Feb/Mar 2014
Broccoli
The Ultimate Antioxidant P. 4
A Walk
In the Park P.10
Secret Mead P.8
Letter from our Director, Dr. Jason Lichtenberger
Out and About in Whatcom County:
A Little Dirt is Good For You
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ellingham has continuously marked highly on our country’s lists of “top places to live” for its multitude of outdoor experiences. From paddling the islands to hiking, biking and running along the roads and trails along the bay to skiing and snowboarding in the Cascades, Bellingham offers a veritable paradise for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts like me. Growing up on the East Coast, my adventure roots were based in the hills and mountains of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. I was an avid hiker and camper with the Boy Scouts, and achieved my Eagle Scout award at the age of 16. During this time I learned the basics of first aid and wilderness survival, enough to survive a 10-day trek in the mountains of New Mexico. I also began skiing and snowboarding with friends and family. My first trip was with my dad at Wyndam Mountain in the Adirondak mountains of upstate New York.
During my medical residency in Vermont I was surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes and a network of trails, as well as a great group of friends with which to train and compete. I became active in the Catamount mountain bike race series—the longest running weekly race of its kind—situated in the beautiful foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont. This led to participation in one of the most challenging competitions I have entered, the “Vermont 50.” The 50-mile mountain bike race up and down the muddy trails amid the beautiful fall foliage of New England also raises awareness and funding for the Vermont Adaptive Sports organization—enabling people with disabilities to access the outdoors in various sports such as skiing and kayaking.
Now I have found myself nestled in the beauty of the great Northwest, and my outdoor activities have grown to include competitive trail running, backcountry snowboarding and local triathlons such as the Lake Padden Tri, which I’ve participated in for the past three years. I recently completed my first trail half-marathon, and have found a local co-ed soccer team to keep my legs moving year-round. Additionally, I remain limber through the routine practice of Bikram Yoga, and I’m quite thankful for the wonderful talents of my yoga friends and teachers (a big “Namaste” is due to all of them). Probably the most fun I’ve had in the Whatcom County outdoor scene has been through the local multi-sport relays. I’ve been involved in the Ski to Sea race for the past three years, completing both the canoe and road bike legs. Bellingham Ear, Nose, and Throat also recently entered a team in the Bellingham Traverse, completing a six-part race with my coworkers,including our very own Patient Care Coordinator, Jessica. This race certainly redefined the meaning of “team” at the office! I feel privileged to live and work in an area that defines itself as much by its inhabitants' split time of the most recent race as it does to its dedication to maintaining local beauty. One of my goals is to do my part to help protect all the wonderful outdoor treasures in Whatcom County, while still enjoying them as much as possible.
Dr. Jason Lichtenberger
Director, Hecht Aesthetic Center Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon PUBLISHED BY: Hecht Aesthetic Center ART DIRECTION: fif thonsixth inc. Roman Komarov
CONTRIBUTORS : Jason Lichtenberger M.D. • Amy Classen Jessica Harber t • Jim Husuer • B. S. Reynolds Mar isa Papetti • Colleen Harper compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. 3 Call today 360-738-FACE.
Broccoli Eat the Ultimate Antioxidant By Marisa Papetti
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recent TEDx Talk in Bellingham rekindled my ongoing interest interest in broccoli. Tom Malterre—who carries both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutritional science from Bastyr University, and has also co-authored two books and coached numerous health care practitioners on using nutritional science—spoke about the nutritional benefits of broccoli. I hope you can spend a few minutes watching his video. However, if you cannot, let me break it down very simply. Studies have proven that sulfates from broccoli can remove toxins from your body—toxins such as radiation and pesticides. Additionally, they increase your cellular function. The video makes me think these funny looking green trees are making a comeback. (To watch the talk on broccoli, click here.) For years broccoli has been pushed around on a plate, fed to the dog, or left to dry out on a ranch-dipped party platter. Here are a few recipes that may change your mind about broccoli. I promise, you’ll be healthier for it.
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Roasted Broccoli with Romano Cheese
You will need: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large head of organic broccoli, washed and cut into lengthwise half-inch strips. These do not need to be perfect. Use both stem and heads. • 1 tsp course sea salt • ½ cup grated Romano cheese 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees °F. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a large bowl. toss the cut broccoli, salt and olive oil. Spread the broccoli out evenly over the cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. 3. Pull out of the oven and sprinkle with the Romano cheese. Return to the oven for 6 minutes. Serve hot. Serves 4.
Spicy Broccoli
You will need: • 1 large head of organic broccoli, washed. Cube both stems and heads. • 2 tbsp of rice vinegar • 2 tsp of peanut oil • 1 tsp of red pepper flakes • 1 tsp course sea salt • 4 tbsp of black bean paste (this can be found in the Asian foods aisle at any major grocery store or the great little Asian market next door to Diamond Jim’s on Meridian Street in Bellingham). 1. In a large skillet or a wok, over high heat, add everything but the broccoli. Stir and allow to sit for one minute. 2. Add broccoli to the pan. Turn heat down to medium. Toss broccoli with sauce and allow to cook for five minutes. 3. Need more heat? Add 5 dried Thai chilies to the dish right before serving. Serve hot over white or brown rice. Serves 4.
I have also been known to go the extreme and add broccoli to my juicer. I recommend juicing broccoli with berries, apples and carrots. This will even the flavors out. compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. 5 Call today 360-738-FACE.
Combat Dry Winter Skin By Amy Classen
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very winter, a stream of clients flows into my treatment room; everyone has the same problem: dry skin. They are typically fresh off the ski slopes, returning from baking in the tropical sun or even just taking long, steamy showers every morning. When I ask if they have been hydrating, the excuses rain down. They don’t have time (who does?) or they forget. This is puzzling to me, as hydration is the simplest, easiest and most effective way to keep skin supple and youthful. It is true that some people have naturally dry skin that needs more help, but, beyond applying sunscreen, establishing skin hydration practice is the second most important skin care habit. The winter months can also bring more serious skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. If you are affected by these conditions it is important to be proactive about seeking help from a trained professional.
What causes dry skin? We often cause damage to our skin while performing our daily routines without realizing the negative consequences of our actions. We take hot showers every morning, pick up a latte on the way to work and turn up the heat when we come home on a frosty day. These kinds of behaviors naturally become more common in winter, but a little awareness and preventive measures can offset their contributions to dry skin. I always advise my clients to apply moisturizer before bed and drink plenty of water; it is just as important in these cold winter months as it is during hot summer days. Dry skin isn’t serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It’s often a temporary problem that shows up during the winter months. The severity is often influenced by age, health status, your locale, and the amount of time you spend outdoors (I’m looking at you, snow bunnies!).
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Symptoms of dry skin · Feeling of tightness especially after a shower or swimming · Skin appears shrunken or dehydrated and feels and looks rough · Feelings of itchiness · Redness · Light to moderate flaking or peeling · Fine lines and cracks. If any of those sound familiar, here are five tips to help improve dry skin. Smooth away the years. Where our skin is concerned, hormones are every woman’s worst enemy. As our hormonal levels change, so does our skin. That means we should pay extra attention to what we are putting on our face AND our entire body. Start every morning with a rich body cream that contains shea butter or my favorite ingredient, amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks that aid in skin rejuvenation and can ease the common itchy, dry eczema. Start hydrating from your toes all the way to your neck then apply the appropriate hydrating sunscreen on your face. A richer cream can be used at night, and adding a retinoid or anti-aging serum is key. All of my dry skin clients take home hyaluronic acid. This incredible molecule holds 1,000 times its weight in water, which helps plump and trap moisture for the skin. Take care of yourself. Are you eating your fruits and vegetables? Are you supplementing with fish oil and vitamins? Are you drinking a glass of water to every cup of coffee? Let’s not forget that stress can also be a culprit. Basic, everyday care sounds so easy but takes practice. Set a goal
every week to do something good for your body. Good, healthy habits will show in your skin. If you do all of these things and still suffer from a skin condition, seek medical attention. Turn down the heat. Admit it, you turn the shower dial to HOT and stand in a stream of hot, steamy water every morning. This may be a common practice in America, but a commonly held belief by French women is that a cold bath is the key to the fountain of youth. I don’t suggest cold showers every morning; that would be enough to make me grumpy, but spending enough time under a hot shower to sing your favorite song twice is a no-no. The hot water may feel soothing, but it strips your skin of natural oils. Keep the temperature lukewarm; spend five minutes or less bathing. Try applying a body oil while your skin is still wet, pat dry, then apply body moisturizer. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents. One might think that surviving the flu season requires constant use of anti-bacterial gels and soaps, but it won’t do wonders for dry hands. Be sure to have lotion on hand to use after washing your hands. Does your favorite sweater make you itch? Your laundry soap or fabric softener may be the culprit. Exercise some selectivity when buying your detergents. Popular brands can strip lipids and water from skin. Look for “free” when shopping—free of fragrances and free of dyes. Avoid sun exposure, even in the winter. Exposure to the sun, like exposure to other heat sources, can make your skin dry. The same rules apply for both skiers and vacationers to sunnier climates: wear sunscreen. UV rays penetrate the layers of our skin where damage starts deep in
the dermis. It may not seem like it’s that bad now, but you will be saving your skin from damage later in life. Sun damage in your teens and 20s leads to deeper wrinkles and to loose and sagging skin decades later. Let’s face it—dry skin gives the appearance of aging skin now and later. Wear your sunscreen.
Dry Skin Treatments now available at Hecht Aesthetic Center: Dry Skin Relief + Clinical Foot Treatment Trade in your pedicure for a clinical foot treatment at Hecht Aesthetic Center. The treatment involves the application of a chemical peel designed specifically for the body. Nourishing ingredients will soften and hydrate your feet and dramatically change the appearance and texture. Calluses will start to diminish after three to six treatments. You can expect slight to moderate peeling. Therapeutic Dry Skin Treatment This clinical facial treatment is for those with impaired barrier function and dry and sensitized winter skin. The treatment uses therapeutic oat milk to exfoliate, purify, and hydrate. This treatment is great for those who want a little exfoliation and need a boost of hydration. Bio Hydroderm Treatment Hydrodermabrasion combines crystal-free microdermabrasion, vacuum technology, and strategic product infusion to provide gentle and effective exfoliation that leaves the skin visibly soft, radiant and glowing. The treatment is perfect for dull, dry skin.
compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. 7 Call today 360-738-FACE.
The meads clock in at 13.5 to 13.8 percent ABV (alcohol by volume), and the cider at 5.9 percent. At somewhere around 12% ABV, the hot spiced mead will warm you from the inside out long after your final taste. The Honey Moon meadery, like its hot spiced mead, is not for the faint of heart; you must go on a bit of a hunt to get to its location in Bellingham’s burgeoning alley district. You have to park your car and proceed on faith (or via Google maps), but the extra effort only makes the mead that much sweeter.
Discover the Secret of Mead By Colleen Harper
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own a dark (but far from scary) alley in downtown Bellingham, you’ll find a delightfully warming winter secret: Honey Moon’s hot spiced mead. Honey Moon, according to their website is “is an eclectic urban winery, a quirky hobby that grew, a fun place to meet friends, relax, and try something a little different. We specialize in mead and cider and good things to eat from fresh, local ingredients.” And specialize they do: Hand-crafted meads blend with house-made cider and signature mulling spices to create a beverage that immerses the senses from the moment you take it into your hand to the very last sip. As golden as liquid sunshine steaming in a crystal clear mug, the mead has an aroma that is bright citrus greeting you like a warm summer’s day. Make sure to relish a good long sniff before you delve into this full-bodied draught. Clove, cinnamon, and star anise flavors from Wassail mead and fresh mulling spices strike the palate first, then the earthy and delicate floral flavors of Lovers mead. Bitter orange peel from Orange mead balances a syrupy body and the sweetness of cider. A lingering, strong finish pleasantly warms both the belly and the cheeks.
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Honey Moon is also a music venue, featuring local groups such as Pretty Little Feet, Biagio Biondolillo, and the Penny Stinkers, as well as the powerful jazz singer Sonja Lee, among many others. While mead warms you, let the local music scene sooth the day’s troubles away. Sometimes, waterproof outerwear and woolen accessories are just not enough to ward off the penetrating damp and cold of Pacific Northwest winters. On these days, a mug of hot spiced mead can warm your body while it reminds your soul that summer’s blooming flowers and honey flows promise to come again. Honey Moon Mead & Cider 1053 N. State Street Alley Bellingham, Washington in the alley connecting Maple and Chestnut streets adjacent to the Bellingham Farmers Market Depot Open 5 to 11 pm Monday through Saturday www.honeymoonmeads.com
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high quality
nutritious affordable
essentials quality food • value prices
Downtown Store 1220 N Forest Street Open Daily 7 am – 10 pm
Cordata Store 315 Westerly Road Open Daily 7 am – 9 pm
www.communityfood.coop
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A Walk in the Park By B. S. Reynolds
Now, you might think I’m a bit off my rocker to suggest an outing to the park in the middle of a pacific northwest winter, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do. So, grab your warmest jacket, an umbrella—or just your hood, as is the true Northwest tradition—and a decent pair of shoes, as we are going on a little walk through the park. Perhaps I’m a bit of a romantic—who am I kidding, make that a BIG TIME romantic—but, I truly love the rain. I love everything about it. I love the smell. I love the feel of rain drops caught in my out-stretched palms. I love the feel of the air during a down pour: clean, and new. The rain reminds me that sometimes we need to take a moment to recognize the beauty that’s all around us, even when it’s nasty out. At first, the idea of the park typically evokes an image of a bright sunny day, picnic spreads on quilts, frisbees and tank tops—the exact opposite of the familiar rainy Northwest afternoon we all know and love. Parks are widely thought to be a summertime activity which, for me, is rather disheartening 12
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considering the Northwest summer is not our longest season. In fact, it is only 71 sunny-days long. That leaves a lot of partially cloudy skies, with a chance of showers. We all know this. It’s not breaking news. So why do we still grumble every time the rain comes out? I’ve taken it upon myself to tackle this gloomy outlook, if not to prove to myself that the sun is truly shining, even if I can’t see it. So, to that end, I offer a few spots around Bellingham that are perfect for a walk in the park, even on a rainy afternoon.
For The Romantic
Elizabeth Park
Every time I wander through Elizabeth Park I am transported to the eastern side of the country. The absence of the over-abundant evergreen gives this neighborhood a “New England” feel and every house looks like it holds a story. Nestled in the historic Columbia neighborhood, this little piece of green feels removed from time. It’s the perfect place to wander with a loved one or a pen and paper and just absorb your surroundings. Why in the rain? There’s the sweetest little Gazebo to provide your rainy ramble a dry reprieve. Bring your umbrella and a mug of tea and drink in the history surrounding this little gem of Bellingham topography.
For the Explorer
Whatcom Falls Park
For the Hiker,
Lake Padden Horse Trails
You would be hard-pressed to name a park more picturesque in all of Bellingham than Whatcom Falls. Rushing waters, still ponds, fish hatcheries and dilapidated railroad tracks that lead to nowhere... this park is a feast for the imagination. With so many off-shoot trails that branch off and return to the main path, I can think of no other park in Bellingham that makes me feel more like I’m discovering a secret piece of nature. Every time I walk the Falls I see something new—something I missed on my previous visit. I go to Whatcom Falls when I need to let my mind and body just wander. Why in the rain? The thick canopy that nearly covers the entire park does a decent job of catching much of the precipitation giving the air a mist-filled quality. The covered picnic tables near the playground offer a dry seat for a quick afternoon lunch, and parking is always ample during the winter months.
Attention, all who laugh in the face of gray foreboding clouds and scoff at the prospect of dirty shoes: this one’s for you! Many forget about these hidden twisty trails woven through the trees surrounding Lake Padden. I find them to be the perfect place when I’m in need of an adventure walk that’s close by. They are usually quiet as the majority defaults to the traditional “loop.” If you feel the need to get lost in the woods, this is the place to do it without actually getting lost. Why in the rain? Like Whatcom Falls, these paths also have a lush canopy providing slight shelter from the rain. Mud is still quite abundant, however, I’m thinking that this factor might be more of a lure than a deterrent for the Northwestern-at-heart.
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The Oasis
Gossage Gardens O.K., so this might not be big enough to be a contender for a “walk in the park,” but every time I drive by this little spot I catch myself in a smile. It’s small, full of foliage and has the sweetest little Gazebo painted in vibrant colors. It’s a true representation of the Lettered Streets neighborhood that lies just around the bend. Swing by Bellingham Flatbread & Bakery that’s located just across the street before you go—does it get much better than nibbling a sweet scone under the shelter of a painted gazebo? I think not! Why in the rain? The gazebo is the perfect place to enjoy the rain without getting soaked. The little garden gives much need tranquility even if you only have 10 minutes to spare.
For the Art Lover
The Big Rock Garden What? A permanent outdoor art garden in Bellingham? What?! Yes, I also asked these same questions when I learned about this little park overlooking the Silver Beach neighborhood. There are 37 permanent art fixtures that adorn the meandering gravel pathways, all smack dab in the middle of a botanical garden. This park is the perfect place to marvel at the wonders of the human imagination punctuated by the humbling beauty of nature. Why in the rain? The gravel trails keeps the mud to a minimum and there’s a lovely little bench in the gazebo. Bring your umbrella and stroll through Bellingham’s outdoor art museum. It’s not too large making it the perfect place for a brisk winter walk.
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For the Seafarer
Taylor Docks While this is technically a walkway connecting downtown Fairhaven to Boulevard Park, it’s the perfect place for one to connect to the sea. Anchored sail boats are scattered near the shore, gently rising up and down with the gentle current: how often I forget that we are a true Watertown. This boardwalk reminds me of our wild aquatic surroundings, and like Gossage Gardens, is an ideal spot to sit and take a moment to escape the routine of everyday. Why in the rain? There are four or five raised benches amply covered at the beginning of the boardwalk facing the bay. It’s the perfect vantage to stay dry while watching the rain move across the sea. Best coupled with piping hot chocolate and a warm blanket on your lap. There you have it, Bellingham. Whether you are a true Northwestern mud-lovin’ soul, or, like me, you love the rain without the whole “getting soaked” part, there’s a park to suit every outdoor sensibility and season. From quiet neighborhood gardens to rushing waterfalls, there’s a place for anyone to appreciate this beautiful cool rainforest we live in—even if it’s the dead of winter. The rain is not going anywhere, and actually, I’m glad it isn’t. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that the beauty in all things sometimes takes a moment to see. So, I implore you, the next time you wake up and see it’s raining outside smile and say to yourself, “This looks like a great day for a walk in the park.” You’ll be glad you did.
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A Life Dominated by Acne By Jim Husuer I was bullied when I was young, especially when I had severe acne—large red grooves, pockmarks, blackheads. Everything was more difficult: dating, applying for jobs, even socializing. It is amazing how much your face can affect your presence in society. I spent hundreds of dollars on special medicines. Among other things, I tried witch hazel in the morning and baking soda paste to dry things out at night. I heard a friend mention she was working with an esthetician to have a scar removed from her left cheek. I immediately wondered if an esthetician could help me too. I searched the web to find that a fairly new treatment, Isolaz, was recommend for the treatment of acne. I was nervous. Estheticians are for women, right? The office was comfortable and there were three men in the waiting area. The doctor was calm, understanding and very helpful. He recommended Isolaz. He suggested four treatments. I started a week later with three weeks in between treatments. With just one treatment I started to see results. My confidence rose after each treatment. My wife and celebrated ten years of marriage last week. I was more ready for the photos then I had ever been. She says she has never seen me more confident. Click here to see before and after photos, videos and http://www.isolaz.com/consumer/what-is-isolaz
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VANISHING ICE
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By Jessica Harbert
he Vanishing Ice exhibit, which ends 2 March, 2014, includes artwork from internationally renowned artists, film, literature, and books. Some artists included in this exhibit are Lawren Harris, Thomas Hart Benton and Frederic Edwin Church. After it leaves the Whatcom Museum, the exhibit will travel internationally. “The exhibit looks at artists and their relationships with natural history,” Curator Barbara Matilsky explains. “This is an opportunity to alert the public of the vanishing of the ice. What happens when those glaciers aren’t there to inspire?” The community has come together around this exhibit, with many Bellingham organizations, from the Pickford Film Center to Western Washington University, coordinating programs around the theme of climate change. Education and action are key components to this exhibit, which includes information on action being taken in Whatcom County and around the world toward change, including alternative energy, sustainable architecture and carbon-neutral cities.
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www.whatcommuseum.org www.vanishing-ice.org Vanishing Ice Exhibit through 2 March, 2014
Lightcatcher:
250 Flora Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Open Tuesday–Sunday, noon to 5 pm; Thursday, noon to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Old City Hall:
121 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Open Thursday–Sunday, noon to 5 pm
Syre Education Center/Photo Archives:
201 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Wednesday–Friday, 1–5 pm
Family Interactive Gallery (FIG):
250 Flora Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am to 5pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm
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