2
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
3
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
february 19
GUEST COMMENTARY Dr. Nelly Kazzaz Now is the time to reclaim your rhythm......................... 6 FASHION Smitten luxury makes "pre-loved" new again......................8 PAST EVENTS Wear Red Day.............................................................................
14
WBOC LEADING LADY MaryJo Heitkamp-Farnce...................................................... 16 ON THE COVER Jackie Ferrari An issue near and dear to her heart.............................. 19
30
WOMEN'S HEALTH Identify and prevent cardiovascular disease............... 23 Chef Eric Rose: Healthy eating starts with a plan................................. 26
26
INSPIRE Laurie Schmidt ....................................................................... 30 Michelle Dougan .................................................................... 34 UPCOMING EVENTS............................................................................. 36 MOVERS & SHAKERS.......................................................................... 38
6
34 FEBRUARY 2022
8
16
23 GO R ED EDITION
5
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
6
GUEST COMMENTARY
Now is the time to reclaim your rhythm Dr. Nelly Kazzaz
A
s a cardiologist, I must far too often treat the consequences of the three leading causes of preventable deaths: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. My dream is to have patients taking part in their own healthcare, who actively work on those three things with me, and who regularly “check their numbers.” Patients who talk with their providers about things they can do to achieve recommended weight loss or target blood pressure or cholesterol level. Patients who confront their fear of facing their own risk factors, and patients who take charge of their lives, actively working to modify the genetic hand they were dealt with aggressive preventive measures. I am passionate about the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, but especially in women. This is so because, for the longest time, heart disease was misconceived and mischaracterized as an older man’s disease, even though women are more likely to die within the first year after a heart attack. Despite all efforts, most of us women live in fear of breast cancer even though 1 out of 3 women will die from cardiovascular disease. And since the majority of cardiovascular deaths may be preventable, it’s never too early to start the journey of prevention. Heart disease affects women of child-bearing age, too, not just middle-aged and post-menopausal women. Over the last half century, incredible advances in prenatal and obstetric care have significantly reduced maternal mortality but, unfortunately, pregnancy-related deaths due to cardiovascular diseases are on the rise. Preeclampsia, although resolving after delivery, increases a woman’s chances of eventually dying of cardiovascular disease by 75%. I plead with each woman that has ever suffered from preeclampsia to seek cardiac care to reduce her risk. Women (particularly younger women) have to juggle multiple obligations and family responsibilities, which leaves them with less time to prioritize their own health. As a physician, I have an ethical duty to motivate my patients to first acknowledge and then modify their own risk factors. I understand that prevention is not as tangible as treatment, but the unambiguous statistics and the lack of awareness about heart disease in women could be putting us all at risk. This is the very reason behind the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement: to advocate for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power so that we can rally together, draw from each other’s strengths and collectively wipe out heart disease with increased awareness and preventive actions to save more lives. For every woman out there needing an advocate for her health, find a support system to prioritize your own physical and mental health needs. Change the statistics around women’s cardiovascular disease by making changes in our own lives. Yes, it is challenging to establish healthy patterns but if we learned one thing about ourselves during this pandemic, it’s that we are strong, resilient and capable of changing and adapting. This February is American Heart Month. Now is the time to Reclaim Your Rhythm and take back control of your physical health and mental well-being. The American Heart Association is helping people create healthy habits that work best for their life, to give them the best chance at life. We just need to prioritize our own preventive health care and, with the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women’s educational efforts in our own community, we can start to change the statistics by checking and changing our own numbers.
SyracuseWomanMag.com contact@syracusewomanmag.com
PUBLISHER
David Tyler dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com
DESIGN
Andrea Reeves
PHOTOGRAPHERS Alice G. Patterson Nancy Miller
CONTRIBUTORS
Jan Berte Alyssa Dearborn Dr. Nelly Kazzaz Jason Klaiber
Dr. Tanya Paul Chef Eric Rose Ken Sturtz
Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson
ADVERTISING SALES
Renée Moonan Linda Jabbour 315.657.7690 315.657.0849 Rmoonan@eaglenewsonline.com Ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com
ADVERTISE WITH US
Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.
CONTACT OUR HOME OFFICE 315.434.8889 | 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206
The magazine is published 12 times a year by Community Media Group, LLC and Eagle Publications, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206 Copyright © 2022 Community Media Group, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Community Media Group, LLC and will not be returned.
Dr. Nelly Kazzaz is a cardiologist with SJH Cardiology Associates. FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
7
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
8
FASHION
Smitten luxury makes "pre-loved" new again Alyssa Deaborn
FEBRUARY 2022
T
he business of reselling has been growing in popularity over the past couple years, especially when it comes to vintage and preloved–or used–items. Nicole Praetorious – Jamesville native and owner of Smitten Luxury – professionally resells preloved designer bags through her online store and popup events. She is not surprised that reselling and consignment businesses have become more popular. “I think the resell market has kind of exploded for a few reasons.” Nicole said, “I think sustainability is one side of it, however, I don’t think that’s the main driver. I think that’s a perk. I think people are very excited to get designer pieces under-retail. I think there’s also an appreciation of getting away from the idea of just thrift stores. I love thrift stores, but I think we’re trying to make it so it’s not just ‘used’ - it’s ‘preloved’. It’s seen as more of an opportunity to get something sustainable, under-retail, and unique.” Her own appreciation for preloved fashion began with her love for estate jewelry. It was her own collection of vintage jewelry that inspired Smitten Luxury’s concept. “A lot of my jewelry is estate jewelry. I love preloved everything, but I started with jewelry,” she explained. “I started doing a lot of consignment shopping. I love consignment stores and I actually worked in a designer consignment store in Florida for a few years. I just kind of got into it that way. I think of it almost
GO R ED EDITION
9
as rotating my closet. And then from there I realized that yes, I loved jewelry, but my real love was handbags. While I do love fashion in general, growing up and even now, a lot of the time clothes weren’t meant for my body type. With handbags, I find that they’ll fit multiple different body types.” The process of operating a successful resell business involves much more than shopping for new inventory. Much of Nicole’s time is spent researching and continuously educating herself about the pieces she finds. “Usually, I start the day by authenticating, photographing, looking over specific wear-and-tear on pieces, and then I do a lot of research on unique pieces. There’s a lot of pieces that everyone might be familiar with, then if you think about it, these fashion houses have been around. Like Louis Vuitton has been around since the 1800’s, not that I’ve seen a bag from then, but I’ve seen bags from the 1980’s. So I spend a lot of time researching the heritage of these pieces.” And although she does not spend her entire work time shopping, sourcing new inventory is still one of the most important parts of Nichole’s business. “I source all the time. I’m constantly looking for new inventory. Hunting things down is a lot of work on my part. Sometimes I feel like a professional shopper, which is not as glamorous as I wish it could be.” Continued on page 10
We offer alteration services, shoe dyeing and Touchstone jewelry by Swarovski. We sell top-quality formal wear to fit every budget!
• bridal gowns • bridesmaid dresses • mother of the bride gowns • first communion dresses • prom/ball gowns • cocktail dresses • floor length gowns • flower girl dresses • headpieces • shawls • shoes • jewelry • handbags
(315) 638.5200 • 4 West Genesee St., Baldwinsville syracuseblissbridal.com Hours: By appointment for your safety. Please call for an appointment! SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
10
FASHION
Smitten luxury from page 9
“For me it’s about interacting with customers, talking, learning from them and just having these pieces go from one amazing owner to the next." — Nicole Praetorious
FEBRUARY 2022
Although she laughed when she called herself a professional shopper, the reality is that running a business like hers involves a lot of time, knowledge, and hard work. Despite the efforts needed to run her business, Nicole loves what she is able to do with preloved fashion. “I love the heritage of it. I love the research of it.” she said, “I get excited when I have a super unique piece. It’s a really cool way to see these heritage pieces in my hands. And it’s actually good for sustainability, using and wearing preloved and keeping those pieces that are already made in circulation.”But the most rewarding part of her work is interacting with customers to find people their perfect bag. “For me it’s about interacting with customers, talking, learning from them and just having these pieces go from one amazing owner to the next. I always get excited when someone finds their dream bag through me. And it could be from last year or it could be 20 years old. It’s a really cool thing to see people’s eyes light up and introduce them to that preloved world.” If you are interested in seeing what designer handbags Nicole currently has in her inventory, you can either take a look at her website–http://www.smittenluxury.com/index.html–or plan to attend her next pop-up event. Nichole will be bringing Smitten Luxury to Fashion 101 in Baldwinsville on Feb. 10 for a Valentine's Day themed pop-up. SWM
GO R ED EDITION
11
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
12
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
13
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
14
PAST EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
15
Paint the town red on Feb. 4
In celebration of American Heart Month, the first Friday in February (February 4) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, people all across the country will don the color red to help raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, which affects millions of American women. So while we may be used to painting Syracuse orange, Feb. 4 is the day to put on that flashy pair of red pants or your raspberry beret and paint the town red!
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
16
WBOC LEADING LADY
MARYJO HEITKAMP-FRANCE Alyssa Dearborn
MaryJo Heitkamp-France, shown with her husband Ron France, at the installation dinner for the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors in 2016, when she was named a director. FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
17
A
s someone who began a second career in real estate after a 30-year career as a self-employed salon owner, MaryJo Heitkamp-France is very familiar with new beginnings. After leaving her salon career, she became a managing partner of CNY Signature Properties, LLC., a licensed real estate sales associate, an accredited buyers representative, and has served as a director of Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors and a chair on the Fair Housing and Diversity Committee. Although she has been in the business of real estate since 2010, she is a newer member of the WBOC. “In the past I’ve attended a few meetings and classes they’ve had, but I’ve never participated at this level. So, it’s kind of new to me. I’m still learning,” she said when asked about being a new member. “There are a lot of resources available when you’re networking with other women career-wise. There’s a lot to be learned, there’s a lot to be shared, there’s a lot to be admired.” Learning about what it meant to be a member of the WBOC was similar to how MaryJo learned to be a realtor. Networking and learning from her fellow professionals became helpful in both ventures. Both choices were also reflective of MaryJo’s own desire for change in her personal life. The decision to change careers is not something that happens overnight. The choice to start a new career was deliberate for MaryJo and it came with a lot of self-reflection and seeking out opportunities to learn. “So, this is career number two.” she said, “I retired from the salon to do something else. I just didn’t want to be tied to the chair anymore. I wanted to be able to travel and do other things at this point in my life. My husband is in real estate and he sort of nudged me to go ahead and push through real estate. But I’m still learning the profession as well.”
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
As a realtor, she pursued opportunities that would allow her to better learn the profession. She took specialized buyer training courses, became ABR and e-PRO certified, and attended the National Association of Realtors conference several years in a row. These opportunities not only helped her build her skill set as a new professional, but it helped her connect with issues facing the real estate industry. But this transition was not only a reflection of a new career choice, it was also reflective of MaryJo’s personal need for change. “The transition was based on a tragedy that I had endured.” she further explained, “My husband, Ron, works for the National Association of Realtors. He was doing a lot of traveling at the time for his job. He wanted me to join him on some of these trips, so as to not be home alone. However, I was stuck behind the chair. That was when he planted the seed of change. I decided change was what I needed and I took the real estate course.The rest is history. We now have our own brokerage and help sellers save money. We also work with buyers and walk them through the house purchasing process. I love what I do. It truly brings me joy.” This sense of joy is one of MaryJo’s favorite things about the real estate business. She has the power to make someone’s life brighter by making their dream of homeownership come true. “My favorite part is finding people homes they love and seeing their faces on closing day when they get the keys to their brand new home. They’re so super happy and that makes me happy as well.” MaryJo is all too familiar with crossroads and the unexpected changes that come with living life. But some of those changes are fueled by resilience. When asked about what advice she had for people considering changing their own careers, she replied, “Do it. Don’t be scared. Just do it. If you’re not happy or you’re tired of what you’re doing presently, then take the dive and just do it.” SWM
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
18
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
19
COVER STORY
JACKIE FERRARI
An issue near and dear to her heart Ken Sturtz
T
wo years ago, the fashion design firm Jackie Ferrari built from scratch was on life support after having been battered in the pandemic. Millions of dollars in orders vanished overnight. She was forced to furlough most of her two-dozen employees, including her son-inlaw, an experience so painful that discussing it brings her to tears. Exhausted from holding everything together, she thought about quitting and doing something else, maybe consulting. “I was very seriously considering closing,” she says. “Then after deep thought I emerged and said, ‘I’m just not done yet.’” Now, nearly two years later, Ferrari has rebounded. Her company, American Fashion Network, hung on. With the business on firmer footing, Ferrari was able to rehire her employees. She created a startup focusing on government contracts and corporate apparel and workwear with an emphasis on women. Last year her company landed a contract worth $47 million over five years to produce a new line of fitness training apparel for the Marine Corps. She also got married over the summer.
W
ith her business in a better place, Ferrari felt that it was time for her to invest in her community and grow her philanthropic footprint locally. She says she had a desire to do more than simply write a check; she wanted to find a way to use her skills to help. She met with Laura Serway, former owner of Laci’s Tapas Bar in Syracuse. Serway’s philanthropy and community activism impressed Ferrari and she asked her for guidance. That relationship led her to become involved with The American Heart Association. Last year her company participated in a fundraising event, hosting a pop-up shop to sell products from their retail line, specifically their athleisure wear. The event was a success. Now Ferrari is serving as the chairwoman of The American Heart Association’s 2022 Go Red for Women Campaign. “It’s near and dear to my heart because there are heart issues in our family,” she says. Ferrari lost her maternal grandfather to heart disease and her mother, who is 83 years old, has heart issues that affect her health and quality of life. Continued on page 20
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
20
COVER STORY
An issue near and dear to her heart from page 19 Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women but can often be prevented by healthy lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, many women still don’t know about their greatest health threat. The American Heart Association launched The Go Red for Women Campaign in 2004 to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and raise money for research. The campaign has grown into a global movement aimed at accelerating science, advancing public health policy, and addressing the multitude of gender and racial gaps for women in research and healthcare. One area of focus for this year’s campaign is women’s health at all stages of life. That includes how pregnancy and menopause can impact a woman’s health. The Go Red for Women Campaign in Central New York is a yearround effort. One of the highlights in recent years has been Loving Myself Loving My Sisters, a coalition-based program focused on the heart health of Syracuse’s African American community. The signature event, the "Go Red for Women Luncheon", will be held in October in Syracuse. Raising awareness about women’s health appealed to Ferrari both because of her family history with heart disease and the nature of her company. “Being a women-owned business that largely has women working in our company, I just started to think about it,” she says. “It affects women in such a big way, and we need to stand for causes and raise money for things that affect women.”
L
ong before Ferrari started her own business, she was a teenager looking for a part-time job. She grew up in southern California and at age 16 got a job as Christmas help at a department store. They kept her on and Ferrari transferred to one of the company’s stores in Arizona, working her way through college. She worked in many different departments. “And the funny thing is every time they put me in apparel I hated it,” she says. Ferrari studied journalism and had ambitions of being a foreign correspondent, but in her senior year of college she was considering several low-paying entry-level jobs writing at newspapers. She decided to return home to California and got a job with her department store as an assistant buyer in the dress department. When Target bought several of the stores, Ferrari received an offer for a buyer job in Ohio. But one of the suppliers she’d worked with called and offered her a job in New York City. Delighted at the idea of living in New York, she packed up and moved across the country. The job gave her opportunities for growth in the fashion business, but it was a struggle. She had so little money that at first she couldn’t afford to put air conditioning in her apartment. “I love that I suffered because it definitely gave me grit,” she says. After eight years Ferrari moved to Syracuse, the hometown of her
husband at the time, and joined him running a screen-printing business. She raised three children and later went into business on her own, starting American Fashion Network in 2005. The core of her business involved connecting her retail partners with factories around the world that could develop the fashion they needed, sort of like a matchmaker for retailers and factories. Ferrari kept the company, which is headquartered in DeWitt and has offices in Milwaukee and Los Angeles, small and tight, which allows it to be flexible and pivot to meet trends in the market. If speed to market is required, they can be fastest. If design is the focus, they have designers in-house. “In this market we have to be a chameleon,” Ferrari says. The business grew steadily, mostly by designing private-label apparel and store brands for retailers, contracting with factories around the world to make the clothing. Ferrari’s biggest clients have included the retailers Kohls, JCPenney, American Eagle Outfitters and Belk. Then the pandemic upended everything. Ferrari ran into trouble with the manufacturers she worked with in China. And she received more than $7 million worth of cancellations almost immediately. Still worse, most of the customers delayed making payments. “My cashflow went to nothing and it was very stressful,” she says. “It was such a tough time.” As retailers made the decision to close down things worsened. Ferrari’s company used two rounds of loans from the Paycheck Protection Program to stay afloat, but the situation remained bleak. By the time she began furloughing employees she had no idea how to keep going. But being nimble and inventive was about to pay off.
F
errari received a call from an employee whose brother worked for Novelis. There was a mask shortage and the company needed masks for the workers at its massive aluminum plant in Oswego County. Ferrari’s company was able to get the masks made at an American factory. With that they jumped into the mask business. The cable company Charter was interested in buying masks, but asked Ferrari to go through the process of becoming a certified woman-owned business. Once she did, Charter bought a million facial masks. The masks were crucial, but Ferrari decided that to stay in business long-term the company needed to diversify. Around that time, she saw “War Dogs,” a movie about arms dealers who sell guns to the military. She was intrigued by the relative stability of government contracts and reasoned that instead of guns, why not sell clothing to the military? Ferrari spun off her retail business and created a separate division focusing on government contracting and corporate apparel and workwear with an emphasis on women. She hired a consultant who warned that it could take years to land significant government contracts. Four months later they had a contract to supply the Marines. Continued on page 22
“I love that I suffered because it definitely gave me grit.”—Jackie Ferrari
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
21
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
22
COVER STORY
An issue near and dear to her heart from page 21 Ferrari says the contract is a tremendous business opportunity, but that she’s also proud to be able to contribute to outfitting service men and women in high-quality clothing. “The government is making a very big attempt – and they’re doing a great job – at bringing manufacturing back to this country,” she says. “And they’re also putting them in proper attire.” Business eventually picked up on the retail side. Retailers ended up taking a lot of the product they’d initially ordered. And best of all, Ferrari says now she has the opportunity to run what is in essence a startup and set the vision for that new business. She still marvels at the turnaround in her fortune, attributing it to God, hard work and a healthy dose of luck. “Here I was two years ago lying in bed thinking ‘I don’t know, I’m not loving doing this every day,’” she says. “Now I don’t even want to go to sleep at night because I’m so excited about what we’re doing.” SWM
“It affects women in such a big way, and we need to stand for causes and raise money for things that affect women.” —Jackie Ferrari
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
23
HEALTH
Identify and prevent cardiovascular disease Dr. Tanya Paul
T
hroughout our lives, women face unique risk factors for our number one killer. While in the midst of a global pandemic, many may think the number one killer in 2021 was COVID-19, homicide, or various forms of cancer. These causes are in the top 10. However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death for women.
What is CVD?
It is a type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. The average heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood per day. In a 70-year lifetime, it beats more than 2.5 billion times. The heart is an incredible organ, but we need to protect it! CVD includes high blood pressure, heart disease (congenital and acquired), cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and stroke.
Who is affected?
Many people see CVD and automatically attribute the disease to aging. While this is true for many, it’s more than that. On average, one person dies of CVD every 36 seconds in the United States. That is approximately one in four deaths. Although the incidence of CVD in women is lower than in men, women have a worse prognosis and higher mortality rate. Deaths vary by ethnicity, race, and sex. CVD deaths and disparities increased in 2020, thanks in part to delayed or missed medical appointments for underlying conditions that affect heart and vascular health, along with unhealthy lifestyle
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
habits, and fear of hospitals. Research also shows that COVID-19 can cause heart and vascular damage directly.
What are the major risk factors for CVD?
About half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of three key risk factors for heart diseases. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, like age and family history. But we can control some. Certain behaviors like eating a diet high in saturated fats, not getting enough physical activity, drinking too much alcohol, and tobacco use can all increase your risk for heart disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity also increase risk.
What CVD factors are unique to women?
Women experience unique stages through their lives which affect both overall health and cardiovascular health. Unique risk factors specific to women include: Gestational hypertension - high blood pressure during pregnancy Pre-eclampsia - occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth Gestational diabetes - diabetes that appears during pregnancy Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - the leading cause of infertility that can affect all areas of the body, not just the reproductive system Autoimmune disorders - such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis Combination hormonal birth control methods - methods which include combined hormonal birth control pills, patch or vaginal ring - especially in women who smoke and over 35, have high blood pressure and migraine headaches with an aura. Hormonal therapy for menopause
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
24
HEALTH
Identify and prevent cardiovascular disease from page 23
Can CVD affect pregnant women?
DEFINITELY! Pregnancy related deaths in the United States are continually rising - mimicking that of some third world countries and CVD is the number one killer of new moms in the United States. Between 1987 to 2015, pregnancy related death rates rose from 7.2 per 100,000 live births to 17.2 per 100,000 live births. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications in comparison to their white counterparts, according to the CDC. Women face greater risk of developing high blood pressure, having a stroke and complications during and after pregnancy. Black women are more likely to develop pregnancy related heart problems and face a higher risk of dying during or soon after pregnancy. The risk is 2.5 times greater than white women and three times greater than Hispanic women. These numbers hold true despite socioeconomic status, access to care, and other medical conditions. Any disease that develops in pregnancy can pose a threat to women during that pregnancy and later in life.
What are key risk factors other than race/ ethnicity in CVD and pregnancy?
Risk factors include age at pregnancy, hypertension, and obesity. Health before pregnancy is extremely important. Being proactive can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing pregnancy complications. As in non-pregnant people, other risks include a history of heart disease, diabetes, h/o kidney or liver disease.
FEBRUARY 2022
When are women at risk?
Women are at risk at all ages. Underlying conditions are important. Risks significantly increase during pregnancy and again after menopause. Estrogen provides a protective effect for the heart. Once a woman experiences menopause, this effect decreases significantly.
How can one decrease the risks?
Being in your best shape overall is important for your heart health regardless of age. If you are planning to get pregnant, attempt to achieve your best self to be proactive about reducing risk during pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol cessation is encouraged. Change to a healthy diet that increases vegetables and fruits, beans, low-fat dairy products, and fish and poultry. Exercise. Optimize management/ control of any underlying conditions. Review medications and immunizations. Collaborate with your healthcare provider. In menopause, the same advice holds true to decrease the likelihood of developing CVD. Always know your numbers - blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol number, and glucose levels (risk for diabetes).
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Every woman should know the symptoms of heart attack and stroke so she can get help for herself or a loved one. An easy way to remember the symptoms of a stroke is the acronym FAST. F – face drooping A – arm weakness S – speech difficultyT – time to call 911
GO R ED EDITION
25
Both men and women report the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, but women are more likely to r eport signs that are a little less obvious. Those can include: Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen; jaw, neck or upper back pain; nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; fainting; indigestion; and extreme fatigue.
When should you start implementing a healthy lifestyle? NOW. It’s never too late to adopt healthier behaviors and habits. Making changes now can help protect your heart in the future. For tips, recipes, and helpful information, visit www.GoRedforWomen.org. SWM
Dr. Tanya Paul specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at Auburn Community Hospital.
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
26
HEALTH
Healthy eating starts with a plan Chef Eric Rose
H
aving a dining plan is essential paired with a healthy mindset and intentions. Most people make poor decisions when plans are not in place. When life gets crazy and you get a curve ball thrown your way it is too easy to pack it in and just drive to the nearest drive through on the way home. With a meal plan and some minor prep maybe done ahead of time you are much more likely to throw the towel in so fast. I always keep whole, seasonal, and fresh vegetables in my house, like spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, peppers, and green cabbage. They last for weeks and are packed with essential nutrients. In the freezer I keep frozen riced cauliflower that I purchase from the grocery store. You can microwave it quickly and have a healthy risotto or stirfry in no time at all. Other tips I use are to have some nuts in your car or desk. They are high in protein and healthy oils. They will take the edge off and help you feel satiated. But be careful, they are dense in calories; a lot goes a long way. Lastly, I always keep my insulated metal reusable water bottle with me to stay hydrate. My wife Kimberly and I are very nutrient- and protein- focused now. All our meals have protein and vegetables, and I try and focus on the spices. We like heat. I’m lightening dishes up a lot too—no more butter and cream sauces, but instead salsas and relishes. I’m also a big fan of dry rubbing meats with fresh herbs and pepper to increase the flavor of the dish instead of adding fat. One of my favorite things to do is take old favorites of mine and put a healthy spin on the dish. We are huge fans of egg rolls but now this much healthier version. Chef Eric Rose has been a professional chef for 25 years and was the 2006 ACF Chef of the Year. He is also a certified health coach and the owner of Rose Health. He resides in Baldwinsville.
SPICY EGG ROLL IN A BOWL Makes 4 servings INGREDIENTS:
2 lb. ground turkey breast 1 lb. shredded green cabbage or cabbage blend 5 cloves garlic, minced ½ c. low sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp. ginger (fresh is best) or ½ tbsp. of dry spice 1 minced jalapeno (with or without seeds) 1 ½ tbsp. sesame oil ½ c. green onions, for garnish ½ lime squeezed
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Set aside. In a large skillet, brown the turkey over medium-high heat with sesame oil. Add the shredded cabbage blend, and jalapeno and stir to combine. Add the sauce mixture to the meat and veggies. Stir and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the cabbage has just begun to wilt but is still crunchy. Garnish with squeezed lime juice, green onions and sesame seeds.SWM FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
27
SPICY EGG ROLL IN A BOWL
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
28
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
29
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
30
INSPIRE
LAURIE SCHMIDT
Making a difference, one child at a time Jason Klaiber
Since 2015, Laurie Schmidt has worked with students, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators to promote full-school health in districts around Central New York and northeast Pennsylvania. Pictured in 2011 with her dad, Mike Calvasina, right after the two ran their third half marathon together. Schmidt has retained the memory of her father’s near-fatal heart attack as a source of inspiration amidst her career with the American Heart Association.
A
s much as she acknowledges and appreciates February’s reputation as American Heart Month, Laurie Schmidt has made it her year-round mission to raise awareness about cardiovascular issues. After all, the Whitesboro resident has spent the better part of a decade stopping by schools across Central New York and parts of northeastern Pennsylvania as a dedicated representative for the American Heart Association. In that span with the not-for-profit organization, Schmidt has served as a wellness educator through and through, but as of late last spring,
FEBRUARY 2022
she can more officially go by the title of full-time youth marketing director for her coverage area, having taken over for her workplace mentor Meg Corey. With that position comes the responsibility to play the “energetic” neighbor who fills in for the usual classroom teachers, thus bringing about a slight change of pace for the students. All the while, Schmidt is tasked with sharing informational resources to these elementary, middle and high schoolers as well as the faculty members who either act as intermediaries in her days away or facilitators for her recurrent in-person visits.
GO R ED EDITION
31
Those resources of hers can be anything from pamphlets on blood glucose levels and printouts of heart-related fun facts, to low-sodium recipes and instructions for seated yoga exercises. Sometimes she’ll pass along calming two-minute videos of the river water rushing by the Statue of Liberty, for example, as a way to promote social-emotional health. “If the kids have a big math test coming up and they’re nervous, they can get in the right headspace with these videos,” Schmidt said. “We’re really stressing now more than ever the importance of how your heart, mind and body all go hand in hand.” As the social-emotional side has come into greater focus, the American Heart Association has responded by distributing bell-ringers that encourage teamwork and cooperation; posters showing the anatomy of the brain; and a handout that covers different beneficial ways to “get moving” at home—a list that includes jumping jacks, running in place and frog jumps. To set the tone for a healthy path in life, the kids at the elementary level are taught how to be “heart heroes” by suggesting family walks, expressing to their parents that they wish to have more green vegetables on their dinner plates, and telling loved ones about the side effects of smoking and vaping. As the students reach middle and high school, Schmidt sees greater inhibition when it comes to jumping rope in gym class, so one alternative she offers is the chance to download the association’s phone app to take quizzes about such topics as hands-only CPR. Additionally, she inspires students of those ages to rack up community service hours through nursing home visits or any “kind-hearted” volunteering they choose. “At the end of the day, I’m really thankful to work for an organization that means so much to me, is keeping our communities strong, and is having everyone live long, healthy lives,” Schmidt said. “If I can make a difference in just one person’s life, then I’d feel like I’d done my job.”
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
Before she hopped on board with the American Heart Association and even before her previous jobs in the insurance world, Laurie Schmidt’s first serious run-in with cardiovascular troubles came the day her father experienced a heart attack. It was in June of 2006 when the two were biking around the Southern Tier region that he stopped to say he needed a short break. When Laurie handed her dad a Powerade bottle retrieved from a nearby gas station, he was unable to twist the top off—a sign that set off worry straight away. Not knowing what to do next, Laurie called her mother using the family cell phone she still thanks herself for bringing on that cycling trip. The then-18-year-old proceeded to quickly re-enter the gas station’s convenience store to pick up aspirin for her ailing father before calling 911, just as she was urgently advised to do. Sitting by her father’s hospital bed, Laurie wondered how such a thing could happen to a 49-year-old, physically active non-smoker, but that was when she learned that her paternal grandfather had died of a heart attack at that same age. “It was a wild experience, but that was really my first time understanding heart issues,” Schmidt said. “With hereditary things like that, sometimes you don’t have control over it, but you can still make different lifestyle choices to help prevent some of those problems to an extent.” As time passed and her dad recovered from two open-heart surgeries and the placement of a stint in his main artery, both he and Laurie began running half-marathons together while he made sure to go into the doctor’s office for extra checkups. Over 15 years later, Laurie has remained boundlessly appreciative for the medical research and career opportunities of the American Heart Association, especially when she sees her three kids play and converse day to day with their granddad. SWM
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
32
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
33
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
34
INSPIRE
MICHELLE DOUGAN Jan Berte
“It doesn’t matter who you are, you can set a goal and reach it.” —Michelle Dougan
FEBRUARY 2022
GO R ED EDITION
35
W
ho is 5’4”, weighs 160 pounds, is a resident of Syracuse, and won the World Arm Wrestling Championship title? It is the amazing Michelle Dougan or otherwise known as the Black Scorpion. This name was given to her by a friend, Apache Chief Dan Carr, who saw her compete and it just stuck. This powerhouse woman has overcome many obstacles, and has made it to the top with vision and purpose. Dougan’s arm wrestling journey started seven years ago. A certified personal trainer, she had endured two bouts of cancer, including having her thyroid removed. As she struggled through a slow and painful recovery, she felt defeated. Four years into her recovery, her husband James and friend Bart Wood convinced her that she could fight it, and suggested she give arm wrestling a try. She slowly started her quest to become one of the world’s best female are wrestlers. Dougan’s training consists of doing cardio seven days a week (walking for 30 minutes). She is in the gym weightlifting four times each week; coupled with three training sessions a week focused on stability, balance and arm wrestling training. She completes her training with a monthly arm wrestling session against men. The middleweight class she participates in is the 136-154 division. “I need very strong hands, and carry hand grippers everywhere,” Dougan said. “Usually, during a competition, the time can run anywhere from 3 seconds to 30 seconds, but that is more on the long side.” Michelle’s diet includes eating egg whites, peanut butter and oatmeal in the morning, salad and chicken or with some protein for lunch, and dinner is vegetables, white rice with some fish or chicken. Drinking two gallons of water per day is critical in keeping her hydrated and lean. She enjoys a good snack of peanut butter and bananas. Her résumé of winning state and national titles started in 2015, and within three years, she won the title as the Women’s World Championship Arm Wrestler in Las Vegas. She also won the arm wrestling championship at the Mr. Olympia event in the right and left hand middle weight division. In 2022, she looks forward to representing the United States at the Top 8 Women of the World Arm Wrestling Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the most prestigious events in the sport. After overcoming two bouts of cancer, Dougan’s advice for women or anyone that needs inspiration is: “It doesn’t matter who you are, you can set a goal and reach it.” SWM
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
36
UPCOMING EVENTS Through Feb. 20
Mutual Affection: The Victoria Schoenfeld Collection
What: Mutual Affection marks the debut of the Victoria Schonfeld Collection at the Everson, fleshed out by additional works loaned by her family. Each object in this exhibition stands on its own merit, but also represents a node in Schonfeld’s vast network of reciprocal relationships. When: Open Wednesday through Sunday Where: Everson Museum of Art 401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202 Info: everson.org
Friday, Feb. 4 – Sunday, Feb. 6
The Nave Law Winter Fair
What: All the Fun of the Fair Inside the Expo Center on the New York State Fairgrounds. The Nave Law Winter Fair features the food, entertainment, ice sculptures and vendors along with a mini-midway of rides and carnival games. Plus, Winter Fair fireworks light up the winter sky on Friday and Saturday nights! Free parking. When: Friday 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: New York State Fairgrounds 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13209 Info: nyswinterfair.com
Saturday, Feb. 5
Kitties at the Cauldron
What: Help raise money and awareness for Friends Forever Animal Rescue. There will be kitties and small animals up for adoption and raffles to help raise money to benefit the animals at the Friends Forever Animal Rescue or just stop down to see all the small businesses and handcrafted goods available at The Cozmic Cauldron. When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: The Cozmic Cauldron, 217 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202
FEBRUARY 2022
Saturday, Feb. 5
Happy Birthday John Williams
What: Symphoria Pops will pay tribute to John Williams on his 90th birthday as they perform collections from his film scores. When: 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Where: Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY 13202 Info: experiencesymphoria.org
Saturday, Feb. 12
Shen Yun
What: Steeped in 5,000 years of wisdom with spiritual roots, Chinese culture was said to be inspired by the heavens. Yet, this heritage has been systematically destroyed by communism. With world-class dance and music, cutting-edge backdrops and gorgeous costumes, Shen Yun’s artists are reviving China’s true culture. When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Where: Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY 13202 Info: https://www.asmsyracuse.com/events/2022/shenyun
Saturday, Feb.12
Valentine’s in the Forest
What: Enjoy a nostalgic, romantic evening in the forest with your sweetheart. Four course dinner, delicious dessert, open bar (for the first hour), entertainment and complimentary horse drawn sleigh rides. Presented by Bull & Bear Roadhouse & Catering. Advance registration required. When: 6 to 9 p.m Where: Highland Forest 1254 Highland Park Rd., Fabius, NY 13063 Info: www.onondagacountyparks.com
Cupid’s Bazaar
What: Shop small businesses all in one place at this free familyfriendly event. When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Aloft Hotel, 310 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse NY 13204
GO R ED EDITION
37
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
38
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Berse to lead Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation has named Carrie Berse as the organization’s new executive director. Berse, who assumed the role on Jan. 24, succeeds Paula Miller who served as executive director of the foundation since its inception in 2005. Berse, who brings 41 years of experience as a fundraising professional, previously served as president of The Crouse Health Foundation, the resource development arm of the Crouse Health System. During her 28 years with Crouse, she also served as corporate vice president for philanthropy of the Health Alliance of CNY. Throughout her tenure, Berse was also instrumental in many highly successful fundraising campaigns in support of key Crouse services and programs including The Pomeroy Emergency Services Depart-ment, The Pomeroy College of Nursing, and most recently, The Pomeroy Treatment Center. The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis and by helping people to celebrate their community’s history with historic markers. To learn more about The William G. Pomeroy Foundation, visit wgpfoundation.org. .
Urogynecologist joins St. Joe’s Women’s Health Services
St. Joseph’s Physicians has welcomed urogynecologist Dr. Keila Muñiz to St. Joseph’s Women’s Health Services. Muñiz is a board-certified, fellow-trained urogynecologist special-izing in the treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ pro-lapse, and general pelvic medicine. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Physician’s, she completed a three-year fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she received extensive training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
FEBRUARY 2022
Muñiz earned her doctor of medicine degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, her bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD and her residency at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell in Manhasset, LI. Muñiz is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has authored several research papers published in medical journals. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has participated in surgical gynecologic trips to El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. Muñiz is welcoming patients at St. Joseph’s Physicians Urogynecology at 104 Union Ave. Suite 804, Syracuse.
Promoted at Syracuse Builders Exchange
Dimi Wingate has been named director of public and industry relations of the Syracuse Builders Exchange, effective last month. For the past six years, Wingate was employed by the Syracuse Builders Exchange’s The Exchange Agency as a strategic account executive. Wingate’s duties will include engaging and supporting community initiatives related to the construction industry, and meeting with and educating members, potential members, project owners, engineers and architects regarding membership benefits and services. She will be responsible for coordinating and meeting with employers, individuals, government, and civic organizations to enhance minority, women, and service-disable veterans business organizations opportunities specific to the construction industry. “Dimi is a tremendous asset to the Syracuse Builders Exchange and will be a significant resource to the 930 member employers we serve,” said Earl R. Hall, executive director. Wingate grew up in Beaumont, Texas and is a graduate of the University of Texas Arlington. The Syracuse Builders Exchange is a not-for-profit trade association servicing the construction industry throughout Central New York.
GO R ED EDITION
39
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E
SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM
DRIVERS VILLAGE FULL PAGE
