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MS-29541

contents SUMMER 2011 On the cover Photo by Jake Rajewsky A corset piercing by Josh Reindl of River City Tattoos.

Features About Us EDITORIAL and BUSINESS OFFICE WOW magazine 300 N. Washington Ave. Box 271 Mason City, IA 50402-0271 800-421-0524 www.GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW Publisher/Editor: Howard Query 641-421-0507, howard.query@lee.net Advertising Director: Greg Wilderman 641-421-0545, greg.wilderman@lee.net Advertising Coordinators: Lynette Harrington 641-421-0586 lynette.harrington@lee.net Linda Hawk 641-421-0522 linda.hawk@lee.net Managing Editor: Karen Jacobs 641-421-0529, karen.jacobs@lee.net WOW is published four times a year by the Globe Gazette.

GLOBE

GA Z E T T E

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In Every Issue

32 What’s up, down there?

11 Sethanne DeGabriele writes about the joy of a baby’s touch.

Medical experts answer questions women often are too embarrassed to ask.

35 Just dump him!

18 Columnist Ann-Marie Berg addresses children taking responsibility.

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3 Express yourself Body piercing has become common today.

7 Trip out for the summer Try a day trip to keep the kids busy.

13 Go nude Nude is the hot shoe color for the season.

15 The fruits of my (or someone else’s) labor) The quest to consume locally grown food has many people looking for ways to grow their own.

17 Take it outdoors Summer can have the perfect conditions for outdoor events or circumstances to make these parties impossible.

The camisole of today is not what your mother used to wear.

20 Pasta 101 Much like baking bread, making homemade pasta is a chance to play with your food and eat something amazing.

25 How rude!

28 The harmful home

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Abigail Bartz checks out her new green stud, which is attached to an anchor that is implanted under her skin.

Express yourself Body piercing has become so common that it’s difficult to go anywhere without seeing someone who has been pierced

p

by RHONDA REGAN photos JEFF HEINZ

Piercing the human body is a practice that has roots in ancient times as many cultures used it to denote status or rank within their society.

Today piercing isn’t used so much as a rank determiner as it is for display. And yet it is susceptible to trends much like fashion and is in such high demand that a person can’t throw a stick without hitting someone who has at least one piercing, whether it’s their ear, nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue, arm, nipple, belly, back, ankle or any other place on the body.

The most common trend is facial piercings. Cassidy Hammer of Charles City has multiple facial piercings. At one point she had 10: three above her upper lip, the middle of her bottom lip, the labret, one at the side of her mouth, three different eyebrow piercings and an anti-eyebrow

pierce, which is located below the eyebrow.

“Right now I only have five piercings because I’d gotten bored with some and I let them close up so that I can get something different,” she said.

Josh Reindl, a body modification artist at River City Tattoo in Mason City who has been piercing professionally for more than two years, described some of the different areas that people get pierced.

“The webbing under the tongue is popular, the labret pierce, which is the skin under the bottom lip and above the chin, and hips are all popular,” he said.

Hammer started with the labret pierce because “that was the only one my mom would agree to of all the ones I wanted.”

The latest trend in piercing is the microdermal implant, a semi-permanent

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

3

Josh Reindl of River City Tattoo gets ready to put a stud near Abigail Bartz’s right eye. Opposite page: The process involves: 1) marking the location where the stud will be placed, 2) Using a dermal punch to create a “pocket” in the skin where the stud will be inserted, 3) pinching the skin in preparation to implant the anchor under the skin, 4) implanting the anchor under the skin, 5) attaching the stud top to the anchor, 6) pushing the stud onto the anchor, and 7) cleaning the area around the new stud.

The process

Microdermals in a nutshell: • Clean area • Mark position • Create pocket in skin • Insert anchor in pocket • Attach decoration to stud • Minimal bleeding, no scars and optimum effect.

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piercing that involves a threaded step stud attached to a titanium plate anchor implanted under the skin. The simplicity of the process allows it to be placed anywhere on the body.

Abigail Bartz, formerly of Mason City, was getting her second microdermal implant. She had the first one in February and liked it so much she wanted to get another.

“I had wanted one so bad (her first one) as my boyfriend and my aunt both have one.”

Just exactly how is a microdermal implant installed? Reindl explained that microdermals are single point piercings, so instead of going through the skin twice and making two holes like an ear piercing, only one hole is put into the skin.

Like piercing it begins with sterilizing the intended area and marking the skin for placement. The marked skin will be removed with a dermal punch that creates a “pocket” in your skin.

The anchor is inserted into that pocket. The anchor has very tiny holes in it that allows for skin tissue to grow through thereby “anchoring” the implant in place.

The stud that protrudes through the skin sits flush with the skin. Different stud tops can be interchanged for different effects once the skin surrounding the stud has healed.

“The healing process usually takes two months providing that the wearer takes care to keep it covered and doesn’t do anything to irritate the

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skin,” Reindl said.

Although microdermals have wide flexibility as to placement on the body, the location can determine the type of implant used.

“There are different anchors for different parts of the body,” Reindl said.

For example, a medium motion anchor is used in facial implants and a high motion would be used for the feet or ankle.

“I don’t do feet too often as they’re not very comfortable,” he said. Other examples of high motion locations are wrists, fingers, “any area that has a lot of motion through the day.”

Caring for microdermals involves leaving the piercing wound undisturbed to allow it to heal properly.

Keep the pierced area covered with a bandage to protect it from germs and water and thus the bandage also will hold the anchor in its place. The wearer will do well to remember that a microdermal implant is a semi-permanent procedure as body tissue will anchor it in place under the skin. If they want it removed it needs to be scalped out.

After the procedure Bartz got her first look at her new implant. “Oh! it’s cute! In the perfect place.”

Regulations governing piercings and microdermals According to Brad Duckert, owner of River City Tattoo in Mason City, current county law states that individuals under the age of 18 must have parental consent.

“Right now, as the county law is written, any person under the age of 18 can get pierced with parental consent. However, in accordance with maintaining the business as a family environment our policy is a cutoff age of 13, meaning we won’t pierce anybody under the age of 13,” said Duckert.

trip out for the summer The kids are home for summer vacation and a few days in, the all-too-familiar “There’s nothing to do!” threatens to make you run for the hills. Never fear! Day trips are here!

w

Whether you want to stay in town, in the area or within driving distance, here are some ideas to open their minds and souls and satisfy your wanderlust simultaneously:

In Mason City/Clear Lake Kinney Pioneer Museum www.visitmasoncityia.com Experience life on the Iowa frontier! Besides vintage exhibits of fossils, dolls, a soda shop and antique cars, this historical museum features a log cabin, a 1912 blacksmith shop with original tools, a one-room schoolhouse, 1859 jail and an 1800s railroad caboose.

Location: Highway 122 West in Clear Lake (at the entrance to the Mason City Airport)

by MICHELLE SPROUT MURRAY photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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Phone: 641-423-1258 Hours: Open May 1 through the end of September, Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Admission: Adults $3; kids 12 and under $1 Fort Custer Maze www.fortcustermaze.com This 1850s-style Western fort features more than 6 miles of maze, a center lookout tower and four corner block towers. The object is to get through the maze, collecting stamps in the towers and under the bridges. The maze design changes weekly during the summer.

Location: 2501 Main Ave., Clear Lake Phone: 641-357-6102 Hours: Open 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day; Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; (also open weekends in May and open by appointment during the week in May).

Admission: age 3 and younger, free; age 4 to 11, $4; Adults $6;

Seniors 55 and older, $5; party/group rate (10 or more people) $1 off regular admission.

Austin, Minn.

SPAM Museum www.spam.com

This unique museum is dedicated to SPAM, the meat that was introduced to the world in 1937 at The Hormel Foods Corp. The SPAM Museum is “16,500 square feet of SPAM artifacts, history and fun,” according to its website. There also is SPAM trivia, videos, interactive displays, World War II exhibit, SPAM game show and movie.

Location: 1101 N. Main St., Austin, Minn.

Phone: 800-LUV-SPAM Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Waterloo Grout Museum District www.groutmuseumdistrict.org This consists of several attractions, three of which are listed here.

The Grout Museum of History and Science offers permanent and changing exhibitions of area history and boasts the only public planetarium in northeast Iowa. Current exhibits for

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Summer 2011 include “Privy to the Past: Collectors Showcase of Waterloo Bottles” where you can discover what area “diggers” have found in Waterloo backyards. Discover just what these treasures tell us about the past. Another exhibit is “Child’s Play: Toys from The Grout Museum District Collection.”

The Bluedorn Science Imaginarium is a three-floor interactive science center with hands-on exhibits.

Learn about the wild weather in the Midwest, build futuristic machines at the ROBOTIX table and get on the angular momentum machine.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum “honors service and sacrifice of all Iowa Veterans from the Civil War to present,” according to its website. Stories of Iowa veterans come to life through traditional exhibits, interactive activities and an electronic Wall of Honor.

Location: 503 South St., Waterloo Phone: 319-234-6357 Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Adults $10; children 4-13, $5 (the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium has a separate admission of $5 for everyone).

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GARAGE PARTY Thursday, May 12 6:00 – 8:00 pm HARLEY- DAVIDSON OF MASON CITY 706 S. Federal Ave.

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Give yourself credit

Lost Island Waterpark www.thelostisland.com Besides enjoying waterslides galore and play areas for all ages, grab a raft and float in the lazy river or the zero depth entry wave pool. Don’t miss the Wailua Kupua, the waterslide that’s like a roller coaster. There are only 10 of its kind in the world.

Location: 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo (off of Highway 218 in Waterloo; take a right at Shaulis Road) Phone: 319-233-8414 Hours: Open daily from June 4 to Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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National Eagle Center www.nationaleaglecenter.org If your family has become addicted to the popular Decorah eagle cam website, take them to see eagles up close. The National Eagle Center is a beautiful interpretive WOW SUMMER 2011

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center overlooking the Mississippi River that offers special eagle programs daily. You can have your photo taken with an eagle and even get to watch the eagles at feeding time.

Location: 50 Pembroke Ave., Wabasha, Minn.

Phone: 877-332-4537 Hours: Open daily year-round; Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Adults 18-61 $8; seniors (62 and older) $6; students (4-17) $5; ages 3 and younger, free.

Slippery’s Bar & Grill Are you a fan of the movies “Grumpy Old Men” and “Grumpier Old Men?” If so, this restaurant is a must! Slippery’s was made famous by both of these movies and has memorabilia from each as well as excellent food and a great view of the Mississippi.

Location: 10 Church Ave., Wabasha, Minn.

Phone: 866-504-4036 Pearl of the Lake www.pearlofthelake.com Step back in time and take a riverboat cruise on Lake Pepin, the largest river lake on the Mississippi River. The Pearl of the Lake is a genuine replica of a paddle wheeler in the 1800s and offers seating for 125 in an open upper deck and an enclosed lower deck with air conditioning. Cruises are 90 minutes long and include partial narration by the captain. A full bar and snacks are available.

Location: 100 Central Point Road, Lake City, Minn. (Highway 61 north of Wabasha, Minn.)

Phone: 651-345-5188 (be sure to call ahead for reservations).

Hours: Public excursions are Wednesday through Sunday at 1 p.m. with boarding beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Admission: Adults $15; seniors (65 and older) $12; children (613) $8; ages 5 and younger, free.

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WOW SUMMER 2011

the touch of a baby

a

by SETHANNE DEGABRIELE photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

A recent trip to meet a friend’s precious new baby girl triggered a trip down memory lane for this mommy. I remember when my 5-year-old son, Drew, was a baby. Nothing quite matched the feeling of his tiny fingers closing around my pinky and holding on so tight. I never realized how one little squeeze could mark the beginning of a lifetime of holding hands.

That very first time a mom holds hands with her baby feels magical. In fact, any time a baby squeezes someone’s finger that feeling of connection simply cannot be beaten.

Holding hands often accompanies milestone moments. When Drew started walking, he would hold his arms up and hang on to my fingers for balance. As we crossed the street on our first summer walk, I took Drew’s hand and told him to always hang on when crossing the street.

In the pool as Drew was learning how to

swim, he stretched his arms out in front of him and his hands clung to mine.

Recently, Drew started attending Kindergarten Pathways, a wonderful program aimed at helping students gear up for the world of school. As we walked toward the doors, Drew anxiously reached his hands out to grab his dad’s and my hands. Once we were inside, my husband, Bryan, and I felt our hands drop to our sides as a wave of confidence washed over Drew and he bravely led us through twists and turns of the hallways just as the bright red arrows directed him to do. He knew we were there if he needed us, but he excitedly took off on his own adventure. Bryan and I loved every bittersweet minute of watching Drew find his own way.

On the walk back to our car that evening, I felt a little tug on my pinky.

At the exact same moment, he looked up at me and simply said, “I love you,

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Mommy.” And, I smiled at him and said, “I love you more.”

Every so often when Drew puts his hand in mine I notice how it has grown.

I’m sure that one day his hand will overshadow my own. But, even when Drew’s hands grow from those of a boy into those of a man, I look forward to those special moments when they reach out to hold on to mine.

Sethanne DeGabriele is a free-lance writer and Mason City native. She can be reached at sethanne@hotmail.com.

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Private decorated suites that are designed with your comfort in mind that include rooming-in providing special bonding time with your new baby. After delivery services are also offered to make you and the family comfortable with your new baby.

Prenatal and Childbirth classes are offered several times during the year to get you ready for delivery.

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the fruits of my

h The quest to consume locally grown food has many people looking for ways to grow it themselves

by CAITLIN LEITZEN photos JAKE RAJEWSKY

Herbivore. Carnivore. Omnivore.

Locavore?

The trend of eating locally has become so popular a new term has been coined to describe those who yearn to know where their food has come from.

From growing your own to eating the fruits of someone else’s labor, local food is easier than ever to find.

If you choose to grow your own, it is not too late to start. The recent interest in container gardening allows recently greened thumbs to start their own seeds regardless of time and space.

Membership Manager Shannon Carmody of Seed Savers in Decorah explains the recent interest in local foods.

“People want to know where their food comes from,” said Carmody. “They feel disconnected.”

Seed Savers is a non-profit that has been saving and sharing special heirloom varieties of plants since 1975. This organization has many unique kinds of plants, including several that flourish especially in a container setting including the Round Mauve Eggplant, Paris Market Carrot, Miniature White Cucumber and several varieties of tomatoes, herbs and peppers. However, it’s not just heirloom plants that will thrive in containers.

Carmody explained a few

(or someone else’s)

labor

essential tips for successful container gardening:

Water Because these plants are not receiving many of the benefits of Mother Nature, the gardener must bring them to the container.

Keeping track of each plant and how much water it may need is essential to its growth, said Carmody. Especially if these containers are being grown inside, the gardener must provide the spontaneous rain showers the plant is missing.

Drainage is important because these plants do not have the luxury of expanses of soil to absorb

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excess water. Placing sticks or rocks on the bottom of the container will create space for the plant.

Finally, the addition of nutrients by the grower is important when growing a plant in a more controlled environment. Using compost or fertilizer will help supplement nutrients your budding lettuce or herbs need in order to survive on your windowsill or on your porch.

While these tips are helpful for all container plants, each unique variety has its own needs. Carmody emphasized the importance of knowing how much light, water or any other necessity is needed for each plant.

When choosing a type of container to house your new seeds, anything goes. Carmody suggested traditional methods of housing like clay pots but also mentioned cheaper, recycled options like old milk cartons.

She also gave one more piece of advice for beginning growers: “Grow what you like to eat.”

However, if your thumb displays a more ominous color, turning to the professionals at farmers markets or fruit stands is another great way to join the locavore craze.

John Scuffham of Scuffham’s Gardens in Algona offers homegrown produce to anyone willing to come out and pick it.

Scuffham, who has offered his raspberries, pumpkins, gourds and squash since 1986, said the relationship with the grower is important to his customers.

“People want to know who grew it,” said Scuffham. “They want to visit.”

He has fielded questions about everything from insecticides and herbicides used to the freshness of the produce, both at his gardens and when selling his tomatoes and onions at a farmers market in Algona.

“Don’t be afraid to ask,” advises Scuffham, who sees this as a special perk of buying local food.

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WOW SUMMER 2011

take it outdoors Sunshine. Green grass. Long days.

Unpredictable weather. Cold burgers. Mosquitoes. Summer can provide the perfect conditions for outdoor events or circumstances to make these parties impossible

s

by CAITLIN LEITZEN

Some of the most common obstacles to planning your party in the elements include: practicing proper food safety, finding practical yet pretty décor, using effective pest-control techniques and staking out an appropriate location.

like E Coli and salmonella.

Gustafson said two hours is more safe.

“If it’s not eaten before two hours, cool it down, heat it up or throw it away,” he said.

“you want the look of real place settings without worrying about breakage,” she said. And as always, disposables are always popular, just “don’t forget the trash can!”

Décor

Pest control

According to Kelly Sparks, owner and Food Safety event planner for Socialize Event PlanFood is an integral part of any outning and Management in Des Moines, door event, said Marc Gabrielson of We the trend for outdoor entertaining is to 3 Catering in Belmond. blend in to the surroundings instead of “Never run out of food. Quality and a trying to create an artificial cocktail very friendly serving staff and your party lounge on the lawn. will be a hit,” said Gabrielson, a 25-year “Keep it simple and adaptable,” she veteran of catering. said. “Right now the rustic and natural When grilling, Gabrielson also suglook is very popular in event decoratgests cleaning your grate with a wire ing. Lanterns, Mason jars, wildflowers brush before you start, marinating for and burlap are everywhere and defithe correct amount of time and use nitely keep things simple but lovely.” propane for the best results.

Aside from aesthetics, Sparks also “We always use propane to grill with. has plenty of practical advice.

It is very clean, gives food a great flavor, “Wind can be particularly annoying is inexpensive to use and your grill is so keep decor low and sturdy; don’t be ready to use within 10 minutes,” said afraid to forego tablecloths and bring Gabrielson. things to weigh your napkins down,” However, with the increased risk of she said. “If your event will continue outdoor hazards, food safety becomes into the evening, don’t forget about an important concern with serving food lighting. This is another time when you at the park or in the backyard. have to consider your access to elecHealthy Homes Coordinator Erik tricity.”

Gustafson of Cerro Gordo Public Health When serving food, Sparks advises explains the FDA guidelines on food each planner think about his or her safety. party philosophy. A frequent partyFood that has not been kept either thrower could invest in versatile white above 135 or below 41 degrees or clear serving bowls or platters, said Fahrenheit for more than four hours Sparks. Melamine, acrylic or polycarshould be thrown out to avoid bacteria bonate dinnerware is another choice if

Emily Gross, co-owner of Taste! To Go Catering and Events in Des Moines, has experienced bug-prevention techniques, both of her own and from clients.

“Many clients will spray the night before an event if it is mosquito season. Or I always suggest having fans near the food to keep flies away. Wind is the best policy,” she said.

Sparks suggests using elements that will add to the event as well as drive away pests, such as tiki torches, citronella candles or a well-positioned bonfire.

Location Sparks advises planners to be prepared for all weather events and logistical needs in your space.

“For outdoor events specifically — the best choice is somewhere that has an indoor space that can be a substitute in the case of inclement weather. At the very least there should be somewhere nearby that people can take cover if severe weather presents itself,” she said. “(And) keep in mind that it’s not just rain that can drive you indoors. When temperatures are too high, it can make for an unpleasant outdoor experience.”

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

17

who is responsible?

i

Teaching children to take responsibility for their actions is an important part of raising them

by ANN-MARIE BERG

I have decided it would be reasonable for parents to have the option of renaming their children once they got to know them.

When little Hope turns out to be the most pessimistic 5-year-old on the block, for example, parents could rename her something like Cynic. Or how about Peter? As his personality takes off, you start thinking ‘NotMyFault’ would have been a better choice.

Surely you have one like this at home. He blames everyone else for everything he does. He spills his milk and says it is your fault because if you hadn’t bought the milk in the first place his glass never would have spilled.

And what the heck were you thinking when it came to Morgan?

“WasntMe” would have been perfect. She never owns up to anything she does.

But instead of renaming, what if it were possible to get kids to be accountable for their actions?

Teaching kids to be responsible for what they say and do is an important part of raising them to be reliable and conscientious. This is often easier said than done, because some kids simply give no thought as to how their actions affect others. Some find it easier to blame someone else for their mistakes so they can avoid disapproval from parents or being punished.

Kids who are allowed to make excuses for their behaviors or who blame others do not learn to take responsibility for how they act. To help instill a sense of accountability, point out repercussions from your child’s behaviors.

When NotMyFault said it wasn’t his fault he forgot to walk the dog, but yours for forgetting to remind him, point out how the dog suf-

18

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

sible. Give a reward, such as verbal praise or allowance, for making good choices and completing the task as well as a consequence for not fulfilling responsibilities. As kids learn to keep accountability on their radars, being responsible will become second nature. Well, we can hope, anyway.

Enforce honesty as the best policy. Expect your kids to be truthful when asked if they were the ones who lost the key to the house or who colored on the walls. Teach that you will still dish out consefered. Remind NotMyFault that he quences, but they will be less was in charge of that chore. Teach severe than if WasntMe lies or that actions have consequences, blames others for her mistakes. and link his together so NotMyAlong those lines, be reasonable Fault understands how others are with your punishment. If you are impacted by his choices. very severe, then kids will be more Discuss how it is wrong to blame other people for things that afraid to admit to what they have done. Try enforcing an open and WasntMe did. The next time he accepting environment. said he wasn’t the one who broke As always, set a good example his sister’s toy when everyone knows he did, intervene. Teach him by being accountable yourself. If you do something wrong, fess up. to say, “I did it. I should not have thrown it on the ground. Next time Tell them, “I should have done this differently,” or “That was my fault.”

I will be careful.” The more he You are their role model, and if practices owning up, the easier it they see you willingly admit to will become. Additionally, he will likely feel a sense of relief for com- mistakes then they will be more likely to do the same. ing clean and not feeling guilty for Help NotMyFault and WasntMe lying or manipulating the truth. learn to step up to the plate and Teach NotMyFault that blaming other people for what she did may take responsibility for what they help her avert a consequence right have said, done or forgotten to do. now but does not help in the long Learning the art of accountability will help them act and make decirun. Kids who continually blame sions with thoughtful consideraothers eventually become known tion. And, who knows, they may as liars and cheats among friends just snap out of their identity crisis later. Talk about reputations and how it is better to be known as an and go back to matching up with honest friend than one who will is the original name you gave them.

Ann-Marie Berg is a pediatric incapable of being accountable.

Help kids practice accountability nurse practitioner and freelance by giving them opportunities to be writer who lives in Cedar Rapids.

She can be reached at amhreliable. Try assigning each child a task for which he or she is respon- berg@mchsi.com.

w

body-shaping style The camisole of today is not what your mother used to wear. A versatile piece in a woman’s wardrode, it can be worn with nearly anything, even alone, to create a layered look

by RHONDA REGAN photo KAREN JACOBS

Women of our mother’s generation will remember with fondness the camisole, a sleeveless undergarment usually made of satin, nylon or cotton that was worn under their white shirts.

“Camisoles 20 years ago were worn as an undergarment to give the over shirt a nice clean look as they hid straps and lines caused by other undergarments,” said Marie Frederick, owner of the Goodnature Store in Garner and Unique Boutique in Clear Lake.

The camisole is a loose-fitting garment that covers the top part of the body but is shorter than a chemise, a longer tunic type of garment. The traditional camisole has spaghetti straps and lace around the bottom of it and the bust area. Camisoles normally extend to the waist but may be cropped to expose the midriff. It is generally carried in the lingerie section of women’s clothing.

Over the years the camisole has evolved into a year-round ready-towear piece of clothing.

“Years ago it was acceptable for a little bit of a camisole to show under the shirt, and before long the whole top was visible,” Frederick said.

Twyla Steenblock, owner of Lillian’s in Mason City, describes modern camisoles.

“Nowadays some camisoles come with a built-in underwire bra or other support. Other camisoles offer body shaping undergarments for controlling the bust, waist and/or abdomen.

There also are some made from Lycra, a stretchy material that helps to hold you in.” Steenblock explained that the “control” camisoles can boost your bust, flatten your tummy and camouflage unseemly body lines.

Their versatility is endless. “They can be worn with a V-neck top, jacket, cardigan, sweater or whatever you want to do.”

Frederick said that the most common look is to wear two or three together for a layered look. “Women wear two because they like the look of two different colors, plus you get better coverage when you wear two.”

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

19

pasta 101 Much like baking bread, making homemade pasta is a chance to play with your food and eat something amazing text, photos by MENDEE MORGAN

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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

kitchen because my husband is a great sport. With a cheerful smile, he ate as many awful dinners as a clueless 20-something could produce, which encouraged me to keep trying. Marrying him also granted me access to one great cooking instructor — my Italian mother-inlaw.

Kathy taught me to make a braid of anise bread with a decorative egg baked in for Easter. She showed me how to evaluate bread dough and know if it is ready to rest, how to make gnocchi by rolling the little potato balls along the tines of a fork and the family favorite, meatballs and sauce. She showed me that a proper antipasto platter should be a humongous work of art and introduced me to cheeses and meats that I’d never heard of along with very stern and serious instructions about which brands to purchase.

But I have to say, I think I made pasta for the first time out of sheer desperation — no great instructions, no teacher. It was the middle of winter in Wisconsin and I was snowed in with a 3-year-old for days on end.

In the process of climbing the walls one day I looked at the unused pasta machine and figured the process looked a lot like playing with Play-Doh. My son was the kind of monkey baby who was always attached to me as I was cooking. When older he’d stand on a chair and help or sometimes play nearby in the sink for hours on end. The kitchen dynamic really worked for us when the pasta machine came out. We’d spend hours rolling out double and triple batches of dough. He’d completely wear himself out turning the hand crank for me and hanging the noodles to dry. The garage sale find was a godsend that winter.

Now he’s old enough to make a batch start to finish.

We no longer use the recipe from the pasta machine booklet but favor a softer egg noodle dough. The flavor is rich and very different from store-bought pasta. Turning the hand crank on the machine also provides a great chance to work up an appetite!

i

I stumbled into pasta making by accident when I came across a perfectly new, in the box, pasta machine at a garage sale. The seller explained that her mother had purchased the shiny metal contraption, not used it, then passed it on hoping the daughter could redeem the purchase.

I’ve never been intimidated to try anything in the

HOMEMADE PASTA (SERVES 6) 6 eggs 2½ cups of flour plus extra if needed for kneading and rolling (In the spirit of my mother-in-law I strongly suggest King Arthur Flour) ½ cup cake flour 1 tsp. or less salt (I’ve also omitted with no trouble) 1 Tbsp. olive oil

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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From the humidity in the kitchen to the size of eggs used, many factors will impact how the dough takes shape. The dough can be a little sticky but should not be a sticky mess that takes no shape. Too much flour and the dough will be tough.

There are many points in the process where flour can be added — just add flour in small increments.

MIXING THE DOUGH Place flour, cake flour and salt in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add eggs, olive oil and pulse to blend. If the mixture is wet like cake batter add flour in ¼ cup (or less) increments until dough starts to form a cohesive ball. Turn dough out onto clean surface to knead.

ROLLING THE DOUGH Divide the dough ball into quarters. Cover the quarters and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Set up the pasta machine and dust flour onto the machine’s rollers. As the dough sits it will become more sticky. Dough can be stored in the refrigerator briefly but let it come back to a flexible state before trying to roll it out.

Take one of the dough quarters from the plastic wrap.

Cover the remaining quarters. If the dough is sticky sprinkle it with flour (anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon should do).

Feed the dough quarter through the 1 setting on the machine several times, folding the dough in half or in thirds as you go until the pasta rolled out becomes more uniform in size and texture. Folding the dough is done only when the machine is set on the first or widest setting.

Turn the knob to the next setting, 2 on most machines.

Feed the dough through once. Repeat this process, adjusting through each roller setting up to at least 4 or 5.

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If the dough sticks to the rollers at any point dust machine and dough with flour. Occasionally a piece of dough will tear. It’s OK to fold it and start back at the 1 setting. If at any point the dough becomes too long to handle, slice it in half and continue rolling each half through the rest of the roller settings.

CUTTING INTO PASTA SHAPES Once the dough has been rolled out it is ready to cut.

Place the machine handle into the cutting attachment, flour the cutters and feed the pasta sheet

into the machine. Ribbons of pasta will come out on the other side. You’ll soon get the hang of turning the crank with one hand and guiding the noodles out at the same time, but it can seem a little awkward at first.

The noodles can be dried on a rack, laid over plastic hangers hung from kitchen knobs or just placed on a cookie sheet dusted with corn meal. They do not need to dry completely before they are cooked. It is best to cook all the noodles the same day they are made.

You are working only one of the quarters at a time through this entire process. After taking this first piece of dough through the cutting process you will start over at the beginning with your second dough quarter.

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23

Preparing the pasta Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add at least one tablespoon of salt to the water, more if you prefer. When the water is boiling cook the pasta for no longer than 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with butter, garlic and Parmesan cheese or any sauce you choose.

Pasta with fresh pesto

Sauces: From simple to special Nothing beats fresh pasta with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. It’s easy and makes a great side dish for a steak or meat served with a sauce. When the farmers market is in full swing and basil can be had for a reasonable price, pesto sauce is just the thing. A food processor makes this easy. Purists do all the chopping and mixing by hand. No matter how large a batch you make you’ll always wish you’d made just a little more because it freezes so well.

PESTO 2 garlic cloves ½ cup Parmesan cheese 3 Tbsp. pine nuts 2 cups basil leaves, rinsed and dried ½ cup olive oil

Pasta with butter, Parmesan cheese, red pepper and chives

Finely mince garlic. If your Parmesan cheese is not already grated use the food processor to pulse into fine crumbles. Add the garlic and pine nuts. Pulse to combine. Add basil leaves and pulse until the leaves are finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil through the feed tube.

Pesto freezes well and is as great on slices of fresh mozzarella or grilled chicken as it is on fresh pasta. This is one recipe where the quality of ingredients is very important. It’s best to start with a block of Parmesan cheese, not pre-grated. Also, buy the best olive oil you can afford to make these five ingredients sing. Serves 4, but can be doubled or tripled easily.

Pasta with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese

SPICY VODKA CREAM SAUCE 1 stick unsalted butter ¾ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ¾ cup vodka 1 can pureed or diced tomatoes ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 tsp. salt 1 cup Parmesan cheese 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped Melt butter in a large skillet. Add pepper flakes and vodka. Simmer 5 minutes. Drain tomatoes and add to skillet along with salt.

Simmer 3 more minutes and reduce heat to just barely simmering.

Add cream and simmer gently for 2 more minutes. Just before serving stir in Parmesan cheese. Ladle over noodles and top with fresh basil. Serves 6.

PASTA MACHINE PRIMER A pasta machine may look intimidating but it simply clamps to the countertop and features a set of rollers and cutters turned by a crank. On the opposite side of the crank is a knob that determines how wide the rollers are spread.

The idea is to start with the widest setting (1 on most machines) and work the dough through the roller settings to narrowest setting (5 or 6). The last setting generally creates a very thin pasta that can be difficult for a beginner to work with. The handle that turns the rollers is removable and also can be inserted into the cutting attachment. Most machines come with a cutting attachment for either fettuccine or angel hair. Fettuccine is easier for beginners. Uncut pasta can be used for lasagna or cannelloni.

24

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

how rude!

Gum chewing in public, elbows on the table, visiting with no notice; what is considered good manners?

m

by MENDEE MORGAN photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

Mary Evans decided Thursday would be a great day to get out and visit some friends. She bopped over to Sarah Gentry's house because she knew Sarah liked to have company in the afternoons. When she found that Sarah wasn't there she left her calling card and went on with her other visits.

Sound a bit strange? It should because no one uses calling cards anymore. Somehow we all up an decided it was a social rule we weren't interested in following and the custom went away.

It's certain there was a lot of tsk-tsk to be heard and cries of outrage by those who thought the entire system of leaving a little card with your name neatly printed on it made perfect sense and maintained order.

Little did these gentle people know that in the future far worse things GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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would happen like girls calling boys on the telephone and respectable ladies wearing sneakers in the grocery store — some not even bothering to wear a girdle. The original horror and eventual ho-hum makes one wonder who really decides what we must and must not do?

Ideas of good behaviors cycle on and off. Is writing a letter better because it takes more time? Or is calling someone better because it gives interaction with the person?

Sometimes the value is decided upon by what is more precious. Clearly an email is not considered to be as

valuable as a handwritten note but they both are letters. Both better than a text at this point.

The idea of good manners seems to be moving more toward common courtesy and practicality and away from a set of standards handed down without explanation.

We are more likely to take sharp notice when someone doesn't follow the rules of waiting in line at the grocery store than we are to get ruffled when someone rests their elbows on the dinner table. And what about those elbows on the table? The results from our survey start to tell a different story for elbows of the future.

We asked people from the area what they thought of “To be always thinking about your some manners new and old and here's what manners is not the way to they told us. You are make them good; the very perfection of invited to weigh in on manners is not to think about yourself.” this topic and see the - Richard Whately results as they change by visiting our Facebook page.

A friend drops by with a treat in a disposable container. What is the right thing to do with the container afterward? dispose of it because it is, after all, disposable

You have your sister’s family over for a casual lunch. Her son puts his elbows on the table and keeps them there throughout the meal. In your opinion is this bad manners?

Yes (40.9%)

Yes (40.9%)

return it with a homemade treat inside

No (59.1%)

No (40.9%)

return it empty

Applyling lipstick after dinner ...

No (18.2%)

can be done directly at the table Dropping by a friend’s house to say hello without calling first is ... always welcome; what are friends for?

Yes (36.4%)

should be taken care of in the ladies room No (63.6%)

Yes (22.7%)

Inconsiderate; who doesn’t like a little warning?

While catching up with an old friend over

No (77.3%) lunch your cell phone rings but you don’t

answer it. Then you hear a beep that a text message has arrived. Is looking down at your phone to read a message while talking to someone OK?

Chewing gum in public is hard to watch (50.0%)

Yes (28.6%)

is hardly noticeable (50.0%)

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For approximately one in five teenagers, the most dangerous place in the house may be their own medicine cabinet.

With the increasing accessibility of substances capable of being abused, your local one-stop store or own home may include just as many possibilities for deadly habits to be formed as the stereotypical dark alley.

Recent trends show increased use in products like cough syrup, compressed air canisters, bath salts and prescription drugs are competing with traditional villains like cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Lt. Frank Stearns of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Mason City Police Department explained the allure of abusing these types of drugs.

“It’s a crime of opportunity,” said Stearns. Over-thecounter abuse is all about “whatever’s easiest and cheapest” and “won’t draw attention,” he said.

All cough syrups containing alcohol now require identification before purchase. According to Iowa’s Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, the medicine contains dextromethorphan, which can cause hallucinations in its most serious cases. Often, the drug is abused to recreate many of the same effects as alcohol abuse, including slurred speech, nausea and confusion.

Stearns said cough syrup abuse is yet to be widely seen in teens, but mainly in those who are already alcoholics. He said adults who abuse cough syrup also will reach for hairspray or mouthwash — items with the same effects but do not require identification at the time of purchase.

Compressed air canisters, however, are more of a teen problem, said Stearns. The 2010 Iowa Drug Control Strategy report claims inhalant abuse “continues to be a concern in Iowa.”

These canisters, which are meant to be used to clean electronics, are classified as inhalants and often “huffed” directly from the can. This produces shortterm sensations of excitation and a loss of inhibition as reported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In some serious cases, inhalant use can speed up the heart rate causing a “sudden sniffing death” — even from the first use.

Stearns said one incident resulted in a car accident.

“It’s extremely dangerous,” he said.

One of the most recent fads comes from a substance often labeled as “bath salts.” Stearns explained it is abused similarly to cocaine or heroin.

“They (users) end up cooking it down or snorting it from powder,” he said. “It’s very dangerous.”

the harmful home

Recent teen drug trends are a ‘crime of opportunity’

by CAITLIN LEITZEN photos JAKE RAJEWSKY

28

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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While bath salt abuse is not yet a threat in Noth Iowa, it is gaining popularity. This substance can be found at gas stations or truck stops, looks like a white or tan powder and has several false names, such as Ivory Wave, Blue Silk or Vanilla Sky. It also is marketed as plant food or insect repellent.

And while these substances are gaining in popularity because of their accessibility, the most widely abused drug in our area is one that initially required a prescription.

“The main problem is prescription drugs,” said Stearns.

Medication used for pain, anxiety or ADHD, such as Paxil, Oxycontin and codeine, routinely are abused.

Oxycontin, for example, is intended to treat severe pain. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, when abused Oxycontin initially produces euphoria and leads to dizziness, loss of appetite and eventual liver damage.

Stearns offers a few tips if you suspect your child is experimenting with any of these household drugs.

“I know it sounds terrible,” he said, “but you need to search their room, their cars.”

He suggests asking yourself the sometimes-difficult questions when you see something suspicious.

“If you’re coming across empty canisters, why is that?” he said.

“Not too many kids care if their keyboards are dirty or not.”

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As health professionals learn more about salt, we’re being told more and more to trim back the amount we consume

by ANNETTE SNYDER photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

y

You hold your health in the palm of your hand — when it comes to sodium, that is. Did you realize that the amount recommended per day (2,300 mg) is equivalent to one teaspoon?

Think about that the next time you toss in that much salt to your favorite recipe at home.

Measure out a teaspoon of salt.

Now, take out about one-third of it.

What’s left is the new recommendation, 1,500 mg daily, spelled out in the 2010 dietary guidelines for Amer-

30

icans. That amount is the equivalent of roughly one tablespoon of soy sauce. Not much room left for anything else, is there?

Why the decrease? More and more research is showing what we’ve suspected for years — that sodium (aka salt) is not good for us. Why, you may ask? Let’s have a look.

Sodium is essentially a magnet for water (fluid) in the body. Where there is a high concentration, water flows to dilute it. Ever dealt with swollen ankles? That would be

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

edema, or swelling from too much fluid in one place. Anyone with congestive heart failure is especially at risk for fluid buildup since the heart isn’t pumping efficiently.

High blood pressure is another area of concern. Talk has gone back and forth through the years: does sodium restriction help everyone with high blood pressure? The answer can best be summed up as “probably.” People of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African-Americans, are more likely to have high blood pressure and therefore can benefit more from cutting back their intake.

Think of it this way: Ever try to push more water through a garden hose? Only so much can fit through at a time, at least without splitting open the hose. Now picture that hose as the millions of blood vessels running through the body. The goal is to keep them soft and supple and not overwhelmed by pressure from too much fluid cramming its way through.

Sodium is disguised many ways on a food label. Check the ingredients list. Items such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), soy sauce, sea salt (it’s a less-processed cousin to good old table salt, still with the same amount of sodium), baking soda, baking powder or any ingredient with sodium in the name.

Using the 2,300 mg daily limit, aim for less than 800 mg sodium per meal. On labels for snack foods and other single food items (not a whole meal) keep it less than 250 mg per serving.

Hidden sources of sodium may not be what you’d expect. Instant pudding has more than 250 mg sodium per serving. Check the label: more than 75 percent of the sodium we eat already is in a food, and usually from processing.

Even the newer products destined to come out this year, those boasting low sodium, need to be scrutinized.

So be proactive. Get involved when it comes to your health. No need to take this information with a grain of, well, you know.

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what’s up, down there?

Medical experts answer questions women often are too embarrassed to ask

by CAITLIN LEITZEN photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

32

e

Even doctors get nervous.

“Any patient, including doctors, has some degree of uncertainty.

This leads to the nervous feeling,” said Dr. Dan Gabrielson, OB/GYN and founder and owner of the Gabrielson Clinic for Women, with locations in Clarion, Belmond, Webster City and Humboldt.

And it’s not just the women who can be apprehensive.

“Doctors alternatively worry that they may be insulting a patient if certain topics are discussed,” explained Dr. Charles A. Debrah, a practitioner of obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy Medical CenterNorth Iowa in Mason City. But he noted, “Silence can be costly.”

Your doctor is human, too.

“It is important for patients to recognize their health questions are important and although may seem embarrassing, we are very comfortable addressing your concerns,” Gabrielson said.

“There are no taboo topics,” Debrah said. “Trust that your doctor wants to hear your worries and symptoms in order to best help you. However intimate the issue, keep in mind that the doctor has heard it before, many a time. So if a doctor doesn’t raise an issue, it’s imperative that you bring it up,” said.

Gabrielson and Debrah answer some commonly unasked questions.

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

Is every woman’s uterus tipped?

Does this cause problems as we age?

DG: No, not every uterus is “tipped,” medically referred to as retroverted. It is common, occurring about 25 percent of the time. The anatomical position of the uterus may cause varying symptoms such as back discomfort or bladder pressure.

Pelvic prolapse is a separate condition in which the support of the uterus, ligaments, fascia between the bladder and or the rectum has lost support and may cause symptoms of bulging, or sensation that something has fallen down vaginally. It can subsequently cause issues with pain, urinary and bowel function, and/or sexual dysfunction. This is can be corrected surgically or conservatively pending symptoms.

Why are my periods getting heavier, my menstrual pain worse, as I get older?

CD: Excessive flow and duration of the menstrual cycle remains the No. 1 reason for gynecologic office visits.

Clinically, cycles lasting longer than seven days or total blood loss exceeding 80mls in a cycle is defined as menorrhagia. In practical terms diagnoses is usually based upon the patient’s history. Numerous factors often contribute to this problem, some of which are endocrine, blood and anatomic disorders and some unknown causes.

Most cases of heavy vaginal bleeding as one ages are because of anovulation. Without ovulation, a hormone by name progesterone is not secreted, therefore the lining of the womb or the endometrium thickens excessively and outgrows its blood supply, which then starts breaking down at different levels. This often leads to excessive flow and some irregular bleeding. Pain associated with menstrual cycles also known as dysmenorrhea could be because of other factors besides the heaviness of the flow. Some of the common causes would be fibroids, uterine polyps, adhesions or scar tissues and ovarian cysts. It is usually recommended to seek advice from your provider should there be any change in the flow, pattern, and pain associated with your cycles.

I am middle-aged woman who has been going though menopause for a few years now. One of the side effects GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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I’ve noticed is almost no interest in sex. I know it’s a very common problem. Is there anything that can change how I feel?

CD: Yes, you are right on that.

Millions of women who are now passing through menopause are complaining and very surprised to discover that they have absolutely no desire to have sex anymore. You are not alone!

Four factors that may cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction: • Physical • Hormonal • Psychological • Social When we are treating sexual dysfunction in women it is important that all four factors be taken into consideration and explored before any treatment is prescribed.

Currently, there are not any good drugs to treat sexual problems in women dealing with menopause.

Estrogen replacement may work, but research has yielded conflicting results regarding its effectiveness. Estrogen can, however, make intercourse less painful by treating vaginal dryness.

For vaginal dryness leading to sexual dysfunction, topical estrogen formulations are the most effective.

Sildenafil (Viagra) has been used in clinical trials of women being treated for sexual arousal disorder, but the results have been contradictory.

So communicate openly and honestly with your partner and it will free you both to discover a deeper, more satisfying level of sexual intimacy than you may have ever imagined.

During menopause, if your sex drive isn’t what it once was but you don’t

think you need counseling, you should still take time for intimacy with your partner. Being intimate does not require having intercourse — love and affection can be expressed in many ways.

Enjoy your time together — you can take long romantic walks, have candlelit dinners or give each other back rubs.

To improve your physical intimacy, you may want to try the following approaches: • Educate yourself about your anatomy, sexual function and the normal changes associated with aging as well as sexual behaviors and responses. This may help you overcome your anxieties about sexual function and performance.

• Enhance stimulation through the use of erotic materials (videos or books), masturbation and changes to sexual routines.

• Use distraction techniques to increase relaxation and eliminate anxiety. These can include erotic or nonerotic fantasies; exercises with intercourse; and music, videos or television.

• Practice non-coital behaviors, such as sensual massage. These activities can be used to promote comfort and increase communication between you and your partner.

• Minimize any pain you may be experiencing by using sexual positions that allow you to control the depth of penetration. You may also want to take a warm bath before intercourse to help you relax and use vaginal lubricants to help reduce pain caused by friction.

Remember that for women, sexual response is complex and involves a mind-body connection.

I am considering having a home birth, but worry about my doctor being biased or thinking I am a lunatic. Is it a risky decision or just an alternative one?

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DG: The organization The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist creates standard practice guidelines for Ob/GYNs. I am always interested in discussing options with my patients. The alternative to a home birth delivery should be considered after assessing individual risk to mother and baby, and being informed of potential risks and complications. Safety for the mother and baby is always my No. 1 concern. You are not a lunatic, but studies indicate that there is an increase in neonatal mortality associated with home births.

I suffer from several symptoms of PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) including hair growth on the face, periods ranging from years of absence to a constant hemorrhage for the last year, weight gain and uneven breast size. I have discussed my concern with three doctors who were unresponsive. Now I don’t bring it up anymore. What should I do?

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CD: Sorry your concerns have not been addressed, but don’t give up.

Some of the treatments are not as effective and as immediate as we would like to see. But disregarding the condition can be detrimental in the long run. So continue bringing it up during your visits till you get a sympathetic ear.

The goals of treatment for women with PCOS include: • Weight loss for obesity.

• Suppression of elevated male hormone levels that cause hyperandrogenism and its associated symptoms, such as hirsutism and acne.

• Restoration of normal menses.

• Helping women with anovulatory infertility to achieve pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

• Reversing insulin resistance and, thereby restoring normal metabolic and hormonal function.

• Preventing the long-term health complications that can occur as a consequence of PCOS. A moderate amount of daily exercise associated with diet and weight loss significantly improves and can revert the abnormal endocrine cycles.

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WOW SUMMER 2011

just dump him!

Why do women stay in toxic relationships? Do bad boys intimate a slice of adventure that women secretly crave? Our experts weigh in List of bad boy qualities: ◆ Bad Attitude ◆ Lip Snarl ◆ Black Leather ◆ Rebel Yell ◆ Authority Dissenter ◆ Motorcycle/Cool Car (optional)

w

What is it about men who have all or some of the Bad Boy characteristics that draws women to them like bees to honey? Is it their penchant for thumbing their nose at authority or how hot they look in black leather?

According to Dr. Dan Courtney, chief clinical psychologist with the North Iowa Mental Health Center in Mason City, “Bad boys provide something

they (women) don’t have.”

And that thing women don’t have is an inner person telling them the bad boy is a bad boy.

Courtney said that most people generally have internal instincts that give them a sense of another person’s character.

When their instincts indicate a man or woman may be a bad boy or bad girl they listen to the voice of the instinct — which is telling them that a relationship

by RHONDA REGAN photo JAKE RAJEWSKY GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

35

with this person is unhealthy — and they ultimately sever the connection.

But not always. Some women don’t have that inner person talking to them, guiding them away from a toxic relationship. Courtney suggests that’s because they were “raised that they are not any good unless someone makes them feel validated externally.”

Huh? In other words, a female who has been raised in an environment where she was taught that her only purpose was to make other people happy makes her pre-disposed to believe that her only worth is through what she does for other people. As an adult and seeking male companionship she is not aware that she is repeating the pattern by seeking guys who want her only for what she will do for them.

Joey VonZomeren, director of North Lights Alliance for the Homeless in Mason City, seconded Courtney’s explanation.

“The women have that learned behavior from how they were raised.

For example, if her male partner is into drugs and he asks her to join him, she will do the drugs, too, even though she may know that it’s wrong. But she does it to make him happy because this is what he asked her to do.” VonZomeren added, “These type of women don’t feel good about themselves and they’re depending upon the relationship to make them feel good.”

How is it that a woman can’t or won’t extricate herself from a toxic relationship? Courtney said that the woman may be unable to understand her own emotions as she’s been taught to forget how she feels.

“It is a situation they are comfort-

36

able with and they don’t realize how detrimental it is,” he said.

VonZomeren’s experience with women has taught her some reasons why they become involved in toxic relationships.

“Some women are lonely and they may not want to live alone. Then they get attention from the wrong kind of man and start thinking, ‘If this is what he wants I’ll do it’. These women are looking for a father figure.”

Once in a toxic relationship it is difficult for a woman to get out because she doesn’t know herself well enough, Courtney said.

This is because she is not attune to her reactions to things and doesn’t question why she reacts the way she does.

“Self-understanding is a difficult process,” he said. “The mind wants to ignore anything it can’t deal with.”

Warning Signs Courtney outlined some warning signs of a toxic relationship: • The female is trying to make herself whole through somebody else.

“That situation is a disaster waiting to happen,” he cautions.

If the female is pre-disposed to constantly needing to be with somebody then she will end up in a toxic relationship because that’s part of the problem.

• Co-dependency, as the female doesn’t have a complete sense of worth.

• Ultimatums don’t work on women in toxic relationships. Women attracted to bad boys are unable to change even with an ultimatum.

• Female is attempting to be valuable to somebody else because she isn’t valuable to herself.

VanZomeren offered some heartfelt

advice for women concerning bad boys: • Be selective in who you want in your life.

• Be mindful and careful of the choices you make and who you give your love to.

• Appreciate yourself Women don’t need a person to make magic for them; they need to learn to make their own magic.

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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Your steps to a healthy lawn include: 1. Raking or thatching.

The goal is to rid your yard of the loose, leftover dead grass and leaves, Kramer said.

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“You can rent a power thatcher and you’ll get up four times as much” as raking, she said.

You also can use a hand thatcher, which is similar to a rake and will remove more than a rake.

2. Fertilizer “If you’ve have a problem with crab grass in the past, use a fertilizer with crab grass preventer,” Kramer said.

Also, you need to apply this type of product before the crab grass gets started for the season.

Also, Kramer said, if you plan to distribute grass seed, make sure to use a fertilizer with crab grass preventer that is formulated to be safe for grass seed.

Otherwise, your seed won’t germinate, she said, unless you wait 6-8 weeks to put the grass seed down.

3. Taking care of lawn insects.

“Grubs eat roots of grass and attract moles,” Kramer said, so it’s important to apply a product like Grub Ex to control pests.

You’ll also want to treat your lawn for dandelions and other broadleaf weeds.

A granular weed and seed product is used to control broadleaf weeds as well as provide a second application of fertilizer.

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Gardening If you are putting in a new garden, Kramer recommends removing the sod rather than tilling it. It’s less work.

Then rent a rear-tine tiller. “It will do better in soil that’s not real loose,” she said.

If you are preparing an existing garden, a rear-tine or front-tine tiller will work.

And if you aren’t able to transport the equipment yourself, don’t worry.

For a nominal fee, Kramer Hardware will deliver and pick up the equipment, she said.

Next you’ll want to add any leaf litter you may have in your yard to the garden, tilling it into the soil.

That provides an excellent fertilizer, Kramer said.

You also can add organic compost, cow manure, worm castings or a 10-10-10 fertilizer.

And remember to rotate your crops.

Planting plants in the same spot each year “can lead to disease and poor soil conditions,” she said.

Kramer also has a suggestion for a great gardening item.

“Get a rain barrel,” she said. “I’ve had one for a few years and don’t know why anyone wouldn’t have one. It saves you money and is great for the plants.”

call it the ‘Better ‘O’ Diet’ If you’re looking for a better sex life you may want to examine your diet and stock up on peanut butter, celery, chocolate and oysters

by MICHELLE SPROUT MURRAY photo JAKE RAJEWSKY

a

Ask any woman about her past dieting experiences, and she’s bound to tell you about at least a handful of them that she has tried. The Grapefruit Diet, the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet were among some of the more well-known diets in the past. Now the new desired end result has shifted a bit and includes a healthy heart, a smaller waistline — and better sex.

Enter The Better Sex Diet. Known by various names and recommendations, this diet will get you into shape for the big event, which just might happen more often once you “get into the swing of things.”

Besides the “regular” recommended foods like oysters, chocolate, red wine and champagne, there are so many other surprising foods that just might help you get in the mood.

Dr. Harry Fisch, director of the Male

Reproductive Center in New York City and one of the nation’s leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems in couples, said one of the best things people can do to improve their sex lives is to take a general purpose multi-purpose vitamin supplement and watch what they eat.

Fisch recommends a few key food nutrients that are clearly linked to sexual performance.

Beans, walnuts, cold-water fish (such as salmon and tuna), soy products, oats and almonds are examples of some of the foods that promote the production of nitric oxide in the body. This opens up blood vessels and allows for the “swelling and increased sensitivity that come with sexual excitement,” according to Fisch.

Also important for sexual health are bioflavonoids, which are found in

GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

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fruits and vegetables, true fruit juices, true teas (not herbal teas), whole grains and celery, to name a few examples.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, from the medical talk show of the same name, also suggests some of the best foods to put you in the mood on his website, www.dr.oz.com.

Always touting the benefits of walnuts, Oz continues his love affair with this nut simply because it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which are known to boost the brain’s “pleasure chemical,” dopamine. Dark chocolate that consists of at least 70 percent cocoa also can increase dopamine levels.

Oz also suggests something that mothers have been serving to their kids for a healthy snack option: celery with peanut butter. For men, raw celery includes androsterone, which is a “male hormone thought to attract women.” For women, peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats, which increase dopamine, therefore boosting female sexual pleasure. For both genders, celery is simply a great low-cal food that also doubles as a breath freshener. And who doesn’t appreciate fresh breath when you are in extremely close quarters with someone?

People also should look into herbal remedies and essential oils for improved sex. Christen Sherwood, clinical herbalist of the Healing House Herb Shop in Clear Lake, recommends Damiana, Peruvian maca and ginkgo biloba for sexual enhancement. Damiana is well known in Southwestern cultures as a sexuality tonic. It stimulates the intestinal tract and brings oxygen to the genital area. It also increases energy levels, which does a lot to restore libido and desire. In women, Damiana often restores the ability to achieve orgasm.

An aphrodisiac for both men and women, this herb, if used long-term, can improve sexual fitness and performance.

Besides bringing herbal remedies into our lives, essential oils can also help to “set the mood.” According to Sherwood, jasmine boosts confidence, as does ylang ylang. A boost of confidence certainly will boost the atmosphere in the bedroom. So will vanilla, a long-time sweet, enticing scent well-beloved by men. Other oils with aphrodisiac properties are rose, patchouli and sandalwood.

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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW SUMMER 2011

1. Whole Grains For a sexier breakfast in bed, choose oatmeal. It’s high in zinc and can increase testosterone, therefore increasing sexual desire in men and women.

2. Chocolate This rich source of magnesium will soothe nerves. Chocolate also raises the body’s endorphins and produces dopamine, the brain chemical that surges during orgasm in both males and females.

3. Oysters It’s all about the zinc here! Oysters are the richest food source of zinc. (If you don’t like oysters, munch on sesame or pumpkin seeds or eat your spinach!)

4. Chili Peppers “Hot spicy foods can lead to hot spicy sex!” according to Pirello.

5. Chia Seeds The same seeds that grow chia pets will increase your body’s ability to feel stimulation. (www.nutsonline.com)

6. Ginger, Garlic and Onions Christina Pirello, one of America's authorities in natural and whole foods, said that these alliums will give you the “stamina that pharmaceuticals can only promise!” Some religious sects ban the consumption of these foods because they believe the foods “feed desire!”

7. Olive Oil Rachael Ray has it right. Her recommendation of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is actually rich in Vitamin E, which is shown to improve sexual function.

9. Soy Soy relaxes and cools the body. It also increases vaginal lubrication and is beneficial to prostrate health.

8. Tomatoes Called “love apples” by the Puritans for their sinful sexual stimulation, tomatoes have the antioxidant lycopene, a powerful libido enhancer in both men and women.

10. Artichokes Simply eating artichokes increases our response to stimulus. “And increased response to stimulus means better sex,” according to Pirello.

• source: www.huffingtonpost.com

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