14
R
BE
20
M
TE P E
S
ME MP HIS
How this
B allerina bounced back from
injury
An
ookin IN MEMPHIS
interview
with MEMPHIS’ NINJA WARRIOR
Take a look at some of our favorite healthy snacks. More than a third of children and teens are overweight, putting them at risk for a host of serious health problems. Snacking is one of the worst offenders, but here are some healthy treats our kids love. Share your child’s favorite healthy treat on our Baptist Memorial Health Care Facebook page. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
baptistonline.org
800-4-BAPTIST
Get Better.
September 2014 4 Keeping everyone on their toes 8 The Redneck Ninja 11 The difference a decade has made in laser eye surgery 14 Dancing to a new beat 15 Memphis made 19 No limits
departments 7 Fit to Flatter: Fall Fashion 12 Work it Out: Kid Yoga 21 Racing Calendar 22 #Memfit: Vivian Prewitt 23 Food Clues 24 Good Food: Chicken Pot Pie
cover story 4 eeping everyone on K their toes
19 15
12
22
from the editor
Sara P. Shirley Good Health Editor
Memphis is a city of rhythm and soul, of rock and roll. We hold dear our memories of Elvis and visitors come from all over the world to hear blues on Beale Street. Naturally, there’s a wonderfully diverse and exciting dance culture that springs from the beats of our streets. We strived to highlight the joyful spirit of dance in this issue of Good Health, from the story of Memphis-made global dance sensation Charles “Lil Buck” Riley to that of prima ballerina Tatum Farlow of Ballet Memphis. We spoke with former Mrs. Tennessee International Mary-Marsha Riley (a former Razorbacks pom dancer) about overcoming injury and learned from Brent Ruffin, aka Redneck Ninja, what it means to be a fitness warrior. We’ve also included many of our regular features, including Leslie Schilling’s nutrition column, an at-home workout demonstration, our monthly racing calendar, a spotlight on an inspiring fit Memphian and a hearthealthy recipe. I hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, please send me your thoughts by emailing patterson@ commercialappeal.com. To good health,
M E M PHI S
Editor Sara P. Shirley patterson@commercialappeal.com
Good Health Memphis magazine is a healthy lifestyle publication from The Commercial Appeal. Good Health is published monthly, with distribution in the paper as well as in area medical practices and other strategic rack locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2014.
Contributors Nathan Berry Jason Terrell Erinn Figg
Pete Wickham Leslie Schilling
For more information on advertising in Good Health magazine, contact Sara Patterson Shirley at 901-529-6513 or e-mail patterson@commercialappeal.com. 495 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Keeping Everyone on Their Toes Story by Molly Okeon,
Communications Specialist at ABO Marketing & Communications
Photos by Jason Terrell
B
allerina Tatum Farlow has been dancing as long as she can remember. “My mom put me in dance classes at age 3, and it clicked,” said Tatum, 17. “I always wanted to go.” Tatum, who is beginning her second season at Ballet Memphis, is a natural performer. As a dancer at Performing Arts of Germantown, she competed at the Delta Fair & Music Festival, where the group act in which she danced took first place and her solo performance won third place. She also competed in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Competition, where the solo and group acts made the finals. At 16, she began dancing at Ballet Memphis School, where she took the lead in the Junior Company’s production of The Red Ribbon and is currently one of seven student choreographers for The River Project 3 at Playhouse on the Square, which will go up in mid-October. As talented as she is, Tatum suffered ligament and bone damage due to a traumatic fall while trying to learn an acrobatic move. This injury was a source of pain and discomfort, and Tatum became concerned it might be a threat to her promising career as a dancer. “This type of injury typically doesn’t require surgery, but it is fairly common among dancers,” explained Campbell Clinic physician Dr. Andrew Murphy. “It can happen as a result of what we call ‘overuse’ incidents, which happen
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After a bad fall that led to ligament and bone damage, ballerina Tatum Farlow turned to the staff at Campbell Clinic for care, and she was back on her toes in no time. when undertaking the same types of exercise or activity puts consistent strains on the same parts of an athlete’s body over time. Often, overuse injuries occur in adolescents who participate in sports or activities year-round.” Dancers aren’t the only athletes subject to such injuries. Cheerleaders and gymnasts suffer from similar problems due to the cumulative pressure on their feet, ankles and legs, which can cause strains, sprains, tendinitis or stress fractures, Dr. Murphy added. Fortunately, Campbell Clinic physician Dr. Santos Martinez is in his 18th year as the staff physician for Ballet Memphis, and the clinic itself has been the sports medicine provider for the group for more than 25 years. With this type of expertise on board, Tatum was in good hands. After extensive testing and input from Drs. Martinez and Murphy, Tatum decided against surgery for her injuries. Most importantly, though, she sought out medical care, which is a crucial, necessary step that most hurt dancers avoid, Dr. Martinez noted. “Dancers exhibit passion, drive and motivation for their art that can rival the most accomplished athletes,” Dr. Martinez said. “Seldom do they seek medical care for trivial mishaps and are always anxious to return to dance even after major injuries. Although the movements of this visual expression of
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the soul appear to occur effortlessly, the choreography frequently results in high impact ballistic overuse loads on the lower extremities. This certainly takes its toll on the body over the years.” Dr. Martinez added that although surgical approaches to dance injuries may be required, the vast majority of conditions are treated with nonsurgical approaches, led by the skilled team of health care rehabilitation specialists at Campbell Clinic. So, when is the appropriate time for a dancer to seek medical attention? Dr. Murphy suggested that, if an injury does not improve, gets worse or continues to cause pain after the use of basic comfort measures such as anti-inflammatories, ice and rest, they should head to Campbell Clinic for an evaluation. Other warning signs that may indicate a larger problem are increased swelling, bruising, redness or other obvious disfigurement. For dancers such as Tatum who have these types of injuries, Drs. Martinez and Murphy recommend taking time off during the year to allow the body to heal, staying in shape by cross training with other sports or activities and surrounding oneself with a support group – particularly a coach – who understands the importance of rest and is qualified to instruct proper technique. “These athletes should strengthen the joints that undergo the most wear and tear through physical therapy and stretching,” Dr. Murphy said. “Flexibility and strength are key. Ultimately, be realistic about your athletic abilities and endeavors.” Tatum is now back in action and applying to college, hoping to join a dance program that trains her for her future career as a professional dancer. In her spare time, the teenager likes to shop and work at the nursery in her church.
She and her family are very pleased with their experience at Campbell Clinic. “The staff was very comforting, particularly if I was scared or had questions,” she said. “The doctors at
Campbell Clinic are great, and I’m so glad we decided to get my injuries checked out. Now I view regular checkups to ensure my body’s health as something that just comes with the territory of being a dancer.”
Fit to Flatter Fall Fashion Sometimes the heat of summer in Memphis feels never ending. But it will. And soon. Now is the time to get ready for those cooler temperatures and prep your closet
for the remainder of the year. A few trends from summer will carry through the fall—neon and pastel colors were in many designers’ fall lines, for example. But some
outfitter
shape up in style
of the latest trends, such as robe coats and oversized tops, can only be pulled off in this part of the country when the temperatures finally begin to drop.
Here are a few of our favorite wearable fall fashions, inspired by the runway. Over the knee boots
Loose fit sweaters
Robe coats
Pair them with a mod mini and leggings
Cowl- and turtlenecks are making a comeback
Following the poncho/blanket coat trend come robe coats; loose, draped, comfortable and beloved by designers this year
Societe Anonyme Loose Fit Cowl Neck Sweater
Victoria’s Secret OverThe-Knee Mid-Heel Boot, Butter Pecan
$273
$148
farfetch.com
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Forme D’Expression Robe Coat
$803
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Stuart Weitzman 50/50 Suede To-theKnee Boot, Bordeaux
Ralph Lauren Blue Label Merino Turtleneck Pullover
$445
stylebop.com
$635
neimanmarcus.com
Alexander Wang Belted Robe Coat
$1,987
farfetch.com
Versace Thigh High Boots
$2,142
farfetch.com
Donna Karan New York Pullover in Black
$1,151
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The Redneck Ninja “I
Story by Pete Wickham Photos provided courtesy of Brent Ruffin
could do that.” Kathy Ruffin has probably lost
count of the number of times she’s heard her 24-year-old son, Brent, say that. But that last time, well, it made the Millington man a national cult hero with a nickname only a Southern Momma could love. Brent Ruffin: Redneck Ninja. That moniker, the ability to hold on
When he isn’t training for or competing in the American Ninja Warrior competition, Brent Ruffin works as a King of the Court dunker for the Memphis Grizzlies.
to several precarious midair handles and a serious set of six-pack abs have gotten Brent his 15 minutes of NBC network fame and social media glory on the alternateuniverse competition show American Ninja Warrior.
is, there has been no winner to date.
“He said ‘I could do that.’ I told him he
In 30 years of trying, only three have
ought to try out. He’s always looking for
conquered the Sasuke challenge in Japan.
something way out (there) to do.”
“All of us are on a mission,” said
A new goal, and identity, was forged
In its sixth season, ANW is an
Brent. He added that his father, Chuck,
as Brent put together his audition tape
offshoot of a long-running Japanese TV
“always wants to know when I’m going
that displayed his physique and bravado
series, Sasuke. Regional contestants
to get a real job.” But Mom’s OK with this,
wood chopping, kick boxing, bow hunting,
try to tackle a course of a half-dozen
she said. She’s watched her son’s odyssey
hurling a large iron wagon wheel like
obstacles devised by a uniquely sadistic
through baseball, football, soccer,
a frisbee or hurtling off a trampoline,
bunch. It’s capped by a 10-foot warped
wrestling, rugby, boxing and mixed
basketball in hand (he’s a member of the
wall that must be vaulted with no
martial arts – which led to his current job
Memphis Grizzlies dunk squad).
handhold. Survive that, and four even
as a trainer and co-owner with Noel Howe
nastier tests are added in the finals. The
of CrossKick fitness in Atoka.
competitors don’t know what’s waiting for
“I hated MMA,” she said. “I spent all
Friends told Brent he needed a nickname, and Redneck Ninja was launched into cyberspace. “It got blown
them until they see it – and they get no
those years making sure he was OK, and
up on Twitter and Instagram,” he said.
warmup run.
I had to go watch him get punched in the
“Got a couple of interesting texts from
face. But one day he was watching Ninja
PETA folks, but I get a great response
Warriors …”
when I go to Walmart.”
The top 15 survivors in five regions move on to a four-stage test in Las Vegas. The winner earns the title American Ninja Warrior and $500,000. The only thing
Brent’s girlfriend, Lauren Ritchie remembers that night in front of the tube,
A year ago in Miami, Ruffin went out early on a contraption called the Pole
LISTEN UP!
by Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee
Q A
BRENT RUFFIN AGE: 24 HEIGHT-WEIGHT: 6-0, 180 pounds. NICKNAME: The Redneck Ninja RESIDENCE: Millington EDUCATION: Munford High School, two years at Dyersburg State (majoring in sports science)
BUSINESS: Co-owns Cross-Kick Kick Boxing and Cross Training in Atoka PAST ATHLETIC PURSUITS: Competed in football, soccer, wrestling and rugby in high school. For a time was a boxer, and then an MMA fighter. AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR: Has
: I HAVE A HEARING LOSS, BUT I DON’T FEEL I’M READY FOR HEARING AIDS. IS THERE ANY HARM IN WAITING? : Any amount of hearing loss can significantly compromise your quality of life. Hearing loss is associated with depression, anxiety, lowered selfesteem, irritability, risk of loss of income, and other issues that prevent us from being able to live life to the fullest. In addition, research has shown that a person with an ear that hasn’t been stimulated due to untreated hearing loss can lose even more of their ability to understand speech. Fortunately, this same research indicates that with the use of hearing aids, speech understanding and quality of life can improve. Since the negative effects of untreated hearing loss are well documented, why wait? As with most health conditions, earlier diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss leads to the most successful outcomes. If you suspect you or a loved one may have a hearing loss, don’t wait. A hearing evaluation is recommended whenever a hearing loss is suspected. Call Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee today at 901-842-4327 to schedule your free hearing screening. Elizabeth Hopkins Hearing Instrument Specialist
competed in the last two seasons of American Ninja Warrior, competing in regional competitions in Miami (2013) and St. Louis (2014). Advanced to regional finals in St. Louis.
Lori Frederick Audiologist Dr. Kay Tackett Audiologist
HOBBIES, SIDELINES: An avid hunter and
Dr. Courtney House Audiologist
member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Kings of the Court dunk team.
GOALS: To reach the Ninja Warrior national finals in Las Vegas and to go on a bow hunt for elk.
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Slider. This year, he got through the St. Louis prelims and made it up the Warped Wall in the city finals, but then took a dip in the pool of water below something called the Salmon Ladder. “I knew my arms were done, but I made it up four rungs, with one to go,” he recalled. “I missed with my left side, tried to correct and my arms went out. No excuses.” Well, maybe one. The taping was done after midnight in mid-April, after an early-spring cold front delivered 50s temps with a Chicago-esque gale. “We couldn’t feel our toes or noses. I don’t know how he could grip anything,” said Kathy Ruffin, who watched below with her husband, daughter Blake and Ritchie. Getting dunked in that faux fjord is the motivation behind Brent’s 2015 preparation. He’s also reaching for a level of fitness that he is just now starting to
little flea-hoppers do better.” Bobby Zavala is a Nashville-based Ninja Warrior who has built an obstacle course that Ruffin and other hopefuls visit as often as they can. The Redneck Ninja hopes this year’s training tour will get him to other courses in Atlanta and New Jersey. “You have to be very precise
Brent Ruffin, aka Redneck Ninja, already has his sights set on the 2015 American Ninja Warrior national finals in Las Vegas.
in terms of strength to weight ratio, concentrating on grip, core and explosiveness,” Zavala said. “Brent would be better off getting down to 155 or 160
comprehend. “I’m in the absolute best shape
(which is Zavala’s weight). It’s a lot easier
of my life,” Brent said. “But I’ve lifted
for me to hang on to some of the thin
weights all the years I’ve competed in
(one-inch) ledges you have to hold on to
sports, and I’m too big and bulky (6-
than for someone 6-2 and 180.”
0, 180) to really be effective on these
Ritchie marvels at what her boyfriend
courses. It’s more about agility, upper
has accomplished, saying, “It was a lot of
body strength, balance and enough leg
fun getting to travel up (to St. Louis) with
strength (to push off in key spots). The
him and watch him go for it.”
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The difference a decade has made in laser eye surgery Story by Dr. Rolando Toyos, MD
L
About the author Dr. Rolando Toyos is a board-certified
asik, put simply, is the use of lasers to change the shape of the cornea to
the FS200 laser to perform the primary
ophthalmologist, founder of Toyos Clinic
incision, which incorporates safety
and an ophthalmology expert for Dr. Oz
attain freedom from glasses and contacts.
features to ensure that flaps are correctly
It’s a well-known procedure. #Lasik
performed each time with less pressure
tweets dominate the social media world.
on the eye and more comfort. The EX500
But when Dr. Kerry Assil did my Lasik
laser is used to reshape the cornea
procedure 14 years ago, the technology
and has the widest range of treatment
was very different from what we have
approved by the FDA. The EX500 has
today. Back then, the primary incision to
eye-tracking technology that is 10 times
perform the procedure was completed
faster than any other laser, ensuring
with a blade, and the laser that changed
that the patient’s eye movements during
the shape of the cornea was in its infancy.
on Sharecare.com.
eye. If patients have dry eye we have the ability to treat with technology that I have developed and that is used by several prestigious academic institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Duke and Johns Hopkins to name a few. The Toyos Dry Eye Treatment won an award from the American Society of Cataract
We have seen major advancements in
and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and
technology and techniques since that
is only available in Tennessee at our
time.
clinic. We also utilize many technologies
By 2007, most surgeons had
including the Pentacam, the gold standard
abandoned the blade and incorporated
for corneal topography, to assess if a
a laser to complete the primary incision.
patient’s cornea can safely undergo Lasik.
Studies have shown that laser incisions
We have the new Wavelight lasers
are more precise and safer than a blade.
and a new facility to showcase the
The lasers used to reshape the cornea
treatment do not affect outcomes. The
also improved. We had procedures
EX500 also has perfect pulse technology
during that time such as CustomCornea,
to deliver accurate energy each time
3D Lasik, and iLasik. What is interesting
to the cornea. Finally, the Wavelight
is at that time the first iPhone from
Refractive Suite is interconnected with
Apple, which offered 2G capabilities, was
a master computer allowing the whole
introduced. Now, in 2014, we have the
system to communicate, decreasing
designed with new materials to increase
iPhone 5 and Google Glass. What do we
human error and ensuring proper
sterility. I invite you to come see our new
have in 2014 for Lasik?
treatment.
laser and facility, schedule a free Lasik
Toyos Clinic introduced the Wavelight
Precision technology without proper
procedure. We moved into a newer and larger building at 1365 South Germantown Road, across the street from the Campbell Clinic. This renovated structure has a state of the art Lasik Suite that controls temperature, airflow, humidity and is
consultation and enjoy some coffee on us
Refractive Suite to Tennessee in 2014
screening and evaluation can affect
in the Starbucks café in our lounge. It is
(refractivesuite.com) becoming the first
results. At Toyos Clinic, each potential
an exciting time and I am in awe how far
and only practice in the state with this
Lasik patient goes through vigorous
we have come since I started performing
advanced technology. The Wavelight uses
evaluation for corneal health and dry
Lasik in 1996.
work it out |
step-by-step moves for a healthy body
KID YOGA PART 1 PHOTOS BY JASON TERRELL
G
et the family together and strike a pose! No, not for a photo, but for
exercise. Yoga is a great activity to practice
Meditation 1. Sit up tall to make room for your breath. Pretend there is a balloon just above your belly button. When you breathe in, you fill your balloon with air. When you breathe out, you squeeze the air out of your balloon. 2. Now close your eyes and breathe, and if a thought comes into your head just save it for later.
at home at any age. Here are a few moves to start out with, demonstrated by instructor Greta Hauberg and 6-year-old star student Jay Clark. We’ll have more moves for you to add to your repertoire in the next issue. Hauberg is a licensed massage therapist at Fundamental Fitness in East Memphis. She also teaches yoga to children in afterschool programs and summer camps throughout the greater Memphis area.
Snake 1. Lie down on your belly and be flat like a pancake. Zip your legs together. Put your hands under your shoulders and spread your fingers out. Let your elbows give you a hug. 2. Push your strong hands into the earth and shine your heart forward.
Downward Dog (from snake) 1. Make sure your fingers are spread wide. Curl your toes under and lift your belly button up and back. 2. Look at your knees and melt your heart toward them. 3. Keep your strong hands pressing into the earth.
Child’s Pose 1. Bend your knees and let them touch the earth. 2. Sit back on your heels, let your forehead rest on the earth and let your hands rest out in front of you or by your feet. 3. Be quiet and still. Breathe.
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Smile more often
Dancing to a new beat - a healthier heartbeat Story by Rachel Hammons, Communications Intern for the American Heart Association
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ast spring, the American Heart Association released new healthy living guidelines recommending that individuals get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days per week, and dancing can be a fun way to meet that recommendation. Here are a few types of dances that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping to a healthier lifestyle. Zumba is a Latin-inspired cardio-dance workout that offers great cardiovascular benefits. A typical hour-long class is filled with high-energy music and invigorated people. The best part? Depending on the amount of energy you put into your moves, you can burn up to 500 calories in an hour. Salsa is another great exercise that has many health benefits. For example, salsa will help dancers, who are inevetibly sweating, release toxins. Other heart-healthy side effects include the potential to help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. On top of that, you can burn around 300 calories per hour. “Salsa is a very active dance because it exercises every part of your body because you are handling someone else’s weight,” said Edgar Mendez, co-founder and salsa instructor at Madison Dance Studio. “It is great for your arms and upper body, as well as for your cardiovascular health.” Ballroom dancing can also be a fun fitness activity to improve your heart health. Swing dancing offers great cardiovascular benefits, as well. Burning around 260 calories per hour, swing dancing will quickly raise your heart rate. Additionally, the fast-paced dance moves will help build stamina and endurance. Mary Aubrey Stafford, a resident of Collierville, Tenn., recently decided to take swing dancing lessons for her wedding day. “I did not have a dance background, so I decided to take lessons with my dad and fiancé so that I would not look clueless out on the dance floor on my big day,” she said. Stafford said that the results she saw from the swing dancing lessons were eye-opening. “I never imagined dancing would be such great exercise. The classes were challenging, but I definitely saw a difference in my endurance,” she said. “Most of all, I felt amazing after each class. Swing dancing made the world of a difference on my wedding day, and I hope to continue taking classes in the future.”
Memphis Made
Story by Erinn Figg Photos courtesy of Jai Pro/BSE Management
Global dance sensation Charles ‘Lil Buck’ Riley credits city for his success
H
ere’s the thing about dance: it can break down barriers when the right words evade us. Take the interview for this story, for instance. Here I am, a middle-aged white woman whose primary urban dance references come from 1980s movies such as “Breakin’” and “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.” I’m vaguely aware of the concepts of poppin’ and lockin’ and freestyle footwork, but that’s about it. Oh, and I can still moonwalk in my socks across the kitchen floor. My subject: Charles “Lil Buck” Riley, a 26-year-old Memphian – born in Chicago but raised here – whose acclaimed performances around the globe are opening the world’s eyes to jookin, a dance that originated on the Memphis streets in the ‘90s. I begin with an Internet search of “jookin” and watch countless YouTube videos to prep for the interview. It’s sheer joy to watch dancers Move. Like. That. but
I’m still at a loss for a description. My first feeble attempts include terms like “sliding around on toes” and “outrageous body contortions.” That’s just not going to cut it. As I stumble through the first few minutes of our interview, the gaps of generation and culture feel vast and I keep struggling to say “lil” instead of “little.” Meanwhile, Lil Buck – upbeat, friendly and seemingly unfazed by my bumbling questions – is describing the dance form with terms like “bounce,” “buck jump’” and “gangsta walking,” and, to me, it sounds like a foreign language. Then suddenly, something clicks. It could be the synergy of Lil Buck’s enthusiasm for his craft and my appreciation for it. More likely it’s Lil Buck’s explanation that, through jookin, he’s trying to share an experience of his roots, the rhythm in his blood, the music in his head, spontaneous innovation and – a point of pride – his city. It’s storytelling and, finally, it’s common ground.
One Step at a Time When Lil Buck calls in for this interview, he’s two nights into a stint as an artist-in-residence at the 2014 Vail International Dance Festival in Vail, Colo. He’s on stage with artists from all over the world and, although he’s practicing and then performing almost every day through Aug. 10, despite the late hour of the phone call, his energy level is off the hook. “I’m just taking it one step at a time right now, but I’m really in the mode of having an overall cultural exchange with different dancers from around the world,” he said. His accomplishments to date are the stuff of most aspiring artists’ dreams. To name a few, in 2010 he cochoreographed and danced in the video for R&B star Janelle Monáe’s smash hit “Tightrope.” In 2011, former ballet dancer and director Damian Woetzel paired him with French and American cellist Yo-Yo
Charles “Lil Buck” Riley has taken a style of dance that originated on the streets of Memphis on a global journey. He has collaborated with artists such as Yo Yo Ma and Madonna, and his unique style continues to grab attention in the dance world and beyond.
Ma in a duet to Camille Saint-Saens’ “The
now-fans Monáe and Madonna. Through
whenever he could. It was only when
Swan” at China’s National Center for the
it all, Lil Buck never fails to give credit
Memphis hip hop artist, producer and Lil
Performing Arts in Beijing, a performance
where credit is due: to his beginnings in
Buck’s now-manager Young Jai of Jai Pro-
that quickly went viral. In 2012, he
Memphis.
BSE Management asked him to appear in
danced for Madonna during her Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in Indianapolis, later joining her as one of 22 dancers in
Rhythm and Roots “The rhythm of music and dance
a DVD that Lil Buck met the jookin pros who would help him perfect his craft. “That was my first time seeing all the
her MDNA World Tour that year. In 2012,
has always been in me. Growing up, I was
jookers from all over, from Whitehaven to
Dance Magazine named Lil Buck as one
dancing all the time. Literally, you couldn’t
East Memphis to North Memphis to South
of “25 to Watch.” The following year, he
catch me not dancing when I was young,
Memphis to Orange Mound,” Lil Buck said.
became an artist in rotation in Cirque
even up and down the aisles when I went
“That’s where I met my mentors.”
du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: One” show.
to the grocery store with my mom,” he
And earlier this year, he performed at
said. “But when I moved to Memphis at
legends, dancers who were perfecting
the TEDx Teen Conference in New York
age 8, that’s when I really started getting
the style way before he was: Maurico
City and was the star soloist in in debut
into dance more and taking it seriously.”
“Dr. Rico” Flake, Daniel “DKPOM” Price,
choreography by French street artist JR
Lil Buck first learned jookin from his
during the New York City Ballet’s spring
sister Stephanie and then started jookin
Moore, CEO and founder of U Dig Dance
premiere at Lincoln Center, attended by
in a cul-de-sac in Westwood with friends
Company, currently the only jookin
He reels off a list of local jookin
Terrance “G-Nerd” Smith and Tarrik
A New Ensemble
institution in the world. “This guy Tarrik Moore – I used to just
Lil Buck credits a great deal of his
go in and live in his studio and practice,
control and grace to Katie Smythe, CEO
practice, practice – that’s when I actually
and artistic director of the New Ballet
started getting good,” Lil Buck said.
Ensemble and School in Memphis. When
Moore describes Lil Buck as one
they met, Lil Buck was part of a cultural
of the most “successful seeds” of his
exchange program in which hip hop
development program for dancers
dancers would take ballet classes and
called ETE (Education, Training and
ballerinas would learn hip-hop.
Entertainment), which aims to open
“One day we were practicing in one
educational and entrepreneurial doors for
of the rooms and Katie Smythe saw me
Memphis urban dancers.
jookin with a few of my friends,” Lil Buck
“For his caliber of technique, usually
said. “She’d never seen it that crazy,
there’s some braggadocio that comes
the way I was doing it, so she walked
with it, but he’s always had this humble
in and told me she wanted to give me
spirit, and I really want to emphasize
a scholarship and make me a company
that,” said Moore. “I’ve never met a kid like him who danced all day – he would put in these long hours and rip up his tennis
he can control it. As a dancer, you have to practice hard to control your energy like
shoes in a couple of days. He has such a
that, and this kid can execute it every time
burst of energy, and it’s unbelievable how
with technique and finesse and grace.”
The pediatric orthopaedic team at Campbell Clinic knows kids from head to toe. When my son broke his ankle during a high school soccer game, we headed straight to Campbell Clinic. They have a team of doctors fully dedicated to treating simple and complex pediatric orthopaedic problems. Campbell Clinic is great with kids – from infants to teenagers – and knows how to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions. In fact, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital chose Campbell Clinic as their orthopaedic partner. Today, my soccer star is feeling better, and back on the field.
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member.” Consequently, he studied and performed with the company for two years. Like Moore, Smythe says Lil Buck epitomizes the success of a creative youth
development program such as the New
80. Some of these people thought
Ballet Ensemble.
this type of dance was the downfall of
“He’s this great artist setting the
civilization, while for those young people,
world on fire, and that’s exactly what
it is their civilization. But when you put
we’re trying to accomplish,” said Smythe,
the fusion of classical music with what
the mentor who nudged him into “The
these dancers innately know how to do,
Swan” performance, encouraging him
everyone understands each other.”
to shape it and make it his own. “We are
As for Lil Buck’s future, he believes
not a classical ballet company that’s
he hasn’t yet reached the peak of his
hiring New York City dancers to come
career. The two brightest things on his
down here and make us the hottest
horizon right now are working with the
dance company in the region. We’re a
President’s Committee on the Arts and
creative youth development program
Humanities and furthering his personal
that’s promoting our graduates into
mission of working with children.
performing and teaching positions, so it’s
“When I work with these kids, I
a vocational program. And it’s grassroots
really push doing what your passion is,
and authentic to Memphis.”
whether it’s dance or music or anything,”
Smythe says Lil Buck captivates
he said. “If you’re doing something you’re
audiences with the joy that’s evident when
because it’s really become a conversation
passionate about and you have fun doing
he performs. Some of the biggest jookin
across generations,” Smythe said. “When
it, you can make a living from it, no matter
enthusiasts she knows are in their 80s.
he started working with me, Charles
what it is. All it takes is that drive and
was 18, I was 45 and our patrons were
perseverance.”
“The reason jookin has taken off is
C
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D
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No Limits
M
ary-Marsha Riley may hold the title of Mrs. Tennessee International 2011, but she’s much more than just a pretty face and far from the stereotypical pageant contestant. Yes, she has posed on stages in body-bearing aerobic wear and sparkling evening gowns in front of scrutinizing judges, but she also holds a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law, tutors at-risk students through the Memphis-based Streets Ministries organization, champions American Heart Association initiatives and has overcome her own personal challenges. One of those challenges was the decision to make the career change from a successful lawyer to a certified personal trainer and pageant coach. “I had previously practiced law in Arkansas and Memphis for about 10 years, but I had been an athlete all my life — a runner and a softball star in high school and a dancer on the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Cheer and Pom Squad. When I was preparing for the Mrs. International pageant as Mrs. Tennessee in 2011, that love of competition and exercise came back to me and I started looking into becoming a certified personal trainer,” Riley said. “I struggled with that decision profoundly. I thought, ‘Is this going to make me a failure, giving up this big paycheck as a lawyer and going out on a limb and starting a new business from nothing?’ It was scary because I was always going to be a lawyer – and not
Story by Erinn Figg
just a lawyer, but Super Lawyer – and all of a sudden that’s just not who I was anymore. I went through a long period where I struggled with my identity and my confidence.” Now, three years into her new business, 2014 is Riley’s most successful financial year to date. However, in early 2013, she encountered another challenge that once again turned her world upside down. As the result of years of pushing her body to its physical limits, she herniated two discs in her lumbar spine. “At age 38, I suddenly felt like this body that had always been on my side had betrayed me,” she said. “For seven weeks I barely could walk from the bedroom to the living room. The pain was shocking and all-consuming. It terrified me.” A month into the ordeal, she wrote in her journal, “As each new week comes
Photo by Clay Spann and goes, I get more nervous. I long to do the things I want to do, all the things I’ve always done, and I’m afraid I’ll never be the same.” It took months of physical therapy for her to get back to a functioning level. Although she still has back pain and some physical limitations, she’s made peace with that reality and has come to accept “the inevitability of imperfection,” as she describes it. “I still get frustrated, but I’ve built myself back up to a point where I can do everything I need to do and most of the things I want to do,” Riley said. “And this injury is also somewhat of a blessing in that I’m more grateful for life in general, I’m much better at living in the moment, and more important, I think I’m far more empathetic to my clients who are struggling with not only physical but mental limitations.” Her client Rachael Neudecker, the current Mrs. Tennessee United States, describes Riley as a true role model and a
HEARING ANSWERS
Michael Steer
What is this ringing in my ears? Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, as hearing healthcare professions call it, is actually quite common. If asked, most people will say they have experienced some type of ringing in their ears at some time or another. There are many causes of tinnitus. Perhaps one of the most common causes is experienced from being around loud noises. Other common causes are caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications. There are more rare, but serious things that can cause tinnitus such as a tumor pressing on the auditory nerve or other diseases of the ear. It’s always important to let your healthcare provider know if you experience tinnitus, especially if it negatively affects your everyday life. Because ringing in the ears is often associated with hearing loss, it is important to have your hearing checked. In some cases, there
Doctor of Audiology
may be treatment options such as counseling or tinnitus maskers. As always, if you have questions about your ears or hearing, please feel free to give us a call. We are more than happy to take a look inside your ears or check your hearing. “I take your hearing personally,” explained Dr. Michael Steer, “life is too short to miss a single sound.” Dr. Steer is a doctor of Audiology at Taylor Hearing Centers of Memphis and sees patients at both offices. Please call for an appointment today at 901-762-0125. During September, let us get to know you... No matter the brand, bring your hearing instrument in for a free cleaning, or come in for a free hearing evaluation. Hearing aid batteries are also on sale. Mention this ad to get 40 Batteries for $20 (Limit 2 sets)
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TAYLOR
Hearing Centers 4646 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38117
901-762-0125
Mary Marsha-Riley was crowned Mrs. Tennessee International in 2011. Now, she’s a pageant coach and personal trainer.
Best Choice Hearing Center 4466 Elvis Presley, Suite 142 Memphis, TN 38116
901-346-5700
Toll Free: 800-690-3896
Photo by Paula Preston powerhouse of a trainer. During her first seven months under Riley’s guidance, Neudecker lost 30 pounds and went on to compete in the recent Mrs. International 2014 pageant in Las Vegas. “Mary-Marsha taught me how to love myself again, and that you don’t have to be a certain weight or a certain size – you just need to be healthy and happy with yourself,” said Neudecker, an emergency room nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital. “The progress I made gave me so much confidence, and it was rewarding, knowing that I worked so hard to make that transformation. Mary-Marsha is one of my biggest supporters, and she’s more than just my trainer and coach. She’s become my lifelong friend. That’s how much she cares.”
For more information on Mary-Marsha Riley’s personal training and coaching services, visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Personal-Trainingand-Pageant-Coaching-with-Mary-MarshaRiley/129284170459599
September racing calendar
9/13 Liz LaVelle Memorial Series Charity Bike Ride Forestview Church, 5425 N. Watkins Street lizlavellecharitybike.racesonline.com
9/13 Fayette Cares Cotton Pickin’ 5k-1k Run/Walk/Stroll 205 S. East Street, Somerville racesonline.com
9/13 Get Your Rear in Gear Memphis Chickasaw Trail at Shelby Farms getyourrearingear.com
9/1 Chick-Fil-A 5k Autozone Park chickfila5k.com
9/13 Run for Sparta
White Station High School racesonline.com
9/6 Brighton Founders Day 5k Brighton, Tenn. racesonline.com
9/6 Bike MS: FedEx Rock-N-Roll Ride Landers Center, Southaven, Miss. racesonline.com
9/14 FedEx 5k
Shelby Farms Visitor Center fedex5k.racesonline.com
9/19 St. Jude Ride
Riverside Drive and Tom Lee Park fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=8916&pg=entry
9/6 Memphis Color Vibe
Rober R. Church Park thecolorvibe.com/memphis.php
9/20 Covington Duathlon Covington Municipal Airport racesonline.com
9/7 The Color Run
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium thecolorrun.com
9/12 Cooper-Young Festival 4-Miler Cooper-Young neighborhood cooperyoung4miler.racesonline.com
9/20 G.E. Patterson 5k Run/Walk Downtown Memphis racesonline.com
9/20 Book it 5k
Church of the Holy Communion bookit5k.racesonline.com
9/13 Arlington 5k
Arlington Elementary School arlingtonchamber.com
9/20 Teal for a Cure 5k
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ADULT BRIEFS LINERS & BED PADS SPECIALITY SKIN CARE CUSTOM SIZES
Cancer Survivors Park at Perkins tealforacure.racesonline.com
9/21 Memphis Thunder Racing Kids Triathlon St. George’s Independent School, Collierville memphisthunderracing.com
9/26 St. Louis Cardinal 5k St. Louis Catholic Church cardinal5k.racesonline.com
9/27 “Sisters in Motion” 5k Run/Walk Overton Park sistersinmotion.racesonline.com
9/27 Sole to Soul 5k
Idlewild Presbyterian Church soletosoul5k.racesonline.com
9/27 Lupus Awareness Walk
Central Church, Collierville Free event, call 901-388-2228 for more information
9/27 Mayor AC Wharton’s Commitment to Fitness Million Calorie Burn 5k Ridgeway Loop millioncalorieburn.racesonline.com
9/27 LUVMUD 5k and “Tag Team” 10k Shelby Farms Park luvmud.racesonline.com Locally Owned & Operated • American Made • Free Delivery
901-373-9653
9/28 Edwin’s Way 5k
Nashoba Park, Germantown germantownumc.org
#memfit
healthy peer pressure
VivianScheduler/Planner C. Prewitt II for an
48
orthopedic manufacturer
SPORT Running/Cycling SUPPORT Black Girls Run, Bike the Planeteers, MRTC,
family (husband)
WHY I RUN/CYCLE I run and cycle because it allows me to focus on being healthier and more fit. Both running and cycling challenge me to keep improving.
ROLE MODEL My husband Dennis Prewitt, Sr. has always been my number one supporter of getting out to try new things. He encourages me to work toward living an active and healthy lifestyle. Without him, I may have never learned about Black Girls Run! Memphis.
BRAGGING RIGHTS I’m a late bloomer (2012) to running and road cycling so becoming one of the local ambassadors for Black Girls Run! Memphis is so rewarding because I get to meet so many like-minded ladies who are ready to get moving. I just completed my longest ride of 46 miles in the Bikes, Blues and Bayous bike ride. I never thought I would love to run or ride as much as I do. Since 2013, I have completed two full marathons, and eight half marathons. I am an avid believer that you can go from the couch to running marathons and biking 50 plus miles with proper training.
POWER SONG “Til I Collapse” by Eminem FITNESS GOAL To lose approximately 20 more pounds; to achieve a comfortable 9:55 running pace; and to consistently cycle at 18-20 mph. I also want to do at least one triathlon.
FAVORITE GEAR Black Girls Run “Preserve The Sexy” tech shirt, Saucony Ride 6, Cannondale Synapse bike
FIT TIP Just keep moving; the more you move, the more you lose Photo by Nathan Berry
Next Up
CELEBRITY CRUSH I just love, love, love Blair Underwood! GUILTY PLEASURE Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Sweat With Your Sole 15k (BGR conference/festival); duathlon (run, bike, run); Detroit Free Press Half Marathon Int’l race (Detroit/Canada).
Life’s a dance you plan as you go
food clues
honest nutrition advice
Story by Leslie Schilling, MA, RDN, CSSD, LDN
D
o you remember that song “Life’s a Dance?â€? I remember really liking that song. I still sing the lyrics sometimes. “Life’s a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow‌ “ It makes me think of shows like “Dancing with the Starsâ€? and other people that work so hard to be amazing dancers. Dancing takes skill, coaching and loads of practice. It’s no wonder that so many people are afraid to dance, particularly in front of others. But I’m guessing if you had some choreography (planning) and coaching, you’d feel more confident. Could dancing and meal planning be similar? I think so. Both require that we know our next steps. Let’s think of planning meals as dance and practice our meal planning choreography steps. First, set a day and time for your plan to plan. Yep, that’s what I said. Plan your plan. Skipping this is the number one reason planning doesn’t seem to work. Would you get on the dance floor for a competition with no choreography? Here’s how it’s done. First,
schedule a time to sit down and look at your week. Schedule it. Do it right now! Will you schedule your Plan to Plan on Mondays or Saturdays or‌.? Write P2P on your calendar. Next, check your inventory. What foods do you already have (like veggies, chicken or steak) in the freezer? Write down what you have and can use for the week. If you’re cooking for one or five, figure out whose input you need (or want). Ask for meal ideas from those in your household and those who may help you with preparation. Invite willing (and helpful) participants to your planning session. OK, It’s time to pencil things in but first think about the week (meetings, practices, etc‌). You can plan quick and easy meals for busy nights and meals that require more preparation for nights with more available time. Are you ready to plan those meals? It’s a weekly dance that gets easier, and more fun over time!
About the author Leslie Schilling is a Memphis-based, nationally recognized nutrition expert, media spokesperson and speaker. She owns Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC, a nutrition counseling practice in East Memphis. You can keep up with nutrition news by following @NutritionLeslie on Twitter or Facebook.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
American 4 servings About $3.08 per serving
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins, skin and visible fat removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small Idaho potato (about ¾ cup), peeled and diced into bite size pieces
2 garlic cloved, minced or 2 teaspoon from jar ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed ½ small onion, chopped ¾ cup chopped carrots (about 2 small carrots) 1 cup fresh corn, cut off cob (about one ear),
Get the Kids Involved Scattering the biscuit dough and watching as it puffs up and turns golden brown in the oven while it cooks if a safe and fun step to involve kids in the cooking process.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Place chicken in medium saucepot and fill about halfway with water (enough to completely cover chicken). Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes. Remove from water, cool slightly and dice into bite size pieces cover and place in refrigerator. (Can be prepared a day ahead.) 3. In a medium saucepot, place potato pieces in cold water, turn heat on high and bring to a boil. Boil potatoes until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from water and set aside. 4. Heat olive oil in a large saucepot, over medium low heat. Add garlic, peas, onion, carrots, corn, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and herbs and continue cooking
½ cup celery (about 2 stalks), chopped ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth ½ teaspoon dried herbs, salt free added Italian blend
¼ cup skim milk 1½ cups fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
Cooking Instructions: 1.
or 1 (8 oz.) can no salt added corn
for 5-7 more minutes, until most of cooking liquid has been absorbed. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together milk, yogurt, chicken and potatoes. Add yogurt mixture to hot vegetable mixture and remove from heat. 6. Keep biscuits cold until ready to use. Cut 5 biscuits into small ½ inch cubes. 7. Place mixture in a 9 x 9 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Scatter biscuit pieces, evenly spaced, over top of pot pie mixture. 8. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until biscuit dough is golden brown.
Cook’s Tip Frozen vegetables can be substituted for all vegetables in this dish. To thaw, measure out correct amounts of each vegetable and place in a bowl of lukewarm water. In about 10 minutes they will be ready to use.
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 (7.5 oz) can 10 count refrigerated low-fat buttermilk biscuits (try to look for whole wheat)
Cooking spray
Per serving Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Trans Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Total Sugars Protein
366 8.0 g 2.5 g 0.0 g 1.0 g 2.5 g 79 mg 519 mg 37 g 4g 12 g 38 g
Recipe copyright © 2014 American Heart Association. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Simple Cooking with Heart Program. For more simple, quick and affordable recipes, visit heart.org/simplecooking.
Guiding Your Path to Oral Health Dental Implant • Bone Grafting Crown Lengthening & More!
Dr. Michael M. Perry Dr. Brenda L. Fowler 5 Locations to Serve You Bartlett | Collierville | Memphis | Oxford | Southaven