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from the EDITOR...

s we sent this issue off to be printed, the local news was reporting about a young man in distress with a gun pointed to his head. Not knowing the reasons, or outcome, the term mental health was brought into the televised conversation. Impacting nearly everyone, this is scary stuff. And, that’s why we dedicated much of this issue to covering the mental health topic, local stories, and options for help. We are so not alone. I’m extremely proud of our cover mother-daughter duo, as they share an extremely personal glimpse into their mental health struggles that involved suicide attempts and many extremely dark days. Proving one person can absolutely make a difference, it’s my hope readers approach their story with empathy. So often our minds are trained to revert back to the thinking of yesteryear that encouraged us to put on a happy face and stay quiet. But, if we do that, we miss reaping the indisputable healing benefits of sharing our truths, and finding our voices. After all, without compassion for others, how can we fully appreciate all the good that comes our way? Speaking of good, once again we scoured the Bay area for the best gifts to give and get this holiday season. The results? We want it all, and think you will, too. With an incredibly strong retail community, skip the web and hit the pavement. From Spring Hill to Point Clear, the options are endless. Plus, there’s lots of great stops for bites and libations along the way. As we head into this busy season, the Access team and I wish you all health and happiness. Enjoy!

the STAFF... FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / PUBLISHER Hayley Hill CREATIVE DIRECTOR / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Stevye Murray ART DIRECTOR Rebecca Foose MANAGING EDITOR Amber Wielkens MARKET EDITOR Kristi Welford Hicks EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Schon Reed FINANCIAL COORDINATOR Mary Frances DeLong 4

NOVEMBER 2022 VOLUME 88 NUMBER 79

CONTENTS 6 12 24 30

PARTY PICS A welcoming celebration, and a win for the Bay, The Original Oyster House serves up local hospitality and more. ONE MORE MOMENT Mother-daughter duo, Nicole and Annalie Persinger, share a glimpse into teen life today, their struggles with mental illness, and finding purpose in One More Moment. Proving one person can make a difference, this inspiring story is a must-read. GAINING CLARITY The revered Jack C. Carney, PhD., of Mobile’s Clarity Health, sheds light on the importance of empathy and compassion as we all try to navigate these challenging times. MIND + BODY: THE PATH TO HEALING TRAUMA Sydney Wasdin, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RYT, and owner of True Yoga +Therapy, shares her insights as they relate to trauma, and how individual treatment plans that unite the mind and body can help.

A PSYCHIATRIC PIONEER Meet mental health insider, Bradley James Sadler, M.D., Open for business and offering cutting-edge treatments, help is right around the corner for those seeking solutions.

GIFT GUIDE We give you countless reasons why you shouldn’t leave any local stores unturned this holiday shopping season. Find the best gifts to give and get, right here in the Bay area.

WHERE LIFE HAPPENS A caring team of doctors that take their cues from Baldwin Counties first OB-GYN practitioner prove Bayside Women’s Health has the backs of local women of all ages.

HOLIDAY SKIN PREP Kimberly Donnellan, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Facial Plastic Surgeon at USA Health and their Skin and Laser Center, offers innovative treatments to help you feel and look your best this holiday season.

MID-LIFE COMEBACK Amy S. Armstrong, M.D., and Co-owner and Medical Director of LaBellaRX Weight Loss and Aesthetics, gives us the scoop on menopause and her preferred path to the fountain of youth.

COLUMNS Enjoy checking in with local influencers about yummy sweaters, the benefit of giving, Movember, and why we should all be planting now!

COVER CREDITS Cover Image by Stevye Murray, StevyePhotography.com Hair Felisha Allen, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Nicole Sweater, $82; Jeans, $148; The Velvet Lab; 251.300.2425. Turtleneck, $59; Dillard’s; 251.471.1551. Booties, $140; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257. Annalie Top, Blazer, Call For Price; Dillard’s; 251.471.1551. Shorts, Sneakers, Call for Price, Hemline; 251.287.6875.

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! A C C E S S T H E B AY. C O M Manuscripts, photos and art material will be considered, but will be recieved only with the understanding that the magazine or its employees shall not be responsible for loss or damage, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. All contents @Hayley Hill Style Access, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. ACCESS mobile.baldwin is published 10 times per year. Subscription rate is $21.95 per year. All subscription inquiries should be mailed to P.O. Box 8586, Mobile, AL 36689-8586 or visit AccessTheMagazine.com. If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years.

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A WELCOME CELEBRATION With the goal of bringing tourism to the Bay area, the City of Daphne received the honor of hosting the 2022 Alabama Welcome Center Retreat. Planned with the Alabama Tourism Department and Tourism Council, this 3-day educational event included industry sponsors, speakers and welcome center teams from around the state. The Original Oyster House, along with the Huntsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, sponsored a top-notch kick-off dinner of fresh local seafood served in their stunning banquet room that boasts amazing Mobile Delta views. Anna Goeke, the 2022 Original Oyster House scholarship winner and intern, decoupaged 90+ oyster shells, one for each attendee, that paid tribute to oyster shell recycling and gardening programs. A success, it’s easy to say that guests had a “shell” of a good time! By Hayley Hill Photos Layla Lambert, l-egantportraits.com

PHOTOS 1. Pictured from left are Patti Culp, President & CEO Alabama Travel Council, Inc.; Cecilia Mace, Original Oyster House; and Terry Winland, Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Not pictured: Rebecca Walter, Banquet Manager. 2. Pictured from left are Heather Allen, City of Spanish Fort; and Kara Wilborne, Ange Bagget and Shannon Brannon with the City of Daphne (host city). 3. Pictured from left are Catherine Hasty, OWA Parks & Resorts; Hayley Hill, Publisher Access; Walter Calhoun, City of Mobile, Cecilia Mace, Original Oyster House; Jim Parker, Power Productions; and Eric Finley, Dora Franklin Finley African- American Heritage Trail. 4. Shalynthia Brascom with the Grand Bay Welcome Center. 5. Pictured from left are Ursel Forbes, Baldwin Welcome Center; Rhonda Davis, USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park; and Judi Gulledge, Mobile Carnival Museum. 6. Pictured from left are Jessica Thomas, Paul Shestak, and Bobbi Trevathan with the Baldwin Welcome Center. 7. Gabby Striblin and Linda Adams with the Lanett Welcome Center. 8. Pictured from left are Craig Johnston, Alabama Mountain Lakes; Sonni Hood, Unclaimed Baggage; and Jeff Weisenfield, Alabama State Parks. 9. Pictured from left are Connie Pearce, who retired in September after 25 years of service at Grand Bay Welcome Center and Eric Finley, Dora Franklin Finley African- American Heritage Trail. 6

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B R E AT H E E A S I LY

WITH AMG November serves as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and here to shed light on the importance of preventative screenings is Paul Norman R.T. (R)(CT)(MR), a Radiologic Technologist at Alabama Medical Group. By Caroline Edmondson

ith 1 in 16 people diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 130,000 Americans lost annually to the disease, routine screenings can not only help catch this disease at an early stage, but has the potential to save your life. That is why Paul’s role at AMG is so vital. A graduate of the University of South Alabama’s Radiology Program with a BA in Radiologic Sciences, Paul’s main role is to perform routine and specialized CT exams for all AMG patients, maintain accreditation through the American College of Radiology, and ensure protocols, policies, and procedures are up to date. With over 20 years of experience working in radiology as a registered X-ray, CT, and MRI tech, Paul has seen first-hand the life-saving powers of routine screenings. The goal of lung cancer screenings is to detect the disease at a very early stage—when it is more likely to be cured. “By the time lung cancer signs and symptoms develop, the cancer is often at a more advanced stage requiring more aggressive treatment and often a worse prognosis,” warns Paul. “Studies show lung cancer screening reduces the risk of dying of lung cancer.” The United States Preventive Services

Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack/year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, prescribed by your family or lung doctor. But what exactly is a low-dose chest CT scan and how is it so effective? Well, this type of scan means the amount of radiation used during the scan is 4-5 times lower than that absorbed during a full-dose CT scan. “This is hugely important, since many patients who are at high risk for conditions like lung cancer must be screened frequently. Being able to minimize the amount of exposure during the screening process through low-dose CT is crucial,” shares Paul. That is why these lowdose scans are generally used on those with a high-risk of developing lung cancer or on patients who already have lung cancer. These low-dose screenings have already proven to be a success in detecting and effectively lowering the risk of mortality in patients. In 10

fact, the National Lung Screening Trial reported a statistically significant 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality for low-dose CT scans versus chest radiographs. Low-dose lung screenings are finding cancer faster and more often than chest radiographs as well,” Paul tells us. “The benefit to the patient cannot be overstated! Finding Cancer faster and earlier leads to a much better chance of survival for the patient.” It is safe to say, the statistics speak for themselves. A routine CT scan can help save your life. So what are you waiting for? Alabama Medical Group is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR®) as a Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. This means that they meet the quality and safety benchmarks the ACR has determined to be the hallmarks of an effective lung cancer-screening program, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality care. Paul Norman R.T. (R)(CT)(MR) Radiologic Technologist

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ONE MORE

MOMENT If you’re a parent of a teenager, or even know one, you understand the worries that come with the territory. With hopes of, “please don’t let it be me,” so many of us carry the fears we hear so much about now that the mental health crisis has become front page news. From anxiety to suicide, this is hard stuff that’s devastating families everywhere. Fortunately, Spanish Fort’s Nicole Persinger is that person who experiences something upsetting and does something about it. In complete awe of her bravery and tenacity, she’s tough as nails and pillow-soft at the same time. Of course she is—she’s a mother. And, when tragedy struck her teenage daughter, Annalie, Nicole turned her powerlessness and angst from an all too familiar and harrowing reality into finding solutions and helping others—proving one person can indeed make a difference. Here, Annalie and Nicole share their story. By HAYLEY HILL Photos STEVYE PHOTOGRAPHY, STEVYEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Makeup COURTNEY MATTHEWS MAKEUP ARTISTRY, COCOKAT1978@GMAIL.COM Hair FELISHA ALLEN, HEADDRESS SALON, 251.689.7427

itting across a table from Annalie Persinger, I found myself looking for clues as we sipped pumpkin spice lattes. Her blue braces, skirt and sneaker combo, and messy pony tail didn’t reveal traces of the traumatic last few years that included sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse, cutting, and eventually two suicide attempts. In front of me was what appeared to be a “normal” teenage girl. She could have been my daughter, your daughter, and so on. Next to Annalie, her mother Nicole listened as Annalie and I talked. When asked about putting their story into print, Annalie pulled up her Instagram to demonstrate she’s been putting it out there already. She exclaimed without a doubt that she wanted to share her story. A believer that our voices are powerful tools and that for many, the healing begins with being heard, we dove deep into her story. It’s important to know that prior to this time, life clicked along for the Persinger family. Nicole, an energetic and engaged mother and an

occupational therapist, her husband Dan, and their children Denver, 18, Annalie,16, Natalie,14, and Mia,13, enjoyed their time together doing outdoor activities, visiting family in Canada, and more. On any given day, you might have seen them piling into the car outside of Chick-filA or the neighborhood pool just like the rest of us. Dan and Nicole put their family first and couldn’t have foreseen what was to come. However, between August 2020 and April 2021, Nicole and her family found themselves on an extremely difficult road trying to support their daughter and sister, Annalie. This once vibrant young woman with a promising future began to spiral. Wanting to understand what it was that initially took Annalie down this path of self-destruction so that we can gain a better understanding of the youth mindset, I cut her off as she stated, “It’s hard to be a teenager today.”

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“I WAS STANDING IN THE BACK YARD. IT WAS A BIG MOMENT FOR ME. I LITERALLY LOOKED UP TO THE SKY AND SCREAMED TO GOD THAT I NEEDED A SIGN THAT I SHOULD LIVE. AND, TRUST ME, I WAS MAD THAT AT THAT SPECIFIC MOMENT I SAW SHOOTING STARS.”

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Imploring her to please share specific examples of how it’s hard and different for teens today, we drilled down on this topic. “It all started in the 7th grade, that’s when my self-hatred started. I transferred schools and my grandmother passed away and death just seemed so easy, like life was meaningless. Heading into 8th grade, I wanted to be liked by everyone, including boys. And, for today’s teens that means appearing like you don’t care about anything. This is a popular mindset and even has a name—the Floating Rock. It means that we’re all just floating around and nothing matters,” Annalie explains. Wanting further clarification, I found Floating Rock is a real thing and very popular on TikTok. One TikToker might use it to put a positive spin on their problems. For example, show a pic of their cellulite

while lying on a beach and zoom out to show the entire planet and how the world view makes cellulite seem insignificant. Others use it to self-destruct. “Every teeny-tiny detail about the way I present myself is scrutinized on social media. There’s always someone with an opinion on every choice or change I make. It was easier not to care at all, so I silenced myself,” Annalie reflects. In hindsight, appearing unbothered not only led Annalie down this tragic path, it’s what bothers her the most today. Considering most girls are raised with fairy tales and expect boys to fill the shoes of Prince Charming, it doesn’t stop there. “Today, sex is expected immediately. And, it’s not always gentle. I don’t know if it’s due to the accessibility of pornography, but for me, I wasn’t even asked if I wanted to have sex

or if I liked what was being done to me once I had a boyfriend. Keeping him secret from my mom, I was 13 years old and he was 14 years old when we started dating. I saw violent tendencies, but I was broken and found my purpose in his brokenness. Some may not consider what he did to me rape, but I do. Looking back, he wanted one thing—sex—and assumed he could do whatever he wanted to me. He liked being in control. If I told him to stop or that he was hurting me, he’d breakup with me. Following the unsaid rule of not caring, I began to self-destruct.” And for Annalie, drugs and alcohol fueled her need to alternate her reality and to self-medicate. “Drugs and alcohol are everywhere. On every bus, in every school, and everywhere a parent can’t imagine. I even smoked pot at 13 years old with a friend and their parent.” Naturally, her parents jumped in. Finding out that Annalie had been sexually assaulted, they turned to law enforcement for help. And, since a bit of time had passed, they were told there was no point in seeking legal action as it would be a “she said/he said” case. Interestingly, Annalie was asked about what she was wearing, if she had sex before, if she was sure it happened, and other upsetting questions most of us would assume are no longer asked of potential victims. Without hesitation, Nicole and Dan contacted the boy’s parents who denied everything, screamed at her, threatened legal action, and were closed off to discussions and insisted on their silence as this would ruin his future. From there, Nicole and Dan started to drug and alcohol test Annalie. Getting around that, Annalie began cutting herself. “I started cutting myself because I was getting drug tested. I figured I might as well cut myself and if I die, I die. I was screaming inside and cut myself in order to feel something, to feel alive,” Annalie shares. Sadly, two suicide attempts followed. “Naturally, the rumor mill began as I wasn’t trying to hide what happened to me. It wasn’t my shame to own. Many of the kids in my school, especially the girls, took to social media stating they wanted me dead and accused me of trying to ruin his life. In the moments I tried to kill myself, I was so isolated and destructive, I dehumanized myself. On one occasion I remember that I had planned it for a while. I picked the day. I can remember thinking that when my mom came to my room to say goodnight, I knew where she’d find me and I’d have a major moment of giving it to her. I took pills and slit my wrist. I screamed. I saw my brother crying reading my note. I was taken to the hospital, upset that I had failed,” Annalie states. Annalie got drunk at school and was expelled three weeks after that suicide attempt. She was in therapy and on medicine for her depression. “The only way my parents could keep me alive was to be with me 24 hours a day. And, they were. But, when his back was turned for a quick minute, I stole razor blades from my dad,” Annalie says. Nicole chimes in, “This is when I thought I truly may not be able to keep her alive. I breathalyzed and drug tested her constantly. We took her phone away and put all her stuff in the attic. I brought her to therapy and other mental health services. The coping skills suggested like taking a cold shower or counting to ten were ridiculous. She had a blank stare and I

worried around the clock thinking I’d never get through to her.” While these details only scratch the surface of Annalie’s journey, she did eventually decide she wanted to live. “I was standing in the back yard. It was a big moment for me. I literally looked up to the sky and screamed to God that I needed a sign that I should live. And, trust me, I was mad that at that specific moment I saw shooting stars. I started thinking about a speaker from my alternative school and decided I wanted a survivor story, too. I’ve worked so hard to turn my life around. I have to choose to live,” Annalie shares. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t lie. Today’s teens are in crisis. Over 2.5 million youth copes with severe major depression, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have tried to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Add those statistics, a shortage of mental healthcare providers, and support options, many parents are at a loss. And while the details of Annalie’s journey are deeply personal and tragic, they’re also incredibly inspirational. Out of their pain, hard-earned knowledge, and compassion for others experiencing similar circumstances, Nicole and her son, Denver, started One More Moment. This open to all, completely free, parent-led organization was established in an effort to support, connect, and empower parents and families of teens in crisis because searching for answers was a job itself for Nicole. “As I accompanied Annalie on this journey, I felt extremely helpless and alone. I was desperate to speak to other parents who had lived through similar situations. I felt like I was trying to assemble a puzzle and someone was hiding the pieces. It was a desperate effort to find mental health resources, as well as legal juvenile corrective action that was available to encourage Annalie to make better decisions,” she shares. The wisdom Nicole gathered as she desperately tried to navigate the seemingly impossible is invaluable. “I’ve learned there’s no “right” way to tackle adolescent mental health and addiction, and that it’s essential to be flexible. There’s no, “we’ve arrived” moment, the journey is continuous. I’ve also learned to accept that it’s not my path, but theirs. I am powerless over them. I’m limited to loving them unconditionally, setting boundaries, allowing natural consequences to unfold, and offering tools they can use to cope with life struggles and manage their emotional responses to navigate today’s world, if they choose to do so. When Annalie was self-destructing, I often felt like I was throwing things at the wall to see what would stick. If it didn’t, I would pick myself up off the floor and try again. When Annalie started therapy in 7th grade, so did I. I got help to address my fears, to respond to my children rather than react, and to let go of everything that’s out of my control,” Nicole recalls. Rather than being dismissive or hope for the best, Nicole advocates for understanding. “Being a teenager today is very hard. Parents don’t understand the pressures teens are living with. I want to acknowledge that because we can’t relate and that’s what needs to change. Social media and pornography aren’t going away. This is why listening to our

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teens is so important, it’s how we can gain understanding of their world. I now understand the best way to support my teens is through love and connection made through genuine curiosity about them as humans. We have to meet them where they are.” Out of desperation for at least one more moment with her child, a mother’s purpose was born. “While my family was actively in crisis, and I struggled to find resources to support my child and myself, I realized that other parents were living the same experience and no one should have to travel this path alone. I didn’t want to hide the pieces of the puzzle I’d found from others. It was at this moment I decided when the dust settled with my daughter, I had to do something. But what? I’m only one person. So, I decided I would make myself available to help other parents navigate educational, legal and community resources and offer support when they found themselves alone and unsure of how to proceed, too. This led to what’s become my purpose and when One More Moment came to fruition,” Nicole explains. And, the response has been astounding. “After posting about the initial meeting on Facebook, the response was overwhelming. I knew I was on to something significant and that parents were out there struggling alone like I was. After the first meeting, I decided to make myself available to any parent in need and One More Moment has grown organically into what it’s become today: a parent led organization that empowers parents through action while supporting others in similar situations. We offer workshops and training to fill our tool boxes with skills and strategies to feel confident in the way we communicate, connect and set boundaries with our teens,” Nicole states. Inspired by an article in Psychology Today titled “Mental Illness: The Non-Casserole Disease” Nicole adds, “It’s our goal to make mental illness a casserole illness because unlike a physical diagnosis, those caring for teens with suicidality, depression or addiction rarely find their friends and neighbors lining the streets with dinner and a helping hand. It is my goal to change this reality, one family at a time.” In addition to offering free counseling sessions for parents with a licensed counselor, weekly support group meetings in person and through Zoom, one-on-one support for parents, training and workshop parent opportunities, One More Moment advocates for self-care as well. “I discovered the first area that falls out the window when our lives are in chaos s is taking care of ourselves. One More Moment believes it’s imperative to shift the attention to supporting parents as an integral part of healing families.” As the saying goes, “Your secrets make you sick” and shedding the secrets is a path to coping and healing from the shame often associated with mental illness. And, perhaps the feedback Nicole has received says it all. “Participants have shared countless heartwarming sentiments like, ‘My heart feels so much lighter knowing someone else ‘gets it’ and can finally help me,’ to ‘Fighting for your children is tiring. You’ve helped me realize there’s a better way and it starts with looking at the message we’re sending to those that we most influence—our children, our family, our loved ones,’ as well as, ‘One More Moment is breaking down walls and opening up conversations,’” a proud Nicole beams. Accessible to all parents of teens in the area, One More Moment has been approved to be a school resource for most Baldwin County Schools, and they’re working on Mobile. They also work with the Drug Education Council and CAPPS, a program for the parents of teens with underage substance use. A non-profit, they depend on donations to provide these services. Now a college student in Colorado, Annalie’s brother, Denver, was instrumental in starting One More Moment, too. “Through our struggles, we learned firsthand there’s a severe amount of unacknowledged pressure and strain on the parents of teens going through similar situations. Not only is the depression and anxiety stigmatized, there’s barely any resources to help them. This fault in our mental health system fueled my mother and I to make the change we wanted to see, so we created One More Moment. We had no idea where to start so I decided to publish a website with resources and go from there. After a month of trying to build a “decision tree”, we decided it might be better to do a

weekly parent led support group. It was a massive success. And, from there we’ve collaborated with other programs and school systems along the way. Simply put, we started One More Moment knowing that each moment a parent spends with their child may be their last, and in turn, we want to help them have at least one more,” Denver shares. Returning from a trip to Atlanta where Nicole and her daughters saw Lizzo, the queen of self-love, it’s time for the Access photoshoot. Annalie, with her braces just removed, and Nicole roll in full of excitement. Makeup and hair are done and outfits are selected. In between Taylor Swift sing-alongs, the conversation shifts to topics like how sad it is that as parents, the request to meet and talk was met with blame shifting and legal threats to questions like, “what are we teaching our children?” And, how Annalie’s peers made harsh snap judgments stating sentiments without any empathy like, “it happened so long ago,” “get over it,” and “you’ll ruin his life.” From what reference are they conjuring up this level of cold response? Is it Floating Rock? And to what constitutes rape as the grey areas of deception and manipulation are what create the most hateful crimes and the most confusing for victims to recover from. Tough conversations aside, one thing is evident, this family is in a whole new place. Now in 11th grade, Annalie shares, “I still struggle with what happened and feel a lot of guilt about what I did. I think about it every day, but it doesn’t drive my train any more. I choose not to live in my struggles. My mom and I have an incredible relationship now, and talk about everything!” When asked about her future plans, she laughs and shrugs her shoulders, “I want to travel and maybe explore journalism or sociology, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I don’t call this a success story. What does that even mean anyway? That’s too much pressure. You have to want your life to be meaningful and that’s what I’m working on.” As for Nicole, “I’m never going to tell my child not to tell her story. One more voice can change the world. I’m so proud of her for speaking out and I hope by sharing her story, others can use it to drive conversations about empathy, sex, mental health stigmas and more. If you’re scared for your child, take them to the emergency room right now. Don’t hesitate as it might just give you one more moment. And, moment by moment, One More Moment is here to help.”

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GAINING

CLARITY

Perhaps we can all agree that we’re living in challenging times. From political strife to the mental health crisis, and endless worries ranging from climate change to inflation, to say that many of us are on edge, feeling divided and just trying to keep up, is probably accurate. For many, friendships and family ties have been lost and broken due to the heat of these moments. As we navigate through the negativity, it seems logical to peel back this onion and ask, what happened to empathy? Jack C. Carney, PhD., of Clarity Health LLC, sheds some light on this multifaceted subject to provide a path to stop the insanity, or at least give us some points to ponder to help us endure the emotional upheaval we’re facing. By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com 24

ith the seemingly impossible demands of the dayto-day, many of us are short on time and patience. As we rush about stressed to the limit, it’s easy to make snap judgements and stress dump on whoever is nearby. From there, we fall into an exhausted heap only to rise and repeat the next day. Somehow this has become the new normal for far too many people. What seems obvious is that we just don’t seem to care about others and their experiences, but what we’re missing is that this is robbing us of our joy and humanity. Knowing we can’t turn back to simpler times and that world peace is probably far off, what can we control? More than likely, it’s just our own thoughts and behaviors. And, in the name of relief, exploring this topic might help us feel better and manage our responses, influence our relationships, and even impact our community. For Jack, a licensed psychologist, empathy and compassion are key, and something we can control, in handling the daily emotional yo-yo of living in today’s world. “In its simplest terms, empathy is when you’re able to walk a mile in another person’s shoes and share their emotional experience for a moment.” Sounds easy, right? Starting with ourselves, we can ask questions like: When was the last time I considered what a person might be going through as they drove me nuts, offended me, or disappointed me? Did I tap my foot and tune them out until I could cut them off and launch into this is why you’re wrong, bad or delusional? Or, did I ignore them completely? With no time to listen, consider what you might have missed? Too busy to care? Fed up with understanding? This is where the problem lies apparently. From a psychological standpoint, Jack shares a few theories about attributions. “Attributions are how we explain another person’s behavior. These are consistently linked to the quality of our relationships. Attributions can be about who or what caused an event, and accountability

for the event. Individuals who attribute negative explanations to a person or event tend to minimize the positive aspects and struggle more so in relationships and day-to-day functioning in general. For example, if attributing responsibility for a negative partner behavior like forgetting the milk is seen as intentional and selfish, this can create distance between the individuals. Forgetting the milk could have been because their baby was inconsolable and they had to rush out of the store, and had nothing to do with being selfish.” A misunderstanding here and there obviously isn’t the problem. But, when they become assumptions and our go-to responses, that spells trouble. “The use of negative attributions occur much more often in troubled families and they tend to spill over into work, school, and other relationships. There’s a snowball effect even in how children come to view and interpret their environment. Watching how we view the world around us, children can incorporate these negative attribution tendencies. Tragically, the cycle continues for generations. It’s not just DNA. Social learning residue carries on for better or worse,” Jack outlines. Expanding on this, Jack adds, “We can think of examples like cursing at someone who flies by us on the road, snapping at a partner who needs a nap when we we’d rather they mow the grass, or even shutting down when someone says something we don’t agree with. Rather than empathizing with those who frustrate us, we instantly go to a negative place. It leaves out the flexibility to consider how we also sometimes speed when late, choose a nap over a chore, and wish someone would give us the time to explain something rather than cut us off.” There’s also something Jack refers to as dichotomous thinking— “all good” versus “all bad.” Much like flight or fight thinking, who can’t relate to this? Jack says, “When we think in extremes, our emotions are likely to follow. This helps to reduce cognitive energy and improve quick decision making. If you see a train coming at you, it’s impor-

tant to think, “Get out of the way!” If you were to sit and weigh the pros and cons of the train coming at you, then a positive outcome may not occur. There’s a benefit to this black and white thinking, but it may also worsen the attributions and outcomes in relationships. For example, if you tend to assume your coworkers are lazy, you’ll miss out on capitalizing on their strengths. The same goes for family relationships. If you assume an elder is just a grump, you’ll miss out what they can offer.” And, how about that negative inner-voice? “Finding a balanced approach to developing a counter critic to those negative voices we hear in our minds is essential. For example, drowning out echoes of a hypercritical mother’s voice in the passenger seat can be exhausting and paralyzing. We use words every day to do great things and collaborate, but when we judge our thoughts it only adds to the daily struggle and derails productivity. The surface calm is only temporary and just like a fishing bobber, these thoughts bounce back up to disrupt and create ripples. It ends in wasted energy. Some people end up checking out or distracting themselves, and ignoring the problem. These add a strain to making decisions, resolving problems, and getting things accomplished,” Jack explains. Offering a solution, Jack shares, “There’s another option; watch, observe, listen, and allow the discomfort to come and go. Books by Stephen Hayes and Thich Nhat Hanh are notable for conceptualizing the development of this observing self. Taking an observer approach to our thoughts diffuses anxiety into a thoughtful back and forth, and allows thoughts to naturally settle on more of a middle ground, a healthier shade of grey. Introducing a ‘countercritic’ from the backseat serves to round out this dialogue. It has the added benefit of adding in much needed humor and improving decision making.” Wondering how we’ve become such black and white thinkers, Jack shares some insight. “Black and white thinking can rob us of the many joys relationships can provide. Life happens in the grey areas. I joke that developing a fifty-plus shades of grey approach to how we perceive others and their actions allows us to extend others the same considerations we all want.” Jack is similar to many of his peers in that he attributes a lack of compassion and empathy to the behaviors exacerbated by our screen time. “Cell phones and social media can magnify “all good” versus “all bad” thinking by frequently distracting and reinforcing ‘snap’ decision making. Think Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat thumbs up, likes, hearts, and more. Making snap judgments have rolled off our devices and into our real relationships and life encounters and become an accepted norm. Due to the pace we scroll through this content, it’s

hard to see yourself walking in another person’s shoes, especially since you’re distracted by the next tweet or TikTok. This can cause us to fall back on assigning negative attributions to others and into “all good” versus “all bad” thinking, as it is quicker, easier, and requires less time than a TikTok.” Jack makes good points and adds that there’s a cost to us as well. “Self-reflection is challenging to generate when you’re mindlessly scrolling. Distraction derails the cognitive flow for thoughtful consideration, which may escalate additional quick attributions and all or nothing thinking. The distractions of electronics only erode opportunities for quiet moments to connect, seeing the other variables, and appreciating the grey areas. Without this range of feeling and emotions, relationships can become gridlocked in ‘high’ highs and ‘low’ lows – even anger and depression. Consider how your thoughts may be different if they were in a range of fifty-plus shades of grey. Would they soften the roller coaster of emotions to evening waves lapping on the beach?”

“EMPATHY IS WHEN YOU’RE ABLE TO WALK A MILE IN ANOTHER PERSON’S SHOES AND SHARE THEIR EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR A MOMENT.”

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“WHEN WE JUDGE OUR THOUGHTS IT ONLY ADDS TO THE DAILY STRUGGLE AND DERAILS PRODUCTIVITY” Living in the real world, Jack isn’t about tossing your electronics and skipping the scroll. “I’ve recently learned about streaks on Snapchat. So, to bring balance to your day-to-day snaps, don’t just snap. Consider a thoughtful picture or take a moment to savor someone who was thinking of you. When taking a picture, take a moment, a breath, and then deliberately apply a positive attribution to this special person and shared moment. Slow down, enjoy the streak process, be grateful, and make this moment deliberate and meaningful.” Interestingly, Jack brings up another aspect. “At Clarity Health, we provide many services like individual psychological evaluations, drug testing for the work place, and more. These services often scare people when they are meant to help people. For example, wouldn’t it be more helpful to know a child is on the spectrum, not defiant? Or, couldn’t a business better serve its employees by knowing if they struggle with addiction issues? Reframing our mindset allows us to realize these services are nothing to fear and to move forward in living our best lives,” Jack shares. It sounds like giving compassion is the way to get compassion, and that we all need to find ways to slow down our minds. And, it sure sounds good to us. Taking time to understand another not only benefits us, but all those around us. “It comes down to mindfulness. This term often makes people feel like they have to do goat yoga daily, survive on granola, and live in a forest,” Jack jokes, adding, “The best way to become mindful is to practice it here and there. Try it at a stop light when you look at someone in the car next to you or in line at the store when the person in front of you is fumbling around looking for their credit card. And, yes, practice it with that elder who starts every sentence with, ‘In my day.’ Rather than roll your eyes, consider a time when you couldn’t find your credit card. Consider external circumstances before quickly assigning a label of judgment. Perhaps this will make it easier to use a kinder tone, rather than one of frustration. Once we begin to ask questions, listen, and engage more often, we may find our relationships more fulfilling and we’ll reap the sweet rewards of having a more open heart and a lot less stress. We can be the change we want to see.”

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Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article do not constitute a doctor-patient relationship and are not meant to replace professional consultation.

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MIND + BODY: The Path to Healing Trauma The word trauma has become quite popular. In the midst of our nation’s mental health crisis, we’re curious to define it and understand how it can be addressed. And no one understands this better than Sydney Wasdin, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RYT, owner of True Yoga +Therapy, a facility providing integrative health and wellness-focused practice of Counseling/Psychotherapy, Nutrition Counseling, yoga classes, yoga-therapy and educational workshops for children, teens, young adults, adults, and families. Here, she shares her expertise, approach and hope. By Caroline Edmondson Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

or the past three years, Sydney Wasdin has prioritized working with those patients who have experienced an acute level of trauma through mindfulness, somatic and movement therapies such as yoga. This type of treatment offers excellent and needed opportunities to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and processes required for symptom reduction and healing needed to allow the central nervous system to re-regulate itself. But before we can further explore the how this type of therapy works to heal deep-rooted traumas, it is important to understand how trauma arises and the best way to diagnose it. “One way I help people conceptualize trauma is by describing it as anything that impacted you in a substantial or profound way,” Sydney shares. “It is up to the individual to really determine what to them is ‘traumatic.’” But what exactly is trauma? Trauma is an umbrella term for three different kinds of trauma: acute, chronic, and complex. Acute Trauma is a specific stressful event, circumstance, or crisis that impacts someone’s life in a significant way. Chronic Trauma is the repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful and/or traumatic events. Complex Trauma results from exposure to multiple traumatic events. But are these forms of trauma the same as PTSD? And if so, how will that alter your course to healing? For starters, PTSD is one of many clinical disturbances that can result from a traumatic event or from repeated exposure to traumatic events notated when someone has experienced clinically significant and maladaptive impairment and symptomology related to this event. “Everyone experiences some kind of trauma in their life and it is possible for it to play a role in their present behavioral patterns, thoughts and emotions. But not everyone has diagnosable PTSD,” says Sydney. “Trauma can also cause the onset of other issues such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance abuse, dissociation, personality disorders, and other health issues. Within the context of PTSD, the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines trauma as exposure to actual or even threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence by directly experiencing of or witnessing the event, learning of the even occurring to a close family member or friend, or even experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic events. When it comes to recognizing our own trauma, we often times shrug it off, claiming to not need the help, or worse, we’re too scared to burden our friends and loved ones with our pain. So, if you feel like you’re unable to move on from something, frequently feel like you’re living in the past or a past event that keeps resurfacing, or if you’re experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, night terrors, insomnia, anxiety, depression, continuous relational problems and/or feelings of isolation and/or estrangement from others, overly negative and maladaptive beliefs about oneself, others or the world, persistent inability to experience positive emotions, persistent irritability, anger outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, suicidal or homicidal ideation or threat, hyper vigilance and difficulty concentrating—you most likely have undiagnosed trauma that is negatively impacting your life and it

is time to seek help. Even still, recognizing that we suffer from trauma can cause a great deal of anxiety, leaving us too scared to begin our healing journey. “People move through each stage of change as they’re ready to and at their own pace. You should never push someone into his or her trauma or into addressing it before they’re ready. To do so can actually be retraumatizing to the person,” warns Sydney. “Trauma work begins when that client is truly ready, willing and has the appropriate supports in place to be able to process their trauma at their own will. When someone does decide to seek treatment for their trauma specifically, it’s helpful to have realistic expectations: when trauma work begins, it can bring back post-traumatic symptoms and it is very difficult work. It can also bring up more traumas that the client had since long forgotten, which may then need work around, too.” But when he or she is ready, the real works begins, and that’s where Sydney comes in. The first step is actually diagnosing each individual’s trauma and forming a plan to combat it. “First and foremost, I focus on getting to know and listening to the person in front of me to see them for who they truly are in order to help them come to understand themselves, find or redefine themselves and their experiences as they are. We assess for trauma using certain inventories to get an idea of what trauma each person has experienced, no matter what brings them in to the office initially,” shares Sydney. What determines if the diagnosis would be classified under Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders is the onset of the symptoms and it’s relation to the trauma experienced, and the symptoms as it relates to the trauma(s) itself along with those trauma-specific symptoms such as flashbacks and night terrors that directly relate to the trauma themselves. “We utilize their unique strengths derived from these experiences to help them reduce symptoms, improve their quality of life, and achieve the goals they have for themselves, whatever they might be. I’ve seen this be pivotal for teens, young adults and adults, alike in preventing key issues that can come up, increasing coping with past and present circumstances, and cultivating an existence that they genuinely want,” she tells us. One way in which Sydney is combating the effects of trauma is through a holistic approach of both the mind and body. Because when mental health issues go untreated, the persistent psychological issues (such as high cortisol and norepinephrine levels) created can cause or activate other pre-existing or pre-disposed issues within the body, resulting in chronic illness and/or flare ups of chronic illness. “Your body is an important tool to use in the process of helping yourself relearn and rewire your brain, neurological pathways, and the responses and behaviors they control. Your body experiences trauma with you and is affected by all that you go through, with or without you being conscious of it,” Sydney shares. “You and your body have to relearn or learn new skills that consider the trauma you’ve experienced and it offers excellent opportunities to stimulate other processes needed to heal and reregulate the nervous system, decreasing some of the most impairing symptoms with consistent practice.” This is exactly why Sydney uses yoga as an extension of her prac-

tice as there are several skills and principles used to help re-regulate the nervous system and therefore heal from trauma. “In yoga, we utilize mindfulness practices which promote being present and aware in the moment so that we are consciously in the present and creating distinction from the past. It allows people body autonomy, the ability to notice their somatic experience and progress at their own pace, and because of the benefits meditation and movement offer for stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxation, sleep and organ function, which counteracts the stress response caused by the sympathetic nervous system.” If each of Sydney’s patients gave their true effort and are willing to participate in this type of intervention, at minimum, they would see reduced emotional reactivity and increased feeling of control and autonomy over their own lives, thinking and behaviors, and learn how to experience things from a different perspective with curiosity and less fear. “It is so rewarding to see the relief on people’s faces and to see them take control over their own lives, decisions and relationships (in a healthy way), and actually experience healthy self-esteem, happiness and trust in themselves,” beams Sydney. Perhaps the biggest take away is that it is never too late to address trauma, especially if it is impacting your life in a negative way, and to give grace to yourself, your friends, and your loved ones. If you’re concerned about a loved one, Sydney advises us to express that openly and privately to them in either general or specific terms. And if you’re trusted enough to serve as confidant to someone’s confession of trauma,

empathize and validate their individual experience then direct them to someone like Sydney who can help them address their problems and work towards healing. “I truly wish that people knew that you don’t have to wait around to be recommended to therapy by your doctor or until you’re miserable and struggling with clinical depression to seek help. And also, if you’re already there, that’s okay and it’s never too late. However, the sooner you reach out, the better,” she says, adding, “Therapy can also serve as an act of self-care and a responsible preventative measure.” Sydney leaves us with one final parting message: “There is hope and help available. You have a choice in how you’d like to experience life and what you do. The world is not hopeless. You have control in your experiences and what you take from them. And, whether or not you’ve experienced what you’d consider trauma, you don’t have to be a victim.”

True Yoga + Therapy Daphne, AL 251.250.9440 TrueYogaTherapy.com

A PSYCHIATRIC

PIONEER With nearly 1 in 5 adults, or 50 million people, living with a mental illness in the US, it’s an important matter and we are indeed, not alone. And, Mobile’s Bradley James Sadler, M.D., is here to help. With his laid-back nature, vast knowledge, and modern approach to wellness, help is literally around the corner. Regardless if it’s your struggle, or someone you love, it’s a good idea to consider the source. Why? If you ask your teen for a heart to heart, will they engage? Odds point to a mumble followed by a close-the-door request. Or, how about that family member that’s gone dark on you? Hear the sirens, you’re out of your league. The point is, Dr. Sadler is the source to consider. He has the youth street-cred, education, experience and expertise for us all, and he’s open for business. By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Murray, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Tessa Moody, TessaRayMoody@gmail.com

he tabloids say the stars are just like us. We’re here to say that Dr. Sadler is even more like us. Landing on our shores ten years ago with his wife Laura, Dr. Sadler hails from Michigan. With an established and impressive resume that highlights many of his accomplishments in psychiatry, his internship and residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, is notable. What’s exciting about Dr. Sadler is that he not only offers cuttingedge treatments for many mental health issues, Southern Psychiatry is actually accepting patients. Too many of us are familiar with the hopes of getting help for ourselves or a loved one only to hear, “we’re not accepting patients at this time.” That response alone can result in depression and anxiety for the most optimistic care provider. A straight shooter, Dr. Sadler confirms, “We live in a very stressful time. There

are very few psychiatrists, and in Alabama there just aren’t enough of us around to help all the people in need.” Backing up a bit, Dr. Sadler shares a relatable story tied to college debt. “I’d always wanted to have a private practice, but after my residency I had a lot of school loans to repay so I took a salaried position in Baltimore. Unbeknownst to me, I signed a non-compete contract that prevented me from opening a private practice in the area. So, my wife Laura and I packed up and moved to Alabama when I secured a position with a large healthcare system. From there, I realized there was a great need for private practice psychiatrists in this area, and I was able to fulfill my dream and open Southern Psychiatry.” So well received, Dr. Sadler even opened a branch in Gulf Shores. As to what drove him to the profession in the first place, Dr. Sadler shares, “I did extremely well in medical school so I had every specialty

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opportunity open to me, and during my third-year rotation I fell in love with psychiatry. My sister had behavioral struggles that were challenging for my family. We went through a number of treatment options that didn’t help. When I learned about bipolar disorder in medical school, I called my mother immediately and told her we had to explore this diagnosis as it could be the answer we had been looking for. It turns out I was right, and we were able to help my sister. I was encouraged to pursue a career in psychiatry. Funnily, my wife says she knew all along that I was going to do psychiatry!” Knowing there’s still a stigma around mental health, Dr. Sadler says, “I’ve been working in psychiatry since 2003, and bring a lot of experience to my patients. I try to treat each one with respect and care, as many people are distrusting of mental health professionals or have been brought up to think problems are a private matter. The culture is changing and more people are open to talking with a psychiatrist. Locally, the main problem is the physician shortage as they often provide a path to help meet the growing mental health needs.” When asked for his approach, Dr. Sadler shares, “I start with a full diagnostic exam and all of my treatment plans are uniquely tailored to the individual. We have a wide array of tests and treatments to get at the heart of the diagnosis. I’m a big supporter of talk therapy and employ a team of therapists and nurse practitioners that help out. I’m also a big fan of maximizing coping strategies and non-medicine techniques to improve the outcomes from the medicines I prescribe.” As for a top concern? Dr. Sadler is quick to respond, “We’re seeing mental health issues in record numbers in our youth. What’s interesting is the youth are much more open about wanting and needing help. Parents should be aware of red flags that indicate help may be required like a sudden change in behavior, problems in school, and dropping grades. Being a parent is hard, it’s a tough world with difficult choices and not a lot of help. Southern Psychiatry can help.” Dr. Sadler and his talented team treat most everything we can imagine from general anxiety and depression to mood disorders. Think major depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, anxiety, and even psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Even more specialized, Dr. Sadler is profoundly skilled in addiction and sexual dysfunction as well. “I’ve worked in addiction since I was just out of residency, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I lost my nephew to addiction so it’s personal for me. We offer suboxone therapy for opiate addiction and therapy and help with all of the other addictions people face like nicotine, cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, and more. The drug fentanyl is a big issue and young people are dying from it at astonishing rates. Offering this treatment is a matter of life and death for many and we’re one of the few practices that work with insurance companies to cover this treatment,” he shares. In addition to his compassionate nature, much of Dr. Sadler’s success can also be attributed to

“I’M A BIG SUPPORTER OF TALK THERAPY AND EMPLOY A TEAM OF THERAPISTS AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS THAT HELP OUT. I’M ALSO A BIG FAN OF MAXIMIZING COPING STRATEGIES AND NON-MEDICINE TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE THE OUTCOMES FROM THE MEDICINES I PRESCRIBE.”

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his belief in a wholistic approach to mental health. Subscribing to what most forward-thinking professionals believe, Dr. Sadler weaves exercise and nutrition into his patient wellness plans. “I have a training certification in calisthenics, and I suggest fitness and nutrition plans for my patients. The positive impact on the brain can’t be denied since depression is a disease of the brain. Exercise is a powerful and preventive strategy for mental health. It’s well known that regular exercisers are happier, have more energy, sleep better, have more sex, and are better socialized then non-exercisers. We often focus on the physical transformation that exercise can bring, but the mind and body are connected, and as the body improves so does the mind.” A further testament to his futuristic approach, Dr. Sadler offers a treatment called Spravato. Explaining, he tells us, “It’s FDA approved

and without getting too scientific, it’s ketamine-based therapy for the treatment of resistant depression. It’s been really helpful for many of my patients that had run out of options. Taken in conjunction with an oral anti-depressant, Spravato is a fast-acting nasal spray with studies showing improvement in just a few hours after ingestion.” Broaching the sex subject, Dr. Sadler tells us, “As psychiatrists we treat all behavioral issues, and sexual disorders are certainly in that realm. I’ve had a special interest in this since I was in residency and did my 4th year internship with some of the leading minds in the field. After that experience, I worked as the Director of Sexual Medicine at Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital in Baltimore. I’ve done court evaluations for people whose sexual disorders resulted in legal trouble. I treat everything from erectile dysfunction to desire disorders as the

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“I TRY TO BE LAID-BACK AND ENCOURAGING FOR MY PATIENTS. I WOULDN’T PRESCRIBE A MEDICATION FOR A PATIENT THAT I WOULDN’T PRESCRIBE FOR MY OWN FAMILY MEMBERS. I’M ALSO JUST AS COMMITTED TO HEALTHY EATING AND WORKING OUT AS I’D LIKE MY PATIENTS TO BE, AND TRY TO ENJOY LIFE JUST AS I’D LIKE MY CLIENTS TO DO.” symptoms can cause significant problems for the patient and their partner. Having someone who is knowledgeable and compassionate to help can be life-changing for patients.” Helping countless patients and other professionals fulfill their practice dreams have been career highlights, and Dr. Sadler has his sights set on the courtroom, too. “I really enjoy working with lawyers and their clients. I have years of experience in psychiatry, and I’m very comfortable and able to offer expertise in many different areas often brought into litigation. I would like to expand this aspect of my career in order to help bring a better understanding to each person’s journey so the court can be as helpful as possible.” As for his personality? “I try to be laid-back and encouraging for my patients. I wouldn’t prescribe a medication for a patient that I wouldn’t prescribe for my own family members. I’m also just as committed to healthy eating and working out as I’d like my patients to be, and try to enjoy life just as I’d like my clients to do. My wife and I enjoy music and traveling. We’ve been to many places like Colorado, to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sweden, to see Guns and Roses. We love hiking as well, and have a scuba diving trip planned for the Maldives. Married for 23 years, Laura, also a teacher, helps at the office and I couldn’t do this without her.” 42

As for the Bay? “We love living here and enjoy all that Mobile has to offer! My favorites include shopping at Mobile Records and eating out from time to time at Noja, Osman’s, Seven Spice, and, of course, Noble South Sidecar Lounge—they have amazing food and I get to play records! Laura and I built a home gym during the pandemic and spend a lot of time there.” But, regardless of your music knowledge or if you’re a fitness fan, the most important take away is that Brad and the team at Southern Psychiatry offer some of the most cutting-edge treatments around. Plus, he brings his dogs, Chickpea and Pit to the office. “They come to work with me and patients love them as they make people feel comfortable and add a lot of joy to the practice,” Brad beams.

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WHERE LIFE HAPPENS

If you were born in Baldwin County after the mid ‘70s, there’s a big chance you were delivered by Fred F. Diegmann, M.D. A character in his own right, and with the stories to prove it, he’s not only an accomplished and adored physician, he’s ushering in top talent to serve the women of Baldwin County—just as he’s done for decades. Working as a family to maintain the traditions of the past that have served them well, while forging ahead in all that modern medicine has to offer, the team at Bayside Women’s Health share how they provide the best of both worlds. By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Murray, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, CocoKat1978@gmail.com Hair Felisha Allen, HeadDress Salon, 251.478.2409

s one of the most established OBGYN practices in Baldwin County, the success of Bayside Women’s Health (BWH) can be attributed to its founder, Dr. Fred F. Diegmann. With his tried and true approach to women’s health, he’s carefully curated a first-rate team of physicians that bring a range of expertise to the beloved practice ensuring patients of all ages feel confident in their care. If you’ve lived in Baldwin County for a certain number of years, you may have heard the sweet stories about him walking his horse down Highway 98 or even rubbed shoulders with him at a University of Alabama football game. If you’re a patient, you know he never meets a stranger and loves photography. Many of the walls at BWH boast beautiful baby pictures of those he and his team have delivered. “As a medical student and intern at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, I instantly loved the OB-GYN rotations. Having opened the first OB-GYN practice in Baldwin County in 1974 is certainly a point of pride. Still practicing, I’m the oldest (not senior!) practitioner in the area and love what I do!” Dr. Diegmann exclaims. Setting the tone for the practice, Dr. Diegmann has always been committed to doing as much as he can to help his patients. “Although OB-GYN is considered a specialty, we have the opportunity to evaluate all of our patients’ conditions and symptoms. I’ve found that many patients don’t have another physician, so I’ve always made myself available for all their health concerns, and spiritual and emotional support, too. Naturally, we doctors are grateful to have such a loving and supportive staff at BWH who also truly care and desire to help our patients.” In addition to Dr. Diegmann, BWH is also home to Drs. Henderson, Missanelli, and Cooper. Megan Missanelli, M.D., MHP, has been with the team for three years and adds, “I enjoy the breadth of the field as I’m able to work with a range of patients from young girls to postmenopausal women. Our field is so unique in that regard. We get to educate young women on their anatomy and physiology, discuss intimate sexual health concerns, deliver babies, and treat life-threatening pathology—all sometimes in the same patient throughout their lifetime. I’m particularly passionate about adolescent gynecology and educating young women about normal female anatomy, physiology, and reproductive health. It empowers them to understand their own bodies and advocate for themselves as they grow. My background in public health also makes me eager to care for the indigent obstetric population of Baldwin County. So many women from non-white communities and low socioeconomic background experience discrimination in the healthcare system. I want to create a welcoming and caring environment for all women so they never feel neglected or ignored.”

I instantly loved the OB-GYN rotations. Having opened the first OB-GYN practice in Baldwin County in 1974 is certainly a point of pride. Still practicing, I’m the oldest (not senior!) practitioner in the area and love what I do! - Dr. Diegmann

On the other end of the age spectrum, Dr. Missanelli has a keen interest in menopause. “I counsel my premenopausal and menopausal patients on the latest in evidence-based hormone replacement therapy. There are so many nefarious products offered online and even in our own community that have no clinical data to support their use. There is even evidence that they are actually harmful, including ingredients like pellets and compounded “bio-identical” hormones. I direct patients to the best resources to educate them on appropriate and safe HRT options so they can educate themselves and make the best-individualized decision. The knowledge and evidence is constantly evolving, so I am frequently listening to lectures and podcasts as well as following practitioners on social media from all over the world that specialize in menopause to bring their knowledge to our small community.” As the sole primary care provider for many women in the Mobile Bay area, BWH offers fitness and nutrition counseling as well. “The obesity epidemic is a challenge for all practitioners. From hypertension and diabetes to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the negative health outcomes are pervasive. Our goal is to redirect the obesity conversation to better educate women on the negative female reproductive health outcomes like infertility and endometrial cancer. Furthermore, my personal goal is to shift the focus from the number on the scale to the importance of longterm bone health. So many women are taught to focus on cardiovascular exercise to achieve their body image goals. However, the focus should change to emphasize the importance of weightbearing exercise on osteoporosis prevention, for example. Establishing a new perspective on exercise in young women can pay dividends later in life,” Dr. Missanelli tells us. As for the mental wellbeing aspect of her work, Dr. Missanelli shares, “At the majority of their annual visits, women have at least one mental health complaint and likely have never established care with a mental health practitioner. We collaborate with several counselors in our area to assist our patients with their mental health needs. Postpartum depression is an especially important focus for us, too. We were one of the first groups in the area to start seeing postpartum women at the 3 weeks visit, ahead of the latest recommendations to do so. We want to make sure we are catching postpartum depression and anxiety early to ensure treatment is initiated in a time-sensitive manner. The fourth trimester is often overlooked or neglected. We want our patients to feel comforted and supported during this critical time period.” Dr. Missanelli is also passionate about another mental health arena—pelvic floor dysfunction and the history of sexual or physical abuse. “My private practice experience has enlightened me to the sad reality that sexual abuse of women is an epidemic. I’d estimate that 30% of my patients experienced some sort of sexual abuse throughout their lifetime, many of whom never disclose it. A basic physical manifestation of that abuse is pelvic floor dysfunction and an inability to enjoy sex 62

throughout their lifetime. I always want to create a welcoming and compassionate environment so women feel comfortable disclosing their personal history. Then we can openly work toward a solution in conjunction with many of our wonderful local counselors and pelvic floor physical therapists.” she shares. Lighting up when asked about Dr. Diegmann, Dr. Missanelli tell us, “His knowledge is unrivaled and his mentorship has been critical for my growth and development as a physician. He stays current on the latest research, probably more than us younger doctors! The pathology he has seen over the years is so unique and broad; I always consult him on puzzling patients and he provides so much clarity and enlightenment. He is a colleague, father, and grandfather all in one! We have very spirited debates and discussions that challenge us both and make us stronger colleagues and friends.”

At the majority of their annual visits, women have at least one mental health complaint and likely have never established care with a mental health practitioner. We collaborate with several counselors in our area to assist our patient with their mental health needs. - Dr. Missanelli

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For Bret T. Henderson, M.D., a highly acknowledged gynecologic and robotic surgeon, the draw to BWH was simple. “I always liked the idea of participating in someone’s medical care throughout their life. During medical school rotations, I realized that I enjoy primary care, surgery, and absolutely enjoy bringing life into the world. The OB-GYN field is a good mixture of all those aspects. During residency training, I spoke with Dr. Diegmann several times and he’d ‘tongue-incheek’ ask, ‘When are you going to come work with me?’ I felt he provided the type of care I wanted to align with. Luckily, he gave me an offer to join his practice and I will be forever grateful. I’ve been in practice with him for almost 10 years and I still learn things from him on a weekly basis. His compassion and attention towards all patients, as well as his integrity, was something I was drawn to as I believe this is an aspect of medicine that’s fading away. He also created a culture in our office where we’re truly a family. We have very little turnover, which is rare today. All staff and physicians work as a team–we never want competition to come between us and patient care.” As the acting president of BWH, Dr. Henderson is more than experienced in all aspects of the OB-GYN field. From gynecological services like hysterectomies, robotic surgeries, various laparoscopic procedures, hysteroscopies and endometrial ablations, wellness exams, and procedures such as IUD insertions, no two days are the same. “I love that there’s something new every day and that I get to care for women of various ages and ethnicities. I’m also very drawn to the mental health aspect of what we do. For many women, their OB-GYN is the only provider they see and it’s amazing how much they will open up when simply asked, ‘are you okay?’ We’ve been able to establish good relationships with mental health providers and make referrals for our patients that we can’t manage on our own,“ Dr. Henderson explains. In today’s busy world, face-to-face time with a doctor is rare. “My goal is to listen intently and provide guidance and a create a comfortable, calm, safe space for each and every patient. I truly care what people are going through. My goal is to always include the patient’s support person, too. We all meet in my office before they’re ever brought to an exam room as I believe this helps alleviate anxiety that comes with visiting OB-GYN offices,” Dr. Henderson adds. With the team in agreement, the offices close proximity to Thomas Hospital is another huge positive. “There are days when I literally run back and forth 5 to 6 times. It gives our patients comfort knowing we’re right across the street and it helps our clinic patient-flow run smoothly. We’re also the only OB-GYN office in our area that accepts all types of Tricare (military) insurance as we have a passion to provide excellent care to our military families. Additionally, we’re a family and we invest in each other’s families to create this incredible environment where life happens. All of us have kids, grandkids, and even pets that can get sick, bring about schedule changes, and more. We

always step-up and help each other,” Dr. Henderson beams. With a big heart, Dr. Henderson shares, “I volunteer at Women’s Care Medical Center. They offer many free services. I’ve also volunteered with my church, Fairhope United Methodist, in a program called Wonderfully Made which gives 5th and 6th graders correct information in a non-threatening environment.” And giving credit where credit is due, he adds, “Dr. Diegmann is an icon. He was the first OB-GYN in our county and has the unique perspective of seeing not only how medicine has changed over almost 50 years, but also how medicine has evolved in Baldwin County. I can’t think of a better mentor.”

I always liked the idea of participating in someone’s medical care throughout their life. During medical school rotations, I realized that I enjoy primary care, surgery and absolutely enjoy bringing life into the world. - Dr. Henderson

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Lauren Cooper, M.D., is the newest team member and joined BWH because of the people. Top of her class and with several academic accolades, it’s safe to say she probably had a lot of options. “I was drawn to the staff. They’ve created a family atmosphere that’s extended to the patients and can be seen in every aspect of care.” And while she’s experienced in the full scope of obstetrics and gynecology, she has specific interests, too. “I’m passionate about adolescent health care, from menstruation to birth control, and the associated stigmas and problems. I’m also dedicated to helping mothers have a successful breast-feeding journey—whatever that may look like for them.” When asked what she wishes more women knew, she responds, “The basics of the menstrual cycle and the importance of cervical cancer screenings and prevention!” Grateful for her time with Dr. Diegmann, Dr. Cooper tell us, “He’s not only has a larger-thanlife personality, he’s a mentor and a friend. In my short time at BWH, I’ve grown to look forward to the days we can debate, banter, and joke with each other. He reminds me of my late grandfather who was my role model and the reason I became a doctor. He also keeps me in line as he’s constantly asking questions to test my knowledge in a manner reminiscent of residency! I appreciate this and his openness to new techniques or recommendations despite being in this field for a long time.” Originally from Cape Coral, Florida, Dr. Cooper’s husband, Josh, hails from North Alabama, so the couple decided the Gulf Coast was the perfect blend of both worlds and now happily call Fairhope home with their boys, Maverick and Shepherd. Family centered and fans of the local beaches and outdoor areas, the Coopers fit right in with Dr. Missanelli and her husband, Byron, and their children, Charlie, Julian, and Francesca, as well as with Dr. Henderson and his wife, Emily, and their children, Mason and Logan. After all, for the BWH team, it’s all about family. Throwing that love right back, Dr. Diegmann shares, “Dr. Henderson, who is one of my very best friends, was a gift from the Lord. He’s a wonderful man and an excellent physician. And, Drs. Missanelli and Cooper were the pick of the litter! Each are the most highly trained and qualified physicians one could hope for. My first love has always been obstetrics, and still is today.” We’re betting his wife Debbie and their three children, Katie, Lucy, and Timothy, as well as the ten grandchildren, can verify the stories, the family first approach, and the love behind the doors at BWH, too.

Bayside Women’s Health 150 South Ingleside Street, Suite 2, Fairhope 251.990.6550 BWHFairhope.com

I was drawn to the staff. They’ve created a family atmosphere that’s extended to the patients and can be seen in every aspect of care. - Dr. Cooper

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HOLIDAY SKIN PREP

Along the Gulf Coast, it’s safe to say November through the end of Mardi Gras season brings a bustling schedule of fun, festivities, and social soirees. And of course, we all want to look our best when we don our finest frocks this holiday season. But for those of us who are conscious about the lines and wrinkles on our faces, our holiday cheer can easily be swept away. Thankfully, Kimberly Donnellan, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Facial Plastic Surgeon at USA Health and their Skin and Laser Center, offers innovative skin laser treatments to help you feel and look your best this holiday season. By Caroline Edmondson

Kimberly Donnellan, M.D., F.A.C.S.

here are doctors, and then there are those doctors patients keep coming back to year after year—and Dr. Kimberly Donnellan is one of them. A double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, whose work ranges from facelifts and skin cancer reconstruction to chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments, Dr. Donnellan approaches each patient with one goal: to help them feel beautiful when they look in the mirror. Dr. Donnellan is well known for her innovative, cutting edge approach to a variety of treatments. Her newest offering is the DEKA SmartXide CO2 Laser—a device typically used to help treat burn victims by allowing doctors to provide a significant amount of energy in very small columns of the skin without generating heat to the surrounding tissue leaving their patients with less pain, more mobility, and a faster recovery time. In fact, to prove how groundbreaking this treatment really is, Dr. Donnellan recently traveled to Chicago for The American Burn Association’s annual meeting to present her work as one of the few surgeons in the country to offer this treatment in an outpatient setting. “After laser treatments are complete, patients are often able to return to work, write, hold a hammer or play basketball again,” she shares. “They find their pain is reduced, their range of motion is restored and often, the severe itching has improved. We have been elated over the outcomes and how quickly we see improvement.”

“A CoolPeel laser is an ablative laser that offers a customizable treatment where I can select the precise power, density, and pulse duration to tailor each treatment to the patients concerns,” But it isn’t just burn patients who find this treatment beneficial. The SmartXide CO2 Laser is the most sophisticated CO2 laser on the market. “With its unique setting know as the CoolPeel, this laser can deliver a tremendous amount of energy in a very short time therefore stimulating collagen in the skin without damaging a significant amount of the surrounding skin thus decreasing the healing time,” shares Dr. Donnellan. “This means better aesthetic results for those with fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage by improving skin texture.” And because this laser is addressing deeper layers of the skin, your results will be more long lasting than other lasers. But no two treatments are entirely like the other. “A CoolPeel laser is an ablative laser that offers a customizable treatment where I can select the precise power, density, and pulse duration to tailor each treatment to the patients concerns,” Dr. Donnellan tells us. If you’re planning to book an appointment in time for the holidays, there might be minor planning involved to ensure you are giving yourself ample time to enjoy the laser’s full benefits. Dr. Donnellan generally recommends three treatments spaced one month apart, each treatment lasting approximately 40 minutes. And as far as recovery time? “After your treatment, it’s recommended that you wait 24 hours prior to applying makeup,” says Dr. Donnellan. “There is usually some mild erythema or redness for 24-48 hours. You will also feel a roughness to your skin for approximately 7 days, but that is easily camouflaged with makeup.” After just one treatment, patients usually report a smoother complexion with the appearance of less pores and an improvement in sun damage! The CoolPeel is just one of the amazing treatments you can find at the Skin and Laser Center. Dr. Donnellan and the rest of her team provide a wealth of treatments to choose from to help you prep for the holiday season. “Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport are frequently requested around the holiday season. I recommend doing the injections two weeks prior to any important events,” she shares. They are also the only clinic in the area to offer Exact RF, a microneedling treatment designed to address the delicate under eye area by improving skin texture, under eye bags, and hollowing of the area. And if you’re looking to kick off your holiday shopping list, Dr. Donnellan wants to remind you that skin care products make great presents! You can visit them during their office hours where they will happily make the best recommendations, or during their Holiday Party on November 14th!

USA Health Facial Plastic Surgery 2505 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251.341.4094 USAHealthSystem.com/Providers/Kimberly-Donnellan @Dr.Donnellan @Dr.DonnellanSkinAndLaserCenter

MID-LIFE

COMEBACK Hormones—you can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them. As women, we face times over our lifespan where we have too many or too few, and this can wreak havoc on both our physical and mental health. Getting them just right can be an overwhelming task dotted with questions like: What really works? Who to trust? Not to mention the extra hot flashes when faced with the reality that nope, your insurance won’t cover the help you need to merely function. Here, Dr. Amy S. Armstrong, and Co-owner and Medical Director LaBellaRX Weight Loss and Aesthetics, gives us the scoop on menopause and her preferred path to the fountain of youth. By Hayley Hill Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

Amy S. Armstrong, M.D.

etting to know Dr. Armstrong has been nothing short of an education. The best thing about her is that she speaks woman. That means she talks to her patients professionally and like a friend at the same time. Although she treats both men and women, when it comes to women and hormones, she sets us straight on her goal for her clients. “Different from an OB-GYN, I look at this through the lens of an internal medicine doctor who has spent nearly 20 years caring for people with chronic illness and acute issues that require hospitalization. That’s not a pretty picture. My goal for all my patients is not only to perhaps live a little longer, but to be able to enjoy life longer. For me personally, if I’m lucky enough to live into my 90’s, I want to be able to step on a boat from the dock. I want to be able to get off the floor using just my arms and legs. I want to be able to walk down the beach, sit in a chair, get out of the chair by myself and walk home. I want to live if I am alive. That’s my goal for my patients and every service we offer, too,” she explains. Sign us up. In a world of endless choices, mixed reviews and snake oils, Amy walks us through what can seem like a cruel joke at times. “As people age, their hormone levels change. For women, our ovaries stop responding to signals from the brain to create our sex hormones. Menopause is ovarian failure, it’s when our ovaries no longer make hormones. Women experience a sudden hormone drop at the onset of menopause while men’s hormones gradually decline over time. That sudden loss of hormones can result in symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, depression, cognitive decline, insomnia, decreased energy and more. And, all women experience a dramatic decrease in bone mineral density, increased risk for atherosclerotic heart disease, dementia and certain cancers following menopause,” she shares. When it comes to hormones, we often hear about balance. Dr. Armstrong explains, “Ideally, our hormones should work together in synchronicity. If we produce too much or too little, it can create a domino effect of negativity. For instance, when estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, it can not only cause the above symptoms, but we can also see brain fog, increased wrinkles, sagging skin, hair loss, facial hair growth, dry skin, vaginal dryness, cystic acne, painful intercourse, frequent urinary tract infections, decreased stamina, decreased muscle mass and more.” It really is hard to be a woman isn’t it? When it comes to relief, Dr. Armstrong stands by her solution— Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. Bioidentical hormones come in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, wafers and injections.

“IT TAKES A KNOWLEDGEABLE PHYSICIAN WHO HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME STUDYING HORMONES TO GET THE RIGHT BALANCE AS EACH PATIENT IS UNIQUE. SOMETIMES PATIENTS NOTICE AN IMMEDIATE CHANGE WHILE OTHERS NEED A PHYSICIAN WILLING TO TRY DIFFERENT THERAPEUTICS TO GET THE RIGHT COMBINATION. “ As for why Dr. Armstrong prefers this treatment? “BHRT allows us to use hormones that are compounded biochemically identical to your natural hormones versus a hormone alternative patented and sold by a pharmaceutical company. BHRT is wildly successful because women feel like their “old self” prior to peri-menopause. People are interested in maintaining quality of life, not simply living longer. I have many clients who claim BHRT has been life changing. This is because it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach as each prescription is custom-compounded based on each patient’s individual diagnostic results. This makes bioidentical hormones safer and more effective than synthetic hormones,” Dr. Armstrong explains. Like most medical treatments, your results can be directly linked to your chosen care provider and their expertise. “It takes a knowledgeable physician who has spent a lot of time studying hormones to get the right balance as each patient is unique. Sometimes patients notice an immediate change while others need a physician willing to try different therapeutics to get the right combination. I would not recommend a practitioner who gives everyone the same plan of care for hormones. Women’s hormones vary dramatically. Success depends on how well the practitioner listens to symptoms and how aggressively they work to treat those symptoms. I consider symptoms, medical history, family history, current medications, allergies, social history, lab work, weight and body fat percentage to customize each patient’s plan,” Dr. Armstrong shares.

In business since 2017, Dr. Armstrong and her all-female team are dedicated to helping women not only feel their best, but look their best, too. They offer a range of aesthetic services like photofacials, microneedling, laser hair removal, dermaplaning, chemical peels, non-invasive body contouring, dermal fillers and toxins and weight loss. And, they’re super proud of their podcast, “The Best”, as they cover these not-sosimple topics to help women understand their options. Found on all podcast platforms, Dr. Armstrong and her team are quite entertaining as they’re fighting the good fight when it comes to aging, too. After all, being able to laugh our way through the hot flashes and mood swings is a welcome form of relief. As for us, we’ll be listening from our beach chairs that we happily climb in and out of with ease, knowing we have options.

LaBellaRX Weight Loss and Aesthetics 30941 Mill Lane Suite A, Daphne, AL 36526 251.621.4950 LaBellaRX.com

P E A C E , LO V E & P E O N I E S Everyone wants a green thumb, right? In the name of getting our hands dirty with purpose, we catch up with Stokely Garden Express horticulturalist, Ewa Wiggins (who may as well be Mother Nature) for her words of wisdom as they relate to fall planting. Just as no woman wants to wear a barbed wire bra, who among us wants their green goddess efforts to go to waste? Not us!

Hello! As a horticulturist, I find many people are surprised to learn that fall is the perfect time for planting. Naturally, everyone loves to plant in the spring. It’s a great way to mark a new beginning and most of us are energized by the warmer weather and dreams of all the planting possibilities. However, the fall promises countless planting benefits. For starters, the still warm ground temperatures are perfect for transplanting trees and plants. As the plants gear up for cold weather, the growth above ground begins to slow—they know to dig down deep! That means plants are able to put their energy into developing stronger and longer root systems in the fall, unlike the spring when the growth is focused above ground in terms of foliage, flowers, fruit, and branches. November through February is prime time for local planting. The result? More above ground growth in the spring. Another significant advantage of fall planting is that common garden pests and disease problems are less of an issue. Insects can be a major headache for gardeners, but the populations tend to be much smaller in the fall. Therefore, plants can focus all of their energy on producing top growth and roots rather than repairing and replacing the damage caused by ravenous pests. Our hot temperatures can stress plants, so planting in April gives them only 3-4 weeks before the temps hit 90 degrees. As air temperatures drop in the fall, rainfall becomes more plentiful, which plants love as the additional moisture makes it easier for them to become established without an excess of supplemental irrigation. Plus, both soil and top growth retain moisture better in cooler temperatures, maximizing even scant rainfall. The root system will be far more developed to tolerate the hot days of summer, which means they’ll be more capable of withstanding drought should you go to the beach for a weekend. Fall planting offers a whole six or more months of growth and development before the biological cues of spring start demanding fruit and flowers. Of course, this means your plants will be much better established, resulting in enhanced quality and quantity of spring production. Most plants don’t just tolerate winter—they need it to thrive! Think new bulbs and perennials like Hydrangeas, Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Hyacinths and Hosta, as well as grasses, shrubs and ornamental trees like Japanese Maples and Crape Myrtle. Happy fall planting and enjoy those bigger, better blooms when spring arrives. And, don’t forget, I’m here to help.

Peace, love and peonies, Ewa

Bayside Women’s Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Lauren Cooper

Lauren Cooper, M.D. Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Bayside Women’s Health has been providing high-quality care for women for more than 45 years. As a group, our physicians are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for women through all phases of their lives. From pregnancy to menopause, our office brings experience and innovation. We understand that life is busy, so we are pleased to offer, in most instances, same day appointments. We also provide Telemedicine appointments through certain insurance providers.

To make an appointment with Lauren Cooper, M.D. call 251.990.6550.

Almand J. Westbrook, Jr., M.D. 2651 Old Shell Road | Mobile, AL 36607 P (251) 243-7058 | F (251) 243-7059 Dr. Kimberly A. Westbrook, MD 101 Lottie Ln Unit 6, Fairhope, AL 36532 P (251) 990-1980

Premier Medical Welcomes Dr. Edmond Wright Edmond Wright, MD has joined the Premier Medical Eye Group, practicing in our Mobile office located at 3701 Dauphin Street. Dr. Wright completed a glaucoma fellowship at Truhlsen Eye Institute in Nebraska and specializes in eye care and surgical intervention for glaucoma and cataract patients.

Call us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wright: 251.341.3300.

Visit us online at pmg.md

251.990.6550

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Making Your Money MATTER Understanding many of us aren’t aware of our options and all the good we can do with our money, financial professional, and he who speaks woman, Justin Law explains how charitable giving is something in just about everyone’s reach. Regardless if you’re passionate about saving the planet, contributing to cancer research, or feeding the less fortunate, Justin breaks down the upside of supporting nonprofit organizations and the important work they do just in time for the holidays.

s the end of year approaches and the season of giving begins, it’s important to consider the benefits of charitable giving. This year I took a particularity strong interest in a few causes important to me as I’m somewhat new to this community and want to contribute to the place I now happily call home. For starters, I joined the American Cancer Society’s local campaign, Real Men Wear Pink, to raise funds for patient support and more. I also donated to the Baller Dream Foundation which aims to lift the spirits of youth and their families impacted by cancer. Both fantastic organizations doing great work that holds a lot of meaning to me, the benefits are well beyond a deduction. Simply put, donating to a charity feels good and motivates us to practice selfless concern for others. However, I’d be remiss not to share the financial benefits that come with a giving and serving heart. With plenty of time left in the year, the act of charitable giving allows us opportunities to lower our taxable income. So, if you’re in a taxable income bracket, we can decide to pay a portion of that money in taxes or to a charitable cause. You will pay one or the other no matter what. Therefore, why not donate? The benefits of working with a professional like myself is that we can help clients determine their appropriate strategies for maximizing their giving, and taxable income, as there are several options that can be complicated. From a charitable remainder trust to donor advised funds and portfolio contributions, these can be trickier to navigate yet yield great benefits for all involved. Also, people tend to think of donations in terms of cash, but we’re able to donate tangible properties, tradeable securities, portions of a retirement and insurance plans, capital gains, art and more. I also implore those working for a company to inquire about the employee matching programs offered. For example, many companies will donate a dollar for every dollar the employee donates to a variety of charities. This doubles the impact of your gift. This matters as individual gifts fund the majority of nonprofits. Also, the nonprofits supply each donor with the tax deduction forms required, making it even easier, regardless of how you give. Again, these acts of kindness can lower taxable income while benefiting the greater good. Together, we can determine the best way to navigate the various rules and regulations while you reap the feel-good rewards of contributing to those working tirelessly do the work we feel is important. Until Next Time,

Justin Law

Strategic Wealth Specialists 3213 Executive Park Circle Mobile, AL 36606 | 334.672.5665 | Justin.Law@YourSWS.com

This material is intended for general use. By providing this content, Park Avenue Securities LLC and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide investment advice or make a recommendation for a specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 3664 Coolidge Ct., Tallahassee, FL, 32311, 850-562-9075. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Strategic Wealth Specialists, LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 2022-146350 Exp 11/24

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COCKTAIL KING Not only is Matt LeMond adored by cocktail connoisseurs near and far, he’s also beloved for his openness about mental health issues. So, in honor of Movember, a globally recognized month of mustache bearing men making a difference in mental health and more, Matt gives us his reasons why and what he and his teams from POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar and the Outsider are planning.

Greetings! Whether it’s patchy, lopsided, or epic—whatever Mo you grow, your face can raise awareness and funds this month for men’s health. Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed wearing the Magnum P.I. variety, and this will be my 13th year rocking the extra upper lip fuzz! My teams and I have shifted focus to being more specific towards awareness and genuine connection. The personal memories and time spent opening up to each other has had positive and long-lasting effects. With that being the foundation, the fundraising seems to follow organically. Mental health has become an important aspect of my life. Because I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to get to the bottom of other people’s feelings, while neglecting my own, I’ve convinced myself “fine” is not a feeling. Or at least not on my wheel anymore. As I searched for myself within myself, I realized I wasn’t doing the one thing I was asking everyone else to do—talk more. Throughout this journey, the Movemeber platform has played a crucial role in reflecting on my own mental health story. This platform has created a safe space for open conversations with family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. As we learn to acknowledge our feelings and be kinder to ourselves and others, the stigma of mental health can be broken. For me personally, Movember 2022 is about diving deeper into my personal journey of mental health and vulnerability. I feel blessed to offer others the opportunity to be more open to sharing and acknowledging how we feel. Interestingly, many believe that POST used to be an old post office. It’s always fun to share that the name came from my experience with Movember. I’m one of those people who sends post cards to my mom when traveling, so I felt a business with a theme of connecting, sharing, and talking would act as a positive platform for everyone. We kicked off on November 1st with a Shave the Date party at Cedar Street. Next, was our big fundraising event on November 4th, The MOpen Championship, which is our annual, and nationally recognized, golf tournament. My favorite event, and the one that’s sure to have you smiling all night, is our Staches in Stilettos at BeBobs on November 19th! Our mustached men partner with local drag queens to strut their stuff while raising money and earning a crown. We wrap up the month with a gala to celebrate our mustaches, the activities and our fundraising. There’s a handful of ways to donate, and to date, we’ve raised over $250,000. Donations could help save a father, a brother, a son, a friend, a partner, a man’s life.

Cheers!

- matt lemond

The Outsider 522 Dauphin St., Mobile | 251.607.6221 76

DIEGMANN & HENDERSON OBGYN

is now

The same familiar physicians, staff and care now with a new name. As a group, our physicians are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for women through all phases of their lives. From pregnancy to menopause, our office brings experience and innovation. We understand that life is busy, so we are pleased to offer, in most instances, same day appointments. We also provide Telemedicine appointments through certain insurance providers.

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pink table talk

ts officially “Sweatah Weathah” and time to bring those cool weather gems to the front of your closet. Switching your wardrobe seasonally can be overwhelming, but it’s a great time to edit our mistakes. Why? Because there are beautiful trends begging to be front and center. The standouts this fall include color, pattern and texture. From the pop art designs to the resurgence of cable and fisherman weaves, there’s many to covet. Don’t forget to fold and hang them like pants over the hanger bar.

Pearl by Lela Rose

For an easy breezy look, the funnel neck pullover is everywhere in sumptuous soft hues. Nothing gets you out the door in style faster with such little effort. Speaking of easy, the classic cardigan is making a comeback as the chicest layering piece, too. And, one of my all-time favorites is back— the sweater vest. Since our weather is constantly in flux, it’s hard to commit to heavy outerwear. A sweater vest is the absolute perfect transitional piece. Trending from micro to maxi lengths, a sweater vest will be your fall best friend because you never know if it’s going to be 85 degrees or if your water pipes will freeze.

With her love of knits, and obsession for not sweating while donning a cashmere blend, our Southern influencer, Charlotte Kilborn Carey, tells us how to succeed now that our favorite fall frock—the sweater—is back. From funnel necks to Mister Rogers, here’s her favorite trends, hanger tips and more.

I’m currently shopping the all-in-one options as well. Perfect for menopausal women, these offer the illusion there’s a blouse underneath, but, in fact, it’s a faux collar that allows us to skip the bulk and extra warmth from two layers. For evening, the most elegant silhouette is a riff on the cold shoulder look with one shoulder elegantly exposed. Scandalous!

Frances Valentine

Sweaters are a big trend for men—especially the cardigan. Not just for Mister Rogers anymore, the shawl neck version is a social media superstar. Former child star, and TikTok influencer, Adam Rose has made the blue Banana Republic iteration famous. My college-age son, Charles, and his generation refer to it as the “Schmidt Sweater” after a character on the “New Girl” series. Maybe Mister Rogers taught us a lot more than kindness after all. May your holidays be merry this season, and may your sweaters be pink! XO Frances Valentine

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