HER Magazine - January 2021

Dr. Eileen Weitzel, Dr. Erica Morris, and Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi help you put 2021 in focus.

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511 Red Banks Road | 252-353-3434 | www.baileybox.com

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Meet The Team

Dear 2020,

I am really glad you’re over. You started off really great and we all had high hopes for you, but just as the flowers started to bloom, you brought us COVID-19, murder hornets, followed by lock-downs, mask wearing, curfews, hurricanes, floods, business closings, and a whole host of other really bad things.

You dampened our spirits. You made us cry.

You gave us depression. You made us worry about everything. You gave us dry hands, mask acne and a worrisome heart. You made us miss so many things. I miss parties. I miss hugging people and shaking hands hello. I miss going to the movies and sharing a bag of buttered popcorn with friends. I miss the energy that a full campus of students bring. I miss the thunderous joy of a packed football stadium.

Even though you took so much from us, you can’t have 2021. This will be our year of taking back our mind, body and spirit. This coming year is more than the normal resolutions to get healthy and give up bad habits. This year, let’s refocus our minds by meditating, heal our bodies with alternative options like vitamin IV hydration and CBD, and let’s heal our spirit by going outside our comfort zone and trying fun activities like pole fitness or hula dancing. I am happy to introduce the cover models of our 1st 2021 issue, the amazing female trio of eye doctors at 20/20 Vision Care in Greenville. They will help you see clearly and go into the new year with a great outlook for the future. Coach Chris will help you get a new year game plan and you will meet a group of women who have just started a grief support group to help those suffering from loss. No matter what happens in 2021, don’t let the year take away your happiness. There is good in the world, you just need to have faith and breathe. Everything’s going to be OK. Here’s to an amazing new year!

Love & Virtual Hugs,

Christina Ruotolo is the Editor of Her Magazine, Hot Dish writer, and a Multi-Media Specialist at The Daily Reflector Newspaper. She is active in the community, is a part-time bookseller at Barnes & Noble and creative writing instructor. When not going 100 miles per hour, she enjoys baking, spending time with friends and family, and is a new mom to a rescue puppy named Reyna.

Christina Ruotolo Editor

Marlen Luna is a Greenville-based editorial and lifestyle photographer. When she is not behind the camera, she is a business development specialist at Hyster-Yale.

Marlen Luna Photographer

Jasmine Blount is a graphic designer at The Daily Reflector. She enjoys sonic slushes and spending time with her husband & two sons, Dash and Jett. Contact her at jblount@apgenc.com.

Jasmine Blount Designer

Christy Jones, also know as Coach Chris, is an improvement coach for leaders and helps them break free from feeling overwhelmed and prepares them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com .

Christy Jones Contributor

Elaine Hughes

Elaine Hughes works full-time at ECU and part-time as a photographer. In her down time, she treasures family time and enjoys watching Hallmark movies, downsizing the items in her cabinets and closets, organizing anything and connecting with others via social media. She also educates people on the benefits of CBD through Green Compass Global. For more information about CBD oil or other CBD products, email her at cbd2feelbetter@gmail.com.

Contributor

Mandy Light is a dietetic intern and currently pursuing her Master's degree in Nutrition. She loves trying new recipes, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Mandy Light Contributor

Shay Ernest graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently a dietetic intern completing her clinical rotations at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston. Her goal after the internship is to become a registered dietitian where she hopes to help patients understand the connection between food and health.

Shay Ernest Contributor

Contents Cover Story

4 20/20 Vision Center Helps You See Clearly In 2021

Inside

8 Her Advice: Make Your Health And Wellness Your Priority 9 Meet Her: Dr. Erica Morris 11 Her Explores: Mind, Body & Soul 16 Meet Her: Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi

Contact Her

18 Her Stories: The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow 20 Her Health: CBD 22 Her Puzzle 23 Her Business Spotlight: Funky Junk 25 Her Health: How To Snack Healthy During Covid-19 26 Her Recipe: Oat Energy Ball Bites 28 Her Shopping: Mind, Body & Soul 30 Meet Her: Dr. Eileen Weitzel

Christina Ruotolo | Editor | 329-9532 Craig Springer | Advertising | 329-9513 Jasmine Blount | Designer | 329-9606 Email: cruotolo@reflector.com

Her — January 2021

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20/20 VISION CENTER

HELPS YOU SEE

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO

There is no doubt about 2020, it was a crappy year. The year held so much and promised clear visions for the future but left many of us seeing red. It’s a new year, and it’s time that we refocus our energy so we can start seeing the future more clearly again. What better way than with three amazing women who have been helping families see clearly for the last several decades? 20/20 Vision Center, located off Regency Drive in Greenville, is a touchstone for residents who want to stay healthy and see clearly all year long. Dr. Eileen Weitzel, her daughter, Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi, and Dr. Erica Morris are a talented team of female optometrists who are visionaries in the field of optometry. I had the pleasure of meeting these incredible women and interviewing them on how optometry has changed and how with the right vision and tools, you can see clearly even during a pandemic.

Each of you bring something different to the table and for 20/20 Vision Care. You offer more than just the ability to see better, you provide confidence, hope and many other things. Tell me why you decided to go into optometry versus other professions?

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Dr. Eileen Weitzel: I decided to go into optometry because I had to do a paper in eighth grade on a health profession. I went to the guidance counselor to get information on health care(before the internet) and research topics that interested me. I liked the idea of taking care of people where that did not involve blood! I knew that this was a profession that would allow me to have a work-life balance where I wasn’t on call, no patients were having issues at 2 a.m., and I could still have a family and spend quality time with them. This was a field where very few women were involved, yet I couldn’t understand why. I graduated with a class of only 44 women (28%). Nowadays, it is over 50% women.

Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi: I wanted to be an optometrist like my mom at a young age, but that all changed when I was about 13 years old. My mother and her colleague Dr. Erica Morris were attending a continuing education course to become certified to do injections in the eyes. My mother had my sisters and I waiting outside the conference room so that we could all go to lunch together. Well, my sisters and I were getting hungry and bored, so we decided to open the door to see how much longer it was going to be. When my older sister and I looked inside, we saw my mom giving her colleague an injection in the eye! I thought

Her — January 2021

Dr. Kirsten

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to myself, this is what my mom does all day in exam rooms, gives people injections in the eyes. I decided that I did not want to be an optometrist after that. It was also the same moment that my older sister decided she too did not want to be an optometrist when she grows up. I decided to get a business degree instead. I came back to work at the family practice after graduating and was running all the billing and filling around the office. I realized that numbers get boring, and they don’t change. I wanted to go back to school to do something in the medical field. My parents convinced me that optometry would be the best fit for me, so I went to optometry school and never looked back. This is my passion, and I can honestly say I could not see myself doing anything other than optometry.

Dr. Erica Morris: Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to go into health care. I have always loved helping people. I have had vision problems since birth, so I have been going to an optometrist since I was an infant. I always had a positive comfortable experience at my optometry appointments and really enjoyed the environment of an optometry office. When I was fitted with contact lenses, the confidence I gained as a child was great and I decided this was the profession for me.

Dr. Erica Mo rri s

What is your favorite part about what you do? Patients? Interactions?

Dr. Eileen Weitzel : I love seeing my patients. It is never a dull day because I hear so many different stories. I typically can remember my patients better when I can relate a story back to them. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I have an unusual case and can either fix a problem or refer them out to get the help that they need. We don’t always find problems that are only eye-related. Once the problems hit the eye, we know that there is an underlying systemic problem. Saving a life because you find a carotid artery problem related to them losing vision is priceless.

Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi: My favorite part of being an optometrist is my patients. I love answering questions about the eyes and educating my patients, so they know everything about their ocular health. I enjoy the fun, obscure questions patients sometime feel awkward asking. It’s usually a question I have gotten before, but I love new ones.

Dr. Erica Morris: My favorite part is working with the patients, getting to know them and their families. I love that my patients come from all walks of life, different backgrounds, all ages and life experiences.

Dr. Eileen W ei tz

Pandemics are hard, but for business owners, they are even harder wondering what the future holds for your business model, practices, and patients. How did you initially react to the changes when COVID-19 mandates were put in place?

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Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi: This pandemic changed a lot. For our practice, we closed for two weeks back in March of 2020. When we re-opened, we were seeing emergency patients only with shortened hours of operation. After we were closed to the public, we spent a lot of time on staff training and education and re-vamping our electronic health records to make it more efficient for the doctors and technicians. It was a good time to iron out details that we never seemed to have the time for in the past.

Dr. Erica Morris: I was disappointed that we had to close for a short period of time and very concerned about what was going to happen next with the company, our patients and our family. But, once we opened back up and put the COVID safety measures in place, I realized it was going to be OK and we just have to go with the flow!

What has the pandemic and this last year taught you? How have you adapted to the change?

Her — January 2021

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WE WILL CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO MAKE SURE ALL OUR PATIENTS SEE CLEARLY FOR YEARS TO COME.

Dr. Eileen Weitzel: The pandemic has taught me that providing safety measures and ensuring sterilization of equipment and office are paramount. While we have been safe during this time, we cannot put our guard down until numbers start moving in the right direction. I have adapted to changes by implementing procedures and protocols that will keep both my patients and staff safe. We also used our time to train and educate our employees on handling questions and concerns related to COVID-19.

Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi: This pandemic has taught me about the importance of staying close to one another even if you can’t be physically close. With a lot of people working from home and not having the social interactions like before, it is important to text, call, FaceTime and everything in between.

Dr. Erica Morris: I personally feel like I have adapted fine to the changes from the pandemic and I feel that 20/20 already had a lot of cleaning/safety precautions in place anyway. So, I feel that the adaptation hasn’t been difficult. The pandemic has reminded me how important family time is and how important all of us are.

This last year has reminded me that kindness and care for others should come before self!

What do you see for the future of 20/20 Vision Center?

Dr. Eileen Weitzel: I see many great opportunities not only for 20/20 Vision Center, but for the profession of optometry. Over three decades of practicing, I have seen many changes in the way we practice, in medications we prescribe and the surgical procedures we refer out to our ophthalmology partners. At 20/20 Vision Center, our doctors are practicing the highest level of care practicing the medical model which allows them to diagnose and treat ocular disease as well as to improve our patient’s vision with conventional means of glasses or contact lenses. Having multiple generations of doctors at 20/20 Vision allows us to glean information from each other as we all contribute in different ways. Our youngest doctors help pull us forward and keep us current and on the cutting edge of technology.

Dr. Kirsten Weitzel Turrisi: I feel that 20/20 Vision Center is stronger than ever before. We are constantly growing and adapting to our patients’ and our community’s needs. We are continuing to improve on our efficiency to be able to provide our patients with the best care we can provide.

Dr. Erica Morris: I see the company continuing to grow and expand. I see us continuing to provide care for our patients and continuing to develop strong relationships with our patients.

It’s easy to see why 20/20 Vision Center in Greenville has remained a fixture in the world of vision in our community. They will continue to strive to make sure all their patients see clearly for years to come. For more information, call 252-754-2020 or visit then at 116 Regency Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834.

Her — January 2021

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ADVICE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BY COACH CHRIS

W

ell, it is January 2021! Happy new year for real! I can imagine that you are as excited as I am to see this new year come in; 2020 will be a year that we all will never forget.

As I do every year, I took time to think and reflect upon the past year and journal about the challenges, changes, and victories that I was blessed to experience. One of the main things that was huge for me in 2020 was this: I took control of my health and wellness.

Now, let me tell you why this is so huge, and my prayer is that I can encourage you to make your overall health and wellness a priority. As I am getting older, I realize that if I do not make certain changes, I will not have the quality of life that is possible for me. Health and wellness are more than just buzz words; this is serious if you really think about it. First, when I say health and wellness, I am talking about more than just eating right and working out. It is so much more than that. When I was in graduate school, I learned about a concept called: bio-pschyosocial-spiritual—relational. This concept encompassed the whole person and the many aspects that make up a person’s entire life. I learned that you are more than your physical body.

You have emotions. You have a mind. You are a spiritual being.

You are relational; you need connections. The point is there is more to you than meets the eye, and if you are going to have a quality of life, you must take care of all parts of you. That is true health and wellness.

Last year, I was able to take an assessment of my life and

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see areas that needed care. I made major adjustments and prioritized personal things I needed to function in full capacity in life. I hired a productivity coach (and yes, I am a life coach myself), I took a class that was important to me and made it a priority, and I started an exercise regime that works for me.

I made time for personal rest and refused to be guilty about it (which has been a challenge for me for years).

I want to encourage you to take some time, think about your overall life and figure out a plan that works to support your health and wellness. This will be a journey. You will try things that do not work and will need to be adjusted. You will start and you stop. The key is to just keep pushing. Your road will not be perfect. Sometimes you will get frustrated with your progress because it will look like you are going backward, but just keep pushing. You may have to take a long, hard look at the relationships in your life and see if they are mutually beneficial or if you need to make adjustments.

As we enter 2021, I want to challenge you and encourage you at the same time to move your health and wellness to the top of list — if you have not already. If no one has told you lately, let me tell you: You are worth the investment! Write this on a post-it note and carry it around with you as a reminder. Make 2021 the best year ever for you. I want to hear about how your journey is going; I know it is going to be great!

Christy Jones, also known as Coach Chris, is an improvement coach for leaders by helping them to break free from feeling overwhelmed and equipping them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com.

Her — January 2021

DR. ERICA MORRIS, OD 44, GREENVILLE, NC

Tell me a little bit about your family (husband, children)- My husband, Jay and I have been married for 20 years. We are high school sweethearts. We came to Greenville from Ohio because Jay is a professor at ECU. We have two daughters: Katie, 14, is a freshman at J.H. Rose High School, and Cara, 12, is a sixth-grader at St. Peter Catholic School. Both girls are active in volleyball. We also have 2 dogs.

What is your signature scent? I don’t have a signature scent because I don’t want to set off anyone’s allergies in the exam room, but my favorite scents are of the beach and ocean. I love the salty air smell of the beach and anything that smells like fall or Christmas.

I never leave home without my……. Water bottle and most often, coffee!

Favorite recreational activity or hobby? I love watching my girls play volleyball. I love to go for walks outside - that is my relaxation, and I love to read and play with my dogs. The beach is my favorite place to be, and I love the sound and smell of the ocean any time of the year.

Current job title? Optometrist

Your advice/resolution for 2021? Be kind to one another! I hope to improve on my patience with others and to continue to teach my girls to be compassionate, caring and openminded young ladies.

Are you a member of any organization or volunteer for events during the year? I am a member of PEO, a women’s Philanthropic Educational Organization that raises money for women’s scholarships, especially nontraditional students.

Her — January 2021

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Her — January October 2021

EXPLORES

GET OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE & TRY NEW THINGS TO STRENGTHEN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO

F

or many of us, we will look back on 2020 as the year we stayed home. We didn’t travel, we didn’t go the gym. We didn’t go to school. We didn’t go to parties.

But of all the things we didn’t do, we did a lot more than we realize. We learned how to grow our own food and that it’s possible to cook a healthy meal every day of the week. We learned how to re-purpose and reuse. We learned how to Zoom conference even if there is always that one person that never puts themself on mute. We learned how to sanitize everything, open a door with our elbow and how to only put make-up on the top half of our faces. We learned how to budget when the dollars are few and far between. We learned how to throw one heck of a socially distanced birthday party with a caravan of cars and

waves. We learned how to sit outside, enjoy the fresh air, take long walks and naps, and now finally understand how fabulous sweat pants can be.

As editor of Her Magazine, I couldn’t let COVID-19 slow me down. I still had work to do. I had to leave the sweat pants at home, and, with the support of our amazing advertisers and the community, we didn’t miss one issue of our magazine. Even during a pandemic, I wanted to make sure to show you fun still exists amid all the chaos. I went in search of ways to to help you maintain a positive mind, body and soul. What I learned in the process is you need to go outside your comfort zone and try new things. So here are some fun, alternative options you can do to keep your mind, body, and spirit in sync for 2021.

Her — January 2021

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MIND: Meditation

So many people are worried about their physical health, that they forgot to take care of their mental health. Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. Last summer, the Centers for Disease Control polled people on how they were feeling during the pandemic. “40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition,” ranging from stress, anxiety, PTSD, or have started abusing one of more substances such alcohol or drugs as as coping mechanism.

Without being able to hug people, to actually see their faces, hold their hands, and laugh with them can be really hard on our mental well being. After days of stay-at-home orders, depression can set in. We find ourselves binge-watching Netflix or eating our way through the pantry and we’re not even hungry. Get off the couch, go outside and take a long walk alone. Listen to the wind in the trees and the chirping of the birds.

Look up to the sky and breathe in. Relax your shoulders, close your eyes and let go of this past year. We can’t change it. We can’t make it better, but we can let it go.

In October, I went camping with my boyfriend and our new dog. I wanted to unplug from the internet and work and reset my internal compass. One of my favorite places to be is on Black Balsam Knob in Pisgah National Forest. We hiked dozens of miles in perfect weather, relaxed our minds and took in the beauty of nature. At one point, I sat alone on a rock and just looked out over the expanse of mountains, opened my palms to the sky and meditated.

Meditation If you are looking for a great way to relax at home, you can try meditation. You can buy a book and practice alone, or you can Zoom with others and practice together all while social distancing. Here is all you need to get back some of your mental clarity one chant and deep breath at a time.

There are various forms of meditation from mindfulness to mantra meditation, but let’s just focus on concentration meditation, which is a beginner-level meditation, an easy way for to re-center yourself. First,

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find a place where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Some people use their favorite cushions, light a favorite candle or have a special area in their home that is filled with the smells and items that make them feel at peace. Next, close your eyes and breathe naturally, making sure not to control breath. Concentration meditation involves focusing on a single thought or point. This could entail following the breath, repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong, etc. Starting out, find your focal point and meditate for several minutes, focusing on your breathing. For me, I imagine I am in a bubble of calm and try to focus my mind on one thing and not allow the outside world or negative thoughts to come into my bubble. I try to not let random thoughts make me lose focus. I try to meditate for 15-20 minutes when I have the time. It really can help you concentrate better and feel more relaxed.

Meditation can be beneficial for many people. Purple Blossom Yoga Studio in Greenville has some wonderful meditation classes you can take part in throughout the year. I encourage you to find out more about meditation, try it for yourself and hopefully we can all find a place of calm and peace when needed.

Her — January 2021

BODY: IV Vitamin Hydration

It is important to find a few ways to relax your mind and find peace in a world that is anything but. I went on a quest to find an alternative health treatment that you may want to consider adding to your health routine. First, make sure you talk to your doctor before you start or add any new activity or supplement to you diet. These are just a few things I’ve tried in order to add an extra boost to my health and wellness routine.

IV Vitamin Hydration I started with IV vitamin hydration. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Many of us lead such active lifestyles, but we tend to have bad eating habits and never drink the amount of water we should to maintain a healthy internal biome. Alive Wellness in Greenville offers a variety of ways to add key vitamins and minerals your body has lost. I know you’re probably thinking “needle...not for me,” but it really is the fastest way to put those vital nutrients back in your body. I was so dehydrated when I went, they had trouble finding a good vein. This was proof, I needed more water and to take better care of myself.

Owner Ashley Elks, MSN, RN, a Greenville native and nurse at Vidant, educates customers on the healthy and safe benefits of this treatment. “IV or intravenous therapy is the infusion of fluids and vitamins directly through the bloodstream. Through the use of IV administration, 100% of the dose of nutrients, vitamins, and fluids are absorbed and made immediately available to the cells, tissues, and organs. This is ideal for rapid re-hydration and has various wellness benefits, including improved immune health, stress relief, better sleep, increased energy, and replenishing nutrient deficiencies in the body,” she said.

There are multiple options to choose from, but since it was flu season and COVID-19 was still active, I decided to go for the Stay Well Infusion, which is comprised of vitamin C, multiple B-vitamins and zinc which is delivered directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, which is often weakened by viral and bacterial infections. It is the fastest, most effective way to replenish your body, flush out toxins, and aid your recovery when you are feeling under the weather. The Ingredients are Ascorbic Acid, Vita Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), Zinc, 500 cc normal saline.

For an extra boost, I added a Glutathione injection which is an extremely powerful antioxidant. “When glutathione is depleted, it results in cell death,” Elks said. “When glutathione levels are sufficiently high, it protects your cells from damage by free radicals, among other benefits. This is highly recommended as an add-on to all infusions.”

I sat in a quiet infusion area in a chair that offered massage and heat, was given plenty of water and was monitored often by the medical staff during the 45-minute treatment. I did sleep really well that week (and urinated a lot that first night, which is a good thing.) I did feel better and my skin felt more supple and hydrated. I will most definitely go back for additional treatments.

To find out more including a full list of treatments available, email ashley@alivewellnesspllc.com or call or text 252-228-5505 and one of the nurses and medical director will help you find what is the best fit for you.

Her — January 2021

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SPIRIT:

Pole Fitness & Hula Dancing I am not alone when I say I gained some unwanted weight in 2020. Before COVID-19, I didn’t have time go to the gym but I did walk a lot and try to eat healthy when I could. I didn’t eat as many cookies or watch as much TV. With gyms being closed for so long, I decided to look for a safe and COVID-19 friendly exercise routine I could start that was fun. I was a dancer for over 20 years, so I seek exercise that allows more creativity and lots of upbeat music. You won’t find me walking on a treadmill or lifting weights. I found two exciting and unique ways to add back health, laughter, and help you lose some unwanted weight in the process.

Pole Fitness I found a local pole fitness studio in Greenville called Keynote Dance Studio that allowed me to take six weeks of private lessons.

For those that already have an x rating in their heads, it’s not what you’re thinking. Imagine a ballet bar and turn it vertically. It provides a full body (fully clothed) workout with dancing routines which require you to lift and hold your own body weight, so it’s ideal for building strength in your back muscles, biceps, triceps and forearms. When I started, I could barely lift myself up on the bar. I learned how to use the bar as resistance. Over the course of six classes in six weeks, I became more flexible, stretching and strengthening muscles I didn’t even know I had.

While getting my heart rate up, I learned some fun moves like the basic climb, the ballerina spin, fireman spin, fairy and pole sit and straddle spin. I also learned how to fall gracefully. The instructor was educated, professional, and supportive the entire time. I lost weight, but I also gained a ton of confidence in my body and learned how to love it no matter how many curves it has or if it didn’t move like it used to when I was a young ballerina.

Just grab the pole, and let go of last year. Laugh, fall on the floor in giggles, jump for joy when you finally get a move right. At the end, I was hooked and you will be, too. Just add your favorite music, a fun strobe light, let go of the labels associated with “pole” fitness and dance on. Sadly, Keynote had to close last fall, so you will have to look elsewhere to take a pole fitness class for yourself.

Hula Dancing Next, I went searching for another dance-like approach to fitness that still included music and lyrical body movements.

My good friend, Leilani Nichols, has been dancing authentic Hawaiian hula for years. She lives in Washington, N.C., now, but used to live in Hawaii. For her, hula is a way of life, and she has been doing it since she was 3 years old. Hula is a traditional dance of the Hawaiian islands and is performed to songs or chants known as meles. It tells a story, and you use every part of your body to tell that story.

“Hula puts a pounding in your heart and a whisper in your soul. Hula is the opera, theater, and lecture hall of the islands, all rolled into one. Hula is acting. Hula is history portrayed in the performing arts,” Nichols said.

There are so many benefits to dancing the hula, like

physical toning. It provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout, strengthens muscles and posture, improves motor coordination, enhances memory, and helps to ease tension and stress. Hula might be a practice you undertake like yoga.

Hula is such a beautiful dance and makes me think of poetry or the waves of the ocean when I watch them dance. Last fall, I went out on a glorious day at the Washington waterfront and put on a Hawaiian wrap (sarong) and a cute flower in my hair and learned some authentic moves. It was relaxing, peaceful, and spirit-lifting. You could actually feel the connection to the wind when you gracefully moved your arms, and I felt honored to be allowed to learn these sacred moves. You are almost giving back to the earth with the motion of your hips. It’s a beautiful dance, and Leilani is an excellent teacher and dancer.

I learned first how to hold my hands correctly. Basic hula hands, as extensions of the arms, are slightly cupped and move like ocean waves through dropping and raising the wrists.

Arms move slowly and smoothly from extension to the right to extension to the left. Next, I learned the Kaholo, a vamp step.

Hands in position, knees bent, hip follows foot placement, back and forth, four counts to the right then four counts to the left. We ended our lesson with the Ami, a hip movement.

Bent knees rotate hips counterclockwise, one rotation for each count then switch rotation clockwise.

For Leilani, hula has helped her deal with social anxiety and it has helped her to build self-confidence as well.

“Dancing the hula has taught me that I am beautiful inside and out, it has built my confidence up and has given me the inner peace I need to know I am better than OK,” she said. “I know sometimes it can be intimidating, joining a class or an activity where you don't know anyone else participating. My hula dance classes provide a safe place where you can come and be yourself. Let me help you step out of your comfort zone, help build up your confidence, self-esteem and provide some

inner peace all while having fun and getting in some low impact exercise.”

If you want to find out more, just check out her Facebook page at Leilani’s Island Inspirations or join her private Facebook hula group called Hula by Leilani.

No matter what you add to your daily routine, whether it be more vitamin infusions and sleep, less cookies and TV, or you decide to go outside your comfort zone and add a little hula or pole fitness or you just want to sit in silence in nature meditating, I hope the new year brings you peace and serenity for your mind, body, and spirit. Here’s to a great 2021!

Her — January 2021

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DR. KIRSTEN WEITZEL TURRISI 29, GREENVILLE, NC

Tell me a little bit about your family - Currently my family consists of my husband EJ and me, along with our small Yorkie-poo, Elphie. My husband and I met while I was in optometry school in Massachusetts. We got married in Greenville in May 2019. We are expecting our first child in March 2021.

What is your anthem song? “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At the Disco If you could have dinner with any famous person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

J.K. Rowling. Not only do we share a birthday, but her life and everything she overcame to be so successful is a wonder to me. She has started numerous charities and has impacted so many lives, it would be an honor to be able to meet her and discuss her life journey.

I never leave home without my …

Phone. It’s not about needing to be connected all the time but more about having access to my music. I do not like quiet. I would much prefer to have music all the time.

Favorite recreational activity or hobby?

My favorite activity is cooking and baking, but I also love going out on the canoe with my husband and our dog.

Your advice/resolution for 2021?

My advice for 2021 is to be kind.

You never know what someone is going through. Just because you are not having a great day does not mean that everyone else needs to have a bad day, too. It costs nothing to be kind.

Current job title? Optometrist Are you a member of any organization or volunteer for events during the year? Treasurer of the NC Optometric Association Coastal district Member of American Optometric Association

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Her — January 2021

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17

STORIES

The sun will come out tomorrow:

Julia & Myron

two friends create a grief support group in Greenville

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO

I

t’s Oct. 14, and Charetta Walls is enjoying an ordinary day with Billy, her husband of 35 years. Later that evening he went to bed. He responded to her questions about turning the TV off. He told her to “go back to sleep.”

He was then unresponsive. He had just suffered a heart attack.

Charetta begins CPR trying to remember the lyrics to the song, Staying Alive as she pumps his heart with her hands and prays for a miracle, but Billy could not be saved.

He will remembered as a devoted husband and father. An athlete in high school, he played football and basketball and played the trombone. His first car and last car were his favorite: a Mustang. He was 67 years old.

A few days later, Charetta’s friend of 32 years, Julia Jones, calls to offer her condolences and to ask if she needs anything. She has been in her shoes. She has driven the same road called grief.

She has been on this road since March 12, 2016, when her husband of 31 years, Myron, affectionately nicknamed “Pone,” died after suffering from a diabetic coma. She too pressed her palms on her husband’s heart to try to revive him and was also unsuccessful.

Myron was a member of Greenville Community Christian Church and was the owner of Pone's Auto Detailing Shop. He was 57 years old.

Two women. Two husbands. One died at 57, one at 67. Both sudden. Both life changing. What do you do? Who do you turn to? These are just a few of the questions widows or widowers ask themselves. Grief unearths a multitude of mixed emotions and unanswered questions. Why them? Why now? The person is left seeking guidance and answers.

After Billy’s death, Charetta and Julia started re-connecting this past October and leaned on each other for support. The

18

Charetta & Billy

women realized they are not alone and there are so many other men and women dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one. They wondered what if they had another local place to turn, a group of people who truly understand what they are going through?

With the increasing death rates in 2020 due to COVID-19, it seemed logical to get started right away. In a matter of a few weeks, they set a game plan and named their grief support group A Sunny Day Grief Counseling. Their mission and goal is to help those suffering from grief to navigate the stages.

“You can take grief and make it happy. You have to be real with yourself, protect your peace through the process and you can come out on the other side,” Charetta says.

An English teacher at John Paul II Catholic High School, she decided to journal her feelings, and one of her entries is titled “Dancing With Your Pain.”

“When my husband of 35 years unexpectedly passed away, I was almost in a state of shock, but I managed to muster up the strength to put on a good face, plan a funeral, pay bills, and carry on. I was not aware that I was in the midst of a widow’s dance.

People would ask, ‘How are you doing?’ Of course, I responded

Her — January 2021

[Dancing with one’s pain is not the easiest task.] with the status quo response, ‘I am doing OK.’ After all, what else was there to say? I encountered comments from people that included such phrases as, ‘You look great!’ or ‘You seem to be moving on.’ I began to wonder what I looked like before. Yet, I instinctively knew better than to make a public appearance looking haggard or unkempt. Thus, I put on a public display which I deemed necessary for my own sanity.

“As I danced with my pain, my memory faded to the biblical story in Matthew 14:22-33 that addressed the disciples observing Jesus walking on water while they were in the boat. I began to wonder who was in the boat with me, as I felt I was surely sinking. Just as quickly as I thought I was sinking, I grabbed my new dance partner - grief - and began to do a new dance with my pain. It was a dance of faith and overcoming my own fears. Suddenly, my grief turned to my greatness. This does not mean that I did not experience the stages of grief: anger, denial, depression.

“As the stages ebbed and flowed … I observed a news story about 45-year-old Michael Knapinski, a hiker, who was rescued after being lost overnight in a whiteout in Mount Rainier National Park. The hiker had been brought back to life after what his medical team called an amazing recovery. … I was appalled at my own boldness to be angry about someone else’s second chance of life. However, my anger was indicative of the stages of grief. I realized that I had to dance with my own pain. I could not omit one stage of grief, and I realized that grief is a process.

Each step of my dance with pain had a purpose. In recognizing my greatness, I clearly understood the power of using my dance as an opportunity to share with others.

“Dancing with one’s pain is not the easiest task. Thus, I say to all widows and others that are experiencing grief, don’t give up. Experience the dance. Just know each dance is different.

Channel your skillful self and be patient through each stage of grief. Move through each step with purpose.”

For Julia, not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about and miss her husband. Living a life without him has been hard, but with the help of God, her church, family, and supportive friends, she worked through it. For years, she has struggled with answering a simple question of, “How did your significant other die?” which caused chasms of grief to open back up. Here is how she has navigated the highs and lows of grief.

“So many times as widows we are asked, ‘How did your spouse die?’ We, as a people, are curious by nature and inquisitive. We all mean well by asking this question, but it doesn’t seem a good question at the moment to the grieved. We strive to find out the answers to questions that have not yet been comprehended or understood by the person being asked. As we ask this question of pain, do we consider what the impact the question has on the widow’s emotions?

“To the widow, to answer this question after being asked opens those wounds of loss and pain. The answering of the question sometimes has guilt attached to it as well. Memories are brought back to the day and time of the spouse’s death. Widows question themselves as to how they didn’t see the signs or just didn’t want to see the signs, or how this could have happened.

Can the widow truly answer this question in a split second when

the question is asked?

“There is no answer to give but a look of confusion, nothing more to say but to tell inquiring minds what they want to hear. Does the person asking this question want to base our level of grieving on our answer? I don’t know! No matter what the situation was of your spouse’s passing, this will not be a determining factor of how we grieve. It does not matter if you and your spouse were best of friends or warring at the time of his or her death. This was a person that you had a covenant with.

This person was your best friend, confidant, your pillow-talk buddy, or you both might have been ships passing in the night.

The question of, ‘How did your spouse die?’ will have a lasting imprint in the widow’s mind because it was a question that was never ready to be answered.”

Charetta and Julia are ready to help others navigate the stages of grief through their new counseling services. They are available to speak to church groups, at conferences, retreats and small group settings and are planning guided retreats and workshops. They hope to connect those suffering from grief to see the light, even if there is no end to the tunnel, and know there are people like them who are there to hold the flashlight.

Here are a few things you can do right now to start your healing and know, no matter what, the sun will shine again.

1.

Read “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa Terekeurst 2. Take walks. It helps clear your mind.

3. Treat yourself to a massage.

4. Journal. It is a great way to reflect on your thoughts.

5. Take a dance class. You want to keep moving.

6. Create a normal space for yourself.

7. It's OK to go places alone- to the beach or some other peaceful place. Yes, it is hard!

8. Take a yoga class.

9. Protect your peace.

10. 10. Invite friends over for dinner, lunch, or brunch.

For more information or to contact Charetta and Julia, email them at asunnydaygc@gmail.com

“Committed To The Communities We Serve”

Her — January 2021

497 2nd 2 d Street, S Ayden, NC 28513

(252) 746-3133 donbrownfuneralhome.com 19

HEALTH

CBD - CAN IT BE FOR ME?

BY ELAINE HUGHES

Y

ou have probably heard about CBD, aka cannabidiol.

It’s showing up in so many places, in stores, online and even in the news. Cannabidiol comes from the hemp plant, which is in the same family as the marijuana plant. Hemp is high in CBD and low in THC, while marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD; therefore, you will not feel any psychoactive effects when taking CBD oil.

CBD addresses inflammation within the body.

Since inflammation is the root cause of so many diseases/ailments, the benefits from taking CBD oil can be numerous. One person can experience benefits in more than one area, such as reduced anxiety and reduced joint pain.

In the 1990s it was discovered that we, as mammals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). All other systems within our bodies are part of the ECS. We actually make our own cannabidiol, but not enough. When we supplement our system with CBD oil, our receptor cells are able to receive it and use it to help us feel better.

However, it is important to know not all CBD is created equal.

The hemp plant, through phytoremediation, absorbs chemicals and heavy metals from the soil. The soil needs to be herbicideand pesticide-free for 10 years to be certified UDSA organic. This is crucial for the safety of CBD products you take.

What to look for in a quality CBD oil: Where is it grown The company selling the products should be the one growing the hemp.

Outsourcing the farming removes the company’s control of the product.

Be careful of farms that are outside of the country.

USDA Organic certification Clean soil is required for a pure product.

C02 extraction

Environmentally friendly Avoids using chemicals during extraction

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Uses only the flower and young leaves during extraction This is where the highest concentration of cannabidiol is found.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) Third-party testing that tells you what is/isn’t in the product.

Shows the strength of the CBD in the product Allows the company to provide full transparency

Uses MCT oil as the carrier oil Coconut oil carries more CBD molecules to our cells for absorption than other oils.

Clear golden oil Clearer oil indicates a higher level of processing.

The clearer the oil, the cleaner the oil.

Money back guarantee You want a company that will stand behind its product.

There are some who may tell you they tried CBD and it didn’t work for them. For most of them, it may be due to trying an inferior product. Others did not go through the process necessary to figure out their correct dose. CBD oil can work for you. It does not heal, but it does have the ability to make you feel better. Reaching out to your doctor before trying it is a good idea if you have any concerns.

Elaine Hughes works full-time at ECU and part-time as a photographer. About two years ago she tried CBD oil to help with mini seizures, joint pain and anxiety. Due to her success with the product, she finds joy in sharing the benefits of CBD with others. For more information about CBD oil or other CBD products, reach out to Elaine Hughes with Green Compass Global at 252-756-8130, email her at cbd2feelbetter@gmail.com or visit the website, elainehughes.greencompassglobal.com.

Her — January 2021

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Stop by M-Sat 10-6pm for FREE SAMPLES & oneon-one customer service from our educated staff.

Your CBD Store carries only the highest quality products in the country including edibles like gummy bears, honey sticks, peach & watermelon rings and high absorption water soluble CBD.

Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before use. For use by adults 18+. Keep out of reach of children.

Her — January 2021

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PUZZLE

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Her — January 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Funky Junk is a locally owned Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry Store featuring vintage and new items. They are located at 809 Red Banks Roadd in Arlington Village. Owners Lorie Stox & Frances Manning started the business in the Fall of 2019. They officially opened their doors in June of 2020, and are excited to announce the expansion of their store in 2021!

Funky Junk carries a unique selection of furniture, home decor and lighting. With a great selection of washable rugs and Vintage Vinyl Floorcloths, they have what you need to make more of your floor! They also offer in-home design consultation services to help you renovate or simply refresh your space.

Funky Junk offers custom painting and refinishing services for furniture and home decor. Funky Junk is an Elite Retailer of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint and they have everything you need

from start to finish! They will be starting classes in the Spring on furniture painting, faux finishes, metallics & gilding waxes, and much more! Their classes will range from beginner to advanced techniques. They will teach you everything you need to know to tackle your projects‌ or they can paint it for you!

Need to give a gift? Funky Junk offers complimentary gift wrapping. They have a great selection of gift items from jewelry to gourmet foods and their signature Funky Junk fragrance, that everyone is sure to love!

Visit Funky Junk at 809 Red Banks Road in Arlington Village. They are Open Monday- Saturday 10a.m.-6:00p.m.

Follow theme on social media @funkyjunkgals or shop online at funkyjunkgals.com.

Her — January 2021

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Shop, Dine & Play in Arlington Village! ...Escape The Ordinary...

Arlington Village is the perfect port of call for dining, art, antiques and boutique shopping. With dozens of unique shops and fabulous eateries, it’s an escape from the ordinary.

Ileana Rojas-Bennett Maleku Jewelry & Studio CEO Award Winning Runway Designer ileana@malekujewelry.com www.malekujewelry.com (c) 252.717.5481 Arlington Village 684-C Arlington Blvd.

Greenville, NC 27858

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Her — January 2021

HEALTH

HOW TO SNACK HEALTHY DURING COVID-19

BY MANDI LIGHT AND SHAY ERNEST How many of us feel our jeans fitting tighter this winter? We are here to tell you that you are not alone. An article titled “The impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on health behaviors in adults” from the Obesity journal reported nearly half the participants in a nationwide survey revealed an increase in unhealthy snacking during quarantine. There is no doubt that challenges and restrictions from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives and our eating habits. But it is finally January 2021! A new year means it is time for a reset, and that includes our snacking habits.

Common snacks are usually quick grabs and people often gravitate towards chips or crackers. A small handful of chips is okay, but it becomes a problem when you can’t step away and devour the whole bag. Snacks like chips provide “empty” calories because they are easy to overeat, have little nutritional value and don't fill you up. Better snack choices for when you’re craving something salty are roasted chickpeas, edamame, or low sodium beef jerky.

These options have a higher protein content which will keep you full longer. If you prefer crunchy snacks, try hummus with your favorite vegetables – carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers are our personal picks. Satisfy your sweet tooth by having Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit, apples with peanut butter, or dark chocolate and nuts. If you have some prep time, try our oat energy ball bites. It is a simple no-bake recipe that can be made with your favorite ingredients and it’s perfect for on-the-go.

Snacking is beneficial when we are choosing the right foods and being mindful of our portions. Snacks help fuel our bodies between meals which keeps us energized and focused throughout the day.

Use the new year as a fresh start to snack smarter with these healthy tips!

1. Flannagan E, Beyl R, Fearnbach S, Altazan A, Martin C, Redman L. The impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on health behaviors in adults [published online October 11, 2020]. Obesity. 2020. doi:10.1002/ oby.23066

Mandy Light is a dietetic intern and currently pursuing her Master's degree in Nutrition. She loves trying new recipes, exercising, and spending time with friends and family!

Shay Ernest graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently a dietetic intern completing her clinical rotations at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston. Her goal after the internship is to become a registered dietitian where she hopes to help patients understand the connection between food and health.

Her — January 2021

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RECIPE

BALL BITES

Recipe adapted from https://www.blessthismessplease.com/8-no-bake-oatmeal-energy-balls/

INGR ED I E N TS: 1 cup dry oats 1/3 cup peanut butter 2 tbsp honey

3 tbsp mini chocolate chips 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

D IR ECTI O N S:

NUT RI T I O N I NFO RMATION:

1.

Serving size 1 ball (yields 12): Calories 99.1 Fat 5.2 g Total Carbohydrate 11.3 g Sugar 5.1 g Protein 2.9 g

2.

3.

Place all ingredients in a medium bowl, mix until well combined and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Working with about a tablespoon at a time, use your hands to roll the mixture into balls. Repeat the process with remaining mixture.

It should yield around 12 oat balls.

Store the energy bites in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to six months.

NOTE S: This recipe is our favorite because it’s versatile, easy and requires no baking! Personalize the recipe to satisfy your cravings by creating your favorite combinations. Some examples to try are coconut flakes with chopped almonds, dried berries with cinnamon, or dried cranberries with white chocolate. Make it colorful for the kids by using M&M’s. You can also switch out the peanut butter with any other nut butter for a different taste as well. The possibilities are endless!

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Her — January 2021

Contact Christina Ruotolo to find out more! 252-329-9532 Her — January 2021

27

SHOPPING

1. Apothecary CBD Teas Want to relax? Start with a cup of relaxing Brothers Apothecary CDB tea made with hemp-derived and full-spectrum CBD. Made in small batches utilizing wildcrafted and organic ingredients, including USDA Organic hemp.

E&S Hemp Company, 675 W. Fire Tower Road, Winterville (www.eshempcompany.com) 2. Kush Queen Sleep CBD Bath Bombs Need to wind down before bed?

Settle into a warm bath featuring a soothing CBD bath bomb made with organic essential oil blends, all-natural ingredients and labtested cannabis.

E&S Hemp Company, 675 W. Fire Tower Road, Winterville (www.eshempcompany.com) 3. Relax with Tibetan Singing Bowls Singing bowls are used to promote relaxation and harmony in the body and mind. They produce sounds and vibrations when hit or circled with a small mallet. This type of sound therapy has been used for centuries and is believed to stabilize blood pressure, balance the meridians improving the synaptic responses in our brain and increase blood flow. Among other reported benefits, many people say they experience calm emotions, a clearer mind, and reduction in pain after a session.

The Soujourner Whole Earth Provisions, 414 Evans St., Greenville (www.thesojo.com)

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Her — January 2021

4. Mindful Me: An Introduction to Mindfulness & Meditation with Kelli Six Sessions Via Zoom: Sundays 12:30p.m. Jan. 10-24/ Wednesdays 8-8:45a.m. Jan. 13-27 Enjoy the relaxing benef its of guided meditation with instructor Kelli during the month of January.

Mindfulness offers tools to help you view thoughts in an objective and non-judgmental way. These tools are designed to help promote skills like self-regulation and enhanced attention. The purpose of this series is twofold: to learn mindfulness and meditation and to integrate both into daily life by practicing for 21 days. In their series, you will meet twice weekly for three weeks.

Outside of class, students will be encouraged to practice daily mindfulness and meditation on their own and record it in a practice journal. It takes 21 days to establish a new habit!

7. HoMedics® SoundSpa® Sound Machine SoundSpa is great for blocking out background noises whether you're trying to read, relax or even sleep.

Choose f rom six natural sounds -ocean, summer night, rain, white noise, thunder and brook.

Bed, Bath & Beyond, 3160 Evans St., Greenville (www.bedbathandbeyond.com) 8. Aromatherapy Eucalyptus Spearmint 3-Wick Candle

9. Full Spectrum Water Soluble CBD Oil Full-spectrum water-soluble oil features less than .3% THC and is created with a process called liposomal emulsif ication. This step binds the oil to water molecules and delivers it rapidly throughout the body for faster systemic delivery. Add it to any beverage for convenient on-the-go delivery with a plant-rich, multifaceted effect. Choose from the natural formula for an earthy hemp profile or indulge in organic flavorings with sweet strawberry lime, juicy grape, or tropical Pina Colada.

Your CBD Store, 420 E. Arlington Blvd., Suite B-1, Greenville (www.cbdrx4u.com)

Need a self-care moment? Here's the perfect candle to help you relax and reground. Made with natural essential oils enjoy the soothing and calming scents of eucalyptus and spearmint.

Bath & Body Works, 714 S.E. Greenville Blvd., Greenville (www.bathandbodyworks.com)

Purple Blossom Yoga Studio, 302 Evans St., Greenville (www.purpleblossomyogastudio. com) 5. Peaceful Massage Package Visit the Spa at Merle Norman and pamper yourself with three-hours of total body relaxation from head to toe. Enjoy a 50-minute full body Swedish massage, a spa pedicure, a hydrating body treatment in their Grotto, a healthy spa lunch, and a quick makeup touch-up. The perfect way to unwind.

The Spa at Merle Norman, 608 E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville (www.thespamerlenorman.com) 6. Body Contouring with Velashape Power Do you want to tighten, tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite?

Strut into the new year confidently with tightened, toned and cellulitef ree legs! Contact Beauty Bar Medispa to ask about Velashape Power – a completely painless, noninvasive body contouring treatment designed to tighten, f irm and reduce the appearance of cellulite!

Mention this ad to learn how you can receive free treatments in the month of January!

Beauty Bar Medispa, 1021 Red Banks Road, Greenville 252-752-1406 (www.thebeautybar.com)

Her — January 2021

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DR. EILEEN WEITZEL 58, GREENVILLE, NC

Tell me a bit about your family: I have been married to Mark Weitzel for 36 years. We are the proud parents of three lovely daughters and two grandchildren. We have another grandchild on the way in April. Mark has been instructing in the College of Business at ECU for over 20 years.

Our middle daughter, Kirsten joined my practice last year as an optometrist. We have three dogs; a Westie, a Yorkie and a cocker spaniel.

Current job title & Duties? My job title for the past 25 years has been CEO and president of 20/20 Vision Center. My duties primarily are being an optometrist who treats eye care, prescribes medications for ocular disease, co-manages for surgical cases and to prescribe for both glasses and contact lenses. I perform my primary duties, but I keep the offices running smoothly, manage expenses, managing compliance with governmental regulations as well as train employees .

Are you a member of any organization or volunteer for events during the year? I am a current member of the American Optometric Society, The NC State Optometric Society and a member of the Coastal district Optometric Society as well as the Infant See Program. I have volunteered with VOSH (Volunteer Organization to Serve Humanity). I volunteer with Wilkerson Funeral Home’s Stockings for Soldiers.

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Who is your style Icon? Princess Kate Middleton. She is always dressed to impress, and I like her clean-cut styles.

If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be and why? Nathan Pritikin, who was an inventor with a passion for nutrition and fitness. He was the creator of a health program that treated serious and lifethreatening illnesses, not with conventional methods, but with a diet and exercise regimen that had been credited with literally thousands of “miracle” cures. His plan is still in place today. I would want to speak with him and ask him how he figured this out.

Signature Scent: Jadore by Dior I never leave home without my…. Reading glasses! Now that I am over 40 years old, it is a challenge to read my cell phone, the tags on retail merchandise as well as look at labels in the grocery store.

Her — January 2021

Favorite activity or hobby: I enjoy boating, swimming, Zumba and tennis.

Your advice / resolution for 2021? Keep a positive outlook on life. Don’t let the masks get you down.

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