Flaire 0714

flaire for women

Persistance pays off

July 2014

vOl. 9 - issUE 7

Experienced and Trusted Surgeons For your Surgical Needs General & Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Surgical procedures include: Breast Surgery • Appendectomy • Hernia Repair Gallbladder • Colon Resection Office locations for Dr. Albright, Dr. Bonebrake and Dr. Loethen: #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Suite 305 Alton, Illinois 62002

2 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

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To make an appointment, please call: 618-465-9024. www.sahc.org/doctors

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A Note from the editor Cynthia M. Ellis

flaire: A natural talent or aptitude; a knack; instinctive discernment; keeness; distinctive elegance or style

F L A I R E I S A SU P P L E M E N T TO T H E T E L EG R A P H

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

STA F F

4

cOvER sTORY

gENERAl MANAgER

Basic Beauty

ExEcUTivE diREcTOR

10 14

Persistance pays off The heat is on

Q&A

with Lea DeLaria

Kent A. Kilpatrick Bob Strickley (618) 463-2560

EdiTOR/sENiOR WRiTER

16

style sense

Cynthia M. Ellis cynmell@hotmail.com

18

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AdvERTisiNg diREcTOR

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flaire for wom en

flaire FOR WOMEN

Persistance pa ys off

dr. samuel & Mirka Figueroa

18 Reimagining

July 2014 3

Life is filled with celebrations.

It doesn’t matter where you live in the world there are joyous occasions to be had.

This month we celebrate the birth of our nation, but we also celebrate the birth of flaire. Yes, the magazine is 8 years old. It’s hard to believe it’s come this far.

There have been many changes with flaire’s look through the years and those who have contributed.

I will say that I still enjoy putting together each issue, but I especially enjoy hearing all your kind words about the publication.

Without all of you flaire wouldn’t be the success that is it. It takes support to succeed. Whether you’re trying to run a business or just live your everyday life, you need to feel people are there for you, supporting you and loving you.

The Riverbend is made up of people who are supportive of one another. It’s the true essence of community and family.

It’s a celebration of what happens when people join together to make where they live a better place.

It’s what our country’s forefathers did. They banned together to create a better place to live.

It’s true, not everyone will agree on everything, yet most people appreciate a celebration.

Of course Independence Day and a magazine cannot compare, but as you give reverence for the Fourth of July, remember to say “thank you” to all the contributors who’ve made flaire such a success.

Without their words, or rather any writers words, there wouldn’t be “freedom of the press.”

flaire

Persistance pays off Cynthia Ellis

4 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

M

irka Figueroa believes three things are what lead success — hard work, passion and prayer.

More than three decades ago Mirka left her home country, Poland, and traveled to America with a dream. She wanted to set out on her own, away from her family and live a life filled with experiences.

Trained as a physical therapist, Mirka found work in the United States. Her plan was to learn new medical techniques and return home.

She didn’t plan to stay as long as she did, but circumstances kept her in the country and the next chapter in her life took place - love.

Mirka was working in a hospital in Quincy, Ill. when she first met Dr. Samuel Figueroa. She had been called in by a surgeon to assist in helping a woman who broke nearly all her bones from an accident.

She said as she struggled to put the equipment in place Dr. Figueroa, who was a anesthesiologist, asked if he could help.

“I told him no, I would call my assistant,” she said.

She said the second time she met “Sam” she once again had been called in by a surgeon and he was there.

She said she left her assistant to wrap things up and Sam began asking him questions about her.

“My assistant told me he said as she he politely asked her out, but she refused.

She said the third time she met him he came into physical therapy for treatment with a neck problem. Once again Sam asked her out, but she politely refused.

She said as the hospital’s Christmas party approached that year everyone made sure she attended. She said Sam knew she was going and asked if he could drive her, but she declined the offer.

“I just wanted to go to the party and have fun with my co-workers,” she said.

After the party everyone discussed going to another venue and although they talked Mirka into going she was hesitant. She said when she arrived the only person at

She didn’t plan to stay as long as she did, but circumstances kept her in the country and the next chapter in her life took place - love.

See Figueroa | 6

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the “after party” was Sam. “All the doctors, nurses and staff were trying to get us together,” she said. “I asked where everyone was and he said ‘on their way,’ so I felt since no one else was there I couldn’t back out.”

She said that’s when things changed.

She said as she began talking to Sam she started seeing things in him that she didn’t notice before.

“He wasn’t exactly my style,” she said. “I like tall and he was short, but soon I realized what a sincere and caring man he was and that attracted me.”

She said as they talked she found him extremely intelligent and was comfortable being around him night.

“My English wasn’t so proper, but he put me at ease,” she said.

“He understood.”

She said Sam was also faced obstacles like her. He came to the United States from the Philippines also struggled with the English language and knew what she felt.

“He never made me self-conscious about it,” she said.

When the night ended Mirka hoped Sam would ask her out, but didn’t. She said she went home disappointed, but the next day he brought her a thank you note and a flower.

“He then asked me out for a real date,” she said.

For their first date. Sam planned a day in St. Louis. Even though the two hadn’t really visited the city and didn’t know where to go, the couple enjoyed one another and Sam mentioned marriage.

“He scared me a little,” she said.

She said although she stopped seeing him, she quickly realized he had stolen her heart.

The two reunited and later married. In 1988, the Figueroa’s moved to Alton when Sam took a job as chief anesthesiologist at Saint Anthony’s Health Center.

By then Mirka was the mother of two boys and had not big plans other than take care of them.

As any woman does, Mirka would relax when she visited a Godfrey hair salon, which was located in a private residence.

She became friends with the owner, who was also Polish.

“She and I had a lot in common and

became good friends,” she said.

She said she would often comment to her about how the homes location would make a good spa.

Mirka said she told Sam the same thing, never thinking that he would one day hand her the keys to a dream.

“I was in Europe and when I came home he handed me the keys to that house,” she said The house, following a little rehab, turned into Dutch Hollow Medial Day Spa. Mirka also acquired the experience she needed by going to school to become a licensed medical esthetician.

In order to succeed in her mission she knew she would need to work hard and so she did.

She doubled her class load and completed her course in less than half the time it would normally take.

“Sam was there to support me all the way,” she said.

It’s been 18 years since she opened the spa at 3042 Godfrey Road and like her life before owning a business she’s learned many life lessons.

“It’s been a challenge, but I love what I do,” she said. “I’m old school in the fact I believe when you’re passionate about something it doesn’t feel like work.”

She said there has been tough times indeed.

“There were times I would cry myself to sleep at night, but I would pray for the strength I needed to get through,” she said.

She said it was through her faith and family that she was able to fulfill her dreams.

Mirka said Sam now works alongside her at the spa. She said her sons are away at college studying to become physicians like their father.

Since the spa’s opening, Mirka has focused on providing women a relaxing atmosphere for spa services and treatments.

Both understand the needs of their clients.

“I love every client who walks in my door and I want to make them feel beautiful and relaxed,” she said For more info about the spa visit dutchhollowmedicaldayspa.com or call (618) 466-9496.

6 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

“There were times I would cry myself to sleep at night, but I would pray for the strength I needed to get through.”

-Mirka Figueroa

“I love every client who walks in my door and I want to make them feel beautiful and relaxed.”

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A WINNING

GAME PLAN Football legend Kurt Warner and family make heart-health a priority

charlyn Fargo

Football legend and two-time league MVP Kurt Warner knows what it means to make adjustments on the football field to win a game and to make adjustments in his diet to win a battle over high cholesterol.

“My dad had high cholesterol, and I have to believe heredity played a part in me having high cholesterol,” said Warner. “When I was first diagnosed, I was playing football — in great shape, working out. I made adjustments to my diet and continued to exercise, but that wasn’t enough. My doctor put me on medication as well.”

Like becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, the journey wasn’t easy. While in college, Warner worked nights stocking shelves at the local Hy-Vee store in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he attended the University of Northern Iowa. During the day, he attended classes and trained to become a pro football player. The payoff for his determination came 18 months later when, after signing with the St. Louis Rams, his team won the Super Bowl.

“When I was diagnosed, we weren’t eating very well — always on the go, fast food, foods that were kid-friendly,” said Warner, who has a family of seven children with his wife, Brenda.

“Brenda helped us start eating more fruits and

vegetables and making healthy choices when we went out to eat.”

A family favorite became a Mexican version of the grain quinoa, with beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro and chipotle seasoning.

“We try to eat low-fat meals — the family likes chicken and turkey — but we also try new vegetables. We play a game at dinner where I fix different vegetables, and we all taste it at the same time and talk about it,” said Brenda. “It’s opened up our world to new vegetables.”

Q&a Q: Are chickpeas, lentils and split peas beneficial in lowering cholesterol? a: A new analysis in the Canadian Medical Association Journal combined data from 26 randomized clinical trials that compared diets with and without such legumes. It found that one daily serving of these legumes (about 2/3 cup cooked) reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by 5 percent on average. Rich in fiber and protein, legumes can often replace animal protein. Many observational studies have linked higher intakes of legumes with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Information courtesy of the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter.

Turkey Burger sliders

8 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

kurt and Brenda Warner share their recipe for Turkey Burger sliders.

1 pound extra lean (95 percent lean) or 99 percent fat-free ground turkey meat 1/2 cup low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 3 green onions, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 3/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 avocado cut into slices 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded 8 grape tomatoes chopped 1/4 red onion, cut into thin slices

Cooking spray 8-10 whole-wheat mini hamburger buns or lettuce wraps, for serving Preheat oven to 450F. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, black beans, cilantro, green onion, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder, and gently fold together by hand.

Separate into 8-10 equal size patties. Season with pepper. Heat a medium-sized skillet and coat with cooking spray over medium heat.

Place patties in skillet and cover. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Place on bun and top with lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion.

Makes 8 to 10 mini sliders.

Here is the family’s game plan for keeping the family heart-healthy: 1. sNEAk iN FiTNEss. “I work out six to seven times a week, but not more than an hour at a time,” said Kurt. “I’ll do a 20-minute bike ride or walk or 15 minutes of cardio after we put the kids to bed, or maybe play basketball for a couple of hours,” he said. “I try not to go to bed without doing something, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.”

2. MAkE iT A FAMilY chAllENgE. “We will do pushups or air squats during commercials when we watch TV,” said Kurt. “We’ve also set up an obstacle course in the backyard where we’ll race and have fun for 20 minutes.

The key is to get in shape and then figure out ways to stay in shape.”

3. BE A ROlE MOdEl. “Set a good example by being active yourself and showing your family how much fun it can be,” he added.

4. siT dOWN WiTh YOUR dOcTOR, and don’t try to do things on your own.

5. TAkE sMAll sTEps toward achieving your goal, and stay committed.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with Hy-Vee in Springfield, Ill. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @Nutrition Rd. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com

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e h e h T

The sun, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unavoidable and in the summertime people bask in it.

Whether or not they purposefully set out to get a sun-kissed glow often times they will end up with angry red burn.

What can you do to soothe your skin when the heat is turned on it?

Here are some home remedies that can make you a bit more comfortable until you start to heal.

Take a bath

Adding a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda or oatmeal to cool bath water brings down the heat. Just keep your soaking time down to 15 to 20 minutes.

If you soak any longer, you will dry out your skin.

Rehydrate

As the sun fried your skin, it also dehydrated it. Be sure to replenish liquids by drinking plenty of water while recovering from a sunburn. Being well hydrated will help burns heal better. You’ll know you’re hydrated when your urine runs almost clear.

Use aloe vera

Soak a washcloth in cool water and apply it directly to the burned area for several minutes, rewetting the cloth often to keep it cool. Apply the compress multiple times throughout the day as needed to relieve discomfort.

You can also add a soothing ingredient, such as baking soda or oatmeal, to the compress water.

Moisturize

The sun dries out the skin’s surface and causes cells and blood vessels to leak, causing even greater moisture loss. In addition, while cool baths and compresses can make you feel better, they can also end up robbing moisture from your injured skin. To prevent drying, apply moisturizer immediately after your soak. For cooling relief of pain and dryness, chill the moisturizer in the refrigerator before using.

Apply cornstarch

Sunburns often strike where skin meets bathing suit. Sensitive and hard-toreach spots you’ve neglected to smear with sunscreen. These spots then face daily irritation from a bra or underwear.

To ease chafing, cover the burned area with a dusting of cornstarch. Don’t apply petroleum jelly or oils, which can exacerbate the burn by blocking pores.

If the burn is blistering, however, don’t apply anything.

Medicine

Try a topical anesthetic with lidocaine, an over the counter medicine to ease the pain and inflammation.

— CYNTHIA M. ELLIS

July 2014 11

These remedies are only relief for Mother Nature’s scorching heat. Remember the discomfort your sunburn caused so that next time you’ll take precautions to avoid overexposure to the sun. Sunburn can be relieved naturally, but it is never good for the skin.

flaire FOR WOMEN

The thick, gel-like juice of the aloe vera plant can take the sting and redness out of a sunburn. Aloe vera causes blood vessels to constrict. Luckily, this healing plant is available at your local nursery or even in the grocery store’s floral department. Simply slit open one of the broad leaves and apply the gel directly to the burn. Apply five to six times per day for several days.

Apply a cool compress

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pistachios & strawberries combine for easy torte

AlisON lAdMAN Associated Press

The sweet, slightly acidic flavor of fresh strawberries begs for a rich, crunchy accompaniment. And for that, we turned to pistachios.

We start by finely chopping the nuts and mixing them into the dense batter of this rich cake. You’ll find the taste and texture similar to pound cake, but — thanks to the pistachios — with deeper flavor. The batter also comes together faster and more easily than a traditional pound cake.

We top the finished cake with both strawberry jam and fresh strawberries. For an extra nutty finish, we also sprinkle additional pistachios over the top, then tie everything together with honey-spiked Greek yogurt for spooning onto individual slices of the torte. It’s the perfect way to appreciate freshly picked strawberries.

Strawberry Pistachio Torte Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours (20 minutes active) Servings: 12 For the cake: 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, plus extra to garnish 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 6 egg yolks 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled For the topping: 1/2 cup strawberry jam 1 quart strawberries, hulled 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

July 2014 13

Nutrition information per serving: 350 calories; 180 calories from fat (51 percent of total calories); 20 g fat (11 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 145 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 25 g sugar; 5 g protein; 115 mg sodium.

flaire FOR WOMEN

Heat the oven to 325 F. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with baking spray, then line the bottom with kitchen parchment.

In a food processor, pulse together the pistachios, 1/4 cup sugar, the flour, salt, lemon zest and baking powder until the pistachios are finely chopped.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Gently stir in the melted butter, then the flour-nut mixture. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool in the pan.

Once the cake is cool, remove it from the pan. To do this, place a large, overturned serving platter on top of the pan. Invert the cake, then peel off the parchment. Spread the strawberry jam over the top of the cake, then arrange the strawberries, cut sides down, over the top of the torte. Sprinkle extra pistachios over the top.

In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, honey and vanilla.

Serve alongside the cake.

QA &

with Belleville Native

Lea DeLaria

by COREY STULCE

With such a talented ensemble cast in Netflix’s most-popular series, “Orange is the New Black,” it’s tough to pick a favorite. But, who can resist the foul-mouthed, corn-from-the-bra-lovin’, screw driver MacGuyverin’ Carrie “Big Boo” Black, as brought to life by Belleville native Lea DeLaria?

The women’s prison comedy would be a lot less gut-busting without her witty and filthy one-liners. Now that the second season has been binge-watched by a big chunk of the country, the singer and comedian is even more recognizable now, but DeLaria was able to go incognito for a few moments to chat with flaire.

Q

flaire FOR WOMEN 14 July 2014

Q

Corey: We didn’t binge watch like some people did. I think we watched it over a month, two or three episodes a week. How do you feel about inhaling the season all in one sitting?

Lea: Who am I to comment on the Netflix business plan? Obviously it works. I don’t see them changing it soon, because it’s been working well for them. I love it. I love sitting down and watching episode after episode. That’s how I did “Breaking Bad.” I started watching a month before the last episode was going to air and I just ripped through it. Loved it. I wish I had done “[American Horror Story:] Coven” that way.

Corey: Have you been back to the St. Louis area since “Orange” debuted?

Lea: I have not, actually. I’m coming to visit my family probably the July 4th weekend. I filmed a movie called “Dear Dumb Diary.” I also did “Mame” with Andrea McArdle. I was playing Vera Charles. I also did “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” at the Classical Stage Company with Christopher Lloyd. Pretty much since the first season of “Orange” filmed, I have been working nonstop.

Corey Stulce: How many times have you been called “Big Boo” on the street since the show launched?

Lea: Oh, please, every day, 20 times a day.

That literally started the day after it hit the airwaves. A guy called me “Big Boo” on the subway. “It hasn’t even been 24 hours. Are you kidding me?” My character really didn’t kick in until the fourth episode.

I’ve been moderately famous for my entire life, really. I’m used to people stopping me on the street and wanting to get their picture taken with me and asking for an autograph. I am not used to at this level.

Q

Every time “Big Boo” opened her mouth, they gave her something hilarious to say.

“This is more depressing than a Tori Amos cover band.”

Q Q

Corey: Do you think they could work on butching up “Big Boo” a little bit?

Lea: Butching her up? That’s hilarious. I think, frankly, casting me, they’ve butched her up.

Q

Corey: How do you feel about the prison attire?

Lea: The boots suck, and they are the real boots inmates wear. Now I know why they were so angry in “Oz,” because their feet hurt. The boots are the worst. It takes a while to not have pockets. That takes some getting used to. That would be the hardest thing for me in prison, not having pockets.

Q

Corey: What would you put in your pockets?

Lea: Anything. My spoon.

Q

Corey: There have been some really memorable quotes. Any that jump out?

Lea: Oh, my God, I have a million of them.

Corey: Is there a lot of singing going on behind the scenes?

Lea: Most of the cast members, especially the ones who’ve been around a while, are Broadway musical people. There’s quite a few of us. Of course, there’s lots of old character actors on there as well. People who have been around forever, like Kate Mulgrew. But, oh, my God, I’m not calling her old. But, she certainly has been around for a long time. She was way too young to play Mrs. Columbo. Let’s be real, she was like 19 when she did that. I remember loving that show and watching that show religiously. I was probably secretly in love with Kate Mulgrew.

There are so many musical theater people. We have the original Mrs. Chip from the original Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast,” [Beth Fowler].

We’ve got Annie Golden, who was the lead in Milos Forman’s “Hair” and a great punk singer from the ’80s. She also originated one of the women in “The Full Monty.”

There’s also Danielle Brooks. She’s new on the scene. She plays Taystee, and she’s got a tremendous voice. There’s a lot of singers.

I keep saying, “When do we do a musical version?” I want to do a musical episode.

Every time I say it, [creator] Jenji Kohan just looks at me like, “Get out of here.”

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flaire FOR WOMEN

Everyone loves a good party and being able to dress for it, so what’s a girl to wear when celebrating the anniversary of her country?

If you’re in the patriotic spirit, but prefer not to dress to literal, there are other ways to work the red, white and blue into your look.

Think edge on nautical. A patriotic mix of prints has solid added by colorful accessories.

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Review:

Samsung fitness products offer the basics bathroom, how long it takes for you to fall asleep and how long you hit the snooze button before you actually get up. They also separate light and deep sleep.

ANICK JESDANUN AP Technology Writer

With Samsung’s products, that’s all built in and easily accessible.

But I sometimes have to try several times to get a good reading, especially with the wrist devices on my sweaty arm.

Readings are usually within several beats of the pulse I measure manually — good enough to gauge your heart rate, but no replacement for medical devices such as an EKG. Now and then, I get readings that are way off.

Samsung has free phone apps to log past readings. The wrist devices continually track your heart rate during exercise, but you see only the average and maximum rates on the app.

Tracking exercise.

Dedicated activity trackers such as Jawbone’s and Withings’ automatically detect when you’re exercising. By contrast, you must tell the Samsung device when you’re starting or finishing. The exception is with the pedometer, which counts daily steps.

Some people will prefer having everything automated, but I like Samsung’s approach, as it offers more precision than guessing

based on motion sensors. It’s similar to how GPS watches work. However, GPS watches also let you take splits — snapshots every mile in a race or every lap on a track. Samsung has just start and stop — not even pause.

Accuracy on the phone is comparable to that of other GPS phone apps. Lacking GPS, the wrist devices calculate distance based on motion sensors and your height — a reflection of how far you travel per step. Distance tends to be off by the same amount each time. There’s no way to calibrate the devices, apart from lying about your height. I had to shave off about a foot to get it right.

During the Big Sur marathon, the Gear Fit had me at 26.2 miles — finished — with some six miles still to go. How demotivating.

Tracking sleep.

The wrist devices can offer insights into your unconscious hours and tell you in the morning how much of your sleep was motionless.

I found that neat, until I saw the Jawbone and Withings apps go further. Those devices tell you how often you get up to use the

A mix of the basics.

Think of these Samsung gadgets as fitness samplers.

They offer a little bit of everything, without excelling at any one thing.

People who are looking for more than the basics might get frustrated. If you need to track something specific regularly — in my case, distance and pace on runs — you’re better off with a device dedicated to that.

But if you’re new to fitness tracking, these gadgets offer a good introduction.

They also offer a peek into a future where your various health records are integrated and presented neatly in graphs and charts. We’re far from that day, but you see the first few steps here.

Although I wouldn’t buy an S5 phone just for these fitness features, they could nudge you in that direction if you are already thinking about it. You get most of the functionality with just the phone, but the wrist devices are easier to carry and will also monitor your sleep.

July 2014 17

Tracking heart rate.

The Jawbone Up doesn’t track heart rate, while Withings’ new Pulse O2 needs to be removed from the wristband for readings — impractical during exercise.

Optional heart rate monitors with GPS watches typically require wearing a separate sensor.

AP Photo | Richard Drew

FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2014 file photo, a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone, left, and a Samsung Gear 2 are displayed at the Samsung Galaxy Studio, in New York. Samsungs latest gadgets, the Galaxy S5 smartphone, Gear Fit wristband and Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo wristwatches, try to tap into peoples passions for tracking fitness activities.

Tracking weight and nutrition.

The S Health app for the S5 lets you log what you eat by searching for a specific product (such as a Big Mac from McDonald’s) or entering individual ingredients.

There’s a lot of guess work, though. I have no clue what I pointed to when I ordered at the lunch counter the other day. I know rice was part of it, but what was the portion size?

Another feature logs the weight you enter over time. You need your own scale.

flaire FOR WOMEN

BIG SUR, Calif. — Samsung’s latest gadgets try to tap into people’s passions for tracking fitness activities.

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo wristwatches, Gear Fit wristband and Galaxy S5 smartphone all come with heart rate monitors and software for tracking exercise and the number of steps you walk in a given day.

In April, I ran the Big Sur International Marathon in California sporting the Gear Fit, along with a Garmin GPS watch and activity trackers from Jawbone and Withings. I used the S5 and Gear 2 on other runs and as part of dayto-day living. I wanted to see how useful and accurate these devices are and how easy they are to use.

The S5 phone sells in the U.S. for about $200 with a two-year service contract, or about $650 without one. The Gear 2 costs about $300, while Gear Fit and Gear 2 Neo cost about $200 each. The wrist devices must be paired with certain Samsung phones or tablets made in the past few years, though you can leave the device at home and sync the data after your workout.

Samsung is trying to become the hub for all your health information, similar to what Apple is eyeing with its upcoming HealthKit tools for iPhones and iPads.

The technology is rudimentary now, but apps might one day use all this data to warn you of problems before you notice symptoms.

g n i n i g a m i e R

18 July 2014

Lynne & Eddie Agha Agha Designs Jewelry Studio www.AghaDesigns.com And on FaceBook

W

ax

t s a

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A long happy marriage goes through many stages as decades pass.

Goals change, finances mature, kids grow up and priorities shift. Styles change. So, what about a major change in your wedding ring? This is exactly what happened with a couple we know who came to us for a full custom designed new ring for her.

First we established the stones. The centerpiece was the brilliant cut round diamond that “did the marriage vows” decades ago. She also had a pair of slightly smaller diamonds from some earrings that matched her original stone. A channel set diamond anniversary band was also a source of small diamonds to be used as accents and to represent that stage of their marriage. This gave us the available diamonds for the design.

The second set of design parameters were: 18K yellow gold, a ring that glittered without being ostentatious, and movement in the design.

OK, how do you create movement in something that does not move?

For one, you do not have “absolute mirror image symmetry left to right.” Symmetry that is “flip-flopped” or rotated depicts motion as does changing light patterns as the ring moves during wear. Curved lines continue the sense of motion.

Most importantly, our customer did not want a ring that had “only one headlight-like big flash” but rather, one that glittered and flashed continuously from every angle. We chose to put the three major diamonds on a diagonal line in which their tops pointing in different directions. The oval panel of the ring was oriented to that diagonal.

The small diamonds from the anniversary band were arranged in oval curves around the center trio which we emphasized by using a recessed groove. All providing motion!

The shank around the finger was made wider and thicker on the bottom for balance as you can see in the picture of the waxes. At the joining area to the central panel, the shank flared for strength.

In this flare we created negative space by incising curved triangles.

This added design interest, additional movement and also would let in air so the ring would not hold moisture. Interestingly, the resultant design echoed some of the Art Deco designs of panel rings. Eddie, my husband, partner, and primary metal worker, did a hammer finish on the central panel which made the gold glitter subtly as the angle of view shifted. The finished creation reflects light from virtually every angle, is comfortable, and incorporates all the major elements of the original wedding ring and anniversary band. Voila’ we have the next iteration of her wedding rings. The picture of the waxes and cast pieces shows this ring along with the hexagonal pendant and earrings that were cast at the same time. These were featured in a prior Flaire article called “Champagne, Chemistry, & Christmas.”

Due to you keeping us extremely busy at The Studio, we are taking a sabbatical from writing these articles.

Thank you, readers, for your positive comments and feedback over the years, and thanks, Flaire, for this wonderful opportunity to have creative fun while informing our readers.

Fin i

d she

flaire FOR WOMEN

divinedEsigN

Summer in Black and White sharon Mosley It’s easy. It’s breezy. And it’s classic. Black and white has always been a favorite fashion statement for style-makers. Just ask Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Onassis.

Even modern-day actresses like Charlize Theron still embrace the look (check out her 10-page photo spread in this month’s Vogue).

The chic color combo is one of the coolest ways to pull a wardrobe together, especially in the summer. Here are a few updates on this classic duo:

are like white jeans — a great summer wardrobe basic that pairs with virtually everything.

You can dress up shorts with longer jackets or wear them with tees and tops in neutral black or white. There are lots of mix-and-match possibilities here. gRAphic pRiNTEd skiRTs. This is a way to put some fun in your summer staples.

Invest in a black-and-white skirt — fitted or flared — in windowpane checks, polka dots or painterly florals. Then top it off with a classic white shirt for work or a tank top for play.

cROppEd TOps. Admittedly, not all of us want to bare our midriffs, even if it’s 100 degrees outside. However, these short tops are making their mark this summer even at the office. The trick? Wear high-waisted pants or skirts to minimize the belly bulge, or layer a longer camisole underneath for more coverage. The black-andwhite striped crop adds a fresh touch, on its own or under a jacket.

ThE sliM sUiTs. Wearing white or black from head-to-toe is another big fashion trend this summer. Suits are crisp and clean, and on the sleek side. For fun, wear them with strappy cage sandals or sporty white sneakers. Take apart the pieces and dress them up for evening with chiffon tops or silk halters.

pOp ART shiFTs. Black and white also gets artsy for summer in simple, sophisticated sheath dresses that skim the body with bold designs that pop with stylized drama. These are the dresses you will want to wear when you MAxi dREssEs. The little black dress goes long on style this summer. The maxi is a great need a mood boost. You will definitely stand way to celebrate the warm months in easy, out in a crowd. cotton black and white knits. Look for slinky slip MEsh TUNics. The see-through trend is one dresses with sheer lace or crochet insets to be favorites. Garden parties will never be the same. of this year’s hottest looks. In black or white, BERMUdA shORTs. Reserve the denim Daisy these tunic tops are usually layered over tank tops or even swimsuits. These longer tops are To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features Dukes for fun at the beach and stick to these by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit best when worn with slim pants or skirts. longer styles for everyday wear. White shorts the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANklE pANTs. Trousers may be standard at the office, but shorter, slimmer pants that hit right around the ankle are a great way to “summarize” not only your professional style but weekend looks as well. These classics will work with heels and sandals, as well as jackets and more casual tops. They are a seasonal musthave that will carry you right through fall when you can pair them with boots.

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The sky’s the limit Marie Georges’ talents are many

20 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

By vicki BENNiNgTON

Though Marie Georges, aka Marie the Cheesecake Lady, is obviously known for her cheesecakes, her cooking, baking and catering abilities go way beyond her selection of more than 70 flavors of the dessert.

Take her savory cheesecakes for example. They too, have almost an endless selection of flavors.

“I choose vegetables and ingredients that are in season and that becomes the savory of the day,” Marie said. “I can add just about anything to the base.

There really is no limit to the flavors.”

She provides catering for corporate lunches and events, graduations, an array of private parties, and wedding receptions or showers that may feature a selection of different cheesecakes, or at one wedding, the couple asked for 28 pies in five different flavors.

“I like that people are trying new things and straying away from the ordinary,” Marie said.

Her boxed lunches are a big hit for business meetings and other corporate events. And her trademark chicken salad is frequently requested, along with her choices of salads, “Southern” potato salad recipe, homemade soups, special breads, appetizers and entrees.

chopping vegetables is not work to Marie georges. she enjoys every minute in the kitchen.

“I can’t even remember a time that I wasn’t cooking, canning, grinding relish, or chopping or making something in the kitchen,” Marie said.

The youngest of five children, she said everyone was expected to do something, and she never questioned it. In fact, she thrived on it. And she’s the only one in the family who can make her grandma’s German potato salad.

“Because I would stand and watch her cook,” Marie said.

After she started living on her own, friends would ask her to make some of her dishes they Marie the cheesecake lady’s sign was hand-painted by Meredith Elston, co- loved, and slowly she began to owner of The Milton schoolhouse, where Marie georges’ commercial kitchen grow her own business, while is located. working at various venues and capacities within the food I make dishes to fill them,” she industry, including institutional She’s known for her colorcooking in executive dining fully tied, individually wrapped said. rooms, schools and hospitals, She takes orders that range double chocolate cherry and working as dessert maker almond upside down brownies from one cheesecake, a main or side dish for an individual, to and kitchen operator at a local made from her own recipe. restaurant.

During the holidays, her Eng- multi-tiered, wedding cheeseHer assistant, Mindy Wooten, cakes in several flavors serving lish toffee is in high demand is also a long-time friend, and 200. when she makes as much as helps Marie with whatever She never minds throwing 175 pounds of the confection in she needs at the time, and is another log on the fire – so one season. learning the business and some to speak – to bake another “The toffee and the upside of the “Cheesecake Lady’s” down brownies are very popular cake or fill another pot. Even techniques along the way. as client gifts, or treats that are last minute, she’s open to new Marie’s goal is to have “storeorders or may come up with a sent to college kids,” Georges front” dishes available, from her new idea of her own, because said. full-scale commercial kitchen in One unique service she offers she’s in the kitchen cooking The Milton Schoolhouse, along is “filling” client’s own dishware. anyway.

And that’s the way it’s always with the special orders and “Ladies bring in their plates, catering end of her business. been. baskets or service pieces, and

pasta salad

Marie georges, right, and her assistant Mindy Wooten, left, share a laugh as georges prepares lunch.

“I think it would be nice if people knew they could drop by and grab a salad and a casserole or lasagna on the way home from work,” Marie said. “They can just heat it up and their dinner’s ready.”

Marie will be making baked goods, cheesecakes and soups that will be served in Maeva’s Coffee, housed just upstairs at Milton.

And she sews too, making her trademark “flea bags,” eco-

friendly carry-alls in every size imaginable, made from her own design.

“None of it is work to me,” Marie said. “It’s just what I do.”

Marie spends in-season Saturday mornings at the Alton Farmer’s and Artisans’ Market, displaying her flea bags and freshly cooked and baked products.

1 lb. pasta (Marie uses wacky mac and bowties) 1 c. Grated Parmesan cheese 1 bottle Italian salad dressing 2 bottles Ranch dressing 24 grape tomatoes, halved 1/3 of avg. cucumber, chopped 1/2 c. broccoli, broken into small flowerets 1/2 c. cauliflower, broken into small flowerets 3 green onions, sliced 2.5 oz. can sliced black olives Mrs. Dash garlic and herb, salt-free blend Granulated garlic Black pepper Pinch of sea salt Cook pasta until just past al dente. Drain. Do not run water over the pasta. Place in large bowl while hot. Pour one cup Italian dressing on pasta. Mix well. Let soak for a minute. Pour three-fourths bottle of ranch dressing over pasta. Mix. Let cool for few minutes.

Add chopped vegetables (should equal about four cups) and spices to taste. Stir in one cup of Parmesan cheese and remainder of ranch dressing bottle.

Cover and chill overnight. Before serving, add more ranch dressing to make it creamier, and adjust spices if desired. Garnish with a few grape tomatoes and Parmesan. vARiATiONs: Try different vegetables, like sundried tomatoes, summer squash or celery. To make it a main dish, add chopped, grilled chicken, chopped ham or salami.

Marie can be reached at mariethecheesecakelady@gmail.com, or visit her web site at www.mariethecheesecakelady.com.

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Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together in bowl. Set aside. In separate bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, one egg, one egg yolk and vanilla. Add dry ingredients.

Mix well. Spread in 13- by nine-inch pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

In small, clean bowl, beat one egg white until foamy.

Gradually beat in brown sugar. Beat until stiff and glossy. Fold in nuts. Spread over dough in pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

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1/2 c. shortening 1 c. sugar 2 eggs (1 separated) 1 tsp. vanilla 1-1/4 c. flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 c. brown sugar, packed 1/2 c. chopped nuts

When is Abdominal Pain Appendicitis?

By Emily Albright, M.d.

22 July 2014

flaire FOR WOMEN

General Surgeon with Saint Anthony’s Physician Group

There’s nothing halfway about appendicitis. You have it or you don’t.

And if you have it, the solution is surgical removal

of the appendix…right away.

Most people know that appendicitis is characterized by a severe pain in the abdomen, particularly on the lower right side. Even so, appendicitis is easy to mistake for other ailments and often goes undetected, particularly in children, until emergency measures are needed.

The appendix is a narrow worm-like extension of the large intestine, usually about three inches long, that has no known function, at least after early childhood.

Appendicitis occurs when the lumen or inside lining of the appendix becomes blocked and then inflamed and swollen. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to infection, blockage of blood flow, gangrene, and, eventually, rupture of the appendix with lifethreatening infection spreading throughout the inner body cavity.

About seven percent of Americans get appendicitis at some time in their lives, and there is apparently some family connection, although it’s unknown how much is due to genetics and how much to environmental conditions affecting a family, such as a specific bacterial infection, food habits or a genetic difference in resistance to certain bacteria.

Appendicitis can strike at any age but most frequently occurs between ages 10 and 30.

Know the Signs Pain is usually the key symptom, but as many as five percent of patients showing up at the emergency room or outpatient clinic have abdominal pain, and not all are suffering from appendicitis. Note the precise location and nature of the pain so you can tell your doctor.

Typically, appendicitis pain starts in the mid abdomen, near the navel, and then shifts to the lower right quadrant, about halfway between the navel and the top of the pelvic

bone. It may get worse when you cough, sneeze, take a deep breath or move around.

When touched gently, the specific area will feel tender, and this tenderness may get worse right after the pressure is released.

This is what is known as rebound pressure, and it is a sign that doctors use when making a diagnosis.

The location and nature of the pain may vary, however, particularly in young children and pregnant women.

As the pain gets worse, it may be accompanied by other symptoms: • nausea and sometimes vomiting • loss of appetite • constipation (or in some cases, diarrhea) • inability to pass gas • abdominal swelling and • a low-grade fever that may come on relatively late These are symptoms similar to those of numerous other problems such as bladder infections, kidney stones, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease and Crohn’s disease. Most of these are also serious conditions, so if you have persistent abdominal pain accompanied by a slight fever, you should have it checked out by a physician.

In most cases, a doctor can diagnose appendicitis through listening to a history of symptoms and conducting a physical examination. A blood test will indicate the presence or absence of an infection. A urine test will rule out a kidney stone or urinary tract infection as the cause.

Imaging tests such as x-ray, ultrasound and CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis, but imaging may not be necessary unless there is uncertainty after the physical examination. Imaging is more often needed in female patients because to eliminate causes due to female organs.

In any case, bacteria invade rapidly, and the inflamed appendix becomes filled with pus and mucus. If left untreated, the most serious consequence is a ruptured appendix, with the contents of the intestine – including stool and infectious organisms – flooding the abdominal cavity. An infection of the lining of the body cavity (peritonitis) is clearly life threatening, even with emergency treatment.

When an appendix ruptures, the patient usually feels immediately better, with relief from the severe localized pain. Within a short time, however, the entire abdomen will become swollen with gas and fluid. There will be pain, tightness and tenderness throughout the abdomen. Other signs may include fever, thirst and difficulty urinating.

Children are more vulnerable than adults to rupture, perhaps because it’s more difficult for them to communicate the nature and severity of symptoms. It’s important for parents to be alert to the signs and not to minimize the seriousness of a severe belly ache.

Older adults are more likely to seek treatment when rupture has already occurred or is imminent. This may be because their symptoms are less dramatic and more easily confused with those of other medical conditions Another effect of appendicitis may be seepage of intestinal contents into an abscess, a walled-off area of infection that may be as small as a walnut or as large as a grapefruit. This abscess requires prompt treatment; otherwise, it will rupture, leading to peritonitis. Abscesses are more likely to be treated medically with antibiotics and drainage of the infection.

Removal of the appendix can be performed either by traditional abdominal surgery or laparoscopy, using several small incisions and a fiber optic scope. A small camera is inserted through one incision; tiny operating instruments, through the others. The advantage of laparoscopy is that recovery is generally faster and there’s less scarring.

If an abscess is present or the appendix is ruptured, traditional surgery is allows the surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity.

Antibiotics can be administered intravenously.

If you suspect appendicitis, it’s important not to take anything by mouth until you’ve talked with your doctor. If surgery is needed, it’s best to have an empty stomach.

With prompt action, appendicitis can be readily treated with no lasting effects on digestion or other bodily functions.

Dr. Albright is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced Fellowship training in laparoscopic surgery. For an appointment with Dr. Albright, call Saint Anthony’s Physician Group at 618-465-9024.

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