Fairfield County Woman
January/February 2011
Free!
A Bi-Monthly Resource for Women of Fairfield County
Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO
Dr. Risa Sloves
Tina Broccole
Why I Am A Concierge Doctor; or How Health Care Hurts
Severe Back or Leg Pain? Local Doctors Explain How Disc Damage Occurs and What You Can Do to Repair and Heal the Damage Without Drugs or Surgery
An Image Consultant, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Organizer Ready to Help You Find Your Style and Get You Organized.
page: 5
pages: 8-9
pages: 32-33
Excellence in Plastic Surgery with a Caring Touch Anya Kishinevsky, M.D. and her staff make sure you will be able to relax and rest easy, knowing that your treatment will be in well-trained, caring, and experienced hands. see pages 10-11
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Publisher’s Note Happy New year everyone, With the New Year, come new hopes, aspirations and beginnings. This year promises to be an even more successful year for FC Woman. Our lineup of contributors, as you will see, will be even more informative and consistent; articles will educate and keep you coming back for more. I am sure that we will have a great year and I look forward to hearing your comments. Our main focus will remain educaton and we maintain the absence of political of controversial Issues. We keep you; our readers in mind as we hold this policy. Thank you for your support. We strive to reach as many women as possible and we depend on you for our success. Enjoy this latest installment and please don’t hesitate to let us know how we are doing, or what we can do to improve Call us any time 1-800-993-3822. Remember to check out articles by : • Dr. Sarah Gamble Signature Concierge • Dr Rosenthal • Tri-City Heating and Cooling • Eagle Financial • Thinking out Loud
Regards,
Veronica
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2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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Fairfield County Woman
Photography
Community Outreach
Specialized Medical
Ask the Stars
Matthew C. Abourezk Family Photographer................................................................ 4 Why I Am A Concierge Doctor; or How Health Care Hurts...........................................5 Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center....................................................... 6-7 Severe Back or Leg Pain?............................................................................................ 8-9 Excellence in Plastic Surgery With A Caring Touch......................................................10 Anya Kishinevsky, M.D...................................................................................................11
Personalized Pharmacy
Do You Know Where to Fill Your Custom-Made Perscription?................................... 12
Medical Participants Needed
Making Sure What You Take Is Right For You.............................................................. 13
Fitness Solutions
There’s A Science to How We Move............................................................................ 14
Health & Wellness
Table of Contents
Caroline House............................................................................................................. 30 Gain Clarity From Your Soul Through The Akashic Records........................................ 31
Fabulous Fashion
A New Way to Shop for Clothes................................................................................... 31
Fabulous Business-Style Fashion
Tina Broccole............................................................................................................32-33
Business to Business
How A Website - Done Right - Can Give Your Business The Competitive Edge......... 34 Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Oh My!...........................................................................35 Westport Business Solutions, LLC............................................................................... 36 Resolutions That Count................................................................................................37
Your Money
Finally A Body Contouring Treatment That Delivers Measurable Results.................. 15
What Is In Your Counter? Easier Credit Card Processing............................................ 38 Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA............................................................................................... 39
Dental Wellness
Your Home Your Money
Quality In-Home Companions
Real Estate Professional
Dental Implants ... An Amazing Answer to Restoring Missing Teeth....................16-17 Funding Options for Non-Medical Home Care.............................................................18 The Importance of Planning Ahead.............................................................................19
Health & Wellness
Ask A Hypnotist............................................................................................................ 20 Train Your Brain?........................................................................................................... 20
About Us
Let Me Introduce You to the #1 Nationally Syndicated Women’s Newspaper in the U.S................................................................................ 21
Energy Savers............................................................................................................... 40 Chris Carozza.................................................................................................................41
Grape Vine
The Fairfield Museum and History Center Shop..........................................................42
Lisa Speaks
Radio Talk Show Host Lisa Wexler.............................................................................. 43
Pampered Pets
Grooming To Go, LLC................................................................................................... 44
More Than Just A Meeting Place
Legal
Know Your Child’s Educational and Juvenile Rights....................................................22 Estate Tax Planning for An Uncertain 2011...................................................................23
Sports Center of Connecticut...................................................................................... 45
Women in Profile................................................................................................24-27
Intrigue Hair Salon: Making an Impression................................................................. 46
Contractors With Integrity
Networking
Shut the Door. What Do You Live in A Barn?.............................................................. 28 Veteran’s Window Washing......................................................................................... 29
Hair Style
Spirit on Woman Connect............................................................................................ 47
Thinking Out Loud
The Lesser of Two Evils................................................................................................ 48
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We offer exclusives! CALL 203-600-4999 or 877-812-8693 Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 3
Photography
Darien, CT
Family Photographer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew C. Abourezk
Family
I have been a photographer for more than 30 years but it wasn't until my first son was born (12 years ago) that I became interested in Family Photography. I have been an avid photographer of children ever since. I'm startled by how quickly the moments of my sons' childhood have flown by, and I'm grateful to have recorded their lives so meticulously. I shoot family keepsakes. Although formal portraits are important, I am not a fan of typical “smile for the camera!” photography. I love to capture the joy in children. When kids are having fun, magic happens… magic that you can’t plan, magic that you can’t control, and magic that you will never see when you tell a kid to “smile for the camera”. Visit the Family photo gallery in my online portfolio. Look for the Galleries at: www.talkingbox.tv
Look for Matt’s photo Galleries at:
www.talkingbox.tv Contact Matt ~ Ph (203) 249-7718 ~ Email: matt@talkingboxdmg.com
4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Specialized Medical Why I am a Concierge Doctor; or How Health Care Hurts Representative Peter Stark Cannon Building Washington, DC 20515 h Care Re: Why I am a Concierge Doctor; or How Healt
Hurts
Dear Sir,
erge medical practice in Greenwich, CT called Internal Medicine physician opening private conci My name is Sarah Mildred Gamble and I am an 21 years ago “for the school system” and I here parents) moved my 5 siblings and me (my Kate and Steve cians. Physi erge Conci Signature immediately fell in love with this town. Rob (now husband, and GPD officer). I was a teen on the Avenue with my boyfriend since te clima wich Green the in ed chang has But something are designated outside major corporations and children have grown heavier, smoking areas their and s Adult se. disea see I look I e wher Every while talking on the cell phone. and fries, and everyone- EVERYONE is driving office spaces, restaurants advertise for burgers it appears that doctors here are just as fallible stic undergraduate and medical school pedigrees, fanta some te despi hearto be might it as As hard r is seeing upwards of 7 patients an hour for ge Fairfield County Internist or Family Practitione and busy as those practicing elsewhere. The avera ead. This is clearly a disaster. over 9 hours a day just to meet their practice overh es er physicians cannot spend more than 5 minut an office visits, plus $10.00 co-pay, it is no wond g talkin lly actua than time less far With managed care paying as little as $27.00 for a referral take are on pills and see specialists- a prescription and with each patient. No wonder so many people when waiting an hour for a 5 minute visit. and educating each patient. So patients get angry , I memorized thousands of pills and injectables logy” and “aggressive interventions” save lives. ncy, reside g durin But lives. some But in Medical School I was taught that “pharmaco ct prote I could the breadth and depth of illness and injury so this practiced surgical techniques, and strove to know ations and interventions anxiously trying to stop medic more ed pursu I So . dying were le peop edlearn and ital t Hosp taugh of field been had ging I all emer despite to enter into the year as well as a respected Cardiology fellowship hemorrhage of life. I eschewed a Chief Resident consulted for local specialists, and became nts, patie ill lly critica and ally medic responsibility of Medicine. As a Hospitalist I assumed individual of Physicians and Surgeons at a local rsity Unive ng of new doctors) for Columbia traini the for le onsib (resp ine medic of ctor a clinical instru hospital. s I witnessed in training. I casually on all of my patients, despite the dismal result care” h healt l itiona “trad iced pract I years For the last three for invasive and minimally invasive procedures, while consulting dozens of specialists, advocated ts tmen adjus ry dieta and loss t weigh ated advoc l levels and even diabetes. ns for high blood pressure, elevated cholestero and aggressively wrote thousands of prescriptio g ing to pay for preventative screenings, raisin care system failed every single patient. Refus h healt our as ed watch have I y slowl y, Slowl health care access. nding high co-pays all made a barrier to good deductibles to insurmountable sums, and dema tobacco abuse. vity, and cal inacti es, physi choic oy themselves with poor nutritional destr unity comm our in le peop as ed watch I have also . ction distin class no know Obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis tive preventative screenings save lives. g. Futile reactionary care helps no one, but proac This past July I realized what I had been missin rties prope life giving s of the al truth ment to run a small retainer practice in town. The funda or bor neigh more one just te So I have dropped out of traditional health care educa and rage encou to able am I day Each ed. t be ignor present in a plant-based nutritional lifestyle canno d and fruit eating lifestyle- well it is those green, sustainable, kind, whole grains, plant-base ed, involv more a oping devel rds towa nts patie I have finally gotten around to saving some days that I know my time has been worth it. people’s lives. written a bitter bestselling expose on the Sir, I had a choice. I could have left it all and utterly commit myself to finding another horrors of health care in the US. Or I could have ach to helping others achieve lifelong way, another avenue, a more personalized appro and to my patients that will make all cine, Medi health and wellness. I chose Concierge the difference. Sincerely,
creen from monitor to monitor.
Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO
S ig n__at____u__re__ _________
CONCIERGE PHYSICIANS, LLC
Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO Physician and Founder Signature Concierge Physicians, LLC sarah@SCPGreenwich.com • www.SignatureConciergePhysicians.com 32 Field Point Road Greenwich, CT 06830 203-962-1009 / 888-349-0478 f .Facebook.com/SignatureConciergePhysicians www.SignatureConciergePhysicians.com, www
Fairfield County Woman
203-962-1009 office • 888-349-0478 fax
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5
Specialized Medical Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center By Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Sometime during middle age, most of us have that moment— the moment when we look in the mirror and ask “what happened?” We still feel young, but our faces tell a different story. We want our faces to project the youth that we feel internally.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal is a oneof-a kind Plastic Surgeon, who was recently chosen as being the best Plastic Surgeon in Fairfield County. His uniqueness stems from taking the trust of his patients very seriously, and though the use of his consummate plastic surgical skills he maintains each patient’s personal identity during the rejuvenation process. Dr. Rosenthal is also a renowned artist who is a photographer, sculptor and painter. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in the U.S. and France. Dr. Rosenthal is Emeritus, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bridgeport Hospital; he has lectured nationally and internationally and has appeared in magazine articles, radio and television. He has developed personal cosmetic surgical techniques over 25 years to yield a natural and revitalized appearance of the face and body, which will put the vitality and fire back in your life.
6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
There are non-invasive cosmetic procedures available that, in the hands of an experienced doctor, can help us maintain our personal identity while allowing us to look on the outside how we feel on the inside. This requires a great deal of surgical precision and artistry. Plastic surgery and art go hand in hand for Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal, who has exhibited his artwork both nationally and internationally. Dr. Rosenthal, chief of plastic surgery, emeritus, at Bridgeport Hospital, is in private practice in Fairfield. A plastic surgeon that specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation, he compares the steadiness and precision required as a plastic surgeon to a sculptor carefully carving a unique jewel into a finished masterpiece. “I love to create. Creativity is what I get joy from.” Rosenthal said. There are many non-invasive procedures that can be performed with little or no downtime. Fillers like Juvederm smooth out lip lines and restore lost volume. These revolutionary fillers are also placed into the folds next to the mouth and along the jaw to lift, smooth and fill wrinkles or contour hollow areas. Unlike past fillers, Juvederm is a naturally synthesized product that plumps up the skin and lasts from several months to
over a year. The results can be so remarkable that it is sometimes referred to as “a liquid face lift.”
One of our newest treatments is Echo2 Plus, an oxygen and vitamin therapy. This has been used by one of our aestheticians on Hollywood stars prior to the Oscars. You may not leave with a golden statue as they do, but your skin will look and feel Red Carpet ready. It is an excellent treatment that immediately rejuvenates the skin—perfect for any pre-special occasion in your life.
The manner in which Dr. Rosenthal uses these products is akin to sculpting a face. Merely filling in a line can leave an unnatural appearance; therefore, Dr. Rosenthal fills, lifts, and smoothes the surrounding facial tissues to support and restore a rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Rosenthal uses topical anesthetics and nerve blocks Our skin care specialists have choduring the procedure to make the sen a unique blend of skin care transformation painless. products that moisturize and lessen the look of lines and irregulariAnother popular non-invasive re- ties while activating the underlyjuvenating procedure is the use ing collagen. Damage control with of Botox to smooth out the upper our anti-oxidant line will preserve face. Using Botox, Dr. Rosenthal the luminous look that we all strive can transform a tense and wrin- for. These powerful products are kled forehead into a smooth and medical strength and not available attractive one. He accomplishes in department stores or spas. this by balancing the many muscles in the upper face. When you In addition to the noninvasive profrown, your facial muscles are ac- cedures, Dr. Rosenthal has built tivated. Hence, the objective is to a reputation for his rejuvenating balance the muscles. Just as with and natural looking surgical rea game of Tug of War, by restor- sults. He has shown his expertise ing an even pull on both sides of in facelifts, eyelid surgeries, rhinothe rope, the tension is minimized. plasties, abdominoplasties, breast Tiny amounts of Botox are se- surgeries, and liposuction. lectively placed in the forehead, around the outer lids and within Be confident. Be comfortable the corners of the brows to raise with yourself. Beauty starts from low-lying brows and open the ap- within; let Dr. Rosenthal and his pearance of the eyes. This creates caring staff assist you in the proa rested appearance. cess of improving and caring for your beauty! Let us not forget your skin. Dr. Rosenthal has professional skin care aestheticians on his staff that are trained to evaluate your facial 140 Sherman Street skin and individualize a regimen that will exfoliate, moisturize, pro- Fairfield, Connecticut tect and renew the appearance of your skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
203-335-3223
www.Artofplasticsurgery.com
Fairfield County Woman
Specialized Medical
osenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center
Say hello to an all new you this year! • Facelift • Eyelift • Browlift • Botox • Juvéderm • Liposuction • Tummy Tucks • Breast Surgeries • Ear and Nose Reshaping • Innovative Skin Care • Oxygen Facials • Peels • Microdermabrasion • Professionally Exclusive Products Complimentary Botox, Juvéderm, and Skincare Consultations Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 140 Sherman Street. Fairfield CT 203 335-3223 artofplasticsurgery.com
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7
Specialized Medical
SEVERE BACK OR LEG PAIN?
Local Doctors Explain How Disc Damage Occurs and What You Can Do to Repair and Heal the Damage Without Drugs or Surgery Dr. Risa Sloves practices with her husband, Dr. Mark Joachim at their office Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C. located at 156 East Ave. in Norwalk, CT. Dr. Sloves has been helping infants, children and adults obtain optimal health through natural chiropractic and wellness care for over 20years and she is 1 of only 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut who is Board Certified in Pediatric and Maternity Care. Dr. Joachim is the first and only physician in CT with Advanced Certification in The BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique, a non-invasive, drug-free and shot-free health care method that can permanently eliminate food and environmental allergies. They also are trained in Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000 and acupuncture. Should you have further questions please contact the doctors at (203) 838-1555. More information is available at www.ctchiropractic.com, www.eliminate-my-allergies.com, or www. ctspinalpaincenter.com. By Dr. Risa Sloves “The treatments are very comfortable and relaxing. Its incredible! What a great alternative to surgery or painkillers.” Maria C. I heard of the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression from a friend and was very interested in treatment because of severe low back pain. After having a lumbar MRI, I found out that my back was a real mess. I had an L5 disc herniation that was bulging to the left and the disc was also degenerating. I felt like I was being restrained due to the pain. I was not able to be active and I could not perform my regular work and home activities. In the past, I had tried occasional chiropractic care but the relief was temporary. I knew that there was no way I wanted back surgery. I started doing the DRX 9000 with Dr. Joachim and within about 5 visits I began to feel much less pain. Dr. Joachim and his staff were great and made me feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this treatment to others. Don’t wait! Find out what is causing the problem and see if the DRX 9000 could help you. Dr. Joachim and his staff will explain everything in plain English. If the DRX9000 is for you-get it done. It will change your life!!! After doing the DRX 9000 treatment with Dr. Joachim I can honestly say I got my life back! Carlos F. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40% of adults will have had back pain in the past month and approximately 85% will have back pain at some point in their lives. But, just because something like back pain is so common, it does
not mean there are not potential solutions out there for people who suffer. Not long ago, it was thought that it was muscles that caused the back pain…NOT TRUE! The latest studies on back pain indicate that the majority of cases are likely caused by damage to the discs and joints in your spine. The good news is that there is highly effective, non-invasive technology that can help both! So, to find out the best way to treat your low back, let’s review five commom back pain myths… Myth#1: Back pain goes away quickly- Typically, a patient would hurt his back, go see the M.D., get a prescription for some pain pills, and then never return so the MDs thought they were cured. But when studies decided to follow up with these patients, they found out that a whopping 75% of patients still had back pain a year later. Myth #2: Pills (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers) are safe and effective for your back pain- Taking this type of approach could lead to serious complications with your health. NSAIDs is an abbreviation for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. People with back problems generally suffer over many years
8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
and even decades. NSAIDs can cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines and lead to ulcers or kidney injury which increases with the number of pills consumed over years. Myth#3: Bed rest is good for you- Inactivity will actually make back pain much, much worse. It will de-condition your spinal muscles and make them weaker-which will mean more pain and less function for you. Myth#4: The pain is the problem- Pain is a signal that there is something wrong with your body. It’s kind of like a fire alarm. It’s not the fire. When a house is burning, do the firefighters just show up to cut the fire alarm wires and expect the inferno will stop? Of course not! But that’s just how many people approach back pain-cut the fire alarm (use a drug, shot, etc.). If you want to begin to solve your back problem, you need to determine the cause and treat it properly not just get rid of the pain. Myth #5: Age is not the primary cause of degeneration (arthritis)- We are often asked by patients, “Doctor how did this happen?” referring to damage discovered to the discs in the spine. Most have been told that age is the primary cause of the degeneration in their discs and joints and this is NOT TRUE! Age is a factor, but not the cause of it. When evaluating a patient’s MRI, we will often point out all of the normal discs in the patient’s spine in addition to the damaged disc(s). Now here is a question for you: Regardless of the patient’s age, why are some of the discs damaged and others normal? Aren’t the discs the same age? Of course they are. If age is the primary reason discs degenerate then they would all be degenerative since they are the same age. However, this is usually not the case. Usually it is just one or two damaged discs that are causing your pain. So what is the main reason why degenerative disc disease occurs? Well, the answer unfortunately is that you did not properly maintain your spine as you aged. During our lifetime we all have trauma to the spine: small things like strains from lifting or poor posture to major trauma such as car accidents. These injuries, although they may seem minor at the time, cause problems in muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and/or discs and set the stage for future degenerative disc disease. The problem is that most people don’t have these minor injuries checked and they just wait for the pain to go away. The result is similar to never brushing and flossing your teeth…they will start to rot and decay. A rotting spine can
seriously ruin your life! The “sequence of events of degenerative disc disease” : When trauma around the spine occurs it causes abnormal motion between two spinal bones (vertebrae). The disc in between the two bones loses a lot of its blood supply after about age twenty and relies on normal motion to pump blood, oxygen and nutrients into the disc to stay healthy. A lack of normal motion results in dehydration and destruction of the disc. As the disc loses height, the pressure inside the disc increases and the disc starts to “bulge, herniate or extrude”. If it gets bad enough it will bulge against a nerve or the spinal cord which can cause even more debilitating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Also, as the disc height decreases, it causes the vertebrae to get closer which can “pinch” the nerves and cause the joints to rub together which causes arthritis. Once this degenerative process starts, it continues to spread to the joints and discs above and below and it causes Multi-Disc Level Degeneration. Remember-this process is due to motion dysfunction and it takes time to do all of this damage which is why it is often blamed on age. Age is a factor-NOT the main cause. Luckily, this process can be prevented, slowed, or even stopped depending on where in the process it is treated. And, many times, even spinal conditions with severe damage that were once thought to be surgical in nature, can at the very least be improved non-surgically with breakthrough technology in which we specialize. Almost 5 years later and I still don’t have pain in my back! “I am writing this thank you to Dr. Joachim. I have had back problems from my neck to my low back-spinal stenosis, arthritis, bone spurs, disc problems, etc. I have been a patient of Associates In Family Chiropractic for many years and have always been able to play golf several times a week, exercise daily, and commute into New York City to teach even though I am 75 years old. But, a few years ago, I had a fall and afterwards I began having significant spinal pain. Unfortunately, my usual treatments were not enough to keep me out of pain. I even convinced my wife to buy a new mattress for $1,500, but the back pain persisted. Dr. Joachim suggested that I have an MRI on my back to determine if I was a candidate for a new machine for spinal decompression called the DRX 9000. He explained that this was the best technology to actually heal my spine especially the discs and to take pressure off of my spinal nerves without the potentially severe side effects of drugs and surgery. Happily, I can say I am still pain-free for almost 5 yearss! I am able to get up each morning, do my exercises, swim onehalf mile 3 times a week and I play golf at least twice a week! Not bad for 75! I am grateful to Dr. Joachim for suggesting the DRX 9000-it was the best treatment I could have received and I have already recommended it to others!” Wallace S.
Fairfield County Woman
Specialized Medical Did you know...A 2005 article in the prestigious orthopedic journal “Spine” studied patients who suffered with lower back pain and/or sciatica. Even thought 99% of the patients were told that they would get moderate or great improvement in their quality of life after the surgery, in reality 39% did not even have minimally significant improvement. AND…There’s actually a term called”Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” The greatest risk factor for having a second back operation is having one in the first place. BUT there ARE emergency cases where surgery will be your only and best option such as when a disc compresses the nerves so badly in your lower back that you lose bowel or bladder function. It’s important to be aware of these types of emergencies, but 99% will never experience these. So, if bed-rest, drugs, injections, and surgery are not good options, what should you do for severe back or leg pain? A small fraction of the approximately 1,000,000 health care providers in the U.S. are using new technology with a treatment called Spinal Decompression and the device is called the DRX9000™ . Here’s what the DRX9000™ it looks like...
“My back pain was so bad that even simple things, such as getting dressed, putting on socks and tying shoes became very difficult. I would occasionally miss work due to pain and also gave up exercise all together. I relied on family members to help with dinner, laundry, cleaning, and shopping so I wouldn’t have to move. I have tried anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and pain management specialist, none of which seemed to work. I was very afraid that I would need surgery, but then I saw an article about the DRX 9000. When I started treatments, I noticed a difference after my first session and I kept on feeling better. The DRX treatments were so comfortable and at times I was so relaxed that I would fall asleep. I have already recommended the DRX treatment to others. I tell people that the DRX treatments helped me tremendously and I am finally able to live a normal, pain-free life.” Robin W. This technology is giving many patients with low back pain a gentle, relaxing, non-invasive and non-surgical option. The DRX9000 succeeds by repositioning the disc, enlarging the disc space, and repairing and strengthening the disc structure. These dramatic disc improvements have
been demonstrated on patients’ pre- and posttreatment MRIs. The “DRX 9000” Works For… • Back pain and Sciatica • Herniated and/or bulging discs (single or multiple) • Degenerative disc disease • A relapse or failure following surgery (as long as there is no metal in the spine) • Stenosis and Facet syndromes Since every single patient’s case is different, it is important to remember that although you may have been diagnosed with one of the above conditions, you may not be a candidate for spinal decompression. In our office, we conduct a thorough consultation and examination, and review each patient’s x-rays and MRI reports. Even after review of these results, we may recommend additional testing such as a Bone Density study to rule out severe osteoporosis or extra x-rays of the low back to make sure the spine is completely stable. It is only after complete analysis of each patient’s examination findings and test results that we can make a clinical decision as to whether you may be a good candidate for this type of treatment. Patients who are pregnant,
patients with a history of cancer in the low back or pelvic region, a history of abdominal aneurysms, severe osteoporosis, or prior surgery with the implantation of metal screws, plates, etc. are those patients who would definitely not be candidates and who would therefore need to consider other options for low back pain treatment that we may be able to provide or else we would need to refer you to another physician. Until recently, the advice for many of you suffering with pain was to try: Stretching, physical therapy, pain medications, cortisone injections, back surgery or “live with it”. If you are like most, none of these have worked for you long term. Now, you owe it to yourself to not wait any longer! If you would like to schedule an appointment for a free screening o determine whether you are a candidate for spinal decompression please call Dr. Risa Sloves and Dr. Mark Joachim located at 156 East Avenue in Norwalk at (203) 838-1555. www.ctspinalpaincenter.com
“I had severe pain at my right hip going down my leg to the ankle, making going up the stairs painful and pain on rising from a seating position. I had to wait a few minutes before I could walk and when I took the first few steps it was very painful. At times I would have to go upstairs hanging on the railing with both feet on each step. I really did not know what the problem was until I had an x-ray and a MRI done. I had tried chiropractic treatments which helped to some degree, but then I saw an Ad in the newspaper about the DRX 9000. After 4 treatments, I noticed changes in my back pain. The treatments are very comfortable and relaxing. Its incredible! What a great alternative to surgery or painkillers.” Maria C.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NATURAL HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY? Family based chiropractic care specializing in infants, children & pre and post-natal women For children research shows chiropractic helps: • Ear infections • Asthma and allergies • Scoliosis • Colic • Reflux • ADHA • Sports injuries • Torticollis
During pregnancy research shows chiropractic helps: • Eliminate back & pelvic pain • Sciatica • Headaches • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Help babies who are breech turn into a better position for delivery
CALL DR. RISA M. SLOVES
• 1 of only 10 chiropractic physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Pediatric and Maternity Care • 1 of 100 Chiropractic Physicians in the U.S. and Canada with a 3 year post-doctorate degree in pediatric and maternity care and she is certified in acupuncture
ASSOCIATES IN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND NATURAL HEALTH CARE, P.C.
BE ALLERGY FREE, PERHAPS EVEN FOR LIFE! Why suffer any longer? Seasonal, food & environmental allergies CAN be eliminated: Conditions like eczema, gastric reflux, IBS, sinus conditions and digestive problems are often due to food & chemical allergies. A revolutionary, noninvasive acupressure technique is available to eliminate food, environmental and other sensitivities. It is used together with: • Computerized allergy testing & elimination without medication or shots • Enzyme therapy, including nutrition and proper diet • It enhances immune system function & assists the body in the natural healing process. • Child Friendly • No Medications or Injections
CALL DR. MARK JOACHIM for a complimentary consultation.
• Dr. Mark Joachim is the first and only Doctor in Connecticut with advanced certification in BioSET, a new revolutionary technique for the permanent elimination of food and environmental allergies. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. • Over 10 years experience as an Advanced BioSET Practitioner.
156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • (203) 838-1555 • www.ctchiropractic.com • www.eliminate-my-allergies.com • www.ctspinalpaincenter.com Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 9
Specialized Medical
Excellence in Plastic Surgery with a Caring Touch What is a “Mommy Makeover?”
By: Anya Kishinevsky, M.D.
How can plastic surgery help me feel more confident and look younger for today’s competitive job market? Depending on a person’s individual needs, an eyelid lift, face or neck lift can go a long way towards softening the effects of aging. As the eyes are often described as “the windows to the soul,” removing a bit of excess, drooping skin and the loose fat that makes up the ‘bags”, whether above or below the eyes, often takes years off a man or woman’s appearance. Dark discoloration can be removed as well, all without leaving a visible scar. A face and neck lift is designed to clean up the jowls and excess around the neck, recreating a clean, tight jaw line. The scars are hidden within the hairline, so only your hairdresser will know. The result is a natural, rested appearance, without looking fake or “done.” The results often last for more than ten years without a touch-up. There are also minimally invasive approaches to a younger appearance with Botox, injectable fillers, or laser resurfacing.
10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
In many cases, pregnancy and nursing take their toll on a woman’s body. Often, the skin of the abdomen loses elasticity, continues to sag after the pregnancy is over, and develops stretch marks that don’t go away. The skin of the breasts may lose its elasticity as well, wit permanent stretch marks and drooping of the breasts. The nipples and areolae can become large and displaced. A “mommy makeover” is a popular procedure that combines a tummy tuck with a breast lift to restore the tight contours of the pre-pregnancy body. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin, stretch marks, and fat. It tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall and results in a flatter abdominal profile. A breast lift removes excess skin and stretch marks to recreate a more youthful, round, and perky breast. Not all stretch marks can be removed - those below the belly button and closest to the nipple are taken away consistently.
How long do the results last? Surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and exercise. The results are technically permanent but may be significantly diminished with major fluctuations in weight. Women who are planning a substantial weight loss or future pregnancies are advised to postpone surgery. Women who smoke should quit all nicotine products for two months before surgery to reduce the risks of surgery.
What if I Would Prefer Fuller or Smaller Breasts? A breast lift can be performed at the same time as a breast reduction or augmentation with an implant with no additional scarring. In the
past, breast reduction or lift surgery could only be preformed with a large “anchor” scar consisting of vertical and horizontal incisions. Dr. Kishinevsky performs these surgeries with a small vertical incision, also known as a “lollipop” scar, resulting in rounder, perkier breasts with fuller cleavage. Breast reduction surgery relieves long-standing back and shoulder pain by removing excess breast tissue but still achieving a beautifully-shaped, lifted breast. Augmentation can be safely preformed with saline or silicone implants to increase the volume of the breasts with the most natural texture and shape. During your consultation, you will have the chance to examine and fell both silicone and saline implants and to choose the style, size, and shape you feel the most comfortable with.
What are my options for reconstruction if I will be having a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer? In this day and age, there are so many options for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer to look and feel their best. There is no reason that any woman should be left with a defect or asymmetry. If a woman prefers reconstruction with her own tissues, the fat from the abdomen can be used to make a new breast with a TRAM flap. If a woman prefers a quicker recovery or a larger breast size, reconstruction with a saline or silicone implant may be a good option. A new technique that has been receiving a lot of attention lately is fat transfer for breast reconstruction. Liposuction is performed on the abdomen or thighs and the fat is saved and used to make a new breast or to fill a lumpectomy defect. Fat transfer is simpler and has a quicker recovery time than traditional breast
reconstruction and can be done several times to achieve a larger breast size. Also, if you have been considering breast reduction or breast lift surgery and you will be undergoing lumpectomy; your breast surgeon can work with your plastic surgeon to perform these procedures together. Our office will let you know if your insurance will cover breast reduction surgery.
What should I expect from my consultation? When you make an appointment to see Dr. Kishinevsky, you will be greeted by a friendly, caring staff. Your wait time will be short, in a pleasant, supportive environment. Dr. Kishinevsky will perform a thorough history and physical, then recommend the procedures that would best suit your needs. She will take the time to explain the surgery in detail and to answer all your questions. You will be able to view beforeand after pictures of different surgeries and to examine a sample of any implant to be used. For patients who are concerned with their privacy, we have a fully accredited operating suite, to ensure your safety and comfort. You will be able to speak with patients who have had the same procedures done. You will be able to relax and rest easy, knowing that your treatment will be in well-trained, caring, and experienced hands.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
203.656.9999 Fairfield County Woman
Specialized Medical
Plastic Surgery with a Personal Touch • Short Scar Breast
Reduction • Short Scar Breast Lift • Rhinoplasty • Eyelid Surgery –
• Facelift • Liposculpture • Tummy Tuck • Full Body Lift • Full Line
no visible scar for lower lid of Injectables
Call us today for a free consultation:
203.656.9999 V :
.AKMD. P R • D, CT W D • F, CT
Fairfield County Woman AnyaFfldChamberAd6.indd 1
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 11 8/11/08 11:39:19 AM
Personalized Pharmacy
Do You Know Where to Fill Your Custom-Made Perscription? Established in 1995, Bryce Rx Labs is a licensed pharmacy practice that specializes in the compounding of medications. By offering an alternative to commercially available products, which match patients to prescriptions, physicians can now match prescription requirements to individual patient needs. Starting with approved FDA chemicals, each prescription is custom formulated for you as per your physician’s direction. We are not a retail pharmacy with a compounding component, but a compounding only pharmacy located conveniently off of the Merritt Parkway (Exit 35) at 30 Buxton Farms Road in Stamford, CT. Parking is readily available. Bryce Rx Labs has been in Stamford for 11 years and recently moved to the new location. Founder and owner Robert P. Giuliano, MS, RPH, ABDP, was previously the Pharmacy Director for two New York City teaching hospitals, as well as the founder of United States Home Health Care Company, a home IV/nursing pharmacy, before starting Bryce. Bryce Rx Labs is modeled after a hospital pharmacy operation which has been transposed to the ambulatory sector, and as such, Bryce is able to service the needs of both physicians and patients. Our pharmacists and technicians are trained in principles of compounding and aseptic techniques. We work extensively with specialty care practices and institutions with a focus on the compounding of all sterile parenternal formulations (including preservative free and/or At Bryce Rx Labs, we also compound prescriptions for the following disciplines (this list is not inclusive): Urology (erectile dysfunction and sexual health), Women’s Health (Bio-Identical Hormonal Replacement Therapies [BHRT] and female sexual dysfunction), Pain Management (injectibles and transdermals), Veterinarian, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Lactation, Pediatrics and many, many others. We recently updated our website, www.brycerx.com, to include the convenience of an online prescription refill. Since most people are not familiar with what a compounding pharmacy can provide, specifically Bryce RX Labs, here are some benefits of prescription compounding: • Strengths not commercially available. Compounding assures all patients that they can have the precise dose they need. • Form not commercially available. Compounding allows the best drug delivery system options for patient and physician. Oral, injection, suppository, or transdermal routes are all possible. Also, compounding provides for many drugs not currently manufactured or in dosage forms not currently available. • Improve or eliminate undesirable flavors by substituting custom-made flavors that kids really love! Flavoring can be used in pet medications as well.
• Changing the usual route of administration. Bryce Rx pharmacists can alter traditional routes of delivery. For instance, a flavored sublingual (under the tongue lozenge) for a hard-to-swallow pill or a transdermal cream in place of injections. • Eliminate preservatives, dyes, and potential allergens. People with asthma or hypoallergenic patients will benefit from prescriptions that are compounded preservative-free or dye-free or that use alternative “fillers.” • Sugar intolerance. Compounded syrups with non-caloric sweeteners help diabetics control blood glucose. • Discontinued drugs. Occasionally, drug companies discontinue production of effective drugs which are no longer profitable to them. If this happens, Bryce Rx pharmacists can very often duplicate that formula.
sive study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that synthetic hormones pose a serious health risk to women, not so with BHRT compounds. The findings report that the solution is replacing the synthetics with BHRT, which restore the body’s hormone balance at the cellular level, identical to what the body no longer produces in effective quantities on its own. In the new year, we hope to have a nurse practitioner on staff so that both women and men can schedule an in-house consultation and have a program specifically tailored to their needs, whether that be bio-identical hormones, nutracetucials, vitamins, etc. At this time, please send any requests for information on this program to lisa@brycerx.com.
All compounded prescriptions require a prescription from your physician. The prescription can be faxed in by your physician’s office, you can mail it or drop it off to our facility. For additional information, please call us at 800 RX USA RX (800 798 7279) and ask to speak with a pharmacist. Although appointments are suggested, you are welcome to tour our facility at anytime.
Bryce Rx Laboratories, Inc. 30 Buxton Farms Road, Suite 110 Stamford, Connecticut 06905 Phone: 800 798 7279 Fax: 866 792 7923 www.brycerx.com
Bryce Rx Laboratories, Inc. specializes in the formulation of drugs that are not commercially available or may be unavailable due to a drug shortage. Our pharmacists use state-of-the-art technology with FDA approved chemicals so that your finished medication meets your doctor’s exact specifications. Backed with this advanced technology and a complete inventory of USP chemicals and formulas, Bryce Rx Labs pharmacists can compound practically any medication. From topical creams and lozenges to veterinary medications, bioidentical hormones, to impotence injections prepared in a state of the art “clean room”, your prescriptions will be prepared individually by an experienced Compounding Pharmacist. Our staff of pharmacists are available at Bryce Rx Labs for patient consultations, 800 7927279. Our most frequently asked question is “Why don’t you Accept Insurance Plans?” There are so many insurance plans available that we have decided to focus our expertise on solving your medication problems and to let insurance companies utilize their expertise in solving insurance related needs. The Universal Compounding Insurance Form, which you can submit directly to your insurance carrier, is provided to patients with all dispensed prescriptions. These forms, when submitted by patients directly to their insurance carrier, should result in payment coverage for their compounded prescription(s). If you need assistance, or if other forms are required by your insurance carrier, our billing department will gladly assist in completing whatever paperwork is required. Another frequently asked question is “What is BHRT and does it provide patient benefits?” The chemical structure of Bio-Identical Hormones (“BHRT”) is exactly equivalent to the hormones the body produces. For example, the recent publicity regarding the findings of the “Women’s Health Initiative” (WHI), an exten-
12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
For additional information, please call 800 RX USA RX (800 798 7279) and ask to speak with a pharmacist. Bryce Rx Laboratories, Inc. 30 Buxton Farms Road Stamford, Connecticut 06905 www.brycerx.com
SAVE THE DATE Open House
January 25, 26, 27 • 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Light refreshments Fairfield County Woman
Medical Participants Needed
Danbury Clinical Research - Clinical Trials FAQs ample, our Medical Director is a Principal Investigator (clinician in charge) on our Internal Medicine trials and comes to us from New York. How often do the studies take place? Clinical trials are constantly taking place at DCR. Depending on the length of the study, we may be conducting 5-6 trials at a time. All clinical trials vary in length and in recruitment requirements, so we never take on more than we can handle – we want to ensure all of our research subjects receive our full attention.
Angela Maupin, CCRC & Laurie Noreika, CRC, of DCR
What kind of place are you? We are an independent research-dedicated clinic. What kind of studies do you do? We do clinical trials (Phase II, III & IV) in various therapeutic areas, including women’s health, internal medicine and rheumatology. Some examples of clinical trials we’ve conducted include post-menopausal hot flash, over-active bladder, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and gout. Will it hurt? Laboratory/blood tests are often part of a clinical trial, but we do our best to alleviate any concerns about having your blood drawn and try to make you comfortable. How long will it take? Clinical trials can last just a few short months or even a couple of years, depending on the clinical trial being conducted. The longest clinical trial we’ve conducted at DCR has been a year. Do I have to take drug? Some clinical trials are merely observational trials – that is, they are only collecting information about a certain condition from research subjects. Many clinical trials do involve an investigational medication. This investigational medication might be a new medication being studied, a combination of existing FDA-approved
Fairfield County Woman
medications being studied as a single pill, a lower dose of an existing FDA-approved medication, or even a medication previously approved by the FDA for one condition and now being studied for another health condition. Clinical trials are also often placebo-controlled and the process for assigning medication is random, so no person involved in the clinical trial will know what the subject is taking during the course of his/her participation. All study subjects are made aware of the involvement of a placebo in that clinical trial during the informed consent process at the beginning of participation.
Can I retake the study? If a research subject does not qualify to participate in a clinical trial, the decision of whether or not the subject can attempt to requalify varies from trial to trial. This also depends on the reason why the subject did not qualify in the beginning. For example, if the clinical trial protocol for that study excludes subjects with
a specific medical condition, then that subject will not be able to re-qualify because you can’t change your medical history. This can vary greatly, depending on the phase, purpose and sponsor of the clinical trial. What happens after the study? Research subjects are returned to their referring or routine physicians for routine care of their condition, after the conclusion of the trial. During the trial, subjects are encouraged to share their participation with their physicians and keep them posted on their health status. We are a research site only; we do not treat routine medical conditions and therefore, have no need to retain the research subjects after the clinical trial is over. In addition, should something adverse occur during a subject’s participation, we will notify their physician, provided the subject signed a medical release at the beginning of the trial, of course.
Do I get to keep the study medication when the study is over? Investigational medication is only provided during participation in a clinical trial. Once the trial concludes, the sponsor company gathers and assesses all clinical trial data, which it then presents to the FDA for approval. If the investigational medication is approved, it will then be available to research subjects who participated in a clinical trial for the medication as well as anyone else for whom a doctor deems the medication necessary. Where do doctors come from? Doctors interested in working with us come from not only the local community, but cities/states outside of Danbury. For ex-
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 13
Fitness Solutions
There’s a science to how we move. lead the client right into an injured state. Now let’s talk about the actual application of science to a training program. Stating with the kinetic chain. Kinetic means force(s). Chain refers to a system that is linked together or connected. The Kinetic chain is made up of the Nervous, Muscular and Skeletal systems.
By Debbie Brooks of Fitness Solutions In order to evaluate human movement as a fitness professional one must first understand the inner workings of the body. For this reason it is important to understand that science plays a pivotal role in developing a training program. Without the application of science a program design can lose focus, and actually hinder clients from reaching their goals and can
Nervous system uses its sensory ability to sense changes in both internal and external environments. It uses integrative ability to analyze and interpret that sensory information to produce the appropriate response. The motor response is the neuromuscular response to the sensory information
It is the resting ground for the muscles. Our bones are connected by muscles and joints (connective tissue). All these components work together to manipulate human movement. Without the proper function of all components of the Kinetic chain, the desired movement is affected.
The muscular system--Made up of individual muscle fibers that attach to bones by way of the tendons.
The kinetic chain, also known as The “human movement system” controls every single movement from walking to Running to sprinting and all things in between. Movement is a virtue when it comes to the quality of human life. Therefore when developing a training program it is imperative to understand the proper functions of all the systems that make up the kinetic chain in order to develop an effective and efficient comprehensive program specific to the individuals needs.
The Skeletal System is the framework for structure and movement in our bodies.
A 180 pound woman is structured differently then a 130 pound woman and vise
versa. Without understanding the intricacies involved in human movement it is virtually impossible as a fitness professional to assist either of the above differing women with their weight loss/health and fitness goals successfully. Understanding proper function also allows the fitness professional to provide optimal program designs for rehabilitation and injury prevention. There a science to how we move. Therefore when developing a comprehensive, Integrated effective and efficient training program the fitness professional must take into consideration the proper biomechanical functions within all of the systems of the kinetic chain. The days of grouping together a series of exercises that lack in function will soon be null and void. We are entering an era of the optimization of training Methods. And we have our work cut out for us.
Promote Your Business Join our growing list of contributors/advertisers.
We offer exclusives! CALL 203-600-4999 or 877-812-8693 14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Health & Wellness
Finally a Body Contouring Treatment that Delivers Measurable Results What is Lypossage and is it safe? Lypossage is a non-invasive, natural health treatment that helps to cleanse the body of toxins and retained fluids. Most clients find that Lypossage enhances their energy and mental clarity. While there are some contraindications for specific medical conditions, Lypossage can be safely experienced by most healthy individuals. It is much safer than surgical procedures such as liposuction. However, for those who opt for a more dramatic surgical result, Lypossage can be very beneficial before and after the liposuction procedure. By Sergiana Bruno, B.S., LMT, MMP Certified Lypotherapist Sergiana Bruno is a licensed massage therapist who practices in Norwalk, CT. Sergiana had graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy from Westport, CT in 2008. She also graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human and Health Development the same year. Sergiana’s uniqueness makes her different from ordinary massage therapists. Sergiana works diligently in her practice and she dedicates her efforts to help clients reach optimal health. As a skilled therapist, Sergiana decided to use a new modality to help women stay in shape without invasive cosmetic surgery. She wanted to help women have firmer body tone, reduced cellulite, and reduced sagging tissue underneath the arms. So, therefore, Sergiana became a lypotherapist. She completed her studies at the Lypossage Training Institute in Alexandria, VA. In addition, Sergiana is certified in medical and prenatal modalities.
Who can perform my Lypossage treatments? Lypossage Practitioners are specially trained massage and body professionals who have learned this extraordinary
• Contours from knees to waist • Smoothes texture of skin, fat, muscle • Increases elasticity of all tissue • Uplifts buttocks • Decreases size of abdomen • Deep detoxification of thighs, buttocks, and abdomen • Decreases PMS symptoms • Improved posture • Decreased appetite • Eliminated pain in inner thighs Zone 2 (Upper Abdominals, Chest, Back, Arms) • Contours from waist to base of neck • Lifts breasts as posture improves • Decreases fat pocket at armpit • Tones arms • Decreases or eliminates rolls around ribcage • Deep detoxification of chest, back,
“Sergiana, I wanted to take the time to thank you for making me feel well again. I came to you with many aches and pains that I had been experiencing for quite some time. At 43 yrs old I knew I shouldn’t been feeling this was, and I was just darned tired of it. After just a few visits I’m feeling great again. Why didn’t I come to you sooner? I am making it a point to keep you in my health regime....” Elaine, Stamford CT
hands-on-technique and are certified to practice under the Lypossage name. How are my treatments scheduled? Each Lypossage session lasts about 30 minutes and are performed in a series of 18 sessions over the course of 6-9 weeks. It is important to note that for most clients, it takes 8-10 sessions before the results of the initial treatments become noticeable. After that, progress can often be quite dramatic. What are the Zones and benefits in Lypossage? Zone 1 (Thighs, buttocks, and abdomen)
and arms • Stronger lungs • Decreased PMS symptoms • Balanced immune function • Improved posture • Cleansing of Fibrocystic breasts • Reduced blood pressure Zone 3 (Face and Neck) • Firms facial tissue • Smoothes texture of skin • Increases elasticity of all tissue • Deep detoxification • Decreased allergy symptoms • Gets rid of jowls • Gets rid of dark circles around eyes • Gets rid of eye puffiness
What are some typical results and how will I know what mine are? While results vary, cumulative dimension loss over five key measuring points in Zone 1 averaged 6.75 inches in the original study. It is not uncommon to find cumulative inch loss of up to 13 or 14 inches. Most women find that they will drop one or two dress sizes without a significant reduction in their weight. Your Lypossage Practitioner will weigh, measure, and photograph you before you begin your program and at key intervals to track your progress. Is there a special diet or exercise program? Though the individuals in the Lypossage study were restricted from initiating any new diet or exercise program during the course of their treatments, we find that most clients become so inspired by their Lypossage results that they readily adopt lifestyle changes that help them make progress more rapidly. A diet rich in whole, organic foods and regular body movement will contribute to a terrific outcome. Avoiding foods containing refined sugars, preservatives, hormones, caffeine, and salt will keep your newly detoxified body in the best shape possible. Drinking significant amounts of water is also key to keeping the body hydrated and cleansed. What should I do on my own to enhance the results of my treatment? We recommend that you follow an athome body care regime, including specialized Lypossage treatment products to stimulate circulation in cellulite-prone areas, exfoliate and hydrate the skin, as well as improve it’s tone and elasticity. The Lypossage Home Care Collection should be available to you through your Lypossage Practitioner and provides state of the art spa formulas that will bring your skin and body into beautiful condition.
Call Today For a Free Consultation 203-807-3238
Therapeuticbodywork.2@gmail.com • www.painlesshealing.com Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 15
Dental Wellness
Dental Implants ... An amazing answer to restoring missing teeth By: Ann E. Hogan, DDS Oral wellness as we see it It is my strong belief that Oral Wellness is an experience which makes life enjoyable and interestingly colorful. It is a feeling which has tenets of oral health, harmony and esthetique appeal. I feel committed to bring this experience to my patients. I am here to share the Esthetique Dentistry philosophy of Oral Wellness in these series of articles. In this article I will be discussing the role of dental implants as pillars of oral wellness when someone is missing teeth. Understanding Facial structures It is a marvel of nature that our body maintains its structural viability because of the functions it performs. Dr Melvin Moss one of the famous anatomists theorized that ‘Form and function go hand in hand’ If function is lost - form is lost. This, we see in everyday changes in our body. If someone has a fracture, and a cast is placed - inability to function makes the bone, the muscles and the joint weak and small. When function is restored the form of bone is regained. Our
jaws and our face are analogous to this. If someone is missing teeth from childhood, there is loss of mastication or function and jaw fails to form or grow. In a child, first the facial bones develop, and then the teeth develop. Eruption of teeth bring growth of the jaws and in essence give our face the architectural form – the well defined chin, the high cheek bones with well supported lips. If teeth are lost due to disease or trauma the scaffolding is lost and obviously function is lost as well. This loss of function leads to loss of form – the face becomes smaller in height, sunken at the cheeks and the robustness of chin is no more there. Anatomically speaking the soft tissue or skin that forms the drape around the bony structure becomes lax and sallow. Nevertheless, if bony structure is preserved, or function is restored the general architecture is regained. Loss of teeth and the implications Teeth are there for much more than just having a pretty smile. The loss of teeth compromises ones ability to eat fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods, which are such an important part of one’s diet. This loss of function causes further bone loss and eventual deterioration of the jaw structure. This not only causes immediate problems with eating, but has serious effects on speech, facial muscle support, and other basic facial activities like smiling. Further, because each tooth is supported by those around it, missing teeth can weaken the overall structure of the mouth, causing additional tooth loss or injury that may worsen with time. Eventually, the remaining teeth in the jaw shift in an attempt to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth. The resulting crooked teeth can cause serious bite problems, gum disease, periodontal loss - in affect changing the total harmony and balance of the face. Restoring missing teeth - the options There are many options available to replace missing teeth, including fixed bridges on natural teeth, full and partial removable dentures, and implant supported teeth. Dentures have progressed a long way since ivory prosthetics but many people with missing teeth are still looking for a better solution. The most beneficial and most permanent treatments are dental implants that support a replacement tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone. It is made of titanium which is highly biocompatible. Most of hip and knee replacements are made of this metal. The dental implants acts like a post to which a tooth or a bridge work is attached or anchored to. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, that you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants. Why dental implants are being considered the standard of care for missing teeth Dental implants have become the modern day standard of care for the replacement of teeth because dental implants allow a missing tooth (or teeth) to be restored to optimum function and appearance without invading, damaging , or taking undue support from any other natural teeth or tissues. If you are missing teeth, you want a solution that is as close to your natural teeth as possible. That is why dental implants are the best alternative to dentures and bridges. Rather than resting on the gum line and causing constant irritation like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that we surgically place in the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone in the area naturally resorbs in that area causing problems in the future. With today’s technology the patient is ideally treated by crowns, bridges or dentures that are supported by dental implants, avoiding any compromise to the other teeth and providing optimum long-term strength and stability to support your bone and facial muscles. On top of this, placing implants in areas where there are no teeth, the bone area is stimulated again and this prevents long term bone loss in that area. This technique is so effective that many patients who choose an implant dentistry option report that their replacement teeth are indistinguishable in both appearance and function from their natural teeth. What factors should be considered before dental implant placement In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Is bone grafting always needed for dental implants – why CT scan can be helpful Not always, but sometimes when a dental implant is placed, it is necessary to build up the bone in the area to insure success. The procedure of building up the bone is known as bone grafting. Bone grafting is a very common procedure in dentistry and it is used quite a bit for dental implants and in periodontal procedures around natural teeth. When the amount or quality of bone is in question, a CT scan (computed tomography); also called cone beam computed tomography or CBCT is used preoperatively to accu-
rately determine the bone quality, quantity and to pinpoint vital structures of the patient’s anatomy. CBCT allows us to create a surgical guide, which allows our surgeon to accurately angle the implant into the ideal space, increasing success rates and decreasing post-operative healing time,. Can missing teeth be replaced in a day with dental implants In today’s time, many times this is possible. When the original dental implant was developed in 1968 it was erroneously thought that implants needed to be covered over by gum tissue during the healing phase necessitating two surgical procedures. It was also believed that the teeth for the implants could not be fabricated until it was in place for a minimum of 4 to 8 months following placement. This allowed for the bone to heal for a sufficient time, in order for it to support the teeth. The inconvenience of this technique, especially in esthetic areas of the mouth was that it necessitated the wearing of removable dentures during this prolonged period of time, many times for as long as a year. It was found after extensive research that in many situations this waiting period for tooth fabrication was an unnecessary inconvenience for the patient, not to mention the emotional trauma associated with the wearing of removable dentures over a prolonged period of time. The concept of immediate use of dental implants (immediate loading) for fabrication of teeth not only eliminates this emotional stigma, but also eliminates the need for a second surgical procedure. The success rate when in the appropriate situation is the same as conventional two surgery implant therapy. In some instances, it is still indicated to leave the implants untouched until complete osseointegration; however immediate loading is becoming more widely accepted. Can all missing teeth be replaced with fixed teeth? If you someone is missing all teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both the lost natural teeth and some of the roots. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures are designed to be long lasting. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing one to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity. The teeth are fabricated without any coverage of the roof of the mouth, which every patient likes as this gives a better ability to taste food. Further there are procedures which could be carried out in a day. Like full set of teeth in a day. In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional dentures leads to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive smile. Conventional dentures make it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants prevent this further loss of bone. Do dental implants help in maintaining harmony of the facial structures Absolutely. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures will replace some of tooth roots and thereby better preserve the bone. Conventional dentures obtain retention by friction, or by coverage of gums.
At Esthetique Dentistry we practice the old fashioned art of caring for our patients in a state of the art environment … Ann E. Hogan, DDS
16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Dental Wellness There are no anchors available. The forces of mastication are detrimental since they just produce tortional forces which lead to bone loss. In comparison, dental implants integrate with jaw bone, form anchors, and transmit forces of mastication to bone. This force is compressive in nature and leads to bone stimulation and many times to growth of new bone and thereby maintaining the harmony of facial structures. Is Pain and discomfort associated with dental implants? The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful. When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. What is the Success rate of dental implants? Dental implant success is related to operator skill, quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, underlying health issues and the patient’s oral health. . The consensus is that implants carry a success rate of around 95%. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, use of bisphosphonate medications and many other diseases affect the overall success of implants. How do dental implants form future anchors for total dental reconstruction? As we grow older, there is always the chance of things not going the way we would have wanted them to, especially if someone is prone to loosing natural teeth because of disease or trauma. It is advisable for such individuals to weigh their options at the time of restoring the first missing tooth. Options could be to get a bridge or an implant. A bridge will take support from adjacent teeth. If something was to happen to that adjacent tooth the whole bride is rendered useless. Then a longer bridge has to be made after extraction of the second tooth and this process could go on for next many years as more teeth are lost. On the other hand if an implant was placed in the first place, it will prove to be useful to support future prosthesis if adjacent teeth were to be lost. In an extreme case, if someone had lost all teeth over period of time and had 4 – 8 successful implant restorations, will have enough support from these implants to fabricate a full fixed or removable prosthesis. All the time and money spent over the period of time will turn out to be synergistic at that time rather than a wasted effort, as it could turn out with bridges constructed and supported on teeth. Further the bony architecture would have been saved which is lost with fabrication of teeth retained bridges or with dentures.
volved teeth as well as any additional work the dentist must do. For example bone grafting or other special procedures would incur more expense. Nevertheless, it is prudent to see the long term financial implications when replacing missing teeth. While the total cost for a single-tooth implant isn’t much more than that for a small fixed bridge. In a bridge, if the supporting teeth were to be lost, the bridge becomes useless and all the monies invested are wasted. On the other hand the implant restoration will remain there as supporting components for future prosthesis and act like an investment, which can build upon. Does dental insurance cover dental implants? Dental insurance coverage depends on the individual policy. As implants are increasingly accepted as standard of care to replace missing teeth, more and more dental insurances are covering implant surgery and restorations. Does Medical insurance cover dental implants? Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Loss of teeth due to trauma, or due to underlying medical problems can sometimes be covered by medical insurances. In some cases, if tooth loss and inability to function with dentures is resulting in malnutrition or contributing to other medical complications, it is possible for medical insurances to cover dental implant reconstructions.
ate staff. You wait time will be short, in a pleasant, supportive environment. We are a team of dedicated and competent general dentists and dental specialists devoted to empowering you on a journey to oral and dental wellness and overall health. We offer a full range of services, including several typically not offered in dental practices including Cosmetic dentistry, Implant dentistry, and orthodontics. And, you can relax knowing that your treatment will be in well-trained, caring and experienced hands. We believe that the first consultation appointment is the basis of achieving and maintaining oral health. At this appointment, once you have been acquainted with our office and with our team, we will first take a thorough medical history, complete series of radiographs and photographs of your face and the mouth. Once these diagnostics are completed, a detailed head, neck and oral examination will lay the foundation for your optimized oral health. We will take however much time is needed to explain in detail our findings, and will be very happy to answer all of your questions. If after your thorough exam it is determined that implant restorations are best to meet your needs, we will make further appointments to carry out the steps to reconstructing your missing teeth which we feel will be the pillars to experience the Oral wellness.
What should I expect from my consultation at Esthetique Dentistry? Whether it’s replacing one or multiple teeth, we here at Esthetique Dentistry are here to give you all of your options to help you make a wellinformed decision that works best for you. When you make an appointment at Esthetique Dentistry, you will be greeted by a friendly, compassion-
Testimonials
Financial implications Finances involved or the cost depends on number of teeth involved, location of in-
“I can’t find words to express my deepest appreciation for my implants. After years of bridges to longer bridges and eventual dentures, my bone was deteriorating and my dentures were continually rocking and giving me problems. After I was told that I couldn’t have implants done because my bone had resorbed too much, I felt so hopeless. Thank you for making what I was told impossible, POSSIBLE. “ EJH- Lake George “The two things I remember most about my dental implants are how fast and painless the procedure was, and how completely normal I felt the next morning. Now that the crown has been attached to my implant, it feels and looks like my original tooth.” JP- Stamford “I was tired of my dentures always slipping. It was embarrassing and I was uncomfortable talking and eating with others. Adhesives were difficult to use and they never seemed to work. Dr. Hogan suggested dental implants to stabilize my denture two years ago when she first met me, and this year I finally went through with it. The surgeon at Esthetique Dentistry had a wonderful personality that matched his skill and competence. The procedure was easy and now my dentures stay in place no matter where I am or what I eat. Thank you so much.” EE- Stamford
Contact Us Today to Schedule your Appointment 26 Strawberry Hill Avenue • Suite 2F • Stamford, CT 06902 203.348.9338 • www.EsthetiqueDentistry.com
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 17
Quality In-Home Companions
Funding Options for Non-medical Home Care Pre-Crisis Planning is Essential Ideally, the co-planning with the individual(s) should take place years in advance of the need while they can express their preferences. An executable plan using 100 years of age as a planning horizon and reviewed yearly for changes in your and theirs circumstances, should be put in place. This should be done while the parent can lead or assist in the evaluation of alternatives. Linda Ziac’s The Caregiver Resource Center website, caregiverresourcecenter.com, is a strong resource for tips on how to begin the dialogue, understand what a comprehensive plan entails, and provides thoughts, approaches, and other resources for both developing and executing the plan. Article 3 of 3 By Marie Diaz (Co-owner, Senior Helpers Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County) Most of Us Will Face the Challenge Caring for an elderly family member is a reality most us will face. As of April, 2009, six out of ten U.S. families have a relative or friend needing long term care. That year there were 36 million seniors living in the U.S. with the senior population expected to double. “Aging in Place in America,” a commissioned survey conducted by independent research company Prince Market Research, indicated that seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. An overwhelming majority, 89%, wants to age without having to move from their homes, and yet more than half are concerned about their ability to do so. Today you and your parent have more options available than ever before. When physical capabilities diminish, many seniors opt to be cared for in the comfort of their own home by a personal caregiver. Home care is considered by many to be one of the most desirable options because it allows senior to maintain their independence while remaining in the one place where they feel most comfortable. A personal caregiver can provide non-medical help with daily living tasks including meal preparation, light housekeeping, pet/plant care, errands & transportations services, and companionship. Many providers also offer additional non-medical services including assistance with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. In-home care can be of benefit across a wide spectrum of circumstances. Some families choose to engage Senior Helpers for a family member for special events such as weddings and graduations to ensure the parent can comfortably participate and leave early if desired. Weekend or holiday respite care is available. Sometimes in-home caregivers are engaged when the primary family caregiver needs to periodically travel for work or vacations. On an on-going basis, service can be arranged for from a few hours a week to 24 hour care provided in shifts or by a live-in. Engaged effectively, professional in-home caregivers can help the primary family caregiver remain productive and sustain an enjoyable relationship with their parent. Still, there is nothing easy about assisting elderly parents in aging-in-place. In addition to missed work due to the health needs of an elderly family member and emotional strain, 50% of primary family caregivers communicated managing a parent’s care was a financial strain on them.
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Funding Options While many people are unaware of the resources available to them in the continuum of care, an equal or greater number misunderstand how the cost of care is funded. Senior Helpers receives many calls from care recipients and their families who believe Medicare will fund all types of care. In reality, only skilled care is funded by Medicare. 90% of long-term is non-skilled care and delivered in the home. The underestimation of these costs and who will ultimately provide care often create devastating consequences for families. In addition to personal savings and non-insurance investments, long-term care insurance, viatical life insurance settlements, reverse mortgages, the veterans administration, and state/local programs are financing options to evaluate. If you are in the planning stages and long-term care insurance is not in place, one of the first calls should be to determine if your parent(s) might still qualify. The role of long-term care insurance is becoming increasing viable in retirement planning to hedge against the costs of a significant long-term care scenario. Thomas Smith, 203-352-3916 - tsmith21@snet.net, a local independent financial advisor in Darien, CT states “Long-term care costs can destroy an otherwise well thought out retirement plan. Current costs can easily exceed a million dollars or more for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. Long-term care insurance should be viewed as an asset, a highly leveraged asset that specifically addresses the costs of care. Recent product developments include models that give flexibility in how much leverage is created and the potential for return of premiums if the insured dies before using all the available benefit. Thus, the intentions of the retirement plan assets are not compromised and objectives such as quality of life for the recipient and the surviving spouse and family, charitable initiatives and beneficiary distributions have greater certainty of being fulfilled as desired in the original plan.” Should long-term care insurance not be an option but, the care recipient owns a life insurance policy an alternative to investigate is a viatical (accelerated benefits) life insurance settlement whereby the policy is sold for a lump sum cash payment. This a complex and potentially high cost transaction for which we are not advocating. But, your agent/broker, insurance claims department, and the state insurance commission could be contacted for information. A Reverse Mortgage is another financing alternative if your parent has equity in their home. A “reverse” mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there. With a reverse mortgage, you can turn the value of your home into cash without having to move or to repay the loan each month. These funds can then be used to pay for home care.
Kathryn Freda, a Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Webster Bank with 15 years of reverse mortgage experience, conveys, “Due to consumer misconceptions (i.e., that borrowers lose ownership of their homes) combined with the traditionally high closing costs, acceptance of reverse mortgages can be less than optimal. The potential to help older adults remain in their home far exceeds the number of people actually taking out the loan and, therefore, improving the quality of their lives.” Ms. Freda added, “The cost of obtaining a reverse mortgage has come down substantially. In many cases, there are virtually no lender fees associated with this product any longer. In addition, HUD just announced the Saver loan, which allows older homeowners to borrow less and also pay far less in closings costs.” Aside from the insurance and reverse mortgage options if your parent is a veteran of the U.S. military, home care benefits through the Veterans Administration should be explored. One potential benefit is the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Benefit. Many veterans and their families are unaware that wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for a monthly benefit, currently ranging from $1,056-$1,949 per month, which can be used for home care. Certain qualification criteria apply, including: • Veterans must have served 1 day during an active war and had no less than a 90 day service. • Surviving spouses must still have been married to the veteran when they passed. • A doctor’s order insisting one needs the aid and attendance of another person daily. • Less then 80K in checking and savings and even less applying as a single (not including home or vehicles). If one has IRAs and CDs they are included as income. • An honorable discharge or general discharge. • One may not qualify if you are on state assistance (Medicaid or another subsidized program due to your low income). If Medicaid or other state/local programs are potentially necessary to fund home care, the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging at (203)333-9288 is available to assist in exploring those options. Summary The vast majority of the elderly seek to age in the comfortable surroundings of their own home. Non-medical in-home care can play a significant role in turning that hope into a reality. A myriad of options for financing non-medical home exists. Adding this element to retirement planning is crucial to obtaining quality care, protecting assets of the care recipient and adult children, and reducing the strain providing care can have on familial relationships, and the productivity of adult children.
Testimonials: A note to express my sincere appreciation and thanks for the outstanding efforts that Senior Helpers provided in meeting our needs. My husband required 24 hour in-home care assistance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our need was urgent! Senior Helpers, within two or three days, was able to provide just the right individual to assist my husband and bring order to a household that was in panic. The courtesy, respect, compassion, and understanding of the situation and your graciousness in follow-up conversations will always be remembered. I would not hesitate to recommend Senior Helpers to any household which was in need of an in-home care provider. Elizabeth A. My parents have been using the services of Senior Helpers for a few months now. I want to let you know how pleased they are and I am with the quality of the people that you have provided to assist them. All of the people you sent were well qualified, and also very friendly and sensitive to the needs of my parents. In particular, Jessica and Anna were exceptional. They were not only very good Caretakers; they genuinely cared about my parents and treated them like family. My parents grew very fond of both of them and referred to them as “saints”! I also appreciate the responsiveness and flexibility that you personally have shown when we had special requests, sometimes on very short notice. You always came through when we needed your help. Richard C. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to “Senior Helpers” for their help in my time of need. Jessica, my health aide, provided care & concern for my every need. She was prompt in arriving each day and always greeted me with a warm “good morning.” She performed her duties with pride & care. She is a wonderful & dedicated person. Thank God you have her. Marie, your Director of Operations, is also an asset to your group. She has a way about her that I felt relaxed at our first meeting, frequent visits & a small “food sharing” welcome as a family member. Ed B.
Planning early and a periodic review of the executable plan are crucial to success.
For a Complimentary in-home care consultation contact Marie Diaz, Co-owner, and Director of Operations Senior Helpers
203-564-1591 Senior Helpers Serving Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County
mdiaz@seniorhelpers.com
www.seniorhelpers.com/location/0909
Fairfield County Woman
Quality In-Home Companions
The Importance of Planning Ahead
By Carolyn Thanasoulis, Owner Senior Helpers Upper Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties (203) 304-1634 gthanasoulis@seniorhelpers.com The time to plan with your parents for their future is: a) Any time after they retire ( whatever age that might be) b) The day after their 75th birthday c) TODAY d) When they start showing signs of memory impairment or have taken a few falls The answer is: c) TODAY, of course! You wouldn’t prepare an emergency kit for a hurricane AFTER it hit, would you? Why would you postpone plan-
ning for the safety and well being of an aging loved one until there is a problem? Seems obvious, but so many people wait until they are in crisis mode to begin educating themselves about the options available to themselves and their parents. There are so many variables (changing medications, finances, living wills, long term care insurance, declining short-term memory, nutritional needs, living arrangements, etc.), all of which can change on little or no notice.
If you are in your mid forties, it is more than likely that you have been planning for your children’s college education and maybe have even looked into a plan for your own retirement. You owe it to yourself and your parents to start the process of thinking through some of those planning options with them for THEIR future as well. Equally as important is to be sure you have the best professional people and reputable services to help guide you through this process.
We are all guilty of becoming comfortable, if not complacent, with the way things are. You live in your own home halfway across the state. You and your spouse work full time, the kids are in school all day followed by a myriad of sports and extracurricular activities. Likewise, your parents live in their own home, slowing down some, but managing their own affairs. You know in your heart it can’t stay this way forever. Unfortunately, one fall, one medication error, hospitalization, or a small kitchen fire, and you will begin to experience an unexpected level of discomfort. The domino effect has begun. Clearly, engaging your aging loved ones in the topics of wills, finances, and future living arrangements can be uncomfortable at best. However, knowledge is power!
• Do you have a good Elder Care Attorney? • Do your parents have access to a Geriatrician who knows their medical concerns? • Do they have a Living Will? Power of Attorney? • Are they financially prepared for their future? • Are you familiar with alternative living options in your area (assisted living, skilled nursing, memory impairment, etc.)? • Do they have Long Term Care Insurance? • Have you screened Home Care agencies for future needs? A reputable Home Care agency, such as Senior Helpers, will provide you with Care Coordination utilizing a Geriatric Care Manager to assess and
guide you in your unique process. Senior Helpers will set out a blueprint for you should any of the variables change. Our Geriatric Care Managers are a wealth of information on the services that you may need. We can refer you to caring professional attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, etc. in your area. Senior Helpers also offers both Companions and Certified Nurses’ Aides on an hourly or live-in basis. There are no long term contracts. We also offer a state-of-theart emergency alert device called My Halo®, for those not quite ready for home care, but who need to be monitored by family for their activity level and automatically notified in case of any accidental falls. Lastly, Senior Helpers can also help you should the need for relocation arise. We are familiar with the facilities in your area, and can help you learn which will best suit your loved one’s situation. Do your homework now. Become familiar with the choices you and your parents have. Know what they want their future to look like, AND START PLANNING FOR IT! You cannot (nor should you) make such important decisions when you are in crisis mode. Plan ahead. You’ll both be glad you did.
Senior Helpers. Delivering confidence through personalized solutions you can trust. Let us navigate a course just for you!
Call us today for a FREE, no obligation in-home assessment.
(203) 304-1634
www.seniorhelpers.com • www.seniorhelpersnavigator.com Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 19
Health & Wellness
Ask a Hypnotist being relaxed both physically and mentally and both can be monitored by a brain scan to identify the brain activity showing a trance like state or a sleep state. Because there are so many misconceptions about hypnosis I have decided to share questions that have been asked of me to help understand the true nature and benefits of hypnosis
By Fern Tausig, CH Hypnosis is an interesting word that comes from the Greek word for sleep..Hypnos. Hypnosis has been documented historically for centuries and used as far back as history has been recorded. It is currently accepted and used in the medical community for many things including, but not limited to: pain management, pre-surgical preparation, and relief of the symptoms of many chronic conditions that are related to stress and other types of emotional problems. Although hypnosis is different than sleep, there are ways it is similar. Both require a feeling of
Sue from NY asked: I don’t think I can by hypnotized… how do I know if I can be? Answer: That is the most common question asked…ever! There are a very small number of the general population that cannot be hypnotized. They include people with with some mental deficiency or very low IQ, infants or children who cannot understand or follow directions, and those who don’t want to be hypnotized. I cannot hypnotize anyone who wants to resist, as hypnosis is a team effort between the client and the hypnotist. Since all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, I am just a coach and a guide for the process. Paul from CT asked: I have been to hypnosis shows and people did really weird things. I don’t want to lose control like that. Can the hypnotist make me do weird things? Answer: No, the hypnotist has no control over you. Remember, that at those shows the people came for entertainment and volunteered to participate indicating a willingness to do whatever they were guided to do. If at any time they didn’t want to, they would have resisted or come out of hypnosis. Therapeutic hypnosis requires a willingness to
make a change in your thoughts and behavior to reach your desired goals, not give up control. The hypnotist has no power or control over the client…if they did, the whole world would be the perfect! Roger from CT asked: My friend stopped smoking with hypnosis but I have a high-pressure job and wonder if hypnosis can help me handle my stress that keeps me awake at night? Answer: Absolutely! The problem with stress is not how much you have, but what you do with it. Are you more like Velcro or Teflon? Stress is a natural part of life. Without it you would be bored to death! However, are you like a sponge that absorbs everyone else’s stress? Do you create more stress by obsessing over things that are completely out of your control? Do you tend to focus on the negative “what if?” Do you expect the worst to happen? Do you turn mistakes into self-fulfilling prophecies? Hypnosis and self-hypnosis teach you how to relax at any time and any place. It also enables you to slow down your breathing and heart rate to shut off the flow of adrenaline that causes the symptoms that stress creates. With hypnosis you experience relaxation and can develop a Teflon-like shield to prevent negative energy and from being absorbed it like a sponge. Sleep is as important as food and water for a healthy existence and hypnosis can help you regain the peaceful sleep you need and want. Feel free to call for answers to your questions about how hypnosis can help you change your life. 203-283-4567.
You can also submit your questions about hypnosis in writing to Fern Tausig at myHealingHypnosis@ gmail.com, or www.myHealingHypnosis. com. Please check out www.TrainYourBrainLiveYourDream.com for an awesome workshop on Jan 15, 2011 in Middletown, CT that will teach you how your mind works and enable you to become your own hypnotist. There will be a “How Are You Programming Your Child” Workshop at the TLC Center, 152 East Avenue, in Norwalk CT 06851 on January 27 from 9am-12. Finally, the instructions you have been waiting for to know how to be a more effective parent! Learn how the mind works and how you are programming you children. Be your child’s life coach and learn to choose your words and actions carefully. Learn to encourage and support your children as they navigate through life. As a certified Hypnotist and Hypno-coach I can help you to understand how to program your children to be their best and happiest self! Learn to empower them and avoid creating fears, phobias and anxieties while gaining some insight into your own! Presented by Fern Tausig BS certified hypnotist and health educator. This is a 3 hour workshop and space is limited! Call 203 283 4567 for registration or for more information email: myHealingHypnotist@gmail. com
Train Your Brain? How would you like to learn how to use self-hypnosis and other mind-expanding techniques to become the person you’re meant to be with less effort and greater success? Hypnosis is the fastest way known to change your life. What If you could learn how to be your own hypnotist? What if you could reprogram your own brain? If you can learn to drive a car or use the telephone you can learn how to program your mind to make your dreams come true! You were taught how to read, write, add numbers, use your phone, drive your car, and many other essential living skills but until now…you haven’t had the opportunity to learn how to program yourself for happiness or success. You weren’t given the instruction manual on how to use your mind but that’s exactly what you will learn in this workshop! Have you ever wondered what keeps you from being happier or more successful? A lot has to do with the choices you’ve made based on what you believe about yourself.
Your choices are a reflection of your beliefs and your thinking. If you’ve tried dieting and failed it’s because you’re programmed to believe that losing weight is harder than staying the same. You’ve tried will power and that works for a few days but then your subconscious mind programming takes over and your will power is useless. What if there is a better way to make lasting change that was easier, more automatic, and more effective than anything else you’ve been taught? There is a better way to be successful. It’s learning how to program your mind to turn your dreams into reality.
create a compelling future, automatically, and experience incredible breakthroughs in every area of your life.
In the Train Your Brain – Live Your Dream interactive workshop you will learn: How the human mind works- for and against you. You’ll learn how you became programmed— and how to change your negative, selflimiting programs. You will learn how to rid yourself of unwanted habits by using mind empowering techniques to live life on your terms. At last, you’ll be empowered to take control of your life and create your own destiny. The result is that you’ll be able to
For over 30 years Dan LaRosa has gained respect throughout the world as America’s Motivational Hypnotist. His self-improvement workshops have been presented throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and most recently on the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ for military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf. LaRosa has taught
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This program has been taught to people from all walks of life – busy executives, housewives, students, teachers, nurses, police officers, people just like you who want to live a fuller, happier, better life. Learn how the human mind works and how to make it work better for you! In January my partner, Dan LaRosa, and I will be offering the inspiring and motivating TRAIN YOUR BRAIN-LIVE YOUR DREAM Interactive Workshop.
thousands of people how to banish unwanted habits, reduce stress, and increase personal power through his motivating and empowering workshops. Dan is a certified master hypnotist and instructor, and an honored member of the National Guild of Hypnotists.For more information or to reserve a seat at this amazing workshop, contact Fern Tausig at 203 283 4567 email at myHealingHypnosis@gmail.com. or Dan LaRosa at danLaRosa@aol.com
www.TrainYourBrain-LiveYourDream.com Fairfield County Woman
About Us
Let Me Introduce You to the #1 Nationally Syndicated Women’s Newspaper in the U.S. Allow me to introduce you to The Fairfield County Woman’s Newspaper. Each of our Woman’s Newspapers is an informative and enlightening resource for the community.
care decisions? The FCW will become a primary resource for the women of Connecticut. Furthermore, the FCW has found our readership to be 2.46 per copy with an average lifespan of 6 weeks. This above average readership is due to current information being referred to friends and family which directly benefit from our contributing articles and editorials.
Published six times a year, we serve readers with valued information in a wide variety of special columns and features. Written by local experts in their respective fields, from Health and Medicine to personal Finance and Travel. The Fairfield County Woman’s Newspaper provides the best in local contacts and the latest information available. We offer editorial coverage, a low advertising rate and most importantly, targeted marketing to women.
Exclusivity
Read on to find out what we can offer you as a contributing writer...
Look inside each issue’s back cover and you will see readership responses and see professional testimonials from our contributing editors and advertisers. Establish yourself as the contributing editorial source for
Target Audience Are you aware that women make 80% of all the consumer and health
Eliminate your competition by being the only professional in your specialty anywhere in our newspaper. Why divide the response of the readership amongst your competition? Distinguish yourself as the authority in your field by taking the information you discuss with each client and making it available to more than 40,000 readers in the comfort of their homes.
References
Help Wanted Full Time/Part Time The FC Woman is looking for sales professionals. Call on local businesses and area professionals. Part time and full time positions available. Training provided. If you enjoy meeting people, you will enjoy this job. E-mail your resume to FCWoman.JRNL@gmail.com or fax your resume to 800-939-7796.
Fairfield County Woman
primary information in your specialty in Fairfield County.
Distribution FCW distribution is extensive with numerous direct drops (and growing). Free papers are provided to area libraries, medical establishments, YMCA’s, lawyers, dentists, recreation centers, health and fitness clubs, corporate office buildings, real estate offices, markets, salons, car care centers, craft stores, book stores. etc., as well as target home deliveries.
What We Are Not We do not print anything political or controversial. We do not cover local news. The FCW is your direct link to the target market of women in Fairfield County. It has been proven nationally to increase your advertising power and get your message through.
This successful combination of education and advertising creates community awareness for your business, and offers tremendous growth potential. To explore the advertising and editorial opportunities offered by The Fairfield County Woman’s Newspaper, call us today at 203- 708-9186. The National Women’s Newspaper with over 32 years of experience in over 371 woman’s newspapers, either published or optioned to publish, is 100% supportive of its newest edition, The Fairfield County Woman’s Newspaper. This educational outlet for women in Fairfield County, Connecticut is long overdue. So, sit back, relax and enjoy reading another great issue!
Join our family of over 18,000 professionals nationally and educate the women of Fairfield County.
Fairfield County Woman 11 silver street P.O. Box 226,Middletown, Ct 06457 E-mail: FCWoman.JRNL@gmail.com www.fairfieldwoman.com Phone: 203-600-4999 • Toll Free: 877-812-8693 Fax: 800-939-7796 Publisher ~ Veronica Brillon Editor/Associate Publisher ~ Adela Gallagher Sales ~ Leigh Sexton and Frank D. Giampia Creative Director/Production Manager ~ Golden Design, LLC Distribution ~ Man in Motion, LLC, Thomas Cossuto
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Legal
Know Your Child’s Educational and Juvenile Rights PRESENTED BY ADELE R. JACOBS, ESQ. AND PIPER A. PAUL, ESQ.
Educational Rights
Have you been told by the school your child is not doing well because they simply are not trying? Have you been asked “what is going on at home�? Did your child perform poorly on the CMTs? Does your child often feel sick before going to school or visit the nurse frequently while at school? Does your child frequently get into trouble? Has your child been suspended or expelled? These are all red flags and as a parent or legal guardian you need to take immediate action to protect your child to ensure your child receives an appropriate education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) children with learning, neurological, behavioral and medical differences are protected, and services must be in place so your child can have access to the education to which they are entitled. All states must follow this federal law. States can provide more protection than granted under the federal law, but not less.
The law requires that students be mainstreamed to the maximum extent possible. The days of locking or segregating students into separate rooms are gone and parents need to be aware of this. Appropriate testing is required by law to determine if a child has any specific learning difference that need to be addressed. The law requires that scientifically based research programs be used to address students’ different learning styles and that progress be carefully monitored and that there are many protections in the law which parents or legal guardians need to learn so that they can effectively advocate for their child. Teachers and staff members are often hard working, and genuinely want what’s best for your children, however, their hands are often tied by administrators. You should learn your rights, and the rights of your child, so you can effectively insure your child can access their education.
Know Your Rights When Your Child is Bullied
Connecticut law requires boards of education to publish bullying policies for the students. Boards must create and impleIn Connecticut, a child has a right to an ed- ment policies to address bullying in their ucation, and there are many procedures schools. Connecticut law defines bullying and safeguards to protect children with as “any overt act by a student or a group disabilities. Parents or legal guardians also of students directed against another stuhave rights, and there are many procedur- dent with the intent to ridicule, harass, INJURY al and substantive rules that PERSONAL must be fol- humiliate or intimidate the other student !1.5 &11 3/:7.*8 @ @ lowed by the school system. while on school grounds, on a school bus, 43897:(9.43 ((.)*398 @ @ or at a school-sponsored activity.� Boards 4, .9*8 @ @ The mission of IDEA is to “ensure that all must inform all students annually of their *+*(9.;* 74):(9 @ @ children with disabilities have available right to file complaints, and schools must #38&+* 74):(98 @ @ to them a free appropriate public educa- report these incidents to the State De 1&>,74:3) !(-441 3/:7.*8 @ @ tion, that emphasizes special education partment of Education. Recent statisand related services designed to meet tics on bullying indicate that over 80% of their unique needs and prepare them for ACCIDENTS AUTO children are bullied during their school further education, employment, and inde- careers, &7 ((.)*398 @ @ least 10% of children and that at 4947(>(1* ((.)*398 @ @ pendent living.� Schools are responsible are subjected to repetitive bullying and/or @ for educating students until they either "7:(0 ((.)*398 @ harassment throughout their schooling. #3.38:7*) 4947.898 @ @ graduate from high school, or turn 21. 3/:7.*8 "4 *)*897.&38 @ There are things that can be done to help @ protect your child,@ and you should not 7:30 7.;*7 @ Parents or legal guardians must follow hesitate .9 @ counsel in bullying to seek:3 @ legal their instincts when they sense that some- situations. thing is wrong. It is important to seek MEDICAL MALPRACTICE legal advice as soon as possible to learn Juvenile Disciplinary Rights Wrongfuland Death @ @ what needs to be done to protect your Children frequently get into trouble, Brainwho Damage @ @ child and how to navigate the complexSpinal Injuries @ @ and out of school and Cord receive in school world of special education law. Many par- suspensions, Birth Injury @ rights. When your have @ @ ents are reluctant to initiate anything that child Misdiagnosis is frequently @in trouble, it is a red Nursing Home Neglect @ @ could be perceived as making waves. Your flag. Children are not Misconduct @ @ inherently bad, and child’s education is the greatest gift youSurgical children do not want to get into trouble. give them. Fear should not guide you. Stamford Danbury
We FIGHT to WIN for YOU DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS!
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Getting into trouble is a warning sign that your child needs help, and that intervention is needed immediately. The law requires positive behavior reinforcements, not punitive. Often schools have resource officers in schools that are frequently in touch with the local police, leading to arrests in school. Arrests out of school are often reported to the Superintendent of Schools which can trigger a suspension or expulsion hearing. Suspensions can turn into expulsion hearings, and before you know it, your child is no longer allowed in the public school they were attending. Your child has rights that must be protected. It is strongly advised that you be represented by counsel at expulsion hearings, and that your counsel be very familiar with educational law, expulsion/suspension law, and criminal law. There are many concerns if your child is arrested at school, and has a pending juvenile case. Our firm
handles educational, juvenile, and criminal matters. Your child’s 5th amendment rights must be protected. Children and parents /legal guardians have many rights, and you should not agree to an expulsion, or a transfer to another school, without first consulting with an experienced attorney.
If you have a child who you suspect may have educational issues, is being bullied, or is being brought to an expulsion or suspension hearing, the attorneys at Jacobs & Quiles, LLC stand ready to assist you. Attorney Piper Paul, of counsel to our office, is an experienced special education attorney, and will be happy to meet with you and discuss your case. Feel free to contact us at: 203-332-7700 for an appointment. Law Professional
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Adele R. Adele R. Jacobs, LLC Jacobs
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Fairfield County Woman
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Bridgeport
203.502.7330 Fairfield County Woman
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 19
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Legal
Estate Tax Planning for an Uncertain 2011 $500,000.00 and that many professionals carry in excess of $1,000,000.00 in life insurance coverage, it is not difficult in this area to have an estate that is valued in excess of the estate tax exemption. See www.city-data.com/county/ Fairfield_County-CT.html The following are some of the ways in which an estate planning attorney can assist you in saving your family from paying unnecessary estate taxes in 2011: 1. Leave Your Assets to your Spouse and Make Gifts to Charities
As part of the Bush tax cuts the federal estate tax was eliminated in 2010, but is set to return in 2011 and rise to an astounding fifty-five percent (55.00%) and affect all estates in excess of $1 million dollars. Recent reports have indicated that the White House may have reached an agreement with congressional Republicans under which the estate tax rate would be set at 35% for the next two years and affect only estates over $5 million. See “Obama Attempts to Quell Democratic Unrest on Tax Deal”, Wall Street Journal, December 7, 2010. The fact remains that no one is sure what is to come or what our estate tax laws will look like in the future. Due to this great uncertainty, it is important to know how our estate tax laws will look in 2011 and know your available estate planning options. Effective as of January 1, 2011, the first $1 million of any estate will not be taxed by the federal government; meaning estates that are valued under $1 million will not be taxed at all. This means that for any person dying in 2011 that they can pass $1 million of their assets tax-free. This is referred to as your estate tax exemption. Most middle and lower class families cannot imagine having an estate in excess of $1 million. However imaginable or not, for any family located in Fairfield County this is not a large number. In calculating the value of an estate the IRS includes many of the following assets: (i) value of your home; (ii) life insurance proceeds; (iii) retirement accounts; (iv) investments; (v) collectibles; and (vi) cash. Given the fact that the average home in Fairfield County is worth a little less than
Fairfield County Woman
Leaving property to your spouse or to charity is the simplest way to save on estate taxes. Any bequest to your spouse is tax free and is not subject to estate tax. In fact in Connecticut, if you fail under your Last Will & Testament to leave any assets to your spouse, he or she can take a spousal election which gives them the right to use 1/3 of the estate for the rest of their life. See Connecticut General Statues §45a-436. In addition, bequests to charities are valid deductions that can reduce the value of your estate. By way of an example, let’s assume your half interest in your home is worth $250,000.00, you have a retirement account of $250,000.00 and life insurance in the amount of $750,000.00 for a total estate value of $1.250 million. If you leave your entire estate to your spouse it will pass tax-free. However, if you want to leave the bulk of the assets to your children, it can still pass tax free if you elect to leave at least $250,000 in some combination to your spouse and charity. There will be no tax on the $250,000 you left to charity and your spouse, and your heirs will not have to pay estate taxes on the $1 million remaining estate because it passes tax free under the federal estate tax exemption. 2. Leave $1 million in a Credit Shelter or Bypass Trust You can create a Credit Shelter or Bypass Trust as part of your Last Will & Testament sheltering your federal tax exemption. Example 1: Simple Last Will & Testament The Smith’s, a married couple, have a combined estate worth $2 million. Mr. Smith dies in January 2011 leaving his
one half of the estate ($1 million) to Mrs. Smith with no tax planning provisions in his Last Will & Testament. The resulting estate tax will be $0.00. However, Mrs. Smith dies later that year and she leaves the entire $2 million estate to the Smith’s children. For Mrs. Smith’s estate the children will be able to use her tax exemption of $1 million, but cannot use Mr. Smith’s exemption, which was used when Mr. Smith passed his assets to Mrs. Smith. The result is a taxable estate of $1 million and an estate tax in the area of $400,000+.
appreciates the increase in value is also removed from your estate.
Example 2: Credit Shelter or Bypass Trust
If Mr. & Mrs. Smith want to maintain some control over their gifts, they can protect the money while still complying with the $13,000 per person per year gift tax exemption by leaving the money in trust for each child and making use of Crummey letters. See Internal Revenue Code §2503(b). Under these types of trusts the gifts are in essence limited and delayed until the Smith’s die.
Using the Smiths again, with their same $2 million estate, Mr. Smith dies first, but this time under his Last Will & Testament he leaves $1 million to a Credit Shelter or Bypass Trust for the use and benefit of Mrs. Smith, which will then pass to their children upon the death of Mrs. Smith. The estate tax for Mr. Smith’s estate is still zero. Also, under the tax laws the money put in trust for the use and benefit of Mrs. Smith is deemed not to be a part of Mrs. Smith’s estate. When Mrs. Smith dies, Mr. Smith’s $1 million passes to the children tax free under Mr. Smith’s federal tax exemption, and Mrs. Smith’s $1 million also passes to the children tax free under her federal tax exemption. The Trust preserves Mr. Smith’s tax exemption of $1 million resulting in an estate tax bill of $0.00 and a tax savings of more than $400,000.00. 3. Life Insurance Planning As mentioned above, unless planned for properly, the proceeds of your life insurance will likely be included in your taxable estate. By consulting an estate planning attorney you can avoid those consequences through the formation of an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT). Under an ILIT the trust owns and holds your life insurance in trust for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Our federal estate tax laws provide that once three (3) years have passed the Trust is deemed to be the owner of the policy, meaning it is likely that no estate tax will need to be paid on the proceeds of the policy (be sure to consult with an attorney to insure that you comply with the strict rules and procedures). Perhaps more importantly, with a whole life insurance policy it means that if the value of the policy
4. Lifetime Gifts Every individual person can gift up to $13,000 to another person per year taxfree. A couple in turn can gift twice as much. Let’s say the Smiths have 3 children, each of whom is married. They can gift to each child and their respective spouse a total of $156,000 per year taxfree. Any amount over this will be subject to the gift tax.
What is the benefit of all of these gifts? Simply put, gifts once made are removed from the value of your estate. For example, assume the Smith’s gifted the $156,000 described above in 2011 (or placed the money in trust making use of Crummey letters), the money was invested, and the value of the gifts grows to $300,000 at the time the Smith’s die. Now the Smith’s have gifted $300,000 to their children without paying any estate tax. Contact your estate planning attorney to determine if any of these suggestions, or alternative planning techniques, may be used to save your heirs from paying federal estate tax.
50 Washington Street, Suite 510 Norwalk, CT 06854 T.203.750.5868 F.203.750.5968 rjs@sandorlaw.com www.sandorlaw.com twitter: @sandorlaw DISCLAIMER: IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: Under regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury, to the extent that tax advice is contained in this correspondence (or any attachment hereto), you are advised that such tax advice is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by you, or any party to whom this correspondence is shown, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending the tax advice addressed herein to any other party.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 23
Women in Profile Jeffrey Rosenthal, M.D. Jeffrey Rosenthal, M.D., is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery and facial rejuvenation. He was Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bridgeport Hospital and has been in private practice for 25 years. Dr. Rosenthal specializes in cosmetic surgery which results in a natural-looking appearance that can only be accomplished by combining art and science. He uses his creativity and imagination to achieve balance and harmony, be it as a surgeon, artist, poet, writer, sculptor, illustrator or inventor. Dr. Rosenthal has said, “My art enhances my surgery by allowing me to be creative while embellishing the individual and personal identity.” His powers of visualization and imagination are coupled with skilled hands which allow him to successfully meld together art and plastic surgery. “Plastic Surgery is an art form that allows you to feel good about yourself by either restoring or rejuvenating a natural healthy appearance.” “The blending of art and science has always been my artistic endeavor and I have found that there is no higher form of art than to sculpt and redesign the human body.” Dr. Rosenthal deems himself fortunate to have had three art exhibitions in France as well as showings in Westport and Stamford Connecticut; Discovery Museum, Bridgeport; Fairfield University, Walsh Art Center Gallery; and in New York City. Dr. Rosenthal memberships have included: The Connecticut Board of Plastic Surgeons Executive Committee, Operating Room Committee at Bridgeport Hospital, Medical Executive Committee at the Surgery Center of Fairfield County, and the Connecticut State Medical Insurance Committee. Additionally, Dr. Rosenthal is the Chairperson for a national medical book review service. His reviews of plastic surgery texts and writing reach 300,000 subscribers and medical librarians in the country. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on plastic surgery topics and has had numerous articles written about his art in combination with cosmetic surgery. Likewise, these subjects have been discussed during appearances and interviews on both radio and television. Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center • Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824, 203-335-3223 Web: www.artofplasticsurgery.com
Anya Kishinevsky, M.D. Plastic surgeon Anya Kishinevsky`s high level of training and experience has helped her develop a reputation for excellence in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology after graduating with honors from Johns Hopkins University in 1996. She received her residency training in general surgery at the Montefiore Medical Center at New York`s Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2000, and her training in plastic surgery at the Yale New Haven Hospital in 2003. Dr. Anya Kishinevsky stays committed to continuing her education and training to provide her patients with plastic surgery services of the highest quality. In 2005 she received rhinoplasty training in Texas under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jack P. Gunter. She also received training in facial aesthetic surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Kishinevsky believes in giving back to the community and frequently participates in charitable missions abroad, to provide free reconstructive surgery for children in need around the world. She is fluent in Russian, French, and Hebrew, and conversational in Spanish.
Adele R. Jacobs, Esq. Adele R. Jacobs has over 25 years of experience in the personal injury arena in Connecticut and New York. Prior to opening her own practice to represent the rights of injured plaintiffs in Connecticut, Ms. Jacobs had more than 10 years of experience as an insurance defense attorney in New York City. As one of the premier solo female litigators in the area, her goal has been to give the personal touch needed by injured people, or those who have lost a loved one, while using her expertise and tough mindedness to guide them through our challenging legal system. Her warm and friendly style with clients sets them at ease from the moment they enter her doors, and her experience and expertise, as well as her willingness to go the extra mile, make those clients certain they have come to the right place. With the recent addition of two associates, the ability to provide personal attention has grown even further. Ms. Jacobs has always been involved in community activities by serving on local and statewide community boards, and supporting many philanthropic causes. Ms. Jacobs has been recognized by her peers in Connecticut Magazine as one of Connecticut’s top attorneys for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, as well as New England Top Attorneys for 2009 and 2010.
Gina Brillon
Actress Comedian and writer Gina was born and raised in Bronx New York. She attended Mary Mount Manhattan College studying creative writing and communication. Gina’s first taste of comedy was at a very young age when she was entered in a comedy contest with her twin sister Debbie they won the competition and Gina continued on to aspire to great achievements. She has been featured in Carolines Comedy Club, Laugh Factory in NY and LA, Gotham Comedy club in NY. Has been in production such as Consequences, Went to Coney Island, and the Cyclist. Gina is branching out to live radio where she has stared “Think out Loud” her featured article. You can catch Gina on live radio at www.ustream.tv/channel/ thinkoutloud.
www.anyakishinevskymd.com, 203–656-9999
24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Women in Profile Amy DeLardi
Ann Elizabeth Hogan, DDS
Founder and Creative Director of Infinite Web Designs, LLC (IWD), Amy DeLardi leads a team of skilled professionals in designing custom search engine optimized websites and creating innovative graphic design campaigns.
Dr. Hogan knows that when you feel good about yourself and have a great smile to help open doors, it is easier to face life’s challenges. With her high level of education and training, she has been able to help many patients achieve oral wellness and obtain smiles that can make others smile. In 2005, after intense didactic and clinical training, she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University. After completing a one year general practice residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, she began practicing dentistry in Stamford in 2006
Services provided by the Infinite Web Designs team include: • Custom Website Design • Website Redesign • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • Affordable Website Hosting • Copy Writing / Content Editing • Print Media Design • Logo Design • Brand Identity With over 16 years of web and graphic design experience, Amy has a deep understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to help her clients obtain higher website search engine rankings by Google, Yahoo, Bing and AOL. Amy and her team also understand that a website is a valuable marketing tool that can drive sales, increase business and position companies above the competition. Although websites and graphic design campaigns for small to medium-sized businesses are the main focus of IWD, Amy is proud to give back to the community. She has donated websites to not-for-profit organizations including Fairfield’s TeamBrent.com, which raises money to combat childhood cancer. Amy also speaks to local business groups and organizations on the importance of high website search engine rankings and how a website is an invaluable marketing tool. Based in Fairfield, Connecticut and founded in 2001, Infinite Web Designs, LLC serves all of Fairfield County, New Haven County, Westchester County, New York and New Jersey. Please visit Infinite Web Designs on the web at www.infinitewebdesigns.com or call 203.510.3134 for more information.
Dr. Risa Sloves, D.C. , D. I C.C.P. Dr. Risa Sloves has been in private practice in Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Mark Joachim, for over 20 years. She is currently 1 of 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut to have a 3 year post-doctorate degree and Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care. Dr. Sloves focuses on providing exceptional chiropractic treatment for all aspects of pre- and post-natal care and she is certified in both the Webster and Bagnell Breach Turning Techniques as well as acupuncture. In addition to helping pregnant women with common painful conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, pubic pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Sloves also provides pediatric chiropractic care including cranial sacral treatment for children of all ages and abilities. Some of the more common pediatric conditions that Dr. Sloves sees include colic, gastric reflux, torticollis, plagiocephaly, ear infections, asthma, allergies, ADD/ADHD, autism and sensory integration issues, scoliosis, sports injuries, “growing pains” and wellness/preventative care. Dr. Sloves’ goal is to help all pregnant woman have an educated and empowering delivery and to encourage families to strive for a life of optimal wellness. Her husband, Dr. Joachim, is the first and only physician in Connecticut to have advanced certification in the BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique which is a non-invasive, drug-free and injection-free approach that can diagnose and eliminate food, environmental and chemical allergies. He also runs the Non-Surgical DRX 9000 True Spinal Decompression facility in their office for patients suffering with herniated/ bulging, or degenerated discs, sciatica, stenosis and failed low back surgery. Dr. Sloves has been the Fairfield County Leader of the Holistic Moms Network for many years and she is the founder of Women of Wellness, a network of prenatal and early family care, in Fairfield County. Dr. Risa Sloves, D.C. , D. I C.C.P., Chiropractic Physician Board Certified in Pediatric and Maternity Care Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C. 156 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 838-1555, www.ctchiropractic.com www.ctspinalpaincenter.com, www.eliminate-my-allergies.com
Fairfield County Woman
Dr. Hogan grew up the youngest of eleven children being the daughter of an internist and a nurse in a family of professionals. She was raised to work hard and to appreciate the value of a job, well done. She had good role models and was met with high expectations, and in turn, has high expectations of herself. One invaluable lesson she took from her father was to never stop learning. It is with this in mind that Dr. Hogan has stayed committed to continuing her education and training to provide her patients with dental services of the highest quality. She chose not to specialize in one area of dentistry, but rather to become skilled in several areas, including endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and both Invisalign and conventional orthodontics. As a faithful follower of the “laughter is good medicine” philosophy, Dr. Hogan sets her patients at ease with a pleasant demeanor and relaxed manner, allowing them to open up with their concerns. A good relationship is essential to a good outcome, as is listening to and understanding the patient’s needs and expectations. It is with that ideal at Esthetique Dentistry that the office is able to offer full dental services, including all aspects of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, implant dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics and endodontics within the confines of a single office.
Amanda Root Amanda Root is Vice President of Operations and co-owner of Tri-City, based in Milford, CT. She is the third generation of her family to oversee the day to day operations of the company, who has specialized in providing residential appliance repair, heating and cooling installation and repair, plumbing installations and repairs, and home energy services since 1962. Amanda studied business at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and has completed various management courses with Nexstar Network. She also sits on the board of directors and is the recording secretary for the Milford Network of Executive Women. Amanda dedicates time to helping others, through Thanks-4-Giving food drives with the local Boy Scouts of America groups, as well as helping to facilitate an annual scholarship drive focused on continuing education for women. Working for Tri-City since the age of 14, Amanda has come to learn the ways of the business world, developing problem solving and customer service skills that are far beyond her age. When asked about Amanda’s influence on the business, owner Seamus Warakomski says, “Her competitive drive helps in building a successful and responsible team, and her out of the box thinking help implement processes and system to leverage her several responsibilities so she can take accountability for all actions. I am very proud of her many accomplishments.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 25
Women in Profile Val J. Fields Hi, my name is Val J. Fields, I am a facilitator of women’s events, an inspirational speaker and Founder of Spirit of Woman Unlimited and Spirit of WomanConnect. My passion to enrich the lives of women was born out of a recurring dream where I saw myself as a bridge uniting the common interests of women. I believe women are powerful beings and very significant to birthing much needed initiatives that will change our communities and our world. I like to regard myself as a “connector of women” because I understand the value of connections and the amazing opportunities that are possible for every woman when we connect and share rather than compete and compare. If you are a business owner, a woman entrepreneur or someone who wants to discover what you are passionate about and give life to a dream you had to defer, I invite you to come and be a part of a dynamic networking experience that is focused on you and what you uniquely have to offer to others. For more info, visit www.spiritofwomanconnect.org or feel free to contact me directly at 203.912.2756.
Fern Tausig, CH Fern Tausig, CH is owner of Healing Hypnosis . As consulting hypnotist she is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. With a 6th year level of education in secondary health education, and 35 years of teaching experience, she has a passion for both education and wellness. Fern graduated from The University of Rhode Island with a BS and did her graduate work at Southern Connecticut State University. Using a variety of modalities, including EFT, NLP, and Past Experience Regression, she helps clients achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive life through her private and group hypnosis sessions. She has helped clients lose weight, quit smoking, eliminate bad habits, as well as fears, phobias and anxiety. Fern regularly presents workshops and seminars for corporations, associations, and social clubs. She sees private clients and conducts group hypnosis sessions by appointment in Norwalk, Orange and Middletown CT. Call now for your free phone consultation. She may be reached at www. myHealingHypnosis.com, myHealingHypnosis@gmail.com 203-283-4567
Tina Broccole, Personal Stylist
By Sergiana Bruno, B.S., LMT, MMP Certified Lypotherapist Sergiana Bruno is a licensed massage therapist who practices in Norwalk, CT. Sergiana had graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy from Westport, CT in 2008. She also graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human and Health Development the same year. Sergiana’s uniqueness makes her different from ordinary massage therapists. Sergiana works diligently in her practice and she dedicates her efforts to help clients reach optimal health. As a skilled therapist, Sergiana decided to use a new modality to help women stay in shape without invasive cosmetic surgery. She wanted to help women have firmer body tone, reduced cellulite, and reduced sagging tissue underneath the arms. So, therefore, Sergiana became a lypotherapist. She completed her studies at the Lypossage Training Institute in Alexandria, VA. In addition, Sergiana is certified in medical and prenatal modalities.
Tina Broccole graduated from the prestigious Philadelphia College of Textile and Science in 1995. Her professional career spans 17 years where she has coached and trained hundreds of individuals from personal clients who needed guidance in defining their personal style and its expression through wardrobe, to corporations such as Nordstrom where she hired and trained visual merchandising teams that styled and merchandised separate departments from fashion-forward young and trendy, to classic women’s evening wear and black tie. Whatever your personal style, Tina can help you identify your look, and express it with confidence. Fashion styling is not a “second career” for Tina; rather it’s the next chapter in a lifetime dedicated to the industry. For the past several years, Tina has also devoted her personal time to competitive ballroom dance. She is currently ranked first, nationally, in International Latin, and first in American Rhythm in her age group and skill level. Since hair, makeup, grooming and costume design are part and parcel of this very competitive sport, Tina has also expanded her business to include ballroom fashion and styling, and has helped many competitive ballroom dancers find their inner diva. Tina Broccole’s services include: Image Consultant/Fashion Stylist Personal Shopper Wardrobe Organization For your personal consultation call us at 914-262-4197 Email: tinabroccole@mac.com or visit us on the web at www.tinabroccole.com
26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Women in Profile Dr. Julie S. Gabriel, D.C., F.I.A.M.A. Dr. Julie Gabriel has been in private practice at Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture for 25 years with her husband Dr. Patrick J. Guerin, D.C., F.I.A.M.A. Dr. Gabriel is certified in Acupuncture with the International Academy of Acupuncture since 1998. She is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractic Association and Connecticut Chiropractic Association. Together with her husband, Dr. Guerin, the inventor and developer of Acu-Thin ™, she has helped many patients lose weight without diet change and exercise. Acu-Thin ™ is a new approach to weight loss based on the principle of Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture), which decreases the desire for food so weight is lost without hunger. Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Guerin have also brought the DRX9000 to Westport and surrounding towns. The DRX9000 is the “state of the art” non-surgical spinal decompression treatment for disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and sciatica. Dr. Gabriel is available for consultation by appointment. Dr. Julie Gabriel, D.C., F.I.A.M.A. Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture 256 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 227-4474 westportchiro@aol.com www.westportchiropractic.com www.westportspine.com www.acuthin.com
Lisa Wexler is the creator and host of the award-winning talk radio program The Lisa Wexler Show, broadcasting in the Fairfield County, CT/Metro NY areas from 4-6 PM weekdays on Coxradio’s AM 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK. Lisa won the 2010 “Gracie” Award as Best News/Talk Show for her interview with Gloria Steinem and was awarded the title “Gold Coast Best Radio Personality” in 2009 and 2010 based on a reader survey. She is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and the New York University School of Law, where she won the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law. The mission of the Lisa Wexler Show is to entertain and inform, with humor and empathy. Lisa is particularly interested in giving voice to the voiceless, such as children, animals and oppressed women. Lisa recently published her first book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother, co-authored with her mother, Gloria Kamen and sister, Jill Zarin. (Penguin/Dutton). Lisa has served on the Board of Directors of two Jewish Community Centers as well as her synagogue. She currently serves on the Board of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation for Primary Immunodeficiency Research and the Advisory Board of Jane Doe No More. Lisa Wexler has been married for 28 years to the same guy, Bill Wexler, is the mother of two children and shares her pillow with her beloved bichon, Sugar. For more information and to hear any show at any time, go to www.lisawexler.com.
Carreen Kiely Owner and Groomer of Grooming To Go, LLC, Carreen Kiely is Connecticut’s solution to the hassles of pet grooming and the alternative to kenneling. After completing school in 2004 to become certified in professional pet grooming and parasite control, Carreen started Grooming To Go. Carreen is a lifetime member of Cambridge Who’s Who for Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs, and since 2007 a member of the Connecticut Better Business Bureau. While upholding a very professional business motto, through her compassionate demeanor Carreen has transformed many “difficult” stressed dogs into the calm, loving creatures their owners know them to be. The passion for animals does not stop with her clients. Carreen volunteers with the Stratford Animal Rescue Society, and donates to “Last Chance for Animals”, and the “United States Human Society”. As well as being a long time member of the ASPCA. Animals have always held a special place in my heart and that is why I try to make something so simple as a hair cut as stress free as possible. Carreen can be reached at 203-386-9648 or by e-mail at groomingtogo@sbcglobal.net Grooming To Go, LLC www.groomingtogo.com Franchising opportunities available soon. Call 203-394-1217
Fairfield County Woman
Lisa Wexler
Carol McManus
Executive Coach, Business Consultant, and Social Media Strategist Carol McManus is the Founder and President of Ywait4success, a coaching, consulting and training business targeted to meet the needs of real estate owners and managers. Carol is a certified Executive Coach who personally works with entrepreneurs and business owners in any industry using laser-focused techniques and fast-track solutions to solve business challenges. Prior to launching her business in 2007, she was the Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations for one of the world’s largest real estate franchises and prior to that, the Chief Operating Officer of the #1 affiliate for the company, growing her Hawaii franchise’s bottom line by over 4000% in 3 years! She is the author of “Ten Traits for Top Performers” and is currently working on her newest book, “Reinvent Yourself at Any Age.” After striking out on her own, it was essential to learn new marketing skills and to make a fast impact on a limited budget. Social media became her break-through secret weapon to success. Carol speaks frequently on how entrepreneurs can develop a successful strategy devoting only 17 minutes a day to social media. Her advice to clients usually includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Profile and Blogging, but her secret sauce is showing people how to use LinkedIn effectively to gain more sales leads, referrals, and new business without selling! Carol can be reached by email at carol.mcmanus@ywait4success or you can call her directly at 203-286-8760.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 27
Contractors With Integrity Shut the Door, What do you live in a Barn?
home energy assessment performed by the BPI certified technicians at Tri-City. By Amanda Root I’m sure all of you have heard this sentence (or some version of it) from your parents at one point in your life. If you really think about it, the sentence actually makes some sense. Can you imagine how much it would cost to really heat & cool a barn? What most people don’t know is that they’re still heating & cooling the great outdoors AFTER they’ve shut all the doors and windows. Studies have found that air leaks in the average home in Connecticut add up to one giant hole that is 4 foot in diameter. Can you imagine what your Mom or Dad would yell if they saw a 4 foot hole in the dining room wall? Homeowners don’t realize the hole is there, because it’s not smack dab in the middle of the dining room wall. Typically these air leaks are coming from mechanical penetrations - such as chimney bypasses, plumbing & electrical chases, etc – that are located under the insulation in your attic or in other inconspicuous places you wouldn’t think to look. Since hot air rises, it is very easy for air to leak to the outside (you really are paying to heat the whole neighborhood!). And when the air you’ve paid to heat & cool leaks to the outside, the air that replaces it (called make-up air) comes from the outside to be heated & cooled by your HVAC system. Did you ever wonder why you only feel drafts in the winter? It’s because the hot air that you paid to heat is rising, leaking to the outdoors, and being made up by cold air being pulled in around windows, doors, etc in your home. It is a never ending cycle that you spend hundreds of dollars per year in utility & heating bills to overcome. So what’s the best way for you to put an end to this energy waste? Have a
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When Tri-City performs an energy assessment at your home we will determine all the ways your home is losing energy and wasting your money on energy bills. We will locate the biggest energy wasting air leaks and then seal them – which will reduce your homes air leakage to the outside and save you 25-30% on your utility & heating bills. We will also give you up to 25 Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs and change them for you, seal leaky ductwork, insulate hot water pipes, and install water saving aerators & showerheads. We will evaluate your heating & cooling systems, insulation, and appliances to determine if they are also wasting your hard earned dollars. If we find that there is a need to upgrade one of these things – we will provide you with hundreds of dollars in rebates to upgrade now. Plus, if you upgrade within 45 days of the energy assessment we will provide you with a DOUBLE REBATE which will allow you to get twice as much in rebate dollars.
& cooling system or may need to in the future, now is the time to have your system evaluated by Tri-City. The average cost of an upgrade by Tri-City is $6,500.00 and allin-all the total money back in the form of rebates & tax credits is up to $3,000.00. That’s almost 50% off on a high efficiency home comfort system. My Home Energy manager, Todd Casey, is one of the pioneers of energy savings in Connecticut. He’s spent several years in the field and been involved in over 2,500 energy assessments learning where the biggest leaks and energy wasters are in every type of home. He would love to help you stop wasting energy and start keeping more of those energy dollars in your pockets. If you would like to schedule a home energy assessment - or have any questions about energy assessments, rebates, tax credits, etc – please email him at todd@tricityappliance.com, call him @ 203-874-8279, or visit our website at www.tricityappliance.com.
Seamus Warakomski Owner and President
CALL NOW to
And many of the upgrades on your heating and air conditioning systems are also eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500.00, but this is only good if the work is done before 12/31/2010 – so the time to act is now. I’ve never seen the kind of rebates and credits on HVAC systems as what is available to customers right now (before January 1st, 2011) so if you think you need to upgrade your heating
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Schedule Your Maintenance
and live in comfort
Call Today for
10% off scheduled maintenance
Call us for emergency installs, too!
TRI-CITY
Appliance Heating & Cooling
with this coupon
www.tricityappliance.com (203) 874-8279 362 New Haven Avenue, Milford
S1 License # 393339
Fairfield County Woman
Contractors With Integrity
Veteran’s Window Washing
By Joe De Vito Wow, what a great summer we just had due, in large part, to our affiliation with the Fairfield County Women’s Journal and all the new friends we’ve made through our work. For this issue, we thought we’d address some of our customers’ and friends’ most frequent concerns:
Q. What do you use to wash the windows? A. My kids…no, seriously, we use an environmentally safe anionic soap and water solution. It is safe around pets, plants and people.
Q. What services do you provide besides window washing? A. We’ll do anything on a ladder that a homeowner doesn’t want to do. For instance, we clean chandeliers (an important detail before the fall and winter entertaining season begins). We’ve also been known to hang holiday decorations and change bulbs.
Q. Are your prices standard? A. We don’t charge anyone a different price based on zip code. There are, however, differences in price based on window type and accessibility. You can check our prices on
Fairfield County Woman
our website: http//: www.veteranswindowwashing.com.
Q. Are you a licensed contractor? A. Yes, our Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor registration number is: HIC.0618719. Our insurance certificate is available upon request.
Q. Why do my windows seem foggy?
Q. Do you repair thermopane windows?
A. Most modern glass is composed of two panes of glass (also called double glazed) with a space between that is filled with an inert gas (usually argon) and sealed to increase the energy efficiency of the window. There are times when the seal between the two panes become worn out or invaded and, essentially, the gas oxidizes (think of metal rusting) and leaves a foggy, streaky stain in between the glass panes. When this happens, it is best to replace the glass portion of the window (though there are some companies out there who claim they can repair this oxidation through a chemical process).
A. Generally, we need to bring these double glazed windows to a nearby glazier to be replaced (usually a ten-day to two week lead time); and, then reinstall the repaired sash when it’s ready.
Q. Do gutter guards work? A. Some work better than others, but there is nothing as efficient as having your gutters manually cleaned. We recommend you do this twice a year (spring and fall). Don’t forget we will also clean exterior brick and stone, provide power washing and perform small wood repairs.
Veteran’s Window Cleaning Co., LLC “Professional Service First...Your Satisfaction Always”
Joe De Vito Owner/Operator Residential & Commercial Window Washing Power Washing • Gutter Cleaning No Job too Small ! • Call for an Estimate
Phone: 203-313-2636 or 203-313-3320 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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Community Outreach
Vikki was a young married woman when she moved to the United States from Mexico with her American husband several years ago. New to this country, Vikki was determined after the birth of her children to learn English and teach her daughters the language as well. She heard about Caroline House, which was a little over a mile from her home. She signed up for English classes and enrolled her two year old twins in the pre-school. Rain or shine, in the heat or cold, Vicki pushes her stroller and shows up for classes. She has perfect attendance and is determined for her children to succeed. Vikki will graduate in June 2011. Her daughters who now speak fluent English will be placed into an English speaking kindergarten. She will finish at Caroline House with English and life skills to be able to advocate for her children at the pediatrician or with the twin’s teachers! Caroline House is a nondenominational education center teaching literacy and life skills to low income immigrant women and children. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, it is located on the East Side of Bridgeport in an impoverished neighborhood. Caroline House has nurtured and educated over 1,300 women and children since opening its doors. Caroline House promotes family literacy and views the parent as a child’s first teacher and reading as a child’s first subject. When mothers and children learn to speak English, children do much better in school and the entire family is more stable. Through the Mother and Child Literacy Program, Caroline House addresses Connecticut’s achievement gap, which is the worst in the nation among economically disadvantaged children. Every child who graduates from the Caroline House preschool is accepted into an English speaking kindergarten. Additional programs offered are after school and summer programs for underserved youth, basic literacy classes and citizenship classes.
574 Stillman Street • Bridgeport, CT 06608 Phone (203) 334-0640 • Fax (203) 334-0248 30
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Ask the Stars Gain Clarity From Your Soul Through The Akashic Records information that contains recordings of every individual soul. At the soul’s inception, the past, present and possible unfolding of the future with all life experiences, events and things are recorded. These records are referred to in virtually every ancient spiritual teaching, in the Bible they are known as the Book of Life. The intention of the Akashic Records is to provide clarity.
The Akashic Records are an organized system, a unified field of
An Akashic Record consultation is a soul reading. All is presented to assist you in a shift of consciousness and energy patterns in your personal life, relationships, business, and health. Blocks can be identified and released that we, ourselves have created, even those deeper, subtler messages that have been passed down through our ancestral, genetic lin-
eage. Some examples of the types of questions you would bring to the consultation: What should I be focusing upon at this time? What business changes and decisions are needed? What blocks, themes or patterns are holding me back? What is causing imbalance in my life? If I were not in this current situation, how would I see (or handle) it differently? What is my soul’s purpose? What do I need to do or change to make that shift to occur? What lesson am I to learn from this situation? By consent from you the consultation is facilitated with a Sacred
Prayer. I am guided by your questions, intentions and comments, so it is imperative to be prepared to be open to possibilities and potentialities in your current life, where you want greater clarity. Whatever is reported to you, you are ultimately in charge of your life, your choices and decisions. The power and impact from the session allows for adjustments at your soul level toward healing, change and choices. For an Akashic Record Consultation, call Priscilla Jones: 203-9216437
To experience and learn some self help contact
Priscilla Jones at 203-921-6437 to schedule an appointment.
Fabulous Fashion
Gail Hanny and Lisa Benison are pleased to bring you a new way to shop for clothes…. Doncaster Trunk Shows provide an opportunity for a private shopping experience to see an elegant line of clothing that can only be seen in sales consultant’s homes or by appointment in the new york show room Doncaster is designed by Patricia Clyne- who has had her own label and formerly designed for Oscar de la Renta. The design team uses the finest fabrics available around the world…from the same mills used by the top couture designers. The fabric style and design details rival the couture collections, but the clothes are also versatile and priced to suit your needs. Many of the clothes are three-season wear and will work with what you already have in your closet. It is available in sizes 2 to 24 and comes in petites and woman’s sizes-everything from suits, to casual to accessories! Doncaster started 78 years ago as a fundraising project for the NC Junior League. The company is committed to supporting charities that improve the lives of women and their families worldwide.
We are excited to show you the spring line so please contact us so we can add you to our list!
Gail Hanny
203 -762-5487 h • 203-921-7023 c • gmhanny@optonline.net
Lisa Benison
203-761-1250 h • 203-451-0070 c • lbenison@optonline.net Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 31
!
Fabulous Business-Style Fashion
32 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Fabulous Business-Style Fashion
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 33
Business to Business
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Business to Business
Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Oh My! goals? In order to answer this you need to think forward about where you want to be 2 or 3 years from now. Who would you like to be associated with? By having a clear picture of your goals you can strategically use social media to attract people into your space with whom you may never have met any other way. They may be potential employees, employers, partners, consultants, advisors, investors, or just new friends who share common interests.
By: Carol McManus Are you still confused by social media? Don’t know where to start? Afraid of losing control of your identity? Not enough time in the day? All of these questions are ones I hear every day from people in my audiences and clients I serve. Even though social media is a well-established reality in our 21st century of communication, the choices are still daunting. Before you decide what social media sites are right for you, you need you have a clear understanding of how you want social media to support your business and your personal brand. Each site has a personality, a style and a demographic. If you goal is to use social media to connect with old friends and family, then the choices are easier. By far, the most popular site today would be facebook. You can keep your circle of ‘friends’ tight and you can keep your information hidden from the rest of the world. You should, however, remain selective about who you bring into your world as you can still be compromised by association through photos and videos if you are tagged. I find the majority of adults are seeking a balance between using social media for personal connections versus growing their business or professional connections. If that is your goal, then pay close attention. There are strategic steps you can take that will insure you make the right decisions about what sites to join, what people to bring into your universe and how to effectively use social media. So regardless of what you are doing today, I recommend that you take a step back to look at yourself and your business and answer a few basic questions. 1. What are my business and professional
“Yes, Carol! I want to be more effective using LinkedIn to bring me more referrals, leads, and closed business.” If this is you, then email me today carolmcmanus@linkedinlady.com to receive my hottest tips for LinkedIn users. Just put hot tips in the subject line. You will receive my • Top 5 MustͲDo’s to have an effective presence on LinkedIn • Top 5 Mistakes that are driving people away from your profile This is totally FREE. 2. What is my marketing message? Whether you are using social media to grow your business or establish your own personal brand, you have (or should have) a marketing message. What would be the tag line you would like to be associated with you? You want to be known as the ‘go to’ person for whatever expertise, service or product you represent. If it is for your company, then the message should be consistent with your company marketing message. If it is to grow your own personal brand, then take time to establish a marketing message that truly represents the essence of who you are and how you want to be perceived. 3. Who is my ideal client? This sounds like a simple question, but the more specific you can be, the better choices you can make about what sites and right and what your approach
should be. For example, if you are in the business to business market or a professional in the business to consumer market, then LinkedIn must be part of your strategy. The demographics are the strongest among all social media for high-earners, senior executives, decision-makers or people who directly influence buying decisions in their companies. If, on the other hand, you are in the business to consumer market and are targeting people who are direct consumers then facebook is likely to be your top choice. If you want to attract a wide audience and establish yourself as a leading authority on a specific topic, then twitter may serve you well. You can use your tweets to entice people to follow you by establishing your expertise and from there, redirect to where they can go for the bigger message. That might be your website, your blog, your LinkedIn profile, your facebook page, an article you wrote, or any place else on the internet that will strengthen and deepen the relationship. 4. How do I want to be perceived on social media? This ultimately is the most important question. Social media demands that you be authentic and transparent and to a large degree, consistent in your image. You are networking in the virtual world. While attending live networking events, chamber of commerce meetings or other social functions certainly does all the things we talked about, you need to do more. There are not enough hours in the day to attend enough networking events to reach everyone you want to reach and if you want to attract people out of your geography, this is by far the best way to open those doors to future business.
Tune in every Wednesday at 9:00 am for
The LinkedIn Lady Show or listen online to live broadcast and archived shows www.wghc.com
According to Erik Qualman of Socialnomics, “social media is a fundamental shift in the way we communicate.” I agree and it has become both an art and a science. Plan carefully, but don’t hesitate to take steps to make your voice and your presence known. There are wonderful people out there waiting to meet you, support you, and do business with you! Please feel free to contact me directly with you questions at carolmcmanus@linkedinlady.com and of course, send me your invitation to connect on LinkedIn.
Testimonials: “Thank you for your coaching today. I never really thought that LinkedIn was that important but now I see how it can really connect you with people, groups, etc. I also see the benefit of using my business email rather than personal. Thank you for that, too.” J. Cicalese – Fairfield County, CT “I met Carol through LinkedIn and was very impressed with her professionalism, insightfulness and her passion in making a difference in other people’s lives. I have the pleasure to partner with her on a new venture and she has made huge strides in a short period of time due to her ability to identify top talent and help others reach their full potential using her natural coaching abilities.” A. Borgardt – Oshkosh, WI “Companies that work with Carol are in for a treat. She is a commensurate professional who can combine both strategic and tactical thinking into action that creates dynamic outcomes for companies.” M. Ferrara – Boston, MA “Carol delivers an enthusiastic, positive nature to her professional consulting endeavors. Whether she is coaching her clients through challenging management situations or guiding them through operational efficiencies, Carol’s leadership and enthusiasm is contagious and drives results for any organization, large or small.” R. Calanni – Parsippany, NJ
203-286-8760 carol.mcmanus@ywait4success.com
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 35
Business to Business
Westport Business Solutions, LLC An interview with Nevil Ede, CEO and Founder of Westport Business Solutions LLC (WBS), one of Fairfield County’s largest, full-service management consulting practices. FCW: What makes WBS different to other consulting practices, and how does it support businesses in the Fairfield County area? Nevil Ede: Today, there are a lot of independent consulting practices in our area working with local businesses. For the most part, they do a great job in helping businesses address the particular problems they face as it relates to their own specific area of expertise. However, no business problems ever can truly be resolved in terms of looking only at a single focal point. If businesses are going to invest money in consultants, then they should require that that investment help them develop a sustainable solution – a solution that takes into account all the other facets of their business. At WBS we have developed (and TradeMarked) the concept of the “Enriched SolutionTM.” We look at every client need in the context of their business as a whole, bring in experts from different professional backgrounds, and build a sustainable solution from the inception of the project. FCW: Can you give us a practical example of how this process might work? Nevil Ede: Absolutely. Imagine a business that realizes it needs to upgrade its computer systems to either replace systems that do not give it the information it needs to be competitive, or, their business has simply outgrown the capacity of what they have in place. Their first reaction is to contact an Information Technology (IT) specialist consultant. That is fine – to a point. However, choosing and configuring a new system is just a step in the process. How they buy and account for the elements of the new system are Financial decisions; how they manage their people issues (bringing in new expertise, training, procedures), these are Human Resources and Talent Acquisition decisions; how they contract for the purchase and management of the new systems are Legal and Logistics decisions. While an independent IT specialist can help with each of these areas, they are, by definition, not an expert. At WBS, we look at every solution in the context of supporting the needs of the business as a whole by using expert professionals for each element, and developing a sustainable solution that will support its future needs. FCW: Bringing in all these experts? – isn’t that going to be expensive? Nevil Ede: On the contrary. It is the most economic way of addressing each client’s business need. Each consultant works efficiently and expertly only at their particular piece of the solution. More importantly,
they do it in cooperation with each other. At WBS, there is no redundant effort, no on-the-job learning, no need to go out and research things that are outside of a consultant’s area of expertise. The most expensive solution for any client is one that does not last – the infamous “Band Aid” solution. Our reputation is built upon building sustainable solutions that provide long-term value to clients. Finally, our rates are extremely competitive when compared to larger practices as we operate with a simplified infrastructure and a low overhead base. The consultant to whom the client explains their business needs will be the person responsible for developing their solution. FCW: Who are the WBS consultants and why is WBS so relevant to businesses in Fairfield County? Nevil Ede: Our consultants are all experienced professionals from the Fairfield County area with their own successful consulting practices. They have joined WBS because they realize that to bring optimum solutions to clients requires bringing in different professional disciplines working in concert with each other. Each consultant brings to WBS those facets of their skill set about which they are truly passionate and each believes in the concept of the “Enriched SolutionTM.” With regard to Fairfield County, while our clients span the Eastern Coast of the US and we have relationships with other professional practices around the world, this is where we all live. This is the community we belong to and choose to support. Miggs Burroughs the noted local artist designed our logo, local photographers provided our business graphics, local web-designers developed our website and all our banking, legal and insurance support is right here as well. FCW: Last question. This all sounds great if you are a big business, but how relevant are you to smaller businesses in the area? Nevil Ede: It is true we have a number of large clients. However, we have a wide variety of smaller clients too, including some not-for-profits. Nothing is more satisfying for me personally than being part of helping a small client become a much larger one. To do that, we need to be relevant, competitive and help them build what I’ve talked about, namely, sustainable business solutions. I encourage any business in the area which is facing business issues now or in the future for which they need help, to reach out to us. There is no cost or obligation, and in the event that we can’t help you with what you need, we’ll help you find the resources that can. I see helping the Fairfield County Community grow as an important part of our role as members. After all, as I said, we live here too. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce WBS to your readers.
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The Members of the WBS team (As pictured)
Dianne Hennessy
(Human Resource Services)
Peter Winkler
(Lean Business Optimization)
Jay Gronlund
(Branding & Intl. Marketing)
Nevil Ede
(GRC & Due Diligence)
Richard Williamson (Finance & Treasury)
Robert Donovan
(Business Advisory Services)
John Martin
(Legal Services)
Veronica Brillon
(Human Resource Services)
Marc Roberts
(Talent Acquisition)
Paul Weston
(Information Technology) (Not pictured)
Barbara Phillips (CPG Marketing)
Peter Wrampe
(Industrial Technologies)
WBS Testimonials: “WBS showed an amazing ability to quickly learn our industry and have helped our business build an infrastructure that will represent the platform for our future expansion and diversification. We now have so much more confidence in our key financial indicators as well as our ability to manage all aspects of our business.” Victoria McMillan – President, Victoria Nicole Inc. www.victorianicole.com “WBS bring a true passion to their work, which is a core value we share at Pearlman’s. We had found their counsel to be thoughtful, insightful and balanced. The depth of the WBS team’s experience means that we are always able to look at our decision processes from a variety of different angles, quickly and concisely.” Bill Pearlman – President, Pearlman’s Jewelers Inc. www.pearlmansjewelers.com
Westport Business Solutions LLC “Building Solutions One Business At A Time, Building Businesses One Solution At A Time”
191 Post Road West, Westport CT 06880 • Tel: 203 221 2776 http://www.westportbizsolutions.com
Fairfield County Woman
Business to Business
Resolutions That Count
How to Make, Not Fake, this Year’s Resolutions By Steven Brillon Professional Organizer We make resolutions with the intent to bring about change in a life in which we are often fearful of change. Time and time again we fail to accept any commitment or responsibility for the changes we claim to want. The root of every failure is found in the seed of fear. It is no small task to conquer fear. We have to step up, be strong and conquer our fears. We have the capability to gain the control we need to make positive change. Each fear conquered is an accomplishment. Build a portfolio of confidence and strength. Replace bad habits with good ones. Change your thinking. Change your pattern. Acquire a taste for something else to break the pattern. Be logical. Be practical. Replace lesser habits with better ones. Research suggestions for the type of change you seek. Find the answers that will work for you. Make a commitment and follow through. You have the power to exact change in your life. Decide on what you want to see in your immediate future and manifest it by your own actions, by your conviction, by your commitment. Devise a plan of action. Command yourself, and in so doing, gain a sense of self respect and confidence for following through that you did not previously have. Count on yourself to provide the strength and confidence to accomplish your goals. We tend to be easily discouraged or moved off track by the unenthusiastic encouragement or pessimism of others. DO NOT let others chastising, criticizing or bullying keep you from reaching your goal. Know how to recognize positivity and its mirror image and use them to your advantage. It’s not a resolution but a lifestyle change. Hold yourself accountable. Your determination is your success. Be consistent, be persistent. It is the recipe for success.
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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Your Money
What is in Your Counter? Easier Credit Card Processing. What are you paying for your Credit Card Processing? Do you really know what you are paying for your credit card processing services? While this is an important and essential service to bring in, maintain and keep your customer base growing, like all services, it is essential that you know what your cost is. Over my fourteen years in the industry I continue to hear this as a pet peeve, and a bone of contention and concern from many Merchants. Unlike other services and hard items that a merchant might consider a “cost of doing business expense” such as linens in a restaurant, fixtures and shelves to a retail merchant to display their goods, or phone and internet services, credit card processing is generally viewed as a necessary evil, even though for most businesses in today’s marketplace credit and debit card sales make up nearly 70% of their overall sales.
Jo knows merchant processing is a matter of dollars and sense. Hunter Lipton started Eagle Point Financial, a credit card processing company back in August 2008; by chance, Hunter had lunch with a good friend, in a similar business, who I had just met with to discuss some potential opportunities. Although Hunter had already started Eagle Point, it never occurred to this mutual acquaintance to put us together until that day and the rest is history. Hunter knows the world and I know credit card processing. It was a partnership made in credit card processing heaven. Josephine was a stay-at-home Mom opening and managing several small business ventures; including home decorating and improvement and another one designing and selling terrariums, all honing her entrepreneurial skills. Jo re-entered the work force in 1985, beginning her career in financial operation at a Gulf & Western subsidiary, after which she worked for Showtime Networks, as Director of Financial Operations, and then at First Data Merchant Services as Director of Credit Accounting managing 30 employees and a portfolio of $800MM. Jo splits her time between New York City and Long Island. We have been in business for almost two years, growing while we continue to pursue our goal and promise to our clients which is to offer fair and transparent pricing for our credit card processing services, while providing superior customer service. Our hope is that this article will provide you with a little more knowledge and information then you currently have on the subject. Knowledge is power and what you do with it is up to you.
I am confident that after you read our article you will no longer feel this way. Our hope is that we will provide you with the information you need to have a better understanding and be more comfortable with the ins and outs of credit card processing and pricing. Our goal has always been to educate our Merchants. We believe that education and knowledge allows our customers to see the value in our service. Your Credit Card Processing Statement Even with my extensive experience in the industry, it never ceases to amaze me how creative some of the credit card processing companies can be with their monthly statements. This is not to say that they are charging unfairly or at an exorbitant rate, only that the credit card statement is often indecipherable even to a trained eye like mine. At the heart of the issue is that this industry is not currently regulated and a Processor can charge the merchant whatever the market will bear. Often time the credit card pricing offered to the merchant is a result of the geographic and economic climate of the merchant’s location (inner city, rural, high end) as well as, the existence and level of competition or options for the merchant to choose from. In addition to the multitude of pricing types, Tiered, Bundled, Enhanced Bill Back and Interchange Plus, confusion can reign when it is not clearly displayed on the monthly processing statement, or not outright explained to the merchant. For example, Tiered pricing is generally at three different pricing levels with a low Tier 1 or qualified rate, with much higher pricing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 sales. Needless to say the majority of the sales will fall into the higher tiered categories, thereby costing the Merchant more for this service. Bundled pricing pretty much speaks for itself, in that all the fees are bundled into a few categories, and are not clearly stated, making it impossible to understand true cost.
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I would like to explain to you how Eagle Point treats our customers and tell you a little bit about the competitive and transparent pricing structure we offer. What does that mean to our Merchant? Unlike some of our competitors, our monthly merchant processing statement is clear and concise with transparent pricing. I’m sure you are wondering, what transparent pricing is, and how it differs from Tiered or Bundled. First, there are no hidden or unexplained fees making our pricing structure transparent to our customers, this is also referred to as pass through pricing. With transparent pricing we pass through the hard cost of fees that Eagle Point pays to Visa, Mastercard and Discover. In addition to the hard cost we pass through to our merchant, Eagle Points charges a marginal mark up. In these current economic times, where business owners are watching every dollar, we need to make sure that we understand exactly what we are paying to our essential vendors to control costs and overhead. Eagle Point’s assurance to our customers is that without fail you will know exactly what your costs are for our service. Eagle Point consistently shows our clients a savings of between forty and fifty percent over cost after we perform an analysis on their current credit card processing statement. The analysis is free and we are so confident in our pricing that if we cannot meet or beat your current price, we will give you a $500.00 Visa/MC debit card. Eagle Point has a vast array of merchants using our services around the country, with our highest concentration of clients in New York City and the Connecticut area. Our client base extends from a 100 location parking garage in New York City to many luxury brand retailers, as well as, famous and well known restaurants nationwide. Of course my personal favorite is the fabulous beauty salons we have in our client base. As a lady with a few years behind her, (and for you folks that are not in this category it’s when they start to call you wise or learned, or worse someone calls you Ma’am) it is always a wonderful experience to go to the Valery Joseph Salon on Madison Avenue and get a great hair cut and color experience. Revi Roman the owner of Valery Joseph has three other salons in the City, which I like to frequent as often as possible, and one in Bridgehampton for the summer months.
Eagle Point is growing our business one merchant at a time by building relationships with our local venders and long distance through our network of Sales Representatives. Eagle Point believes in supporting the growth of our merchant’s businesses by dining at their restaurants, parking in their garages and enjoying their salons.
We pride ourselves on superior customer service and added value products, to support most any need our client may have, thereby giving them the ability to grow and support their clients’ needs. In the next issue I would like to talk about our “added value products and services” and how they can help you to grow your business and client base. After reading our article if you should have any questions regarding your credit card processing, or would like us to perform a free financial analysis, please do not hesitate to call us. We can be reached at 212-207-3427, my extension is 116.
Our Sales Manager, Brian Feeley, has cultivated and grown his relationship with many merchants in Fairfield County and neighboring Connecticut areas. When we speak to his customers it is clear they love Brian’s home town style and how he supports their needs in a very personal way. They also know that he has the might and support of a large corporation behind the scenes to assist him and his customers whenever needed.
Fairfield County Woman
Your Money
Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA By: Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA Managing Member of Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA, LLC
we have at the beginning of the year? How did we utilize those resources? What do have left?
The main difference between a small family owned business and its regional, national, and international competitors is not only the size of the companies, the expertise of management or the drive of the owners, but the breadth and depth of the information available in the decision making process. In this modern economy, a one-person “shop” can work globally. There are no more boundaries.
The purpose of an accounting system is not just the collection, collation, and regurgitation of data in order to prepare a tax return or financial statement. These are compliance issues and have very little value. The true purpose of an accounting system is to provide the information needed in order to make intelligent decisions regarding the resources and assets of a business.
The accounting department is the main provider of information to the business owner. The main drawback is that the information provided is historical in nature. What resources did I, and my firm, provide a wide array of services to a diverse client base, including real estate professionals, attorney’s, doctors and dentists, chiropractors, insurance agencies, and contractors.
Computerized Accounting Systems I am fully expert in QuickBooks™ and Peachtree™ Accounting Software and can help you install, set-up and configure your new computerized bookkeeping system. In fact, in 2007 I became a Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor Once we install your system. My firm can help you customize it to meet your specific needs and resolve any issues that arise in your day-to-day use of the system.
Bookkeeping Services From periodic “write-up” services or “real-time” check writing and bookkeeping, I can take the worry out of running the accounting function or your small business. Today’s entrepreneur may not have the time or expertise to keep up with the minutiae of bookkeeping. Bank reconciliations, loans, credit cards, fixed assets, and depreciation
Fairfield County Woman
schedules, you could spend a significant portion of your time making sure that the information you need to make financial decisions is in good order. When are you going to have time to do what you are good at, the reason you opened your business was not to be a bookkeeper.
Income taxes Individual, business, estate, and gift tax, I have over a decade of experience helping people and small business meet tax compliance obligations. However, taxes are not limited to April 15th. The real goal; is not just filing your taxes, but also making sure that you only pay your fair share. Planning is a year-round pursuit, and if it is done well, you can sleep easy on April 14th knowing that you only paid what you were supposed to, and not one penny more.
Financial Statements There are many reasons to have financial statements prepared. You may need a loan from a bank, your vendors may require a financial statement to extend credit, or you may just want a periodic snap shot of how your business is doing. I can prepare financial statements for
There are two main categories of data sets. We are familiar with financial metrics and the information provided by them. Operating expenses, cost of goods sold, current assets, long-term liabilities. These measures only tell half internal, management use only, or can provide a compilation, review, or audit, if those types of statements are called for as well
Financial Analysis Financial statements are a useful tool for running your business, a financial statement provides information that is critical in the decision making process, however financial statements of all types have severe limitations, the only see the past. In order to see where your business is going, how it compares with its peer group, how effectively the business coverts sales into profits, consider a more in-depth analysis using both financial and non-financial metrics.
Business Valuation Are you buying or selling a business? Are you taking on a new partner, or working with a financial planner to make sure your family’s needs are covered with life insurance? Consider the fact that your small business is an asset that may have a substantial value. However, in most instances you cannot go to the Wall Street Journal and look up the stock price. How will you know if you
the story. The other data set needed to make intelligent decisions regarding your business are non-financial and change depending on your specific industry. A retail store might want to track overhead or sales by square foot. A professional services firm may need to know net income per billable hour. A restaurant should probably concern itself with revenue per seat or table. When we combine financial and non-financial data, we can begin to plan and take a proactive approach to solving problems before they arise. Until this point, your accounting system is only telling you what happened yesterday. It is not helping you dictate what will happen tomorrow.
are overpaying for the business you are buying, or if you have enough life insurance to cover your assets when you pass away? Consider having Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA prepare a business valuation so you know how much your business is worth.
Daniel R. Kaufman CPA, LLC d/b/a Sterling Tax & Financial Associates
871-E Newfield Street Middletown, Connecticut 06457
Phone 860-632-8780 Fax 860-632-8797 Daniel@drk-cpa.com www.drk-cpa.com
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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Your Home Your Money
Energy Savers By a stroke of good luck of being in the right place at the right time, I had the great fortune to meet and become affiliated with one of the two owners of a brand new company, North American Power, that has as it’s mission to become the best and brightest provider of cleaner and more economical gas, oil and electricity now that deregulation is upon us.. There are 17 states already deregulated with 30 more slated to become so and then on and on across the states.
By Lucy Brown As far back as I can remember, even as a very young child, I can recall my mother always saying that we must treat people the way we want to be treated and that meant helping people as well. You know, “The Golden Rule”! So, it’s no wonder that I have ended up over the years doing businesses that would lead people to finding out about good health, and being able to earn financial freedom along the way. I actually was in the food and fashion industry, after my children were grown, and I was just starting out in the business world. I wanted to help people learn about great food and got the first Blue Ribbon from a Cooking school in NYC where I briefly taught before I branched out to own a catering business, “Secret Service”. It was fun helping people plan parties long before it became such a “hot” business and it was as if all those parties were “my own” and therefore, not necessarily profit making! I became a Fashion Consultant in the Fifth Ave Club at Saks Fifth Ave for about 2 years and then decided to get more involved in helping people become more aware of health and nutrition thru a home based business where they had the ability to earn residual income. My focus was to be in on the leading edge of products that would enhance people’s lives and went to several different companies over many years when I felt that advanced and better formulas and techniques were available. Today’s economy forces most of us to think about alternative choices to earn multiple streams of income. With that in mind, I have always been looking for alternative ways to save money on household expenses, particularly in energy: electricity, gas and oil that could also help save our planet down the road.
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and electricity derivative instruments, and the adoption of the online trading booth. Both gentlemen had retired and due to the deregulation industry today, founded North American Power in March of 2010 to help homeowners and businesses take full advantage of the deregulation energy rates while doing their part to reduce America’s dependency on fossil fuels and foreign oil. I am an Area Manager with this company
because once again, I love to help people and show them how to save money, at no cost to switch, with a company that is dedicated to massive growth across the country guided by their solid reputation and impeccable and stellar leadership. The added feature is the unique and amazing potential for the right people to take advantage of the timing here for financial freedom for those of us dedicated to sharing this potential along with saving customers money on a bill that they have to pay anyway!
We help people save money on a bill that they are already paying and there is NO COST to switch! North American Power became the number 1 energy company in our first few months. That was so impressive that Wells Fargo Bank gave us a $75 million dollar credit line! We also share with people the opportunity of becoming an Energy Broker with us as the deregulation of this industry puts us in an even better advantage of earning substantial monthly residual income as the deregulation of the telecommunications did over 30 years ago when the major telephone service was forced to “break-up” and many, many people became wealthy from being involved in the beginning of that deregulation. North American Power is led by energy industry veterans with over 50 years of combined experience at the very highest levels in oil, gas and electricity, Kerry Brietbart and Carey Turnbull. Mr. Breitbart worked his way up as an employee brokering crude oil and ended up President and CEO of the United Companies and built it into thirteen divisions from four and the notional value of the energy products the company brokered was in excess of $750B a year. United was the first broker of energy derivatives and did not have a competitor anywhere in the world for 2 years. When sold in 2005, company was still the #1 broker of crude oil globally. Mr. Turnbull was a Senior Partner and Managing Director of energy brokerage firm, Amerex, which he co-founded in 1983. While there, he had developed the companies regulated futures business on the International Petroleum Exchange in London and founded its petroleum brokerage business in Asia. He had 30 years of experience in the energy market and has an extensive background in the management of energy commodity price risk. He was also involved with Amerex’s development of natural gas
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Real Estate Professional
C H R I S C A RO Z Z A r e a l e s tat e p ro f e s s i o n a l
Cell 203.912.6819 chris.carozza@raveis.com chriscarozza.raveis.com
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 41
Grape Vine
The Fairfield Museum and History Center Shop is a Treasure Quickly Being Discovered “It’s almost impossible not to find a gift which will be received with enthusiasm and delight in our gift shop,” says Lee Walther, manager and buyer for the Fairfield Museum and History Center gift shop, a wonderful treasure inside the museum. “Our visitors are always surprised at the wonderful and unique items displayed in the store and we consider our gift shop the ‘go-to-place’ when a buyer is looking for something special and a great shopping experience.
creative and astute about buying gifts that relate to major exhibits. For the current exhibit, It’s a Hit! A Hometown View of Our National Pastime, a retrospective on the history of baseball in Connecticut, she found a wealth of baseball treasures, including baseball-related art, sculpture and photographs by nationally known artists, as well as baseball-related games and toys. Those items will be on sale over the next five months until the exhibit closes January 2ND, 2011.
Visitors will find a multitude of elegant and stylish pieces for the home, personal use and for special occasions. The Fairfield Museum Shop features a collection of carefully selected tabletop accessories for entertaining and home décor; as well as books, one-of-a-kind jewelry, stationery, blown glass, candles, women’s accessories and children’s merchandise. Shoppers will also discover original pieces by featured artists throughout the year.
“In one case I’ve discovered a wonderful supplier, who used bits and pieces of game-used baseballs and bats, crafted into necklaces, cufflinks wallets and bottle openers,” Walther says. “There is a hologram on the back of each item that shows in which memorable game the ball or bat was used. It’s fascinating.” The gift shop hours are the same as the museum’s hours – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Museum members receive a 10 percent discount on their purchases. There is no admission for the gift shop and it is not restricted to museum goers.
Walther assures shoppers that they’ll be delighted with the shop and will want to visit again and again. Fairfield Museum and History Center members save 10% on Museum Shop items over $10. All shop proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions and education programs. One of the things that makes the shop especially valuable to the museum is that Walther is extremely
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Fairfield County Woman
Lisa Speaks
RADIO TALK SHOW HOST LISA WEXLER Today in the New York Times, I read an article written by Katrin Bennold, which began with this startling opening line: “Weeks after giving birth, French women are offered a state-paid, extended course of vaginal gymnastics, complete with personal trainer, electric stimulation devices and computer games that reward particularly nimble squeezing.” A personal trainer to cheer on my Kegels? Wow! Electric stimulation devices? The mind reels. Viva La France! Or, as the kids would say, not. How and when and whether my perineal wall recovers its former elasticity is my business. Thinking back, my sex life was low on my ladder of priorities as a new mom. Sleep. Now there was a craving I yearned to satisfy! Although if I am being completely honest with myself, maybe more of those Kegels, and less of those bagels, would not have been such a bad thing. In the land of 21st
century France, women are apparently expected to “make love again soon and mak[e] more babies.” To that end, France offers “free nursery schools, generous family allowances, tax deductions for each child, discounts for large familieS on high-speed trains, and the expectation that after a paid, four-month maternity leave mothers are back in shape — and back at work.” Here is the good part. France spends more per capita on child care and family benefits than any other European nation. The impediments that face women in the United States when they want to return to work do not exist in France. Most toddlers are in a full-time state child care program by the age of two, often until 6:30 at night. Child care workers are paid well, and the health care system delivers when it comes to
pediatric care. Moreover, the working woman is respected in France; she is not made to feel like less of a mother by reentering the adult world full-time. Accompanying the Times article was a picture showing what purported to be a typical example of the young, French working mother. Stick thin in a pencil skirt with stiletto heels, the mom cradles a three-month old in one arm, holds the hand of a toddler in the other, while her elder two children walk ahead to the metro, i.e., subway. She also happens to be a doctor. And she wouldn’t think of letting her husband do the shopping or cooking; that’s what Saturdays are for. So what’s wrong with this picture of the accomplished woman who manages both a career and family? For one thing, that mother is not smiling. Would you be? Despite all the family benefits to encourage baby-making, France ranks 46th in the World Economic Forum’s 2010 gender equality report, trailing the United States, most of Europe, Kazakhstan and Jamaica. As Ms. Bennold states, “Eightytwo percent of French women aged 2549 work, many of them full-time, …[but] French women earn 26 percent less than men [and] spend twice as much time on domestic tasks. They have the most babies in Europe, but are also the biggest consumers of anti-depressants.“(emph. supp.) Let me get this straight. In France, women are expected to do it all while looking gorgeous. Yet they get paid less than men for the same efforts and suffer depression on a greater scale than other Europeans. Why am I not surprised? Does this scenario sound as depressingly familiar to you to as it does to me?
One of my mottoes in life is “You can have it all, but not at the same time.” I wanted it all- a rewarding career, a husband, children, involvement in my community and time to play with friends. But I never expected to have time to play with my friends while I was preparing for trial. I never expected to look stunning while pushing my toddler in a stroller at the park. And if anyone had dared look askance at my stained sweatpants and torn socks when I opened my front door, I would have been happy to show him or her the way out. We women have to go easy on ourselves. Of course we must demand equal pay for equal work. Do any of us doubt that men would make the same demand if the situation were reversed? We must demand better childcare benefits because they are so obviously needed by men, women and children. But when we eventually attain those goals, and we will, we need to remember that we are not superwomen. We do not need to measure up to anyone’s expectations but our own. If we are lucky, the sands of time will last long enough for each one of us to have time with those we love, a fulfilling career, and the sense of having helped our community. We can probably even squeeze in a few kegels while we are at it- but only when we are ready.
Lisa Wexler is a talk radio host, an attorney, a co-author of Secrets of A Jewish Mother (Penguin/Dutton) and the co-founder of Women In Power , a nonprofit association whose credo is Knowledge ~ Confidence ~ Power. To hear Lisa’s shows or contact her, go to www. lisawexler.com. Hear Lisa every weekday at AM 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK from 4:006:00 P.M.
Photo by http://assets0.patch-assets.com/assets/photos/000/457/943/57943_collapsed.jpg?1275658197. Your photos, videos & PDFs
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 43
Pampered Pets
Grooming To Go, LLC The Total Dog Experience!!!
Grooming your dog is about more than turning him/her into a fashionable version of his/her shaggier self. With regular haircuts and teeth cleaning you can contribute to providing your dog with optimum health and wellness. Brushing the coat will provide an opportunity to check for lumps, blemishes, infections, fleas, and ticks as well as adding shine. Brushing you dogs teeth will help prevent dental disease that can lead to tooth decay, heart, liver and kidney problems. Grooming is not all fluff and bows. Grooming is a team effort between your groomer and you. Introducing your dog to human touching from the nose to the tail will help desensitize your pet for grooming visits as well as vet visits. Grooming To Go brings the comfort level even closer with “In-Home” visits. Dogs (as well as people) are more comfortable in their own home. There are no strange smells, barking dogs, germs from other dogs, and your pet doesn’t have to leave your side. Grooming To Go was started in 2004 in order to provide a safe and happy experience for your pet. The entire grooming service is performed in your home to make sure that you and your pet are comfortable with the entire process. A full grooming includes skin and coat condition observed and any problems noted to the owner, hair cut according to your preference, nail trim, surface ear cleaning (plucking if necessary), relaxing bath with all natural oatmeal shampoo and conditioner, and hand blow dry. Extra services provided are teeth brushing, teeth scaling, deep ear flush, nail filing, and bandanas. I will develop an intimate and vested interest in your dog’s wellbeing, far beyond his/her looks.
203-386-9648
www.groomingtogo.com
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Ve Reco m mte n de d
Testimonials “Carreen’s relationship building skills with our dog as well as her grooming capabilities are excellent.” Daisy D. “The personal one-on-one care…how you spoke so kindly to my dog.” Dr. Jennifer E. “Your calm and kind attitude while grooming Kia. I think he loves you too!” Joan M.
Fairfield County Woman
More Than Just A Meeting Place
Fairfield County Woman
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 45
Hair Style
Intrigue Hair Salon: Making an Impression By Ruby Masters As we enter the New Year, Intrigue Hair Salon resolves to be the very best in the business by providing the highest quality customer service and by making a difference in the lives of their clients. They pledge to keep up their high standard by focusing on quality, integrity, respect and loyalty. “Our clients respect our professionalism and they know we are going to take good care of them,” said Sally Goldstein, co-owner of Intrigue. Many of their loyal customers are professional women and business owners themselves. They expect to be treated in the manner that they treat their own
Integrity
“It comes from inside, a knowing that you are doing the right thing. A good reputation is built on integrity and talent.” - Sally Goldstein
clients. A high level of moral character and business ethos is recognized and appreciated. Sally’s business partner and daughter, Carolyn Pease is proud of the salon and the quality work that is performed by every member of the staff. “We have a very talented staff and we are all dedicated to doing our very best. We take pride in our work,” said Carolyn. On a Saturday morning the salon bustles with activity. There’s a friendly chatter between stylist and client. The conversation is light and bubbly. The whirl of blow dryers and water rushing in the sinks during a rinse mixes with the voices that rise with laughter and
Quality
”Excellence in our performance and products. It’s who we are and what we intend to always be. Trends in hair styles will come and go, and no matter what the look is, we will always provide quality in all that we do.” - Carolyn Pease
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fall to confidential whispers. This is a treasured experience with women everywhere, the time spent at the salon, or as our mothers’ used to say, “beauty parlor.” It’s a chance to get away for a few hours, chit chat and return home with hair done and looking good.
ly personality of the salon is a winning combination for Sally Goldstein and Carolyn Pease. The mother-daughter team has created an environment where every person who walks in the door is respected and offered the best possible service and experience.
Testimonial: “Great color, great cuts, great up dos. I’ve had everything here and I liked everything. It’s a nice and friendly environment.” - Carolyn Eberhardt, Graduate Student The time honored relationship between hairdresser and customer has not changed much over the years but hair services and products have evolved into a modern and popular art form. Hair coloring and highlights becomes a science as the stylist mixes colors together to come up with the right palette. Hair cuts are designed and executed with precise strokes of the scissors. Performance quality is very high at Intrigue because the stylists are artists of hair styling.
The staff and owners of Intrigue Hair Salon renew their pledge in 2011 to give outstanding customer service, to create an environment where beauty and artistry can thrive and to make an impression with their fair business practices, caring attitude and great hair!
The experience of the staff ranges from Sally with 30 years of experience to the youngest stylist, Katie Daniel Keiser, who although she is the newest stylist, her ability shines and her commitment to quality work is evident in the styles that her customers boastfully wear. Three more innovative stylists fill out the staff; Jill Brenner, Krystin Albarelli and Cori Dunn. They each have highly recommendable talent and expertise. No matter which stylist you chose, the staff works together and collaborates to give the very best service. They listen to their clients and consult with each other. The stylists are accommodating and concerned with the satisfaction of their clients. When it comes right down to it, the business and the staff are very down to earth. Their philosophy is simple - we are happy when our customers are happy.
203-254-1015
The practical approach and the friend-
www.intriguehair.com
The Brick Walk 1275 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824
Fairfield County Woman
Networking
Spirit of WomanConnect™ ~ How to Make Networking a Fruitful Experience By Valerie J. Fields Networking can be a really intimidating experience, especially if you are just starting to do it. On the other hand however, it can also be a very inspiring one depending on how you approach your networking opportunities. There are some people who appear to be naturals at it, while others see networking as a colossal waste of their time, because they can’t see any tangible results. The difference between these two types of networkers is that one sees networking as an art, while the other see it as a science. The truth is networking is an art - it is the art of communication, of conversation and navigation; there is a system of rules or principles that govern its activity. Savvy or successful networkers know and understand this. Contrary to what may have been written by some, there are no real secrets to a successful or fruitful networking experience, but there are certain “acts of engagement” that can make a networking experience both satisfying and gratifying. The act of knowing when to speak, and when to listen; the act of engaging in conversation, not dominating the conversation; and, how to navigate the process, for instance, how not to be intrusive or invasive, but rather intuitive - being able to sense when you are being invited into someone’s presence. Having a sense of these things can make or break a networking experience. It’s a foregone conclusion that business networking is necessary if you want your business to succeed and grow. It is one of the few cost-effective ways to market your business and inform others about the unique products and services you have to offer. It’s an effective way to meet people, to grow your network and expand your circle of influence within a group of other like-minded and
Fairfield County Woman
purposed individuals, who are there to do the same. But what ultimately sets apart a savvy networker from someone who is not, is that successful networkers get it. They understand that networking is not centered on their personal agenda; nor is it an opportunity to merely stockpile business cards and talk themselves up. The savvy networker understands
that networking is about creating authentic connections and establishing meaningful relationships. It’s about showing up and sharing. You are responsible for creating your own experience. If you want a fruitful experience, you have to sow some seeds. Not just the seed of your time, but also the seed of your
Testimonial “Valerie Fields is a powerful force and inspiration to all women. Her conferences and workshops offers to women healing, restoration and inspiration to become a better woman. I am grateful for her work and her ability to connect women with themselves and to each other.” De Boone CEO De Boone Consulting
For more info, visit www.spiritofwomanconnect.org or feel free to contact me directly at 203.912.2756
actions. It does not matter how productive or unproductive you believe a particular event to be, ultimately if you left and went home with the feeling that you got nothing out of it - whose fault is that? The universal principle of reaping what you sow, dictates that you take full accountability for your actions or inaction. I remember going to a particular networking event, that I knew early on was not going to work for me, but I stayed anyway complaining about how exclusive it was and how nearly impossible I thought it would be to get any face time with certain people who were there. Truth is, I allowed my experience to be guided by my pre-conceived notions and as a result I had a pretty unfruitful experience. What I did not realize, was that networking is not a line it’s a circle; that it’s not a once-and-for-all event, it’s a process. What I finally learned was that it’s all about reciprocity, a reciprocal act - less about what you are there to get and more about what you are there to give. I learned it is unfruitful to approach a networking opportunity just to gain access to a resource; my intention now is to go inspired to be ONE! If there are any secrets to a fruitful networking experience, I would say that would be one of them. Bottom line, if your networking is not working, check your approach and your MOTIVES! Valerie J. Fields is the founder of Spirit of Woman Unlimited - creator of signature empowerment events for women; and Spirit of WomanConnect, a monthly networking experience that connects the spirit of woman to the soul of empowerment, networking the way women are naturally designed to connect. Valerie can be reached directly at 203.912.2756 or by visiting her websites www.spiritofwomanunlimited. org and www.spiritofwomanconnect.org.
January/February 47
Thinking Out Loud By Gina Brillon
When you talk about relationships you can break them down into the good, the bad, and the ugly. Everyone remembers the good, the first couple of months being a nice often romantic courtship. The bad being the first fight and the fights that follow and the part we all hope to avoid is the ugly that’s when fights, infidelity and hurtful words and actions come into play. I was amazed to find out how many of my friends had cheated or been cheated on. There are two types of cheating, physical and emotional the question is which one is worst? Let me start by defining the two types of cheating. Physical infidelity is when you are physically intimate with someone other than the person you are in a relationship with, I say physically intimate because some people might consider kissing someone else physical infidelity where as to someone else kissing someone else might not be that big of a deal, there are several different types of physical intimacy. Emotional infidelity is when someone connects with someone on an emotional level that goes beyond friendship and begins to spark a physical attraction and infatuation. So if you had to choose the lesser of two evils, which would be your pick? Both are painful experiences, having been through them both I must say that for me emotional infidelity is the worst. I think for most women being cheated on emotionally effects you more because when you are physically cheated on it’s like “ok guys are visual sexual creatures” not that, that is a good excuse, it’s just that with physical infidelity it could just be purely physical, with emotional infidelity it’s more like “damn you cheated on my personality?!?!” and that to most women is hardest to bare. It’s one thing for the spark to go out physically but when it goes out emotionally you’re in real danger of losing your guy to someone he feels more connected to. Most men will not walk away from a relationship after physically cheating, they will in fact just try to sweep it under the rug, no harm no foul, but for a man to create an emotional relationship takes a lot; we all know women
The Lesser Of Two Evils are quicker to let their guards down emotionally so when a man does that faster with another woman then with his girlfriend, it’s enough to make a girl go crazy. My whole life I have had
more of a male mentality, I understand why men are they way they are so I can understand the justification of “babe she means nothing to me” after a guy physically cheats, that said, it is
the female side of brain then cannot deal with a man emotionally cheating. Most guys don’t even see it happening, as most emotional infidelity starts off as a friendship and you hear things like “she’s just a friend” or “stop being so insecure! She’s like a sister to me!” I’m not saying that you should threaten all of your man’s female friends but like the subway sign says “if you see something say something”. I think for men the opposite is true. To a man there is no worst thought then that of another man physically satisfying your woman. Men are territorial, which is why to most men, at least the ones I know, physical infidelity is the most painful; their concern isn’t competing with someone emotionally but physically. In the end no one ever wants to really have to go through cheating period. However, cheating makes its way into many relationships. How do you avoid it? Well, there is no sure fire way to avoid either except maybe pure brutal honesty before the cheating happens, for example in the case of physical infidelity; if you are not sexually satisfied tell your partner, most people are too afraid they will hurt someone by saying that but I can tell you cheating hurts a lot more. In cases of emotional infidelity I would say brutal honesty would work too, just having a talk with your partner and letting them know that you feel disconnected and that you feel that the two of you need to create more of an emotional connection can do wonders. Relationships take work so if you want yours to last, put on those work boots and get to it.
Gina will be performing at Lanza’s Resturant in Ansonia, CT 06401 370 East Main St # 2 on January 8th For Reservations call (203) 736-3599
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