of excellence.

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on the horizon

By Ava Huelskamp

Sylke Success ®

Silk product aids in healing surgical wounds

I

s it a band-aid, a closure device or a dressing? You aren’t typically able to find one product that does all these things, but SYLKE® was designed to do just that.

Mark Mofid, a practicing reconstructive and plastic surgeon with almost two decades of experience, noticed a hole in the market for holistic and effective postoperative products and decided to use his expertise to do something about it.

When his surgery schedule started to lighten at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mofid found himself with more time to explore a new and better way of wound closure, leading to the creation of Sylke®.

What is it?

Photos courtesy of Sylke®

It’s not hard to guess what Sylke® is made from: silk. Ac-

cording to the company’s website, this product is the first naturally sourced and biocompatible silk dressing in the medical field purchasable for medical institutions and over-the-counter use.

Now that the benefits of silk are being realized, health professionals such as Mofid are reimagining the role of this material in modern medicine by using the fibroin protein found in silkworm silk.

The benefits of fibroin include its strength and resilience and it has recently been proven as an exceptional material for wound regeneration and tissue engineering, according to the company website.

In October 2023, the Oxford Academic Aesthetic Surgery Journal conducted a study comparing the effec-

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tiveness of silk bioprotein and traditional dressings in healing surgical incisions. The study determined that using silk dressings significantly reduces the chance of patients experiencing medical adhesive-related skin injuries after surgery.

Data from the study shows 64 percent of patients with the traditional dressing characterized their discomfort as a four out of 10, while 4 percent of patients with the silk dressing reported the same discomfort level.

Silk fibroin can be used for a variety of different healing purposes in addition to skin regeneration and wound healing.

Cornea, cartilage and nerve regeneration as well as bone and vascular tissue engineering have also been known to benefit from silk fibroin.

What does it do?

Sylke® is intended to perform the role of both closure devices and dressings, the two most common types of wound coverage.

It holds the edges of a wound together, creating the closure, while offloading tension with a silk fibroin

bandage meant to imitate skin elasticity.

The silk is able move with the patient, which can help stop the disruption of the healing process.

Sylke® is also able to act as a dressing by protecting incisions from contaminants while being pressure-sensitive and breathable. The product website claims Sylke® is different from most traditional

dressings because of its dual function and use of natural materials.

The Sylke® website states that most closure devices in hospitals include harsh chemical glues or weak and inelastic paper tapes. Those materials have been proven to cause damage to the skin and sometimes lead to allergic reactions, redness and swelling.

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While this product is technically available over-the-counter and is available for at-home use, it is mainly marketed for physician use.

Boxes of Sylke® are available in quantities of two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 200 with a box of two strips costing $240.

Each strip has a 14-day wear time, and can withstand exposure to water. Physicians are able to request trial samples to try Sylke® out before they buy.

Sylke® also has women’s antimicrobial undergarments available for purchase that are made from the same silk fibroin used in their medical products. The purpose of these is to help skin stay bacteria free throughout the day.

“I look at each procedure from a holistic perspective,” Mofid wrote in a testimonial on the Sylke® website. “Surgery is not finished after the last suture; it is finished after the incision is healed and the body is whole again.”

Ava Huelskamp is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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2021 Business of the Year

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HNA column

By Molly Scott

New Growth

Healthy New Albany Community Garden makes move to Taylor Farm Park Stay up to date!

Anyone who is interested in gardening or learning how to, is encouraged to sign up for the latest updates, including when the new garden will open, on our website at healthynewalbany.org.

Summer Farmers Market Thursdays, June 6-Aug. 29 (Excluding July 4) 4-7 p.m.

Market Square as help improve air and soil quality.

Jennifer Cohen, the community garden program coordinator with Healthy New Albany, has a vision of how we can organize and support community gardeners as we transition locations and prepare for this growing season. The number one thing she hopes gardeners remember is to have fun.

“Every garden starts with a dream,” she says. “The dream to grow something.

You don’t have to be an experienced gardener to start your own gardening adventure. Don’t stop that dream if there is failure…just start over. Anyone can garden as long as they have desire, care, patience and the dream.”

Community gardens increase our unity, improve our mental health by promoting relaxation, increase our physical health through movement outdoors, and increase our accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables. People aren’t the only Molly Scott is the Nature Coordinator ones who are benefitted by community for Healthy New Albany. gardens as they also increase the levels of biodiversity of plants and animals, as well 42

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Photos courtesy of Healthy New Albany

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very gardener starts with a vision.

A seed, some soil, water, sunshine and time bring that vision to life.

It doesn’t matter if we grow food, flowers or herbs, the benefits we gain are so much more than the produce. Whether you have never gardened, are a lifelong gardener, or somewhere in between, gardening offers invaluable lessons.

We are excited to announce that the Healthy New Albany Community Gardens are relocating from behind Village Hall to the Taylor Farm Park site. In partnership with The City of New Albany, the garden will be opening to the community later this spring.

The new garden space is part of Phase II of the City’s Taylor Farm Park development. The site has full sun and will also have water spigots throughout to aid with watering. It will have twice as many garden plots, including raised beds for more accessible gardening opportunities, more parking, and paved paths for all abilities.

We know that gardening can have a profound impact on our health and wellness. According to the National Institute of Health, “gardening delivers benefits across the physical, psychological and social dimensions of health.”

CommunityPrograms Programs Community January February, March && April, 2024 2024

NTOUWRLEE D G E NKA

MOOVVEEMMEENNTT M

LiftLike Likea aGirl Girl Lift 5th- 6th - 6thGraders Graders - Starting Strength 5th - Starting Strength January - February 21 March 13 -17 April 24 Wednesdays | 3:20 4:20 pm Adventure Eagles “Empower Your Heart - Keys to Cardiovascular Wellness” Wednesdays | 3:20 - 4:20 pm March 14 - May 2February | Thursdays, 3:15 - 5:00 Wednesday, 21 | 6:00 7:00 pm 6th- 8th - 8thGraders Graders 6th (waitlist only) January 16 - February 22 Rewild MusicChild Together March 12 - April 25 Tuesdays& &Thursdays Thursdays | 3:20 - 4:10 pm 13Session - May 1 |- Wednesdays, 3:40 - 5:00 pm March Winter January 9 - March 5 (8 weeks) Tuesdays | 3:20 - 4:10 pm Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:15 am & 10:30 - 11:15 am 8th- 10th - 10thGraders Graders 8th Toddlers in Nature January 16 - February 22 March 12 April 25 March 22 - May 10 | Fridays, 10:00 - 11:15 am Tuesdays & Thursdays | 2:30 - 3:20 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays | 2:30 - 3:20 pm Yuck!

World Rhythms Fitness: Dance, Mixology Magic World Rhythms Fitness: Dance, March 12 - April 30 | Mocktails Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm Strength, & Stretching Wednesday, January 17 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm Strength, & Stretching March 9 - April 20 January 13 - February Saturdays 8:30 - 9:30 am17 Warm Up with Winter Soups Saturdays 8:30 - 9:30 am Sunday, January 28 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Community Health Talks Community Cleanup “Sensible Snacking for Busy Families” Saturday, March 16 | 10:00 am -- 7:00 12:00pm pm Monday, January 22 | 6:00

NOURISH

MINDFUL MOVEMENT

Yoga Foundations Knife Skills 101 - Slice and Dice Like a Pro April 1 - May 6 | Mondays, 10:00 - 11:00 Sunday, February 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm am Restorative Meditation April 1 - May 6 | Mondays, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

NATURE

Chair Yoga Winter Family Adventures April 2 - May 7 | Tuesdays, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Mitten Walk UZITMonday, (UrbanJanuary Zen Integrative 15 | 1:30 -Therapy) 3:30 pm April 2 - May 7 | Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Groundhog Day Pizza Party Friday, February 2 | 5:00 - 7:00 pmRecovery CARE (Compassionate Addiction Experience) Nature Hikes 21, April 4, April 18 (1st and 3rd March 7, March | 6:00 - 7:00Walk pm Thursdays) Celebration of Gray

Saturday, January 13 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Backyard Bird Walk Saturday, February 10 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Register Registerfor forprograms programsonline onlineatat healthynewalbany.org healthynewalbany.org Questions? Email us at Questions? Email us at programs@healthynewalbany.org programs@healthynewalbany.org

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

KNOWLEDGE MINDFUL MOVEMENT Community Health Talks

“How to Decode Food Labels & Ingredient Lists” Restorative Energy Flow Monday, March 18 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 24 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm “Worry Workshop” Yoga Foundations Thursday, April 11 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm Mondays 10:00 - 11:00 am Music Together Session 1: January 8 - February 12 Spring Session March 1926- May 21 (9 Session 2: -February - March 18weeks) Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:15 am & 10:30 - 11:15 am Restorative Meditation Mondays 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Session 1: January 8 - February 12 Session 2: February 26 - March 18 Celebrate Pi Day with PIE! Chair Yoga Thursday, March - 8:30 Tuesdays 11:15 14 am| -6:30 12:15 pm pm

NOURISH

Session 1: January 9 - February 13 Italian Comfort Classics:27 Gnocchi, Session 2: February - March Risotto, 19 Polenta Sunday April 7 Zen | 2:00 - 4:00 pm Therapy) UZIT (Urban Integrative Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm Fermented Foods Session 1: January 9 - February 13 Sunday, April 21 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm Session 2: February 27 - March 19

Nourish Jr. - Pizza Makers CARE (Compassionate Addiction Recovery Tuesday, April 16 | 4:15 - 5:45 pm Experience) 1st and 3rd Thursdays | 6:00 - 7:00 pm January 4, January 18, February 1, February 15 43

on the shelf

By Elizabeth Cullinan, Librarian at New Albany Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Healthy New Albany Bookshelf Reviews Between Us: How Culture Create Emotions

By Batja Mesquita, 2022 While humans can feel the same emotions, the impact and understanding of emotions are not universal. The field of cultural psychology explains how emotions are developed by relationships, social connections and life experience. This book encourages readers to think deeper about differences in emotions, ways to find common ground and build a more tolerant and accepting world.

The End of Solitude: Selected Essays on Culture and Society

By William Deresiewicz, 2022 This book is a critical reflection through brief essays on how cultural influences affect the individual. From television shows to the purpose of art, the author uses examples from a variety of subjects to understand how we can all live more mindfully and freely. Readers will ultimately be asked to ponder what it means to preserve individuality in a society focused on groups and networks.

The French Art of Living Well: Finding Joie de Vivre in the Everyday World

By Cathy Yandell, 2023 If you’re looking for a new way to live a more joyful, fulfilled life perhaps look to France for inspiration.

This short book will send readers on a journey to discover how the French capture “joie de vivre,” the French phrase for living well. With vibrant stories of embracing art, food and history, French culture emphasizes the best way to put wellness and self-care at the forefront of your day.

For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be

By Marcus Collins, 2023 The author uses his years of marketing experience working with companies such as Apple, Nike and the NBA to explore the way readers can use their understanding of a culture’s influence on people to make impactful change. Community engagement is the most powerful influence on people’s behaviors. The well-being and success of a community may just lie within the marketing strategy field.

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

By Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, 2023 How can experiencing art affect the chemical makeup of your brain?

The science of “neuroaesthetics” focuses on that very question.

From reducing the stress hormone cortisol to combating loneliness and dementia, the way to a longer, healthier life may be through art.

Readers will find a thought provoking, research-based exploration on how participating in art related activities throughout all stages of life can immensely change personal health but also strengthen communities.

Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

By Olga Mecking, 2021 The Netherlands is one of the countries with the happiest people. A Dutch concept, to niks is the act of doing nothing with purpose. Niksen encourages giving yourself permission to take a break no matter where you are or what you’re doing. So, sit back, relax and just be. This little guide will show you the way.

New Albany Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library 200 Market St., Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9a-9p, Fri-Sat: 9a-6p, Sun: 1-5p Visit www.columbuslibrary.org or call 614-645-2275 for library services.

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Red Roof 50th Anniversary Red Roof, the only hospitality brand headquartered in Ohio, culminated the yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with a proclamation event at its headquarters in New Albany.

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Lt. Governor Jon Husted attended along with New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding, Senator Michele Reynolds (OH-3), Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (OH-4) and business and community leaders from throughout central Ohio.

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Top homes sold in New Albany Homes receive two offers on average in New Albany and tend to be on the market for roughly 43 days. New Albany homes sold for a median price of $596,355 in December 2023, falling 19.8 percent compared to last year. The average home typically sells close to list price and usually goes pending in 24 days. (Data from Redfin)

7852 Fenway Rd. 5 beds, 4 baths $2,850,000 Sold 12/6/2023

7255 Southfield Rd. 3 beds, 4.5 baths $1,000,000 Sold 12/13/2023

4433 Middle Aspinwall 4 beds, 3.5 baths $1,200,000 Sold 12/5/2023

7071 E. Maynard Pl. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $940,000 Sold 12/1/2023

7721 Sutton Pl. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $1,125,000 Sold 1/22/2024

19 Keswick Commons 3 beds, 4.5 baths $940,000 Sold 12/1/2023

7534 King George Dr. 3 beds, 3.5 baths $1,030,000 Sold 12/5/2023

8427 Tournus Way 4 beds, 3.5 baths $735,000 Sold 2/1/2024

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

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6670 Havens Rd | This amazing 5 acre country estate is found in the Rocky Fork corridor of Blacklick. Over 9400 total square feet, the main house is filled with large & open spaces for entertainment as well as comfortable living. The separate Pool House includes 2 full Baths and a large Bed Rm suite. 6 Garage spaces. Stunning!

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6066 Jadkins Way, Columbus, OH 43081 | $500,000 THIS STUNNING 4 BR HOME IN THE DESIRABLE UPPER ALBANY WEST EXUDES MAGAZINE-WORTHY STYLE! As you enter this stylish home, you will feel instantly enveloped in its chic ambiance.

7600 Wills Run | WOW! Opportunity knocks - one of the most spectacular building lots. This very unique 7.2 acre parcel is located in the exclusive community of Colts Neck Back Forty. This is a site sitting privately, surrounded by woods, and overlooking a deep ravine. 1880 sf Lake House is positioned on the edge of the water overlooking your own private island!

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WHERE ARE YOU?

Desirable Ranch-style home in Blacklick by R&H, featuring an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, and spacious walk-in pantry. Newer dishwasher, garbage disposal, and microwave. Single-story living with three bedrooms, laundry, and office on the main floor. The lower level offers extra living space, a full bath, and a large unfinished area wired for a workshop. Enjoy a 3-car side-load garage. $724,900.

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Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the New Albany school district. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Healthy New Albany Magazine home page: www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Contact Gianna Barrett today for more information: 614-572-1255 gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com Get a great response from your ads in HEALTHY NEW ALBANY MAGAZINE! www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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Photos courtesy of City of New Albany

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