PG 10-11 5 of the hottest trends for back to school this year Pg. 8-9 3 easy ways to go green when going back to school
Pg 16-17 Lake County’s august events
PG 18-19 Angel’s Soul Food And BBQ
Natural Balance Natural Choice Blue Buffalo OVER 30 Brands of Dog Foods Pet, Lawn & Garden, Wild Bird Feed, Supplies
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 8-9 3 easy ways to go green when going back to school
20-22 Superfood, not supersize your snacking
10-11 5 of the hottest trends for back to school this year
23 Twin Lakes Park
12-13 Career college or community college? Deciding which is right for you
24-25 4 simple ways to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease
14-15 The new SAT: What students and parents need to know to prepare 16-17 Lake County’s August Events
18-19 Angel’s Soul Food And BBQ
4 everythinglake.com
26-27 Outdoor home security: 5 steps to a home-safe-home
28-29 The cat’s meow: six fabulous ways to pamper your feline
$1 DAY - 5 PM TO CLOSE 5-10 pmEVERY WEDNESDAY Games and Drink Specials
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352.343.5333
from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar We are talking about school. Does that means most of the kids are ready to go back to school? I hope they are ready for the new school year, it is just around the corner. Our issue this month is all about Back to School. We are featuring some great stories that deal with how you can help your youngsters with the upcoming year. I want to thank the Lake County School Board and Mr Jones at Tavares High for letting us take a few photos at the high school. I also had a chance to go visit Angel’s Soul Food. What a great experience it was! Make sure you read the review, you will not be disappointed.
staff Publisher & Managing Editor
Al Asghar al@everythinglake.com
Design & Layout
Amir Asghar
Photography
Elizabeth Betsy Reed
Contributing Ajay P Writers Al Asghar Amir Asghar Advertising Al Asghar Sales Richard Hartey
AD RATES: Full Page ..................................$450.00 Half Page ..................................$275.00 Third Page ...............................$225.00 Quarter Page ..........................$175.00 Business Card .........................$100.00 Ask About Premium Ad Placement
I want to thank my son Amir for helping out with the magazine. He has taken over the duties of designing and laying out the magazine. Not bad for a fifteen year old. I am so very proud of you. Keep up the good work. We have new and exciting news that we are testing and will release within the next few weeks. This is going to take Everything Lake Magazine to the next level in multimedia. Also, I want to thank all you guys for making our blog a huge success. We have over 3000 visitors going on EVERYTHINGLAKE.COM daily! Have a great August and I will talk to you guys next month. As always, keep the reviews and comments coming. Your suggestion is what makes us better.
AL ASGHAR EVERYTHING LAKE MAGAZINE www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933 6 everythinglake.com
The goals of the writers at EverythingLake Magazine is to provide great stories that are true and accurate from beginning to end. Please be forgiving if we make a mistake. We will make it right. EverythingLake is a monthly publication and can be located in various Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Businesses, Restaurants, etc. Any comments can be sent to EverythingLake Magazine at al@everythinglake.com or call 407-697-7933. PO Box 606, Eustis, Florida 32727 EverythingLake Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to EverythingLake Magazine become property of EverythingLake Magazine and maybe reproduced at any time. All views expressed in our magazine are those of the writers and may not be of EverythingLake Magazine. Use of the material in our magazine is prohibited unless written approval is given by EverythingLake Magazine
a Back To School Message From Lake County Schools
There are lots of new things in store for students as Lake County Schools kicks off the 2015-16 school year! We will welcome the first group of students to enroll in our new Health Sciences Collegiate Academy. The academy is the result of a partnership we have with the University of Central Florida, Lake-Sumter State College, South Lake Hospital and Montverde Academy to give our students a competitive edge. We also look forward to seeing Personalized Learning for Students move from the piloting phase to a full launch in five of our schools – Lost Lake Elementary, Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Windy Hill Middle, South Lake High and Umatilla High – with the help of a $2.5 million Next Generations System Initiative grant. Personalized Learning incorporates student voice and choice in the learning process and allows teachers to adjust the pace and delivery of instruction to address each student’s individual learning strengths and needs. Groveland and Leesburg elementary schools join Astatula, Clermont, Eustis Heights, Grassy Lake, Lost Lake and Sawgrass Bay elementary schools in implementing uniforms for students this year. We have new principals in place at Astatula,
Beverly Shores, Fruitland Park, and Treadway elementary schools; Rimes Early Learning Center; Mount Dora and Windy Hill middle schools; and Leesburg High School. And many of our high schools are adding new Advanced Placement classes to offer more rigor to students who desire such a challenge. Check individual school web sites, the Lake County Schools district website and follow us on Facebook for the latest information about what’s happening in our schools throughout the year. We invite parents, business leaders and other community stakeholders to work with us as mentors, volunteers, advocates and supporters as we help our students learn, grow and excel.
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3 easy ways to go green when going back to school (BPT) - It’s that time of year when millions of students will be shopping for back-to-school and purchasing the latest technology and electronic devices. Many of these popular items like smartphones, tablets and laptops use rechargeable batteries that contain materials that are potentially harmful to the environment and should never be thrown into the trash. As technology advances and new electronics debut, students will replace old gadgets with new and exciting ones. The rechargeable batteries from these old gadgets should be recycled so that they do not end up in landfills. According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school shoppers will spend an average $212.35 on electronic items, which is a seven percent increase from $199.05 last year, with total spending expected to reach $8.4 billion. The increase in gadgets and electronics in the marketplace is a major contributor to electronic waste. E-waste, or electronic products that have become unwanted or obsolete, is the fastest growing municipal waste stream in America, with more than 49 million tons generated in 2012. Many of the batteries and the products themselves that are replaced or thrown away can be recycled. Call2Recycle, Inc. offers a no-cost recycling solution for the rechargeable batteries found in most types of
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cordless gadgets and small electronics through partnerships with retailers and municipalities that serve as dropoff locations. During the last 20 years, Call2Recycle has collected more than 100 million pounds of batteries and cellphones, diverting these materials from landfills. The organization ensures that these items are responsibly recycled to create new batteries and other products, preventing potentially hazardous materials from entering the waste stream. Back-to-school shoppers can help reduce waste by recycling their old electronics and rechargeable batteries. Here are some tips to help with recycling during the back-to-school season: Round up all your old electronics Dust off those shelves and check inside desk drawers and last year’s backpack for items that use rechargeable batteries. If you aren’t sure which items can be recycled, a good rule of thumb is: if it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable. Call2Recycle’s collection sites accept cellphones and rechargeable batteries (weighing up to
3 easy ways to go green when going back to school 11 pounds), including those you find in laptop computers, digital cameras, twoway radios, MP3 players or iPods, tablets and cordless phones. Locate a collection site near you Call2Recycle has more than 34,000 dropoff locations for recycling rechargeable batteries located within ten miles of 89 percent of consumers across North America. Many of these sites are national retailers such as Sears, Staples, The Home Depot, Best Buy and Lowe’s. Today, recycling rechargeable batteries can be a quick, easy and convenient part of almost any shopping trip. Spread the word It’s more important than ever to educate younger generations about how to properly dispose of rechargeable batteries. Many are unaware that the batteries from their old electronics should be recycled. You can help by educating your friends
and family about how they can reduce waste. Another way is to organize a local recycling drive to encourage others to gather up their batteries to be recycled. Through recycling, you can make your community more sustainable and prevent potentially hazardous materials from the waste stream, which is good for people as well as the environment. Recycling batteries is as easy as collecting them and finding the nearest collection site. As you prepare for back-to-school shopping, think of how you can answer the call to recycle.
FOR ALL YOUR “OUT OF THE BOX” REAL ESTATE NEEDS
KAREN RISCINTO, PA
CDPE,CIPS, TRC 352-250-3166 • realestateoutofthebox@gmail.com
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5 of the hottest trends for back to school this year
(BPT) - It’s that time of year again - time to trade summer break for lunch break, road trips for recess and home in bed for homework instead. Yes, back to school is in full swing and if your kids are going to start another year, they need the latest gear. Here are the five hottest trends in back to school this year so your team can head off to class with a pass: It’s not just the price, it’s the deal Costs are rising everywhere and salary rarely keeps up. That puts cost-efficient solutions at the forefront again this year. Parents are looking for affordable options that are also quality deals and the best price will result in a buy more often than not.
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Designed by students From homework and lunch to lockers and backpacks, the Staples Designed by Students Collection includes tools designed by actual students that help to address common classroom needs. The Big Pen, for example, is a writing instrument and pencil case all-in-one and the Big Props Pencil Case doubles as a tablet stand. The Super Folder includes storage areas, a zipper pouch, clear pockets for class schedules, a pencil sharpener, sticky notes and a writing pad. Any of these options are perfect for kids on the go. The colorful Portable Desk (pictured) has a smooth writing surface with interior compartments for notebook and pencil storage plus a side slot for headphones and power cords.
5 of the hottest trends for back to school this year Shopping starts mid-summer Black Friday it’s not. Parents don’t start their back-to-school shopping the day after the previous school year ends but research shows they don’t wait until the last minute either. Fifty-three percent of surveyed parents say purchasing supplies one month before the start of the school year is the optimal time according to research from Staples. Positive impact is king This back-to-school season, Staples and Me to We, a social enterprise that provides people with better choices for a better world, are making socially conscious shopping easy with a new line of ecofriendly school supplies. Each product provides a life-changing impact in a developing community where Me to We’s partner, Free the Children, works. The exclusive Me to We Collection includes notebooks, composition books, binders, portfolios, backpacks, pencil pouches and more that will help make a difference.
to top $56.35 billion. For consumers, brick and mortar stores remain a useful tool when they need helpful advice or to compare options side-by-side and 78 percent of surveyed parents say they do most or all of their shopping in physical stores. However eCommerce sites are gaining popularity in part because they present the opportunity to order the necessary supplies easily while managing other back to school preparations. The 2015-16 school year will be like no other and the same can be said for the back-to-school season that precedes it. By capitalizing on the trends of this season, you’ll set your students up for an entire school year of success in the months ahead.
eCommerce sales continue to grow In 2011, businesses reported retail eCommerce sales of $31.98 billion and the market has grown roughly 15 percent every year since then. This year back-toschool eCommerce sales are expected everythinglake.com 11
Career College or Community College? Deciding which is right for you
(BPT) - What’s the difference between a career college and community college? While both types of learning institutions share the goal of enriching students’ lives through education, the experience they provide to students can vary greatly. Community college, educational and social enrichment Community colleges are designed to serve a diverse group of students, from recent high school graduates to those looking for educational and social enrichment. To meet the needs of this varied student body, community colleges tend to offer numerous programs and classes, but don’t necessarily focus on hands-on job skills. Community colleges typically offer 12 everythinglake.com
non-degree classes and two-year associate degree programs for those looking to later transfer to a traditional college or university. With the recent national push encouraging high school students to further their education, many community colleges are struggling to cope with the surge in new students, which has resulted in large class sizes and waiting lists for many popular programs. Career college, workforce preparation and hands-on learning At career colleges, the main focus is to prepare students for the workforce once they graduate. These career-focused schools want their students to have the necessary skills to hit the ground running their first day on the job. This intensive approach is made possible with classes
Career College or Community College? Deciding which is right for you of smaller sizes that are taught by experts who are working in their field. Some may know career colleges as vocational schools, tech schools or trade schools, and more recently they have expanded to include many more indemand career programs. In addition to the traditional trades, career colleges now also focus on graphic design, information technology, business, criminal justice and health care professions. For those who are thinking about enrolling in college, have a specific career in mind and excel in a hands-on learning environment, a career college might be a good option. Most students at career colleges have already tried community or even traditional colleges and are looking for programs that train them for the workforce, not postgraduate education. Benefits of choosing a career college “Everything we do is focused on preparing students for the career path they have chosen, and we structure the programs to give them skills they need to be successful on the job,” says Westwood College Chicago Campus President Hamed Shibli. Westwood offers 35 career-focused degree
programs across its 14 campuses. Learn more about the various types of careerfocused programs offered at Westwood College. The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities provides a wealth of information about career colleges. Notably, there are a few key distinctions found at career colleges. Programs: Career colleges’ curriculums are designed to meet specific needs of employers. They focus on specific tasks students will need to accomplish in their field of training. Hands-on training: Much of the curriculum at a career college will be spent focusing on actual tasks that will need to be completed on the job. Technical skills: Career-focused training is most appropriate for jobs that require technical training. For example, students in graphic design get a lot of hands-on training with design programs like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop so they become proficient and are ready to work once they finish their degree.
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The New SAT: What students and parents need to know to prepare (BPT) - The SAT - widely considered to be one of the most important exams a student will take in his or her academic life - is changing drastically. When students sit down for the test in March 2016, they’ll encounter a completely redesigned format that places significant emphasis on college and career readiness and skills such as reasoning, data analysis and critical thinking. The SAT, which impacts high school students’ college admissions success, scholarship dollars and futures, will affect nearly 2 million students. In order to tackle the test with the right amount of knowledge and confidence, students (and their parents) must approach how they prepare for the exam in an entirely different way. “The redesigned SAT will demand more from students than ever before,” says Dr. Raymond Huntington, co-founder of Huntington Learning Center, a tutoring and test prep company that places curricular knowledge at the center of test prep. “In the history of the SAT, preparation has never been more essential to success than it will be with the redesigned exam. Students must have deep foundational knowledge and demonstrate ability to reason, analyze and think critically in real-world contexts. Cramming for the test or employing test14 everythinglake.com
taking tricks will not get students the knowledge or scores they need to enter and succeed in college.” To prepare properly for the exam and achieve the desired result, here are tips for both parents and students: 1. Understand the changes: The exam has been overhauled with changes to both format and content. Test length, timing and score components for the redesigned SAT will be different than its predecessor. For example, students will no longer be penalized for answering a question incorrectly. With regard to content, students will be expected to master concepts that address college and career readiness, and key skills such as analysis and reasoning. For instance, all reading content will be passage-based and will place strong emphasis on students’ ability to understand vocabulary in context, focusing on more commonly used words, rather than simply demonstrating reading comprehension. 2. Know the dates: The first administration of the redesigned SAT is scheduled for March 2016. The class of 2017 and 2018 are most affected by the change, but the class of 2016 still has an opportunity to take the current SAT in January 2016, which is likely the safest bet. Regardless of the format, it is never too early to start
The New SAT: What students and parents need to know to prepare
preparing for these exams, as it is the best way to ensure success and avoid last-minute, ineffective cramming. Some students begin preparing a few months in advance; for others, it’s several months or longer. 3. Be aware that tips and tricks won’t work: The redesigned SAT requires a mastery of core academic concepts and an ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. For example, in the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing section, reading questions will feature charts and graphs similar to ones students will most likely encounter in science and social science majors as well as their careers. Math questions will also test more complex skills, and questions will build on one another.
4. Know your options: As the SAT will see significant changes, which could cause uncertainty on the part of students and parents, the ACT is another viable college-entrance exam option. The ACT, which focuses on core high school curriculum and what a student has learned, is accepted at all four-year U.S. colleges and has overtaken the SAT in popularity. Huntington, whose team of educational experts analyzed the new test’s blueprint to uncover key changes and developed a rigorous curriculum to address them, is launching a new SAT prep program in July that will be available in its 260 centers across the nation.
Your Lake County
Lake County’s August Events Bird Count and Nature Walk WHEN:
Saturday, August 01, 2015 TIME:
9:30 - 12 a.m. WHERE:
Trout Lake Nature Center 520 E County Road 44 , Eustis
COST:
Free
DESCRIPTION:
This one day event features information on health, insurance, services for seniors. CONTACT:
Call Al Wittnebert at 352-383-1958 or email al@uacc.org.
COST: DESCRIPTION:
Join us on an exquisite nature walk to encounter a variety of birds. Lets see how many you can find. CONTACT:
Call 352-357-7536.
Lake County Senior Expo WHEN:
Red Fridays - Remember the deployed WHEN:
Friday, July 17, 2015 Friday, July 24, 2015 Friday, July 31, 2015 Friday, August 07, 2015 TIME:
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
TIME:
WHERE:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE:
Lake Receptions 4425 North Highway 19A, Mount Dora
AMVETS POST 2006 500 N. Canal St, Leesburg COST: DESCRIPTION:
Remember everyone deployed during Red Fridays. Join AMVETS Post 2006 at facebook.com/amvetspost2006. Any questions relating to membership, please visit www.amvets2006.com or call the Post 352-323-8750 ask for an Officer. CONTACT:
Call Peggy AmVets Post 2006 at 407-4842159 or email veteransinfoandevents@ gmail.com.
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Your Lake County
Lake County’s August Events Strut Your Mutt WHEN:
Saturday, August 08, 2015 TIME:
6 - 10 p.m. WHERE:
Eustis Community Center 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis COST:
$75
DESCRIPTION:
Does your dog have what it takes to strut his/ her stuff? Register today to participate in the event of the year, where your pup can vie for the title of king or queen! Tickets to attend this black tie affair are only $75 and are on sale now!
Monday, September 21, 2015 - Friday, September 25, 2015 TIME:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE:
Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery , Mount Dora COST:
Free
DESCRIPTION:
The artists in this show take the viewer on separate journeys, through concepts that are realized in wood and in paint. The perfect artistic outcome is achieved through the conceptual journey. CONTACT:
Call Beth Miller at 352-383-0880 or email beth@mountdoracenterforthearts.org.
CONTACT:
Call Suan Ellis at 352-455-5941 or email jennifer.ferguson@lcso.org
Conceptual Journeys WHEN:
Friday, August 14, 2015 - Saturday, August 15, 2015 Monday, August 17, 2015 - Saturday, August 22, 2015 Monday, August 24, 2015 - Saturday, August 29, 2015 Monday, August 31, 2015 - Saturday, September 05, 2015 Monday, September 07, 2015 - Saturday, September 12, 2015 Monday, September 14, 2015 - Saturday, September 19, 2015 everythinglake.com 17
18 everythinglake.com
ANGEL’S SOUL FOOD & BBQ 390 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, Florida 352-508-5475 Story by Al Asghar Photos by Amir Asghar
This month I visited a real gem of a restaurant in Tavares. This family run restaurant signifies what southern cooking is all about. Angel’s Soul Food and BBQ first opened up in Sanford in 1998. As their demand increased, they decided to open up a second restaurant in Mt Dora in 2013. This move evolved them to their current location in Tavares. As I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted by a staff that was friendly and courteous. They made me feel at home right away. The restaurant is well decorated and clean. “Our whole purpose is to offer good southern food” stated owner Tony Posey. “We offer all family recipes that are proven and perfected. We want people to come in here and have great southern food, which most people eat on the weekend, every day. Our patrons come from all over Central Florida for our food”. “We also cater. We have done events for the City of Sanford, churches and community
events all over Lake County” explained owner Cathia Posey. “We will run the whole event for you. Our success in this has brought our food to a lot of business and people all over Central Florida”. With all this talk about the food, it was time to try some of it. I wanted try their award winning Fried Chicken, the talked about Meatloaf, their sides and the awesome bbq meats of the grill. The Fried Chicken had a really nice crunch to it. The seasoning was on point and when bitten into, the chicken was moist and delicious. This award winning chicken was all that I had heard about and more. It was served with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. Next up was the Meatloaf. The seasonings were perfect and the beef was cooked perfect. The meatloaf was moist and on point. This again was served with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. I also had the Collard Greens and Mac & Cheese. The food at Angel’s Soul Food & BBQ was of the chart. The whole staff did an awesome job making us welcome from the point we walked in to the point we were leaving. The award winning food was all that it was panned out to be. This writer cannot wait to go and try the rest of the menu. Good job guys!
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Superfood, Not Supersize Your Snacking
(BPT) - America is a nation of snackers, consuming an ever-increasing array of largersized food. You’ve probably heard of the trend “supersizing.” The challenge is that as our snacks have increased in size, so too have the number of empty calories we consume. Instead of supersizing our snacks, dietician Ashley Koff says now is the time to superfood our snacks instead. What does that mean? Supersizing is simply increasing the amount of food we are eating, while superfooding is packing those snacks with as many nutrients and health benefits as possible.
What exactly are superfoods? They are a group of foods that are rich in nutrients the body needs to function optimally. And while superfoods have powerful nutritional benefits, as with all foods, Koff says to be mindful of portion size, even when choosing better-for-you snacks. She recommends including these amazing ingredients in smoothies, salads, trail mixes or on-the-go bars to pack not only fun into your summer snacking, but a lot of key nutrients as well.
“Snacking - what I call nutrition ‘pit stops’ is a great way to keep your energy up and your appetite at bay,” says Koff. “Instead of reaching for a bag of highly processed chips or cookies, grab superfoods that fill you up with the right balance of quality nutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) as well as delivering the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are critical for good health.”
Chia seeds pack 10 grams of fiber in every ounce (just under three tablespoons) along with an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Plus, they can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, which keeps you feeling fuller longer.
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Ch-chi-chia
Superfood, Not Supersize Your Snacking Hemp: not just for hippies Hemp is definitely having its moment and for good reason. These powerfully healthy seeds are packed with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (including the elusive but potent GLA, a fatty acid that supports healthy hair, skin and nails as well as hormones). Go coconuts Coconuts are high in fiber, rich in vitamins and loaded with minerals and amino acids. They have tons of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Whether you eat coconut meat, shredded coconut, coconut flour or coconut oil, you’ll be getting lots of healthy fats. Acai for me Acai palm trees in South America produce a berry that is widely touted for its many health
benefits. Loaded with antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats, the berry is also known for containing key vitamins like vitamin A, iron, and calcium. Take a baobab Impress your friends by sharing knowledge of an up and coming superfood: Baobab. The fruit is dried and made into a fruit-flavored powder and features many health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, and many consider it to be one of the most supercharged of the superfoods. Cacao We’ve always hoped there was a reason to eat more chocolate. If you are eating true cacao, then that wish has come true. Rich in antioxidants, cacao nibs are the “seeds” of the cacao fruit. They deliver a stimulant and
everythinglake.com 21
Superfood, Not Supersize Your Snacking emotional boost as well as being a rich source of magnesium. Getting the most out of superfoods So how do you enhance your summer snacking with these tasty, nutrientpacked superfoods? Koff suggests the following easy-to-make recipes and one superfood snack bar to make this summer a healthy and delicious one. Smoothies 2.0: Superfoods take smoothies to new heights of healthiness and are a great way to make a nutrientdense meal or snack on the run. For a tropical escape, try combining hemp, mango or pineapple and coconut water. A super banana: This summer take the frozen banana on a stick to a new level by dipping bananas into melted dark chocolate and then rolling them in coconut shavings and Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood, a mix of chia, buckwheat and hemp. Wrap and freeze. Trail mixing: Make your own trail mix this summer and superfood it by adding nuts, dried fruit like coconut and blueberries and cacao nibs for great fuel and taste. A bar raised If you’re heading to the beach for the day, going hiking or even running to the office, summer is the perfect time to reach for a snack bar that is full of superfoods and as nutritious as it is delicious, such as Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood Snack
Bars. These incredibly great-tasting bars are available in five flavors, including Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond and Blueberry Cashew Pumpkin Seed. They are packed with chia, coconut and hemp to fill you up and keep you going. The bars are also certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified gluten-free and vegan. They provide lasting energy, protein and lower sugar than most energy bars. Koff says while snacking can be a healthy and wonderful way to stave off hunger and garner more energy, just make sure you are reaching for foods that are healthy and nutritious. By reaching for superfoods snacks, you can pack in vital nutrients, not the pounds.
TWIN LAKES PARK 35303 County Road 473, Leesburg, Florida 34788 The oaks harbor Gray Squirrels, Black Racers and Northern Parulas, while the meadows, which are sometimes wet, can hold Northern Bobwhite (Quail) and Eastern Bluebirds with Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring overhead.
Twin Lakes Park offers the opportunity to enjoy a quiet picnic while the children play in one of the two playgrounds, shoot baskets on the basketball court or stroll the trail and boardwalk while enjoying nature. The park features three pavilions with grills, lots of shade, restrooms and a Ÿ-mile trail and boardwalk. The park is a great place to go birding especially in the fall, with 73 species having been seen to date. The park’s boardwalk allows visitors to walk above a ephemeral sinkhole pond often hiding many birds, amphibians and reptiles, depending on the water levels. everythinglake.com 23
4 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From Cardiovascular Disease cardiovascular disease risks. Recognize and reduce risks.High LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol are among the most well-known risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease, but they’re not the only ones to be aware of. If you have untreated high blood pressure, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or diabetes, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease may be elevated, the Heart Association says. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to cardiovascular risks, and women past the age of menopause and men older than 45 can also have a higher risk of developing the disease. (BPT) - Cardiovascular disease - damage to You can reduce these well-known risk the heart and blood vessels - claims more factors by: American lives each year than all forms of * Having your cholesterol tested regularly, cancer combined, according to the American and maintaining the levels your doctor Heart Association. Yet simple preventive steps, recommends. such as getting a cardiovascular screening, can * Being aware of family history. help you make strides toward keeping your * Managing diabetes or other health issues heart and blood vessels healthy. that can lead to complications. * Quitting smoking, if applicable. Plaque buildup in the arteries - known * Sticking to a regular exercise routine. as atherosclerosis - is the main cause of Consult your doctor to learn what exercises cardiovascular disease. When the blood and activity level will be best for you. vessels that deliver blood to and from the Have a cardiovascular screening done. heart become blocked or damaged, it can Early detection is vital to effectively treating affect the heart itself, causing heart disease cardiovascular disease; you’ll have a better or leading to stroke. Heart disease is the most chance to stay healthy if you catch the severe form of cardiovascular disease, and disease before you begin to experience according to the Centers for Disease Control symptoms. Cardiovascular screenings, such and Prevention, nearly 27 million people have as those provided by Life Line Screening, are been diagnosed with it. an affordable, easy and non-invasive way Awareness, prevention, testing and to detect possible problems in a patient’s communication can help you manage blood vessels before they become more serious. The ultrasound testing looks inside 24 everythinglake.com
4 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From Cardiovascular Disease a person’s arteries for signs of blockage, which can help detect cardiovascular disease early. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that such testing improved doctors’ overall ability to predict cardiovascular risks. Cardiovascular screening is often recommended for people older than 55 who have risk factors. To learn more about cardiovascular screening, visit www. lifelinescreening.com. Adopt vascular-friendly habits.While some risk factors such as age and genetics are beyond your control, you do have the power to influence others. Certain lifestyle changes are known to benefit cardiovascular health, while delivering other health benefits as well. The American Heart Association recommends these heart- and blood-vessel-friendly lifestyle tips: * Eat a diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt. * Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in fiber. Have fish at least twice a week, and incorporate nuts, legumes and seeds into your diet. Reduce your meat
intake, choose lean meats when you do eat meat, and opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy products. * Exercise at least 150 minutes per week, choosing moderate to intense activity. Or, if you’re able, do 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity like jogging or running every week. Do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Learn and communicate.While caring for your cardiovascular health is important at any age, risks rise with age. As you grow older, be aware of the signs of stroke and heart attack. Talk to your doctor about your risks for cardiovascular and heart disease, preventive measures, and how to best detect and treat problems early. If you’re at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, or have it, get support from friends, family and social groups to help you maintain your cardiovascular health. Support can help you stay on track with important lifestyle changes and make it easier to monitor your disease.
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Outdoor home security: 5 steps to a home-safe-home (BPT) - Did you know a home break-in occurs every 15 seconds? Considering summertime is peak season for home burglaries, there’s no better time than the present to take a few steps to protect your home and your family. “Securing your home doesn’t necessarily require a costly alarm system,” says Brian Sweet, operations manger at D&D Technologies, an award-winning lock and safety company. “Taking a close look at your outdoor spaces and making simple safety updates will dramatically reduce the chances of your home becoming a criminal target.” These five simple steps can all be completed in one weekend to help keep your property safe and give you peace of mind: 1. Trim landscaping Well-manicured landscaping not only beatifies your yard, it also helps deter thieves. Why? Overgrown trees and shrubs make it easy to stay concealed day or night. Pay special attention to proper trimming around windows, doors and other points of entry into your home or garage. 2. Add gate locks and alarms Add locks to all outdoor gates. For extra security, opt for an alarm lock like the 26 everythinglake.com
Magna Latch Alert - the world’s first integrated gate latch and electronic alarm system. This gate lock meets pool-safety codes and allows you to see and hear if the lock is triggered, thanks to an at-a-glance lock indicator with flashing LED light and audible unlatch alarm. Whether someone has wandered into your yard or your toddler is trying to get to the pool while your back is turned, you’ll know instantly so everyone can stay safe. The perfect DIY project that can be completed in mere minutes, installation of the Magna Latch Alert requires no special tools, screws or wiring. It’s an ideal weekend warrior task because you get two projects
Outdoor home security: 5 steps to a home-safe-home done at once - installation of a reliable gate latch and alarm. Visit http://ddtechglobal. com to learn more. 3. Verify lighting Take a walk around your home in the evening and check for areas of poor lighting. Fronts of homes often have good lighting, but sides and backyards have excessive dark space. One of the easiest ways to increase evening security is by adding motion lights. When these lights sense movement, they activate and illuminate a space; this is great if you’re fumbling for your keys in the dark and bad for thieves who want to stay hidden. 4. Careful with extra keys It’s common for families to hide a spare key at their home, but too often it’s in an obvious location like under the doormat, above the door frame or by a landscape rock. It takes just seconds for a thief to check these common locations. Instead, leave a set of keys with a trusted neighbor or, at the very least, select a well-hidden location that would be difficult for a stranger to find. 5. Keep valuables out of sight During the summer, the garage door is open, the toys are out and you spend more time in your yard. While enjoying the outdoors is great, beware about showing off too many of your valuable possessions. An open garage door can easily make a new car or box of expensive tools visible to anyone.
Leaving expensive recreational toys - from bikes to boats - in your driveway signals clearly that you have money. Have fun but be careful, because you never know who is watching and you may be unknowingly signaling to all who walk or drive past your house that the garage is packed with goodies.
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The Cat’s Meow: Six Fabulous Ways To Pamper Your Feline spoil your feline friends.
(BPT) - Celebrity cat owners such as Ellen Degeneres, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry have made cat ownership trendy, and research shows that cats do more for their owners than influence celebrity style. A recent study from the makers of ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter found that 95 percent of cat owners believe their feline friends lighten their mood, while 74 percent say they’d rather be at home with their cat than get a massage. In addition, 79 percent of cat owners say they treat their cat like people, or even their children. Given the importance of cats in owners’ lives, pampering them in return seems only fair. Here are six purrfect ways to 28 everythinglake.com
* Give treats a homemade touch. Don’t just settle for store-bought cat treats. Create your own. Recipes that include cheese, chicken, biscuits and more can be found online. Each gives you the chance to provide your pet with a one-of-a-kind taste sensation and the relief that they’re enjoying wholesome ingredients. * A little massage. When spending time with your cat, show them affection with a relaxing massage. Start with long, gentle strokes, applying weight at about five grams per pound of your cat - this is a very light touch. Keep one hand on your cat constantly while the other massages the legs, tail and spine, going in the direction of the fur. * Upgrade the litter box options. Improve and replace your cat’s old litter with ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Lightweight Cat Litter. This litter’s unique technology forms a tight seal around odor and destroys it. Clump & Seal Cat Litter
The Cat’s Meow: Six Fabulous Ways To Pamper Your Feline is also 50 percent lighter than regular litter and 100 percent dust-free, making a more pleasant litter box area for everyone.
sensations will pique their curiosity, and grass, should they choose to eat it, can actually aide their digestion and help them process hairballs.
* Offer real outside time. Allowing your cats to spend long periods of time outside is not advised and isn’t good for your cat’s health, but in the right moments, brief periods of outside time can be beneficial. If you have a well-closed-off area on your property, consider letting your cat out for a supervised visit. The new
* Encourage multiple “playtimes” each day. Cat Behaviorist and ARM & HAMMER spokesperson Mieshelle Nagelschneider says that playtime or “hunting” is essential for your cat’s happiness as both their mind and body need stimulation. Interactive toys that you maneuver for your cat (like wand toys), toys your cat can play with on their own, and food puzzles can help reduce stress and keep your cat physically and mentally healthy. She recommends multiple playtimes each day.
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* Satisfy your cat’s natural instincts. Nagelschneider also suggests when cats are playing, they are actually going through a “hunting” preysequence. They eye their target, then stalk and chase, and finally pounce and grab. Cats enjoy performing this repeatedly during a single playtime and giving your cat food or a small treat after each prey-sequence is a great way to satisfy their natural hunting instinct. everythinglake.com 29
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