contents WINTER 2010-2011 On the cover The red lace bra and underwear and Rampage chunky silver heels are from Younkers in Mason City. Photo by Bryon Houlgrave
Features About Us EDITORIAL and BUSINESS OFFICE WOW magazine 300 N. Washington Ave. P.O. 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 Coordinator: Lynette Harrington 641-421-0586 lynette.harrington@lee.net Managing Editor: Karen Jacobs 641-421-0529, karen.jacobs@lee.net WOW is published four times a year by the Globe Gazette.
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In Every Issue
16 Control your spending
32 Have yourself a sexy little Christmas
9 Sethanne DeGabriele writes about raising a 4-year-old.
Avoid giving in to impulse purchases so you have the money to buy what you really want this year.
Forget the typical gifts this year and bring the heat back into your relationship with one of our romantic gift ideas.
36 Columnist Ann-Marie Berg addresses issues involving children.
2 Got ink? More and more women are showing their personalities through tattoos.
6 Power in numbers Women solve the “no time to cook” dilemma by starting a freezer club.
10 Bag it Handbags come in all shapes and colors this fall.
14 What’s up, down there? Medical experts answer questions women often won’t ask.
20 Vegetable vs. man Experts have increased their efforts to get us eating more vegetables.
22 It’s all about the tools Don’t take on your next DIY project without first making sure you have the right tools.
37 Got 30? If you’ve got 30 minutes you can help your community without adding another huge commitment to your calendar.
39 Make PMS happier
25 Reality check
Follow our plan to make that time of the month more tolerable.
Blindsided by the emotional intensity of packing her parents’ house, daughter is forced to come to terms with what is left.
28 It’s not easy watching PDA
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Public displays of affection are common in society, but how appropriate are they?
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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got ink? Once considered something worn mostly by biker chicks, tattoos are much more widely accepted as women are showing off their personalities through personalized artwork by RHONDA REGAN photos BRYON HOULGRAVE
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For decades tattoos have been given a bad rap, considered by most to be worn only by individuals of questionable character or the result of a drunken episode at a tattoo parlor. But those thoughts are changing as men and women of all walks of life
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
are getting inked. Kim Mosier of Sheffield and Michele Smuck of Mason City don’t fit the stereotype of your typical tattooees. Both are mothers, professionals and devoid of multiple piercings. To know that these seemingly “normal” women
Mosier said. The intertwined tattoos that wrap around Mosier’s left arm, from wrist to shoulder, are called a sleeve because they look like an actual sleeve as ink covers every inch of the arm. To say that Mosier intended to fully cover her arm would be untrue. Originally she just wanted to cover up an old tattoo. “And each time I added a new one, the design just kept getting bigger,” she said. Her first tattoo was Porky the Pig, on her upper left arm. After her parents passed away she wanted something to remember them by and decided to cover up the pig. Smuck’s tattoos on her hips represent her family. have multiple tattoos might come as a shock to some people. Smuck admits that she thought she would never get a tattoo. “I won’t say that I didn’t like them, it’s just that I had never really put any thought into getting one,” the mother of four boys said. Eventually her curiosity got the better of her and after much discussion she and her husband made a joint appointment with an artist. But the visit didn’t go as planned, she said with a chuckle. “He (her husband) chickened out and I left with two tattoos.” Mosier has been decorated for years and loves to see the reactions of people when they get an eyeful of the tattoos that fully cover her left arm. “I especially enjoy it when I get a new tattoo. Just to see their reaction, the expression on their face and the comments they make. It’s really cool,”
Michele Smuck’s tattoos represent her family — the initials of her four sons and two M&Ms to represent the first initial of her and her husband’s (Matt) names.
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A Changing View The public’s view of tattoos on women has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Tattoo artists and shop owners say women comprise about 75 percent of their clientele and they’re not getting butterflies and fairies anymore. The “tattoos that women are getting are anything from sleeves to huge designs that cover their backs. Then you’ve got another group of women that still get small tattoos, but then later on they’re back in here getting more. Men get huge, large, elaborate designs and women get multiple,” said Brad Duckert, owner of River City Tattoo in Mason City. Don Murl, owner of BodyGrafix in Mason City, said years ago women used clothing to cover their tattoos; today they’re proud to display their ink. “The whole public’s perception of women with tattoos has changed. I’ve tattooed lawyers, judges, teachers and even a preacher’s wife,” he said.
Tattoo artist Brad Duckert of River City Tattoo demonstrates applying a tattoo to Kim Mosier of Sheffield (above).
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“I have a pair of M&Ms that are me and my husband’s initials. I also have a heart with my sons’ initials.” Are these women concerned about the stereotype associated with tattoo-wearers? No. Mosier said her tattoos are her way of expressing grief for lost loved ones. “People need to see past the tattoos to learn about the real me,” she said. “My tattoos do not represent all that I am. They are just a small portion of the person.” Smuck said her tattoos are for her to enjoy and not to please other people. “As long as you do it with taste and with respect to your body, tattoos do not make you a less-respectable individual.” Mosier believes the taboo associated with tattoos is decreasing and that the public’s perception has changed. “Nowadays you see many different kinds of people, of all walks of life and different ages getting tattoos. My neighbors, a couple who are in their 60s, have tattoos,” she said. Once her neighbors got to know her as a person, Mosier said, they asked about her
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tattoos. “They were fascinated by them and now each of them has at least two apiece,” she said. Brad Duckert, owner of River City Tattoo, echoes Mosier’s comments. “In recent decades the public’s view of tattoos has changed dramatically,” he said. “It’s commonplace for employers to have a few, rather than maybe just one, employees with tattoos. The next generation coming up will be more decorated than the previous due to the familiarity of tattoos and lack of the negative stereotype.” Duckert credited some of the change to the application of cosmetic tattooing — tattoos on the face to create eyebrows, eyeliner, lip outline and beauty marks, and reconstructive tattooing after surgery such as recreating the nipple after a mastectomy or to correct damaged body parts. “I once tattooed the end of a toe to make it appear that it had fingernail polish after the woman lost part of her toe in a mowing accident.” Duckert said that when a conservative
People need to see past the tattoos to learn about the real me. My tattoos do not represent all that I am. They are just a small portion of the person.”
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
person gets a tattoo for cosmetic reasons they sometimes realize that tattoos aren’t so bad, changing their perception of tattoos and the people who wear them. From there the person gets more tattoos and eventually the stereotype barrier is broken down, opening the door for others. Don Murl, owner of BodyGrafix in Mason City, said he has encountered women who will not get a tattoo on their lower back specifically because of its slang names — tramp-stamp, ass-antlers and butt-cap. The implication that a woman with a tattoo on her lower back has loose morals or is free with her womanly charms is, he said emphatically, an unfair judgment. “I recently did a lower back tattoo on a preacher’s wife. If that doesn’t make a statement then I don’t know what does,” he said. Many employers have added a section to their dress code dictating that visible tattoos must be covered up on employees who interact with customers. Jason Saffold, owner of The Job Coach in Mason City, said the mindset within the business world is that tattoos that are visible tend to be perceived as unprofessional and will possibly scare off customers. “Tattoos have become more mainstream and there doesn’t seem to be any halt to that. So employers tend to cringe when presented with a prospective employee with tattoos in visible areas. Since those type aren’t the mainstream they become ‘scary’ and employers worry that customers will be scared off.” Duckert said that in his opinion neck tattoos equal unemployable. “Neck tattoos are job stoppers as many employers do not want an individual with visible neck tattoos representing their company or the image they have created or are trying to create,” he said. Saffold cautions tattooed or tattooed-to-be job seekers: You don’t always know what your employment status will be in five or 10 years. So play it safe and stay away from visible tattoos.
WINTER 2010-2011
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In numbers power
Group of women solve the ‘no time to cook’ dilemma by starting a freezer club
member in the co-op. She brought the frozen barbecue to the swap and traded her portions for the items other people in the group had prepared. Because there are four others in the co-op, each making two portions of the same meal for Annalisa, she walked away with eight more meals to add to the barbecue she’d already put in the freezer for herself. Miner, who became familiar with the concept while living in Rochester, Minn., likes that she can cook once a month Annalisa Miner is a woman and receive a variety of meals with a plan, a plan that allows from the group. her and four other women to put Because Miner had been a dinner on the table with ease. member of a co-op before, getThe meals they prepare are cost- ting the group started was relaeffective and ready to go at a tively simple. moment’s notice. Miner and four “I was extremely excited to others are part of a freezer cook- have found a group of women to ing co-op. start a new co-op locally. The In September Miner made bar- concept works wonderfully for becue for the group. She made our family,” Miner said. Through enough barbecue for herself and her church she met several to share two portions with each women — Cathy Stroup, Chereen
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
What is a freezer co-op? A freezer cooking co-op is a group of people who share cooking duties and meals. Each person in the co-op makes a very large quantity of one entrée recipe each month. The meal, which serves four to six people, is then frozen in a container or freezer bag. On the agreed date co-op members get together and trade the homemade frozen meals.
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Annalisa Miner and Jodi Hardy are two members of the club.
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After a busy day at work it is so convenient to come home and have a homemade dish already made that we can just put in the oven. Dinner time with kids can be kind of chaotic. This gives us the opportunity to spend time with our kids and not be rushed to get supper on the table.”
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Start your own Freezer Co-op • Try to organize a group of five to seven people. This group size is small enough to be manageable while also providing a nice number of meals for one month. • Think about organizing a group to meet dietary needs or tastes — low-carb, gourmet cooking, lowsodium or gluten free. • Browse bookstores or research the idea online using the keywords freezer, cooking or cooking co-op. • Start compiling a selection for your first Recipe Day by asking friends for their best freezer-totable recipes and dusting off a few of your own if you have them. • Stock up on gallon-size freezer bags, foil pans and other kitchen supplies for cooking in large quantities. • Invite your prospective group over and have a planning party. Serve one of your favorite freezerappropriate recipes to get the conversation going. • You might even think of other ways to utilize the concept by trading home-canned preserves or vegetables.
Stroup and Angela Boelman — who were interested in the idea. Chereen Stroup said when she heard about the group her thought was, “Wow! That could work for us!” Jodi Hardy volunteered to be the group coordinator. “We all put in $30 each, which pays for a tote, a binder with all the recipes and the ink and paper costs to administer the group,” she said. Hardy also publishes a monthly newsletter and a menu page that helps members keep track of what meals are on hand. Stroup also comments on the preparation. “My husband and I make the meals together and it ends up being kind of fun working together. Last month it took us about two hours to make the 10 meals.” On their first exchange they made one portion for each member instead of two so they could test the idea on a smaller scale. Miner was able to provide some tips on working with large quantities and making the system work. “Preparation is key — you have to be very thoughtful in having space in your refrigerator and freezer and allow enough time so you are not rushed. Investing in some larger bowls and pans can make cooking day easier as well,” she said.
Monthly meetings The group meets once a month
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to decide which recipes it will use for the next month. They call this Recipe Day. All recipes must be tried and tested before Recipe Day to make sure the meal will hold up to freezing and reheating. Experimenting on the group is not allowed. At the Recipe Day meeting the group decides what each member will cook for the following month. A recent menu included Chicken Manicotti, Ravioli and Cheese Bake, Breaded Ranch Chicken, Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole and Baked Chicken Rueben. Now in the third month, two other women have joined, bringing the group up to seven people. This is the ideal group size so Miner is keeping a waiting list that can be used if someone drops out. If the list grows to five people it could be used to start a new group. The group members, a mix of working mothers and moms with young children, say they get a lot of satisfaction knowing home-cooked meals are within reach when they need them. “After a busy day at work it is so convenient to come home and have a homemade dish already made that we can just put into the oven,” Miner said. “Dinner time with kids can be kind of chaotic. This gives us the opportunity to spend time with our kids and not be rushed to get supper on the table.”
At 4, he’s a true dog lover by SETHANNE DEGABRIELE photo SETHANNE DEGABRIELE
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Barking, chew toys and a lot of doggie kisses are all in a day’s work for my 4-year-old son, Drew. This fall Drew and I began volunteering at the Humane Society of North Iowa. After a few visits, Drew started referring to it as his “job.” And he sure does love going to work! My husband and I are fortunate enough to be able to provide Drew with pretty much everything he needs as well as most of the things he wants. In order to help him learn the importance of helping others, I decided we needed to find a volunteer opportunity to share with Drew. Since Drew loves dogs (he gets it from his mother), I thought the Humane Society would make the perfect place for us to volunteer to walk and play with dogs. On our first day, Drew chattered away with excitement the entire way to the Humane Society. He speculated on what kinds of dogs would be there, how many dogs would be there, what tricks he could teach the dogs, etc. But as many kids do, Drew clammed up as soon as we walked through the door. After filling out our application, taking our tour and learning about how to be a good volunteer, we were ready to go. The second Drew’s car door shut for the trip home, his mouth opened and all of his excitement spilled out. It was contagious. Drew and I had fallen in love with volunteering at the Humane Society. Now we have our “work” routine. As soon as we arrive, we sign in and head back to the kennel area to see which dogs we’ll walk and play with that day. Drew thinks it’s funny when I tell him we can start with the small dogs and work our way up to the big dogs. He starts doing a little dance. When I ask him what he’s doing, he says, “I’m working my way up to
the big dogs, Mommy!” After walking and playing with the dogs for a while, we sign out, put hand sanitizer on our hands and say goodbye until next time. Since we began volunteering, Drew’s comfort level has increased dramatically with both the dogs and the kind staff members at the Humane Society. There are a few dogs who have stolen our hearts, and we definitely have our favorites (Ipo, Shadow, Zoey, Goldie, Scottie and Chloe, just to name a few). Knowing this would happen when we began volunteering, I worried about how Drew would handle the news when the dogs he became attached to were adopted and no longer at the Humane Society. Our first experience was with a dog named Lady. She was the first big dog Drew had “worked his way up to” and she was a sweetie. When I realized she was gone I told Drew I thought she’d been adopted and then braced myself for any tears that might come with his reaction. “That’s not good news, Mommy,” he said as I flinched with panic. “That’s GREAT news!” he shouted as a smile spread across his face. He then described in detail the home he thought Lady had gone to and how wonderful it was that she had a family to love her now. Relief washed over me as I listened to Drew tell the other dogs that he hoped they would soon find families to love them, but we would love them until their families came. Volunteering at the Humane Society of North Iowa has been such a wonderful experience for Drew and me. Sure, I think it’s helping Drew learn about the importance of helping others, but it also has helped me learn a lot about Drew and how much he loves having a “job” at the Humane Society. Sethanne DeGabriele is a freelance writer who lives in Mason City with her husband, son and dog. GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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bag your accessories Whether you like your purse in bold colors, neutral colors, plain or with a little bling, you won’t have any trouble finding one to fit your style this fall
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Embellishments, from rhinestones to rosettes, are the look of choice this fall for handbags. While purses still are big, they are coming down in size, said Marie Frederick, owner of Unique Boutique in Clear Lake and The Goodnature Store and State of Wear, both in Garner. “If you love small bags, you’ll do well,” she said. While she has seen a lot of bags in neutral colors, especially gray, black and brown, Katie Bergo-Schrock, general manager for Lillians in Mason City, said the colors from spring, including lipstick red, purple orchid
by KAREN JACOBS photos BRYON HOULGRAVE
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and coral, are continuing into fall. Another hot trend this fall is the Miche bag. “It’s hard to keep them in stock,” said Tonya Roberts, manager of general merchandise for Hy-Vee Drugstore in Mason City. What makes the bag unique is the changeable covers. The standard bag is magnetic, allowing you to change the cover to match the style you want. “You can actually change the front of your purse without taking everything out of your purse and having tons (of purses) in your closet,” Roberts said.
This purse from Unique Boutique in Clear Lake boasts rhinestone embellishments. Rosettes, like the one on this bag from Lillians in Mason City, are popular on purses this fall.
This gray purse, available at Lillians in Mason City, features bows and a chain embellishment.
Miche bags feature a base purse and changeable covers. Available at Hy-Vee Drugstore in Mason City.
This woven purse from Unique Boutique in Clear Lake offers women a whimsical accessory.
If you like fall colors, this brown purse with ruffle embellishments from Unique Boutique in Clear Lake is for you.
This lipstickred purse from Lillians in Mason City adds a pop of color to any outfit.
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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The base shell of a Miche bag comes in either black or brown and is magnetic to hold the shell in place. In addition to being able to change the shell, some of the bags also have changeable handles. The bags were created in 2004 after Michelle Romero spilled on her favorite handbag. Not wanting to replace the entire bag, she had the idea of creating a bag with changeable covers. Using Super Glue and scrap fabric, she took apart her stained bag and made the first prototype. With the help of a friend who was an accessories buyer, the women formed Miche Bag, LLC in April 2005. The name “Miche” is after the nickname Michelle’s mother-in-law gave her.
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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what’s up, down there?
Medical experts answer questions women often are too embarrassed to ask
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Health providers have seen it all before, yet many women hesitate to ask about embarrassing health issues. Unfortunately, keeping quiet on the problems that are plaguing them the most can lead to potentially dangerous results. “I think it is sad that women do not feel comfortable to ask their provider these types of questions,” said Nicolle Amos, a nurse practitioner in Mason City. “I can’t imagine having these symptoms and not knowing who to turn to so I could get answers.” “It is absolutely important to me that my patients trust me and feel comfortable with me,” said Amos. “If they are that nervous to be open and honest with a provider, then that provider is not right for them. You should really feel comfortable to ask them anything without feeling embarrassed or judged.” Dr. Anthony Coppola of Gundersen Lutheran of Decorah and Amos answer some common questions.
by CAITLIN LEITZEN photo KAREN JACOBS
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
Why do some women have so much errant body or facial hair? Amos: Women have varying amounts and distributions of body hair based primarily on genetic predispositions and hormone levels. Body hair serves important functions such as maintaining body heat. Obviously, there are many options out there for hair removal if hair is a cosmetic nuisance, and your doctor may be able to educate you about some of these. However, in a society where we are sometimes obsessed with a Barbie-like ideal of bodily perfection, often to an unhealthy level, it’s important to learn to love our bodies for what they are, too. There are some conditions where females assume male-type hair patterns with coarse, dark hair located heavily in male-type distributions, that might be associated with a condition called hirsutism. If this is the case you may need to see your doctor for further evaluation.
I went on the Implanon birth control implant in November and have been bleeding continuously since December. Is this normal? What are my options? Amos: This is not normal. Birth control medicines are very common these days, and there are a plethora of delivery methods, but we have to remember that they are, indeed, medicines. They can have side effects and adverse reactions like any other medicines, some of which could be lifethreatening. If you have an abnormal response to a medicine, as in the above scenario, you should discuss this with your doctor right away.
If my breasts are significantly different in size, is this a cause for concern? Amos Breast size asymmetry is a very common phenomenon. This is unlikely a cause for concern unless there is a rapid change in shape, size, contour, skin color, etc. Also, any time there is a discrete bump, this could be a concern.
I suddenly have very strong and immediate urges to urinate. I have never been pregnant — what’s going on? Amos: This is called urinary urgency and can happen not only with pregnancy but also with urine infections and diabetes, among other medical conditions. A doctor should be able to easily narrow down these potential causes.
I find breast self-exams confusing and have never performed one. Is this a problem? Coppola: Self-breast exams are extremely important to do monthly. They should not be done the week before or the week of your menses. Breasts tend to be more “lumpy” and tender during that time. I show my patients a model and have them feel what an abnormal lump feels like. I
also teach them how to perform a self-breast exam. If patients do this regularly they are going to know if anything is abnormal and call their provider. You should be comfortable with your provider so you can tell them if you are not sure how to do this at home. Part of their job is education. Patients need to be educated so they can be more proactive for their own health.
If I find actual blood clots during my period, what should I do? Amos: Blood clots during menses are a normal finding. Blood tends to clot if it is stationary long enough. There is no need to worry unless the amount of bleeding is increased, or the duration is prolonged.
How important is the cervical cancer vaccine? Are there any side effects or potential difficulties? Coppola: Gardasil helps protect against four types of HPV. If you have the opportunity to get a vaccine that can help protect you from cancer I would not waste any time to get it. Women who are severely allergic to yeast should not use Gardasil. Side effects are usually experienced at the injection site (swelling, pain, itching and bruising). Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, dizziness and fainting.
I have a cut on my labia that itches and will not heal. Is this an STI (sexually transmitted infection)? What should I do? Amos: Skin lesions in these areas are common. Skin erosions from physical irritation are a possibility, as would be viral warts, bacterial infections, abnormal skin glands and even cancerous lesions in some situations. If this skin lesion has been persistent, it should be examined in person.
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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Avoid giving in to impulse purchases so you have the money to buy what you really need this holiday season
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We’ve all been there: You’re in the checkout line at the discount store, patiently awaiting your turn and then you see it, the combination pen/flashlight/laser pointer gadget at a cheap price that you’ve suddenly realized you had to have. Never mind that you might not have any need for a combination pen/flashlight/laser pointer; the low price beckons and you throw it into your cart. Impulse buying — that urge to buy something that you didn’t originally intend to purchase or don’t really need — is easy to fall prey to, and the holidays can be an especially difficult time to say “no.” Follow our eight tips to navigate the hazards of spontaneous spending while holiday shopping.
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Keep It Real
Give the
Tim Byington, a business instructor at Kaplan University in Mason City, suggests setting a spending limit for each person on your list. “In similar fashion to making a budget, have a gift list of several items, in the same price range for each person on your giving list. Stick to the items on the list.”
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Shopper Be-ware(y) Make yourself immune to the Black Friday hype. “Don’t buy into the Black Friday early shopper lures. Sometimes the exact same item will be on sale at a later date.”
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Impulsive shoppers are particularly sensitive to the promises of seasonal markdowns. Mike Klassen, associate professor of marketing at the University of Northern Iowa, said retailers use various promotional techniques, “such as coupons, placing merchandise at the end of the aisle or putting expiration dates on particular items if purchased within a certain time period to generate sales quickly as a sense of urgency is placed upon the item,” he said. “These techniques are used a lot during the holiday season.”
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Alternative Gifts
Go online
Byington recommends online shopping instead of going to the store, if possible, because it allows you to often buy from local retailers but still shop only for the item you need because other items won’t be at your disposal for a quick purchase. “Online shopping allows you to stick your item list and budget,” he said.
According to Byington, gifts don’t have to cost money. “Make a gift of your time and company. Shovel someone’s driveway, give a gift certificate of lawn mowing services … get creative.”
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Push The Envelope Byington also suggests using the envelope method where you put the amount of cash of the limit set for each person in an envelope. “When in the store after selecting the gift, add up to see if there’s extra money to buy the other item. If not, then change the first gift or forget about the second.”
Frugal and Economical Frugality isn’t a bad thing — sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones most appreciated: a slim volume of poetry; new, funky socks (functional and fun); a box of alloccasion greeting cards. Byington tells how his grandmother loved getting stationery and stamps. “The items weren’t very expensive and were truly appreciated.”
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vegetable vs. man The government and nutrition experts have increased their efforts to get Americans eating healthier over the last few years. Have those efforts paid off?
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by ANNETTE SNYDER
Mama always said, “Eat your vegetables!” — advice we’ve for years either been the recipient of or have given, followed or ignored completely. How have vegetable eating habits changed over the years? What are we doing different? Farmers’ markets, salads in bags, baby carrots at fast food restaurants, gourmet styling — it’s all been part of the movement to get Americans to chow down on their greens. Has it worked?
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a survey on what Americans eat in terms of fruits and veggies. Apparently, only 26 percent of us eat vegetables three or more times daily. We are still at about 50 percent of the goal set 10 years ago by the government.
spinach leaves waiting for us. Not pleasant. One remedy: Buy frozen. You can pull out what you need, when you need it. Frozen produce is as healthy as fresh What is a serving of produce? because it is picked at its My Pyramid, the revamped Food peak and the nutrients are sealed in. Guide Pyramid, recommends 4½ cups Plus, frozen produce is easier to use of fruits and veggies each day for because the veggies are already cut. someone who eats about 2,000 caloToss in frozen veggies when making a ries. A one-cup serving of veggies is the stove-top casserole. Puree them and equivalent of one cup raw or ½ cup freeze in small portions for future use. cooked. A one-cup serving of fruit is the How easy would it be to puree cauliequivalent of one medium piece of flower, toss it in with some mashed fresh fruit, ½ cup canned, ¼ cup dried potatoes and butter (yes, really) and or 8 ounces of 100 percent juice. A have a vegetable serving without even pasta dinner with one cup chunky fussing? marinara sauce, one cup mixed greens Speaking of pureeing, I love the salad and dressing and ½ cup of apple“Sneaky Chef” cookbooks by Missy sauce has four servings of produce. Chase Lapine. I What doesn’t count? That bag of french fries or gob of ketchup. Sorry. Pile on some lettuce, tomato and onion on a burger — that does count. Sneak in veggies on top of a sandwich made at home. Have fresh bagged, pre-cut veggies sitting on the front shelf of the fridge next to some ranch dressing. Munch on veggies while making supper (you know, the usual pizza or burgers) — and you’ll have a few servings of veggies in before the meal begins. Why do we shy away from having fresh produce in the fridge? Too often we stick it in a drawer and forget it’s there. By the time we think of it we have spinach soup instead of crunchy
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highly recommend these — the tricks she uses to maximize the veggie content of her meals are just phenomenal. Recently we held an event where I work and made “Camouflage Joes” (think Sloppy Joes with a bonus). These include a cauliflower and zucchini puree. No one could tell there were four cups of veggies in that recipe. Even picky eaters who knew what was in there could not taste it. Have we tried new ways to prepare veggies? Which is more appealing — boiled, limp asparagus or crunchy, garlic-sautéed asparagus? I know there are different opinions on this. Should we hide our veggies or should we encourage people to enjoy them as is? I’m of the thought that it doesn’t matter how we get them in, as long as we get them. I don’t think Mama would mind. Annette Snyder is a registered dietitian who works in Clarion.
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Tool box A lot of people like a bag for storing their tools, but hard-sided tool boxes also are available.
Band-Aids This one may sound odd, but the first time you cut yourself you’ll be happy you had the BandAids in the tool box.
WINTER 2010-2011
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Slotted screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Precision bit set A precision bit set includes a basic handle with interchangeable bits and tips, which comes in handy when you are putting things together, especially furniture. “Many times screws are not standard” for these items, Kramer said.
Assorted screws and nails
Hammer “I prefer a wooden handle,” Kramer said, because a metal handle can vibrate so bad it can hurt your hand.
Socket set The main question you’ll face when shopping for a socket set is whether you’ll want a standard set or a metric set. You can get a set with both types of measurements, but if you can afford just one, go for standard, Kramer said.
Good utility knife Look for one with a retractable blade, Kramer said.
Standard pliers
Tongue-and-groove pliers A tongue-and-groove pliers gives you the flexibility of opening the pliers to a variety of sizes.
Regardless of style, “look for pliers with a little bit of padding in the handle,” Kramer said, as you can really tire out the palm of your hand otherwise.
Tape measure The tape measure doesn’t have to be anything fancy, Kramer said, but you’ll want one that locks.
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
Needle-nose pliers The needle-nose pliers is good for grabbing items and most also include wire cutters. This type of pliers would be handy when installing a wire fence around your garden — you can cut and attach the wire with one tool.
Want more? When you’re ready to expand your tool box, consider these tools: • Clamps When you need to glue a broken item back together, a clamp will be your best friend. • Crescent wrench • Files • Deep well socket set • Stud finder • Level • Hacksaw
reality check Blindsided by the emotional intensity of packing her parents’ house, daughter is forced to come to terms with what is left
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My first experience with downsizing was watching my dear old neighbor’s kids sell off all of her things in a garage sale and move her to a nursing home. I can still remember her sitting there crying, her frail body held by a perfectly bright, yellow upholstered chair in her tiny living room. I comforted her and brought her lunch as I usually did. I also purchased all of her postcards from car trips east and west, north and south. I can imagine her with a scarf on her head, traveling to places like Pike’s Peak and Sturgeon Bay.
by MENDEE MORGAN photos MENDEE MORGAN
Together we watched out of the picture window as people from around town walked away with lamps, record albums, dishes, gifts received for Mother’s Day and Christmas ornaments. Tears rolled down Eunice’s face. She said, “I feel like my whole life is just walking away on the sidewalk.” The whole scene made me very sad, both that she had to move and that she was so unprepared for the moment. At the time it seemed to me that her problem was very simple: She had placed too much value in things. Her regret over her life seeming to culminate into one spectacular garage sale made a very strong impression on me. Still in my 20s, I was sad for my neighbor but grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand what not to do with your life. For some reason, when you figure out you’ve been wrong about something for years and years it hits you like a ton of bricks. Recently I found out how wrong I was. Ten years after my experience with the neighbor, my parents asked me to come home to help them move. In their lives my parents have moved at least a dozen times — maybe twice that. Their belongings know how to expand and contract as the situation demands. They’ve lived in a variety of settings: worn out rentals, townhomes, suburban houses, Manhattan apartments GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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and a stately old home in England. They are seasoned movers, unsentimental and quite decisive. I thought helping them would be a breeze. This time they were moving from the dream retirement home they built 12 years ago. The house was on a lake and nestled just near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, which runs from Georgia to Pennsylvania. We spent many great summers and Christmases there. My mom turned the basement into a “bunkhouse” with enough bunk beds, regular beds and sofas to accommodate eight grandchildren — and any adult who drew the short straw. Boating, riding bikes, swimming, fishing, sleeping outside on the porch, loafing in the rockers and swings, and sidewalk chalk drawing contests were great activities for the cousins. Parents played Scrabble, watched movies and held cooking contests disguised as taking turns providing a meal. We enjoyed long stretches of time on the porches in the mornings, requiring multiple pots of coffee while the kids slumbered off their late-night giggles. For my parents, the demands of the sandwich generation won out over this perfect scene. With one of my grandparents breaking a hip and still insisting on living alone and another having an amputation, catching a plane to Dallas every few weeks was getting to be too much for my parents. Their siblings were wearing thin from caregiving.
Last summer was the only summer I missed taking a trip there. I stayed home, thinking it would be too expensive and wondering if I took the time away I would miss out on getting a job I wanted or that my recession-battered business would breathe its last breath. Little did I know I would be missing the last breath of a summer with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews at the lake house. So the chance to help with the move was also my last chance to say goodbye to a place I loved — and sometimes when family became too intense — also couldn’t wait to escape. Like my parents, I’m no stranger to moving. I have systems. I have skills. I know where to order boxes and what to pack first and last. They wanted a moving sale, to put things on eBay and to send things to be donated; I was prepared for all of that. The moving sale was a huge success. I made flyers and sent them around the neighborhood. We sorted through everything using our important filter questions that I put on note cards and
taped strategically around the house. “Is the cost of packing and storing this justified by the value? Can I replace it? Is it chipped, cracked, broken, stained or dirty? Have I already received the benefit of what I’ve paid for this item?” Mantras for people in transit. We also found it necessary to create a shelf called “Guilt” that we planned to address at the end of our packing: Chipped coffee mugs bearing family
photos, various hand-painted creations of grandchildren, numerous cookbooks containing recipes compiled by coworkers and friends. Mom was intensely connected to anything a grandchild had so much as sneezed on but none of our childhood craftwork had been so closely protect-
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ed. I chuckled to myself about that all looked so insignificant in the face ing?” My mom just looked at me with odd system and took it as a sign of of all the time already lost and all the this “I-can-hardly-believe-it-myself” good mental health that the Guilt time we wouldn’t have there in the look on her face and little tilt of the shelf wasn’t groaning from the future. Stuff is such an inadequate hip said, “I’ve been giving away things potholders I made in macramé class souvenir for life. Needless to say, this for years and somehow there is or all the tacky ceramic bears my sister realization did not do much for my always more to replace it.” and I spent several summers hand effort to hide the fact that I’d been cryI looked away and started to realize painting. ing. that maybe I was grabbing at straws, Mom started to introduce me as her As the sale went on and “inventory” trying to hold on to stuff that makes it Director of Sales at her one-day movdwindled, Mom caught the selling bug all seem real, trying to capture time. ing sale, which somehow lasted all and started to put more and more Like old lady Eunice, I was frozen at week. As soon as the flyers the picture window, watching went out people were calling my life go down the sidewalk with all sorts of reasons why — the one trap I thought I’d they needed to come early never fall into. “just for a peek.” They invariably What I already knew was I tried not to let anything walked away with the larger still true; stuff does not make a show and found myself cryitems, happy to have been the life. How tempting it is to think ing through boxes of tissue early bird. it will help us remember — a every night once safely in At some point the whole time, a friendship, a family. moving sale started to feel What came into razor sharp my room. It seemed the strange. I was not prepared for focus was the fact that it’s more ridiculous a thought the eerie feeling of finality. our time together that creates was, the more it made me How melodramatic I felt over the memories and how prelittle things like not having a cious our short time together cry. home in this part of the world really is. The stuff just fell to return to or the fact that I away. I felt a flood of gratithings up for sale. My parents are not wouldn’t see their good friends again tude that I was cleaning out the sentimental, so I found myself talking until a funeral, most likely. It all felt house not for two people who were them into keeping things. Deciding like a loss. I tried not to let anything gone from this world but with my her hand-wash days were over she show and found myself crying through parents. sold all of the crystal on a whim. boxes of tissue every night once safely And there it was right in front of me When my mom found out the buyer in my room. It seemed the more — what I’d come to get. A scene of my also collected Baccarat, she said, “Oh, ridiculous a thought was, the more it mother and my father doing someI’ve got some of that around here made me cry. thing really hard and just rolling with somewhere. Let me go find it. I’ll just This was compounded by the fact it, showing me with style and grace for give it to you.” that I kept going from room to room the millionth time how to truly live As the unofficial manager of the trying to find that one special thing to life. “store” I had to balk. I took her aside remember the place by. What would Mendee Morgan is a freelance and said, “Mom, you don’t just give be the right thing to keep? An inkwell? writer who lives in Mason City with her away Baccarat. What are you thinkWall hanging? Rug? Christmas plate? It husband, son and dog.
“
I’VE MOVED!
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again...
I’M NEVER MOVING AGAIN! But this time, it’s for sure!
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
IT’S NOT EASY
WATCHING
PDA
We’ve all seen them, maybe even been an offender. Public displays of affection are common in society, but how appropriate are they?
e
Envision the scene: a beautiful afternoon, you’re sitting on a public park bench eating an ice cream cone, children are on the playground, people are walking their dogs, and then right there, in the middle of the park sitting at a picnic table is a couple wrapped tightly around each other, their lips locked in a battle of tonsil hockey. Your first thought is “get a room.” You try not to look, but it’s like arriving on the scene of an accident — you just can’t tear your eyes away.
by RHONDA REGAN photos BRYON HOULGRAVE
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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PDA — public displays of affection — have become increasingly commonplace in our society. It’s nothing to witness exchanges of love and caresses between couples, mothers/children, family members, friends. Pastor Mark Lavrenz of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City suggests that people who engage in PDA do so because they generally care for each other. “Individuals within a committed relationship use PDA because they want to express how they generally care for each other. However those individuals that take it to the extreme are those individuals that do it to challenge the norms (of society) — ‘I do this because I can,’ ” he said.
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GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
The Carolers
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How much PDA is OK?
“““ “ “““ “PDA in public is OK, but people need to keep their emotions in check because there may be children around.” — Kim Mosier, Sheffield
“There’s nothing wrong with holding hands or even offering a chaste kiss now and then, but there is a big difference when two people are openly groping each other and you can see their tongues hanging out of their mouths.”
Showing someone that you care is great, but I think there is a line that gets crossed too often in public.” — Amber Knapp, Manly
— Cheryl Johnson, Mason City
“Is a hug really a bad thing in a place where children hang out? A kiss on the cheek? A goodbye kiss? But when you’ve got two people wrapped around each other and using tongues, it’s offensive, not to mention disgusting.” — Dawn Anderson, Kanawha
In public view I don’t see a problem with hugging, kissing, holding and showing genuine love and passion for each other. Outright sexual or lewd displays should be kept private. I do believe that people in general need to be reminded occasionally that it’s OK to care and love for others.”
Affection in public is OK, but there is a fine line between ‘sweet,’ ‘how cute’ and ‘get a room!’ ”
Holding hands and kissing is OK, but when you’re at the point that people are yelling at you to get a room, well, that’s too much.” — Eric Ellingson, Mason City
Mistie Johnson, Klemme
— Erin Peterson, Storm Lake
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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have yourself a sexy little
Christmas Forget the typical gifts this year — the sweaters, video games and gift cards — and bring the heat back into your relationship with one of our romantic gift ideas by KAREN JACOBS photos BRYON HOULGRAVE, KAREN JACOBS
Love in a bottle You don’t have to be a poet to put together a romantic message in a bottle for her. Tell her how important she is to you — the effort will wow her.
Frame it Pick up an inexpensive photo frame and finally make a print of her favorite photo.
Make a promise Women love coupons, and one with tasks you promise to perform will be a hit. You can even throw in a few naughty one.
Scent of the season Celebrate the holidays with Secret Wonderland, a new Signature Collection scent at Bath & Body Works. Available in shower gel, body lotion, eau de toilette, fragrance mist, body cream, shower cream, body butter, bubble bath, hand cream.
Make a date You may not love that band or play she’s been wanting to see, but if you take her to it you’ll make a great impression.
Appeal to the senses Nothing helps a woman feel sexy like a great perfume. These are available at Younkers and include Hypnose Senses from Lancome (left), Paris Hilton Tease (right) and Euphoria by Calvin Klein (below).
Feeling sexy OK, this gift is actually for the guys, but the added bonus is you get to feel sexy at the same time. Bintimates pink and black bra and G-string panties, available at Younkers.
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A life-line for live-alones Good Shepherd, Inc. in Mason City provides this free service to people who are 60 years of age or older, who live in Cerro Gordo and surrounding counties. The program provides the senior with peace of mind that someone will check on them once a day by a phone call. If the senior doesn’t call or answer, they will be checked on.
Take a trip Even if you’re not a big fan of wine, surprise your spouse with a trip to wine country.
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WINTER 2010-2011
If you are interested or know a senior citizen who would beneďŹ t from this program, call 641-424-1740 for more information.
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You’re doing that? Finding out your child is doing “you-know-what” can be just as traumatizing for parent as for child, but how you handle it is vital to your child’s development
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We are about to discuss that embarrassing and squeamish subject of, well, you know. It happens to every parent at some point, of course. But how awkward to walk in on your child doing, well, you-know-what. The natural reaction of gasping, covering your mouth to stifle the scream and trying to hide your shock is understandable, although generally not recommended. So how are you supposed to react? It’s not as if it isn’t a natural behavior, after all. But how do you act as if nothing happened when you meet your child again at the dinner table? First, let’s dispel a few myths. Doing that doesn’t make a child go blind, put neon-green hair on their chest, become cross-eyed for life, grow warts on their hands or cause them to go crazy. Because a child begins to, well, you know, doesn’t mean that she will become promiscuous or that he will become a pimp. Nor does it mean that your child was traumatized that time you “accidentally” threw the pacifier out the window. Nor does it mean your child is repressing thoughts of homosexuality. It is a common concern brought up in the pediatrician’s office. Many parents wonder if it means something is wrong with their child, if it indicates their child has been sexually abused or if it will harm future chances of having children. The answer to these questions is no. When kids engage in it, they are actually acting on basic human instinct. Usually the practice begins in toddler hood when kids are exploring and realize it feels good. The practice tends to fade out and resurface during pre-adolescence and teen years. More boys than girls will do it, although most every child will engage in, well you know, at some point.
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body is OK but something done in private. Do not attach shame to their actions but explain it is not something others wish to see. The bathtub and bedroom are free you-know-what zones, but not when standing in line at the movie theater. If your little one is a vigorous little guy who forgets that social rule, develop a code word that will remind him to stop while out in public. Older kids are more of a challenge because being caught in the act also has emotional ties like extreme embarrassment and humiliation. The best approach is to excuse yourself from the Ann-Marie Berg room that you walked in on him or her, and give the child some privacy. Later, be sure to reinforce what he was doing In younger kids, it is generally an issue of self-exploration. Unfortunately, was perfectly natural and normal. As long as it was happening in an approsome kids seem obsessed with you priate place, such as a bedroom, the know what and seem to want to do it child should not feel ashamed. Don’t everywhere they go. It can be embaravoid the discussion though. Not talkrassing to have your son pull his hand ing about it may lead to feelings of out of his pants to shake hello to someone. Some toddlers soothe them- being bad or dirty. Finding your child doing you-knowselves this way and fall asleep for a nap what can cause great parental stress. by doing it. Explaining this act as something norTeens do it as a way to feel good, explore and understand their body and mal but private will help kids understand social boundaries with such its sexual responses, to release sexual tension and to practice what they have activities. Walking in on your adolescent needs a gentle response that is heard about. There are benefits surrounding it. For accepting and supportive so no shame is attached. There is actually some eviteens, it’s a way to feel sexually gratidence that links kids who do “that” fied without the risk of contracting with positive self-esteems, acceptance STDs or becoming pregnant while maintaining virginity. It may even delay of their sexuality, and comfort levels with their bodies. This sounds like initiation of sexual intercourse. something all parents hope to instill in Whatever the child’s sex or age, kids eventually try to, well, you-know-what. their children, just without the embarThis is obviously a delicate subject with rassment of finding you know who, fragile outcomes hinging on your reac- doing you know what you know where. tion. No, it is not advised to scream, Ann-Marie Berg is a pediatric nurse “Oh my gosh! What do you think you practitioner and freelance writer who are doing? Just wait until I talk to the lives in Cedar Rapids. She can be church ladies about this!” Smaller chilreached at amhberg@mchsi.com. dren should know that exploring their
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
got
t
They say it’s the thought that counts, and when it comes to helping the community sometimes a thought is as far as it gets. Why? Because with demanding jobs, families to care for and houses to keep, women in North Iowa are beyond busy. But this winter, if you’ve got 30 minutes to spare, you can do your part without adding another huge commitment to your calendar.
30?
by JESSICA ABELS
Vote If you didn’t vote in the recent midterm election, make a note to vote in the next one. Whether it’s for the school board or the president of the United States, your informed vote does a lot more for the community than avoiding the polls. Not sure where to start? Check out votesmart.org for biographies and voting records of many political candidates.
Stay Local In this economy, small businesses are doing what they can to stay afloat, but the best thing for them is your patronage. In many communities, small businesses are the most reliable donors for school and non-profit fundraisers. Help them pay it forward by giving them your business.
GLOBEGAZETTE.COM/WOW WINTER 2010-2011
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Make Dinner If you have a neighbor or someone on your block who may not enjoy a large circle of friends or who just moved to town, invite them over for a meal. You don’t have to cook a fivecourse spread; in fact, you could just order a pizza. But showing your neighbors you’re interested in them will increase good will. And who doesn’t need a little more of that?
Use Your Skills Pro bono cases aren’t just for lawyers. You are incredibly talented at something — whether it’s cleaning or playing the piano. Think about how you can donate 30 minutes of that talent to someone who needs help. Teach the boy down the street to play chopsticks or volunteer to help clean your church.
appeal. Brighten up your neighbors’ view with some tasteful holiday decorations. Or, when the weather’s back to above-frigid, plant some flowers to add color to your lawn.
Downsize Spend 30 minutes going through your closet and take out everything you haven’t worn in the past six months. Then take them to Goodwill or Opportunity Village so someone else can make use of them. Not only will you feel better (and free up space for some cozy new winter items), you’ll be making someone else feel warmer, too.
Become a Compliment Queen This one barely takes 10 minutes let alone 30. Set a goal to give out five compliments per day. It doesn’t matter if it’s about someone’s shoes or the excellent listening skills of your boss. By spreading positive energy to the people around you, you’re making your social sphere a happier place to be.
Plant Get a Pet Project
You’re not the only one who likes it when your house has curb
The North Iowa Humane Society accepts help for exercising animals or
just coming in to pet them. Give them a call at 4236241 to see when you can pay a visit to some loveable furry friends.
Use the Library With e-readers and Netflix it can be easy to forget about the local library, but it’s an excellent source for (free!) entertainment. The best thing you can do is to visit often for that new bestseller or the classic film you’ve been dying to see.
Be an Advocate Spend some time making a list of the things you love about your community. Then use those ideas on Facebook, Twitter or in everyday conversation to spread some community love. Boosting your community’s profile among others helps you keep in mind why you chose to live there in the first place.
“We knew MOM could no longer take care of herself. We were looking for a place that was special... Special like here, at the IOOF Home Bringing families closer makes all the difference. Skype has made that happen! Skype is a free computer video telephone call computer application that can link I.O.O.F. residents to family throughout the United States and in foreign countries using the internet. The family uses their own webcam, and must download Skype into their own computers, and our residents can see and visit with them live on a large-screen TV in a family room at the nursing home through our computer. Skype can be used on residents’ own personal computers in their rooms, talking as long as they like.
• 90 staff members • More choices for meals • Skilled care • Trained staff MS-7930
Our goal at the IOOF Home goal is to enrich the lives of our residents, our beloved friends. We have recently undergone a recent large remodeling project, making the IOOF Home more comfortable and homey. We’ve earned a 5-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid based on resident satisfaction, staffing ratios and state and federal survey inspections.
IOOF HOME 1037 19th St. SW • Mason City, IA
423-0428
• 76 private and semi-private patient care rooms. • Modern hair salon • Outpatient therapy for the public. • Medicare, Medicaid certified
• Alzheimer’s care unit • Up-to-date physical therapy room. • Select balanced menus • Full range of activities
Owned and operated by the Iowa Independent Order of Odd Fellows with support provided by Rebekah Assembly of Iowa
Make PMS happier Does that time of the month leave you wanting to pull your hair out? Follow our plan to make those days more tolerable by JESSICA ABELS
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We all know the classic PMS survival staples: a large supply of chocolate, unattractive oversized sweatpants and a healthy dose of patience from everyone around us. But there are more concrete ways to make that time of the month a little easier. We asked Rita Sheldahl, a registered and licensed dietician with Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, to recommend five ways to make PMS happier.
Choose chocolate
There’s no hard medical evidence suggesting why it works, but Sheldahl said researchers think you crave chocolate because it induces mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Others think that it is because chocolate contains magnesium and iron, which can be in lower supply during that time of the month.
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Halt the salt
Reducing your salt intake helps combat bloating and water retention, Sheldahl said. “When exercise and limiting salt intake isn’t enough to control the fluid retention, some doctors prescribe diuretics to get rid of the excess sodium and water.”
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Eat more frequently “Your metabolism changes with PMS,” Sheldahl said. “Most studies indicate that women take in an average of 300 calories a day more during the 10 days prior to menstruation than during the 10 days after it.” If you’re worried about weight gain, Sheldahl suggests cutting a few calories after your period, since trying to reduce intake beforehand is fighting a natural hormone that increases appetite.
Are you looking for more from your debit card? Introducing Ka’Ching Debit Card Rewards from First Citizens National Bank! The more times you use your FCNB debit card, the more you’ll get back each month, up to $10 per month!* Best of all, it applies to all FCNB Debit Cards!** Certain restrictions apply, so stop in and speak with a personal banker to learn more. Not an FCNB customer? Stop in and see how easy it is to switch your checking account. Now is the perfect time!
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Exercise The last thing you want to do when you’re saddled by cramps is go for a jog, but Sheldahl said regular exercise throughout the month can decrease the intensity of menstrual symptoms.
www.firstcitizensnb.com Mason City • Charles City New Hampton • Alta Vista • Osage Clarion • Kanawha • Latimer
Stock up on multivitamins “As far as PMS goes, doubleblind studies have been carried out to assess whether vitamin or mineral supplements help to alleviate the symptoms,” Sheldahl said. “So far, none have been proven to be beneficial, although taking a vitamin supplement may help some women on an individual basis.” Increase your intake of vitamin B6 and vitamin E, or try a 200 mg magnesium supplement or 1,200 mg calcium supplement. Although there isn’t hard medical evidence for these, Sheldahl said they can help with symptoms for some individuals.
*Minimum daily checking account balance of $300 required to earn rewards. eStatements required. Dollar amount received depends on number of signature-based transactions per month. FCNB reserves the right to discontinue program at any time. Limited time offer. See a personal banker for full details. Does not apply to HSA accounts. **Normal underwriting guidelines apply.
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It Doesn’t Have To Be A Stretch...
You can have it all! Quality education. Convenient class schedule.A price you can’t beat.Those three things are what you get when you go to NIACC.That means while you learn you can work, care for your family, and the list can go on and on. Your college experience can be as much as you want it to be at NIACC.
NIACC… Where You Want To Go Get started now. 422-4245 or 1-888 GO NIACC ext. 4245 MS-6551