March 2015 everythinglake.com
TAMPA Bay Rays Fan Fest Page 10 - 11 Visual Processing Speeds Page 28-29
Your Lake County Page 15 - 18
Sunrooms
Natural Balance Natural Choice Blue Buffalo
OVER 30 Brands of Dog Foods Full line Pet Supplies
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19814 SR 44, Eustis, FL 32726 352-589-1746
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7 More than just annoying: The link between snoring and heart disease
19 - 21 Triple play: 3 ways to add flare to traditional game-day fare
8 - 9 German shepherds to gerbils: How to choose the best pet for your family
22 - 23 America’s secret 2015 foodie destinations
10 - 11 Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest
24 - 25 Be a super shopper: where to splurge and save at the grocery store
12 - 13 6 tips to keep homes safe
26 - 27 5 tips to slash prescription drug costs
14 Artful Technology
15 - 18 Your Lake County
4 everythinglake.com
28 -29 Visual processing speeds: The key to peak performance? 30 Defeat drowsy driving dangers: Tips for staying awake at the wheel
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6 everythinglake.com
Publisher & Managing Editor
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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
More than just annoying:
The link between snoring and heart disease (BPT) - Snoring isn’t pleasant for anyone - not the partner who has to sleep beside the snorer, nor the snorer whose breathing may pause repeatedly throughout the night. But did you know that loud, excessive snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that - if left untreated - can cause you to be five times more likely to die from heart disease? Along with good nutrition and regular exercise, healthy sleep is essential for a healthy heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S, so treating sleep apnea is good for your sleep and your heart. According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic disease that afflicts at least 25 million U.S. adults. “Obstructive sleep apnea is destroying the health of millions of Americans, and the problem has only gotten worse over the last two decades,” says Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a national spokesperson for the Healthy Sleep Project. The project is a collaboration between the AASM, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Sleep Research Society and other partners. Sleep apnea involves repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, which can put an enormous strain on the heart. Severe sleep apnea can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood and cause dangerous surges in your blood pressure. This stress triggers your body to respond in ways that may promote heart disease.
with medications. Research even shows that sleep apnea can affect the shape, size and performance of your heart. “The good news is that detecting and treating sleep apnea can improve your heart health and other clinical outcomes,” Morgenthaler says. The primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. CPAP therapy keeps your airway open by providing a stream of air through a mask that you wear during sleep. Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can even reverse the changes to the shape and size of the heart that can be caused by sleep apnea. Excess body weight is the leading risk factor for sleep apnea, and loud snoring is a common symptom. Other warning signs for sleep apnea include choking or gasping during sleep, and daytime fatigue or sleepiness. Visit stopsnoringpledge.org to pledge to “Stop the Snore” by talking to a doctor about your risk for sleep apnea. “Treatment of sleep apnea can be life-changing and potentially life-saving,” Morgenthaler says. “For the best possible clinical outcomes, people with heart disease should discuss their risk for sleep apnea with their doctor.”
Sleep apnea may be far more common than you think. Between 30 percent and 40 percent of adults with high blood pressure also have sleep apnea. The rate of sleep apnea soars to 80 percent among people with high blood pressure that do not respond to treatment everythinglake.com 7
German shepherds to gerbils:
How to choose the best pet for your family
(BPT) - Whether a loyal pal like Lassie is what you’re looking for, or a Garfield-like couch potato is more your speed, a pet can make a wonderful addition to your family. But there is more to choosing a new pet than simply falling in love with a cute face. Making an informed and well-researched decision can lead to a happy home life for both you and your pet. “One of the most important things to know is that all pets are awesome. They have the potential to be great family members,” says Tracey Kitching, veterinary technology instructor at Argosy University, Twin Cities. “It all boils down to what you want the animal for, the demands of the animal, and the husbandry and expenses associated with that animal.” “The priority is the family needs to decide the type of time they have available for the animal,” says Paula Lind, department director
8 everythinglake.com
of Veterinary Technology at Argosy University, Twin Cities. “The family also needs to look at its capability to provide the appropriate exercise, living quarters and temperament. Sometimes people are mismatched with the animals they choose, and shelters are filled with young dogs that did nothing wrong. They were just a poor match for their owners.” The energy of the animal is an important factor to consider. “For any species, understanding how much energy that animal has is important,” says Kitching. For example, a border collie wouldn’t be good for people working 16 hours a day, while great Danes tend to make great apartment dogs since they generally lay around a lot. Your family must be able to meet the energy needs of the animal. Lind says that if you work long hours, a cat would be a better choice than a dog, but it’s important to remember that cats also need companionship. For families that aren’t home much, a fish, hamster, gerbil, rat or ferret would be better choices, says Lind. Puppies will
German shepherds to gerbils:
How to choose the best pet for your family require exercise and obedience training, which will require more time than an older dog or other types of animals. Temperament is another key area, especially when looking at breeds of dogs. People often look at puppies as the ideal dog for their small children, but Lind says this isn’t the case. She wouldn’t recommend a puppy for children younger than 5, and adds that the puppy cowering in the back of the litter is the worst to pick for children. The cost of owning a pet goes beyond the initial purchase of the animal. Kitching says an animal like a hamster will require an initial purchase of a cage, wheel and food, while a dog will require a collar, leash, obedience lessons, a kennel and food, among other things. The amount an animal eats will also greatly affect the cost of ownership. All animals should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year. “A relationship with a veterinarian is just as profound as a relationship with a lawyer or regular doctor,” says Kitching.
Don’t forget to look at the health of your own family. If you have individuals with allergies, certain breeds and species of animals are better. There are even dogs that are hypoallergenic. Lind says to think about how clean you want your home if you are bothered by cat or dog hair. You can’t confine an animal to a mud room or basement. Before deciding on any pet, research is key. “The biggest thing is you have to do your research and think about the needs of the animal. It’s not about you, it’s about the animal,” says Lind. “It’s going to need your time, love and attention.” For dogs, talk with breeders, people who own that breed, and research breeds on sites like the American Kennel Club website, which contains info on all breeds of dogs. If you’re adopting an animal, Lind says many rescue groups and shelters do an excellent job of assessing temperament. These shelters will know if an animal is good with children and other animals.
everythinglake.com 9
TAMPA RAYS FAN FEST 2015 by Amir Asghar Rays’ Fan Fest kicked off around 11 a.m. on Saturday February 21st. There were many awesome events that would captivate a baseball fan of any age. Returning to Fan Fest was the ability for fans to receive autographs from the players they wanted, but at a cost. In the Activity Zone, you could play super-sized games of Operation and Battleship, and even play a game of Ping-Pong. If board games aren’t your thing, then you can relax with some good old baseball. There were activities such as Speed Pitch and many batting cages.
Jim Hickey with Amir Asghar
If you got hungry, then you can get a Chili Dog from the hot dog stand just outside the stands of left field. When you finish your food you can check out the Rays’ Charity Garage Sale that took place outside the
10 everythinglake.com
away team dugout. There were many items such as hats, bobble heads, and even Game-Used jerseys worn by your favorite players. For the kids that love baseball there were many activities for them as well, everything from running the bases to participating in
Kevin Kiermaier
TAMPA RAYS FAN FEST 2015 by Amir Asghar
the Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby. Even players like Chris Archer participated in “Reading With The Rays” which was a program were a Rays player read to children and even let children come on stage and read with them. Even Ex-Players with the MLB Alumni came to sign autographs and talk with fans of all ages. Rays’ Fan Fest is one of the best places in the world for baseball fans of every generation. Matt Moore
FOR ALL YOUR “OUT OF THE BOX” REAL ESTATE NEEDS
KAREN RISCINTO, PA
CDPE,CIPS, TRC 352-250-3166 • realestateoutofthebox@gmail.com
everythinglake.com 11
6 tips to keeping seniors safe at home 6 tips to keep homes safe (BPT) - Safety is a big concern for seniors and their families, especially as more baby boomers are embracing aging at home. Homes they’ve owned for decades that were perfect for raising children may not be as accommodating for people who may suffer from poor eye sight, unsteady balance or memory issues.
Many home updates can help protect senior family members, allowing them to enjoy their homes for many more years. These tips will help protect the privacy and safety of older residents. 12 everythinglake.com
* Home exterior security - A security alarm system is always a good idea, and many will also connect to fire protection services as well. Sliding and patio doors are among the least secure entrances to a home, so install a Master Lock 265DCCSEN Door Security Bar to resist any type of forced entry into the home.
cold night.
* Keep extra keys secure - Many family members of seniors like to have access to a home so they can check on their loved ones. Instead of hiding the keys under a fake rock in the yard, protect them with a Master Lock 5422D Key Safe. The safe attaches over the door handle for easy accessibility and requires a fourbutton push code to reveal the keys. It’s also great for emergency situations if a family member accidentally locks the keys inside the house on a
* Install security lights - Exterior lights help discourage unwanted guests, so install additional lights on all sides of the home and out in the yard’s landscaping. You can install
6 tips to keeping seniors safe at home 6 tips to keep homes safe motion-sensor lights if you don’t want them shining all night long, but you might notice nighttime critters like owls and raccoons will set the lights off. * Give valuables a safe home - Many baby boomers have accumulated a lifetime of treasures with real and sentimental value. Smaller items like jewelry, credit cards and cash can easily be stored in the portable Master Lock 5900 SafeSpace, which is perfect for traveling around the world or even to visit grandchildren. For important documents like wills and legal documents, a fire-resistant safe from Sentry Safe is a good option. * Create a flexible schedule - Because they’re retired, seniors are able to leave the house for different activities during the day. Oftentimes, seniors will get into a regular schedule like meeting a group of friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. every Tuesday. Create an irregular schedule for your weekly activities so people won’t be able to anticipate when you’re home or away.
* Digital safety is important, too - In today’s digital world, computer passwords are the keys to valuable personal information. It is recommended that you use a unique smart password - one that contains capital and lower case letters, numbers and symbols - for every digital account. It’s difficult for most people to remember multiple passwords, so many write them down, which can make them vulnerable to theft. The Master Lock Vault is a free, digital safe deposit box perfect for securing passwords, credit card numbers and digital copies of important documents, and it can be accessed from a smartphone at any time. With these security tips, seniors can enjoy spending many more years - comfortable and safe - in their homes.
everythinglake.com 13
Artful technology: How televisions have become a staple in modern home design (BPT) - Not long ago, TVs were big, boxy and unattractive. No wonder they were always relegated to the corner of a room, positioned discreetly or masked within large, wooden, entertainment centers to make them fit in an aesthetically pleasing way. Those days are long gone. With the advent of
newer technology and thinner screens, this once-humble home electronics device has been reinvented as a critical design statement for the contemporary home. This shift can be attributed to several factors. Surveys show that consumers now prefer larger-screen TVs, so the physical space that TVs take up in the home is greater than ever before. The layout of modern homes has also evolved. Today interior designers often experiment with the non-traditional placement of furniture and electronics, so it’s not uncommon for a TV to be a focal point in the center of a room or for it to be mounted 14 everythinglake.com
atop a fireplace, rather than flush against a wall. Additionally, TV manufacturers are putting a greater emphasis on display design with new, sleek and sophisticated models that can brighten up any room. These sleek new TVs have been made possible by technological innovation. Bulky CRT TVs made way to thin LCD/LED models - and now there are even TVs that are curved. Just think of some of today’s modern TVs - every part of the TV now matters, not just the screen. TV frames are thinner so the picture looks like it’s floating, TV necks are barely noticeable, even the back of the TV is less cluttered, allowing it to be displayed. For example, Samsung has a One Connect Box which means the TV only needs one port of connection in addition to the power cord. With these modern innovations come more artistic design possibilities. Samsung commissioned a Korean artist to use traditional gold lacquer paint on the backside of a TV. This 78-inch Curved UHD TV was recently showcased and auctioned for charity at Christie’s in Hong Kong. The special-edition TV featured iconic scenes and famous characters from television, brought to life through intricate goldlacquered paintings on the TV’s rear face. As technological advancements continue, people will see bold and different things from TV design. The TV has become a way for consumers to express their personal style or complement their home’s interior design, in addition to being a main source of entertainment.
Your Lake County
DISCOVERY GARDENS TAVARES Botanical gardens are a natural fit for the Sunshine State with its marvelous growing conditions; however, one such patch of blooming bliss in Tavares, Fla., is an atypical model of these expansive and intricate agricultural wonders. Discovery Gardens is nestled on just 4 ½ acres behind the Lake County Agricultural Center. With 20 themed gardens, including a string of lush courtyards and six specially designed children’s gardens, this botanical garden is a virtual outdoor learning center for young students and aspiring gardeners. “There are a lot of botanical gardens in Florida, but for the size of Discovery Gardens and number of plants it’s just a tremendous asset,” said Charles Fedunak, an Extension Agent for the Cooperative Extension office. The Lake County Agricultural Center houses the Lake County Cooperative Extension Service, a consortium of trained professionals and volunteers that offer research-based education in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. A popular feature to the extension office is the plant clinic, which is staffed by Master Gardeners that diagnose plant problems and give home horticulture assistance. Discovery Gardens is an extension of this service as local gardeners can view different landscaping themes from Oriental to Southwestern.
Fedunak was one of the original creators of the Gardens in 1994. He says the enchanting gardens are not what they are today without a few failures along the way. For example, gardeners experimented with several different do-it-yourself walkway pavers before finding a structurally superior version. “I think people learn more from mistakes sometimes so we are not afraid to point out our mistakes,” he said. “What we are trying to do is emulate what people can do themselves.” With trained Master Gardeners routinely tending to the grounds, visitors are encouraged to ask questions and learn how the themed gardens were created. While most visitors to Discovery Gardens are local gardeners searching for advice to a horticultural predicament or for landscaping enlightenment, an increasing number of tourists from around the state are discovering this one-of-a-kind garden. Discovery Gardens of Tavares, Fla., is located at 1951 Woodlea Road. The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday For more information, call (352) 343-4101 or log on to http://discoverygardens.ifas.ufl.edu. continued on page 18 everythinglake.com 15
Your Lake County
Lake County March 2015 Events
Vintage Motorcycle Alliance Swap Meet and Bike Show
Cost: Free
When:
Description:
Friday, March 06, 2015 - Sunday, March 08, 2015 Time: 8
a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rubber Duck Race and Carnival to support local schools, including food and game booths. Purchase duck race tickets and one lucky duck will win $5,000.
Where:
Contact:
Cost: Free
Bluegrass Festival
Lake County Fairground 2101 County Road 452, Eustis
Description:
A true enthusiasts swap meet for resources for the education and preservation of antique, vintage and classic motorcycles. Vendors selling all types of motorcycles and parts more than 30 years old. Contact:
Call charles price at 904-626-0664 or email charles@ avreal.com. Categories:
Festivals and Events Website:
http://www.vintagemotorcyclealliance.com
Rubber Ducky Race and Carnival When:
Saturday, March 07, 2015 Time: 10
a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where:
Wooten Park 100 E Ruby St., Tavares
Call Mariah Delgado at 352-326-1265 or email cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us.
When:
Saturday, March 07, 2015 Time: 10
a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where:
East Lake County Library 31340 CR 437, Sorrento Cost: Free Description:
The 11th Annual Bluegrass Festival is back, Saturday, March 7 with special guests, the Blackwater Creek Bluegrass Band. Based in Eustis, the band got its start in the late 1970s as the McLaughlin Family Stringed Band. They will be playing fan favorites including their signature “Rocky Top”. This awesome event will be held on the lawn of the East Lake County Library. Attendees will enjoy the Friends of the East Lake County Library Spring Fling on the porch. There will be a used book sale, bake sale, a community yard sale and a chance drawing for great prizes. The East lake Historical Society will be cooking up hot dogs and brats. Be there early because the brats go fast. Chips, sodas and water will also be on sale along with other goodies such as boiled peanuts, snow cones, cotton candy, etc. There will be something special for the kids including free expert face painting provided by Miss Mandi’s Face Paint from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. There is no admission and there is plenty of free parking on the library’s grounds. Contact:
Call George Dore at 352-383-9980 or email gdore@lakeline.lib.fl.us.
16 everythinglake.com
Your Lake County
Lake County March 2015 Events
Pig on the Pond For the Kids When:
Friday, March 13, 2015 Time: 5
- 10:10 p.m.
When:
Sunday, March 22, 2015 Time:
Where:
Clermont Waterfront Park 100 Third Street, Clermont Cost: $5 Description:
A celebration of community this festival is hosted by Pig on the Pond, Inc. to provide money for educational and scholarship programs in South Lake County. “For the Kids”. Contact:
Call Cheryl Fishel at 407-625-3818 or email pigonthepond@earthlink.net.
39th Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival When:
Saturday, March 14, 2015 - Sunday, March 15, 2015 Time: 10
32nd Annual Great Clermont Triathlon Festival
a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where:
Main Street Leesburg , Leesburg Cost: Free Description:
There will be over 100 fine artists and fine craftsmen on Main Street, live musicians, actors and dancers, festive food, classic car zone and a student art exhibition at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Contact:
Where:
Clermont Waterfront Park 330 3rd Street, Clermont Distances International Triathlon: 1.5K-swim, 40K-bike and 10K-run. International Aqua Bike: 1.5K-swim and 40K-bike. After racking your bike make sure to head down the finish chute to start celebrating. Contact:
Call Sommer Sports at 352-394-1320 or email info@sommersports.com.
5th Annual Eustis Jazz Revue When:
Friday, March 27, 2015 Time:
6:30 - 12 p.m. Where:
First Baptist Church of Eustis 3551 East Orange Ave., Eustis Description:
Jazz Concert, three-Course dinner, and art auction. Enjoy an evening of high energy jazz and fine dining. Jazz performed by the award winning Eustis Jazz with featured guest saxophonist Jeff Rupert. Visit EustisBand.com for menu and ticket information. Contact:
Call 352-357-3921 or email JazzRevue@EustisBand. com.
Call Amy Painter at 352-365-0232.
Dragon Boat Festival When:
Friday, March 13, 2015 - Saturday, March 14, 2015 Time: 5
- 9 p.m.
Where:
Wooton Park 100 E. Ruby St, Tavares Cost: $3 Description:
Watch and participate in the exciting water sport. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and steersperson compete for trophies and ranking. Professional Asian performers. Vendors and fireworks. Benefits Rotary’s local and international charities and scholarship.
everythinglake.com 17
Your Lake County
DISCOVERY GARDENS TAVARES
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Triple play: 3 ways to add flare to traditional game-day fare (BPT) - When the holiday lights fade for another year, the excitement really begins with the arrival of big games and tournaments in top winter sports like football, basketball and hockey. If you’ll be playing game-day host for your team of fans, you know the flavors of the food you serve are as important as the clarity of your flat-screen TV. In fact, studies show that many football fans say they associate a special food or snack with their favorite team. To be a great game-day host, it’s important to serve the snacks and foods your guests will love. At the same time, you want to put your culinary stamp on the occasion. Here are three simple ways to score big by adding some flare to traditional game-day fare: 1. Stay in the safe zone with some standby dishes and toss in some new options. Not every play of your game-day meal needs to be a scoring pass. Try serving some reliable favorites - like your guests’ favorite buffalo hot wings - along with appetizers or desserts they may not have tried before. You can also ensure success with every course by serving a standby beside something new. By
giving guests the option to stick with favorites or taste something new, you can fill their stomachs and let them focus on the game at the same time. 2. Mix up beverage excitement with some game-day drinks. The beverage table can often be overlooked, yet it is a great spot to add some excitement. Try creating your own game day drink. It can be as easy as renaming your favorite beverage with fun, sports-themed names like “touchdown tea” or “coach’s cooler.” Round out your drinks station by offering cups or straws in your favorite team’s colors. 3. Slap some sophistication on popular game-day grub. Some dishes simply must be on the menu for any game-day celebration: wings, sliders, chips and dip and pizza. A touch of sophistication can elevate these staples to something fresh and exciting. Try glazing wings with a new flavor, such as soy-ginger or chili lime. Mix things up with a variety of veggie chips (instead of just potato) and gourmet dips like crab and artichoke.
Triple play: 3 ways to add flare to traditional game-day fare Or upgrade everyone’s favorite handheld and replace the ground beef in your sliders with lean turkey. For dishes that are both grown-up and gameday gourmet, try these recipes from the 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off(R) Contest. Grilled Potato and Roasted Salsa Verde Pizza by Greg Fontenot of The Woodlands, Texas, winner of the $5,000 Crisco is Cooking(TM) Award Prep time: 30 minutes Total time: 50 minutes Serves 4. Ingredients: 1 pound tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed, coarsely chopped 4 tablespoons Crisco(R) Pure Olive Oil 1 bag (11 ounces) Green Giant(TM) Steamers(TM) frozen backyard grilled potatoes 1 teaspoon Watkins(TM) Ground Cumin 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 can Pillsbury(TM) refrigerated classic pizza crust 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
Heat oven to 400 F. Brush large cookie sheet with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Microwave frozen potatoes as directed on bag 3-4 minutes to thaw. Cut larger pieces of potato into bite-sized pieces. In medium bowl, mix potatoes and cumin. Place tomatillos, cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor or blender and cover. Process until smooth. Unroll dough on cookie sheet. Press to form 12x8 ?inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 cup tomatillo salsa over rectangle. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with potato mixture. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Bake 12-22 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Serve with remaining tomatillo salsa. Spinach Turkey Sliders with Lemon Yogurt Sauce Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Serves 10. Ingredients: 1 can Pillsbury(TM) Grands!(TM) Jr. Golden Layers Butter Tastin’(TM) refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits) 4 tablespoons Crisco(R) Pure Olive Oil
Directions:
2 teaspoons Watkins(TM) Sesame Seeds
Set oven control to broil. Spray 15x10x1?inch pan with Crisco(R) Original No?Stick Cooking Spray. Place tomatillos in pan and toss with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Broil 3-4 inches from heat for 9-12 minutes, turning once, or until tender and starting to brown.
1 box (9 ounces) Green Giant(TM) Steamers(TM) frozen chopped spinach 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey 2 containers (5.3 ounces each) 100-calorie fatfree lemon Greek yogurt, stirred 1/4 teaspoon Watkins(TM) Garlic Powder
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Triple play: 3 ways to add flare to traditional game-day fare In large bowl, gently mix spinach, ground turkey, 2 tablespoons of the yogurt, the garlic powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper just until combined. Shape mixture into 10 (3-inch) patties.
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Separate dough into 10 biscuits and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops of biscuits with one teaspoon of the oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and press in lightly. Bake eight to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, microwave frozen spinach as directed on box for 3 to 4 minutes to thaw. Drain well and squeeze dry with paper towels.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat two tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add 5 patties and cook 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 165 F. Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining oil and patties. In small bowl, mix remaining yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until blended. Split biscuits and spread 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce over cut side of each bottom biscuit. Fill biscuits with patties. Serve with remaining yogurt sauce. For more great game-day recipes, visit www.bakeoff.com.
Amy Sellers Art Gallery
A Unique Boutique and Art Gallery located in downtown Mount Dora
411 North Donnelly Street Mount Dora 352-735-7411 www.amysellersart.com everythinglake.com 21
America’s secret 2015 foodie destinations
(BPT) - With their incredible restaurants seemingly appearing overnight, cities such as Brooklyn and Portland have long since been discovered as foodie destinations. If you want coal-fired pizza ovens, craft beer or artisan doughnuts, you only have to stroll down the street a few blocks. But while these destinations have been basking in the limelight, other cities across America have been transforming their food scenes to much less fanfare. If you’re searching for the mod craft cocktail bar, the boatto-table seafood or the next big thing in fusion cuisine, DreamPlanGo suggests picking up a fork in these cities: * Providence, Rhode Island. No one is sure who coined the phrase “boat-to-table,” but Providence does it right. Many up-and-coming restaurants have fish delivered daily from the docks to their tables. If you are looking for an exquisite creation with Italian, Portuguese or simply New England roots, Providence will serve you up in style. Save a special corner of your stomach for Providence’s 22 everythinglake.com
fabulous hole-in-the-wall cafes and tucked away bars. In discrete, sometimes rough-around-theedges locations, you’ll find the burgers, pizza and beer that sustains locals whether they are out sunning on the patio or hunkered down for a gale. And, while it makes some people shudder, you can’t leave town until you sample the residents take on pizza - its grilled, not baked. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Better known for hot dish and General Mills products, the Mill City actually has a lot of new food going for it. Sure you’ll find things like artisan SPAM bites tucked onto menus, but you’ll also be able to sample fresh grilled walleye pulled from a lake near you, delicious Minnesota-grown produce, woodfired pizza, local craft beer and mouth-watering French pastries. Food trucks have also taken the city by storm with everything from burritos to lobster rolls. If you are looking for Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine in particular, neighboring St. Paul has an enormous collection of authentic, inexpensive and just plain delicious family-run restaurants.
America’s secret 2015 foodie destinations Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santa Fe doesn’t have the big-name restaurants, but that suits the locals just fine. Santa Fe has always been known for its homey and rich southwestern cuisine, which you can still enjoy in abundance. When you are being served, waiters will ask whether you want red, green or Christmas referring to the color of the chili sauce you want placed on your order. However, many new restaurants are subverting these old favorites to make them lighter and airier. Instead of heavy sauces, you’ll find cuisine being served with delicate infusions of southwestern flavor. Many chefs are blending the flavors they’ve grown up on with influences from Mexico, France and the Mediterranean. The result is a delicious collection of Southwest fare prepared in new and innovative ways. Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is legendary for its barbecue, which you can enjoy everywhere from honky-tonks to famous restaurants. With an exquisite plate of ribs before you, you may be tempted to look no further, but Memphis also has an amazing collection of up-and-coming restaurants that showcase some of the South’s other best food traditions. Be sure to try New Orleans-style redfish, succulent Lowcountry shrimp and grits and delicious servings of hominy, succotash and other Southern favorites.
San Diego, California. So. Cal’s foodie up-andcomer has the market cornered on amazing fish tacos. Set right against the Mexican border and the Pacific Ocean, inspiration flows both from the South and the sea. San Diego’s warm climate helps small farms thrive and you can be sure that restaurants are taking advantage of the locally sourced meat and produce that have become the mainstay of trendy new dining. Portland, Maine. Not to be confused with its western counterpart, Portland, Maine has a formidable food scene bolstered by its close proximity to fresh seafood and its long history of farm-to-table dining. Sample the town’s microbrews while exploring the cobblestone Old Port. Dig in to slow-foods movement creations and sample the Maine lobsters that encourage diners to return again and again to the seacoast. Durham, North Carolina. Southern Living called Durham the “South’s Tastiest Town,” so you’ve got to bring your appetite and check out the city’s new foodie appeal. Served to you in the city’s old tobacco warehouses or on roaming food carts you’ll find exquisite pies, fresh doughnuts, artisan coffee and elevated casual fare that will make you never want to go back to your old greasy hamburger joint again.
Las Vegas, Nevada. While everyone was busy gambling away the 1990s and early 2000s, Las Vegas was slowly developing a chef-driven food scene. If you don’t mind paying top dollar, you can have an incredible meal in Vegas. Fresh seafood, premier sushi, heritage meats, caviar - it can all be found here. But be warned, Las Vegas does have a dearth of neighborhood restaurants, farm-to-table operations and farmers markets.
Traverse City, Michigan. Downtown Traverse City’s restaurant boom is in part due to the growth of local wineries. When you visit, you’ll have to divide your time between good food, wine and the beach. What could be better? Like so many foodie areas, Traverse City takes it local. You’ll be dining on locally grown cherries and apples, foraged morel mushrooms and fish pulled right from Lake Michigan.
Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is rightly famed for its coastal fine dining, so be sure to sample scallops, crabs, shrimp and redfish while you are in town. In Savannah, bounty from local producers is transformed to dishes served everywhere from your local neighborhood cafe to the up-and-coming downtown bistro.
Traveling abroad to satisfy your food cravings? Visit DreamPlanGo.com to find Europe’s 2015 Foodie Destinations.
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Be a super shopper: where to splurge and save at the grocery store (BPT) - Every time you walk into a grocery store you are hit with a barrage of options: fresh, frozen, canned, store brand, name brand, organic. Even with your shopping list in hand, the choices can be overwhelming. Knowing when you should splurge and where you can save can make all the difference in your grocery store shopping.
Smith-Ransome says that if you are able to get your meat from a farmers market or farm where you can see that the animals are being raised correctly, it is worth the extra money. Produce
Meat “The one thing that you really want to not scrimp on is your meat,” says chef Odette Smith-Ransome of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Up to 15 percent of the contents of cheaper and frozen meats can actually be water or stock. When it comes to chicken, SmithRansome adds that the higher priced chicken is probably a younger chicken. “When they harvest the younger chickens, they’re more tender with a better flavor to them.” With regard to seafood, chef Nathan Lane of The International Culinary School at The Art Institutes International - Kansas City says that you can tell the difference between wild caught and farm raised seafood, and believes the wild caught is worth the extra money.
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Lane encourages you to try farmers markets for produce. Not only are you supporting local farmers, but you are also getting things that are fresh and in season, and he finds it to be comparable to a grocery store or a bit cheaper on most items. The items that may cost a bit more are definitely worth it. Lane says organics are not always worth the extra money, but, “it’s important to treat your body with respect and know that what you’re putting into it is coming from reputable sources.”
Be a super shopper: where to splurge and save at the grocery store Smith-Ransome recommends spending your money on fresh vegetables, by going someplace where you can actually see the fruit and vegetables. When you buy fruit in a big bag, it may be cheaper, but when you get it home you may find items that have bad spots on them. When picking out individual pieces, you will really take care to get good items. Dairy “I don’t find much difference between brands of milk and cream,” says Lane. It’s worth the extra money to buy cheese that is really cheese. Smith-Ransome explains that you don’t want the product to say “cheese food” or “cheese product” - indicators that these are processed products with added ingredients to look like cheese. Lane adds that it is worth the money to buy the real imported cheese. For instance skip the “Spanish-Style Manchego” cheese and opt for the real Manchego cheese from Spain. The same goes for Parmesan cheese: the real imported cheese will taste much better than the stuff in a can.
Lane says it’s worth it to splurge for a better ice cream. Cheap ice creams can have air blended in so you want to look for a heavier product than another in the same sized container. Canned goods “A lot of times you can find some happy discoveries when you look at canned goods,” says Smith-Ransome. Brand names aren’t always going to be the best for your purpose. She recommends trying out several brands to find one you like. The sweetness, amount of salt and taste from one brand to another can be very different. It all comes down to personal preference. Once you decide on a brand of canned good you like, Lane suggests buying fruits and vegetables that are canned whole. These items will be more versatile.
Be careful when purchasing butter or margarine, because the less expensive brands are usually less expensive because they are adding water to the product, says SmithRansome. Read the labels and keep on the look-out for water in the list of ingredients and also the word spread. The addition of water can throw off tried and true recipes.
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5 tips to slash prescription drug costs (BPT) - Today’s rising health care costs can feel out of control. Fortunately, prescription drugs are an exception. Consider these five simple ways to save money on your prescriptions so you can stay healthy and maintain your budget.
lower-cost equivalents on your particular plan’s formulary.
1. Ask about generic or lower-cost equivalents. Your health plan has a list of covered prescription drugs, called a formulary. Within that list are preferred drugs, which have a lower copayment cost for the patient. These are clinical or therapeutic equivalents to higher-priced brand drugs.
cost. But beware: A temporary discount may end up costing you more in the long run. A recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 62 percent of coupons were for brand-name drugs for which lowercost alternatives were available.
Always ask your prescriber or pharmacist, “Is there a generic for that?” It’s a fair question. Many physicians write for the familiar brands, the “tried and true,” or the newest, most highly marketed drug in the therapy class. Until you ask, they may not be well acquainted with 26 everythinglake.com
2. Don’t be duped by drug coupons.Hundreds of high-priced brand drugs offer coupons that apply to the consumer’s share of the drug’s
“Despite the short-term savings achievable with coupons, they do not offset higher, longterm costs because they’re nearly always timedelimited,” the study states. “Some coupons can be used once and others more than once. But we found that few offered savings for more than a year. Once a coupon program ends,
5 tips to slash prescription drug costs patients with chronic disease face copayments for these brand-name medications that are higher than for those generic alternatives.” 3. Use preferred retail pharmacies for acute medications.Many prescription plans offer a preferred network of retail pharmacies within a wider network. These plans allow you to save between $5 and $10 on copayments just by choosing a preferred pharmacy. Chances are good that a preferred pharmacy is conveniently located near you.
Home delivery is a safe and convenient way to obtain medications that you use long term. Many pharmacy plans will provide you with a 90-day supply for a lower copayment. Be sure to tell your doctor that you use home delivery so your prescription can be written for a 90day supply. There’s an important bonus that can save you even more: Patients using home delivery are more likely to take their medication as prescribed (see No. 5).
Before you fill a prescription for an acute medication, such as an antibiotic or painkiller, use your plan’s pharmacy locater to find a preferred option. And inform your doctor, as he or she may now send electronic prescriptions directly to the pharmacy.
5. Take your medications as prescribed.While it might be tempting to stretch your medication dollar by skipping daily doses, this can be harmful to your health and end up costing you significantly more money to treat the health complications that could have been avoided.
Medicare patients choosing a prescription plan should look for one that offers preferred networks. Savings at the pharmacy window can easily exceed any small difference in premium amount.
Adherence to your prescribed therapy is the best way to make sure you get the most from your pharmacy benefit. Take your medication at the proper time and frequency as indicated by your doctor, and refill and renew prescriptions as early as possible so you are never empty-handed. Express Scripts offers mobile apps, as well as auto-refill and renewal reminder programs to help you stay on track.
4. Use home delivery for chronic or maintenance medications.With home delivery, many patients can save up to 33 percent on their copayment costs and have the medication delivered right to their door.
For more information, visit lab.express-scripts. com.
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Visual processing speeds: The key to peak performance? (BPT) - What do you and your favorite professional athlete have in common? You both use your eye sight each day to live life to the fullest.
processing speed can make or break their success. Turns out, visual processing speed can make a big difference for everyone, not just those who work in professional sports. Visual processing speed is the rate at which a person’s eyes and brain communicate to identify, process and respond to stimuli - whether it’s a major league baseball player’s ability to hit a fastball traveling at 95 miles per hour or your capacity to skillfully maneuver your vehicle to avoid an accident. Groundbreaking research out of the University of Georgia (UGA) has shown supplementing with dietary zeaxanthin can enhance a person’s visual processing speed. In the study, young, healthy participants were given an eye health supplement containing a minimum of 20 mg of dietary zeaxanthin and 8 mg of lutein, each day for four months. Results revealed dietary zeaxanthin supplementation led to improvements in vision quality and gains in visual processing speed by as much as 10 percent. The findings of the double-blind placebo controlled study were recently released in the “Public Library of Science (PLOS).”
Poor vision effects athletes and non-athletes immensely. By increasing the speed at which the brain processes information, supplements with high levels By increasing the speed at which the brain of dietary zeaxanthin as a key active ingredient have the power to provide processes information, supplements with athletes with critical extra milliseconds to see better and react faster. high levels of dietary zeaxanthin as a key active ingredient have the power to provide athletes with critical extra milliseconds to see better and react faster, says Dr. Graham Whether it’s scoring the winning goal or Erickson, a Pacific University College of making that critical catch, trained athletes Optometry professor. For example, a batter always use their eyes, and, their visual only has a fraction of a second to watch a 28 everythinglake.com
Visual processing speeds: The key to peak performance? are paramount to central vision. Zeaxanthin is not manufactured by the body therefore it must be ingested. Most Americans consume less than 1 mg of the antioxidant, found in foods such as peppers, kale, corn and collard greens, each day. The nutrient can be found in eye vitamins like EyePromise vizual EDGE. ball leave a pitcher’s hand, send that visual information from the eye to the brain, process the information, judge the pitch, and physically start to swing. An advantage like this can mean the difference between an outstanding or ordinary performance on the field. An increase in visual processing speed can positively affect nonathletes as well - whether that’s catching an object mid-fall or reacting in to prevent an accident.
Previous clinical studies have shown dietary zeaxanthin use has been associated with decreasing light sensitivity while enhancing contrast sensitivity, visual acuity and glare recovery.
“The ability to actually change brain function in relatively young, healthy individuals based on a dietary supplement has wide implications for our ability to optimize human performance,” says Dr. Billy Hammond, study author and lead researcher at UGA Vision Sciences laboratory. He notes this research is the first time a study has proven the ability to improve processing speed through dietary supplementation. Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid found in the retina as well as within brain tissue and skin. The antioxidant has also been shown to protect photoreceptors within the back of the eye that everythinglake.com 29
Defeat drowsy driving dangers: Tips for staying awake at the wheel (BPT) - One in five fatal accidents in America involves a drowsy driver, according to a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Unfortunately, driving while fatigued is common in today’s business world. Yet the consequences of driving when you’re tired can be tragic.
How do you know if you’re too sleepy to drive? If you experience any of these warning signs, you should pull over or have another passenger take the wheel:
“Drowsiness is similar to alcohol in how it compromises driving ability by reducing alertness and attentiveness, delaying reaction times, and hindering decision-making skills,” says Dr. Nathaniel Watson, president-elect of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and national spokesperson for the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, which is raising awareness of the dangers of driving while fatigued. “Drowsy driving is deadly, but it can be prevented.”
* You catch yourself “nodding off” and have trouble keeping your head up.
The Healthy Sleep Project has issued a Drowsy Driving Health Advisory, which urges every driver to take responsibility for staying “Awake at the Wheel.” Drivers should make it a daily priority to get sufficient sleep, refuse to drive when sleep-deprived, recognize the signs of drowsiness, and pull off the road to a safe location when sleepy.
* You drift onto the “rumble strip” or onto the shoulder of the road.
“Rolling down the windows or turning up the music will do little to increase your alertness while driving,” Watson says. “You can drink coffee for a short-term energy boost, but if you catch yourself drifting into other lanes or nodding off, it’s absolutely time to pull over and take a nap.” Getting seven to nine hours of nightly sleep is the best way to prevent drowsy driving, according to the Healthy Sleep Project. Drivers should also avoid driving late at night or alone, and they should share the driving with another passenger on long trips. 30 everythinglake.com
* You keep yawning or are unable to keep your eyes open.
* You can’t remember driving the last few miles. * You end up too close to cars in front of you. * You miss road signs or drive past your turn. * You drift into the other lane of traffic.
The Healthy Sleep Project also encourages transportation companies to promote public safety by adhering to hours-ofservice regulations, scheduling work shifts based on sleep need and circadian timing, implementing an evidence-based fatigue management system, and screening commercial drivers for sleep diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea. “There is no substitute for healthy sleep - it’s essential to promote personal safety and optimal alertness behind the wheel,” Watson says. “Evaluate your sleep habits, address potential problems with a board-certified sleep specialist, and make sleep a priority to protect yourself, your passengers and other drivers from avoidable, life-threatening accidents caused by drowsiness.”
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