January 2021

OMAN GULF COAST

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BOARD CERTIFIED OB/GYN Diplomate of the American Board of OB/GYN

Serving the Gulf Coast for 20 years Treatment of Women’s Health Concerns with an emphasis on preventative care and wellness.

Michael J. Christie, MD, FACOG Board Certified OB/GYN

Kelly Mask, FNP-C Cindy Barfield, FNP-BC Leanne Virgilio, FNP-C Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

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January 2021

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Awareness

Love

DR. ALLISON WALL

New Season

Faith

DR. OLIVIA HIGHTOWER

Happy new year

DR. STEPHANIE FUSSELL

Celebrate

Peace

SUPPORT

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5

THISEDITION A MESSAGE FROM OUR

publisher

What if ...

M

ost of us are coming into this new year with a lot of hope that things will be better, get better. And I, too, am confident that this year has to be better. I mean, we’ve been through enough already.

But what’s most important as we kick off this “has-to-be-better” year is fully recognizing that we can decide today, right now, that this will be our best year ever.

Making this definitive decision has nothing to do with the challenges we’ll likely endure in 2021. We always will face trials in life — tough times in business, disappointments in our government and leadership and stresses in our family. That will happen whether we’re fighting a pandemic or not. We may not be able to control those things, but what we can control is how we respond to them.

I encourage you to resolve in this moment that you will have a great year — and then allow your approach and your actions to follow that. If you will do this one thing, you’ll be much better prepared to ride the wave when a trial does surface. One of my favorite scriptures is, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” As you think is how you will be — no matter the difficulty.

Some of you are familiar with my career path, but many are not. In 2012, after I’d worked for 36 years in the newspaper industry, my job was eliminated in yet another round of staff reductions as publishers made very tough decisions about how to sustain their business. I knew how valuable I was to my company, so I wasn’t expecting that day to come so soon for me. Yet it did, and I had a choice to make. After investing so many years, the easy response would have been anger: “I’ve given my life to this place. How dare they lay me off at age 50?! Age 50! “ Another easy response might have been dropping my resumé on the desk of every top CEO on the Coast. My accomplishments and experience surely would land me a great position in a few weeks, right?

I didn’t choose either of these easy responses — and I’m so glad I didn’t. I chose to see my termination as an opportunity to go do “what I really wanted to do.” I wanted to create a team that was passionate about their work and serving others. I wanted to build a business that offered creative and inspired solutions. I wanted to wake up each morning and not just “go to work,” but look forward to doing what I love!

Being the publisher and editor of Gulf Coast Woman and managing partner of CWR Digital Gulf Coast fulfills me. I’m doing what I love and making a difference in the lives of the people who work with me and the clients we serve. I get to do this every day! (Yes, I’m smiling as I write this.) I’m looking forward to seeing how my companies will adapt and grow this year as we strive to serve you — our readers and advertisers — at the highest level possible. Thank you for sticking with us last year. Thank you for trusting us this year.

Eight years ago, I decided that great things were ahead of me, even though where I was standing on that February day in 2012, I had plenty of reason to doubt, fret, fear and shrink back.

For many of you, you’ve been fighting some of those same feelings ... for months now.

It is time for you to look past the “what if” you are seeing and processing in a negative light. It’s time to say, “WOW, WHAT IF .... .” Yes, what if 2021 is your best year in business?

What if it is the year you and your family overcome offenses and attitudes and love each other despite your faults? What if this is the year you create a backyard oasis where you can go on “vacation” every weekend? What if this is the year you launch a new product or service you have been thinking about for awhile? What if this is the year you launch your own business? What if this is the year you walk into your boss’s office and say, “I want to be ...” or “I want to create ...” and do it?

I’m ready for 2021 to be my best year ever. What about you? Why don’t you settle it today ... ?

Happy New Year,

contents HEALTH / 22 STYLE / 59 SUCCESS / 81 MONEY / 89

FOOD & FUN / 93

Prestigious Textiles photograph DOROTHY P. WILSON

6

January 2021

HOME & FAMILY / 69

Do what it takes.

COVID is real—and it is here in our community.

It is an illness spread from brother to sister, child to parent, between friends and neighbors. You don’t have to be diagnosed with COVID to experience the isolation, loneliness, and fear caused by this insidious disease. COVID is unlike any storm we have faced before—it gives no warning and the damage is unpredictable. We need you. We need your commitment in the face of this storm…to do what it takes to stop it in its tracks.

You can make a difference.

DoWhatItTakes.org

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7

Women’s cancer is not always

PINK

Caring. Healing. Guiding. Every step of the way.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month.

Resolve to get your cervical cancer screening up to date in the New Year.

The Medical Oncology Group has been serving the community for over 30 years. We feel a strong connection to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the people we serve. Our team offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments close to home, in multiple convenient locations, so there is no need to travel far.

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ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE

COVID-19 vaccine After many months of suffering, there’s a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel: vaccines with extremely high success rates. Here, Dr. Nicholas G. Conger and Dr. Jesse Penico, infectious disease specialists affiliated with Memorial Hospital, weigh in on the recent breakthrough.

Q: Please give us an overview of the major vaccine announcements we’ve seen recently. How do these vaccines work? How huge of a breakthrough are they?

What did it take to develop them this fast, (how long would it take typically)?

A: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and a third promising one from Astra Zeneca, work by inducing your immune system into making an antibody against the virus. They have different targets, but all appear to be quite effective.

All of them are reporting that preliminary studies show greater than 90 percent efficacy, which is excellent for a vaccine.

This is a huge breakthrough and occurred in record time.

All the people that worked on these vaccines and the people who funded them and supported them should be very proud of this achievement. Those vaccines take many years to develop. There are some infections that we are not able to make vaccines for despite years of research. For an infection like this that can infect almost the entire population, an effective vaccine is a game changer Q: When do you think a vaccine will reach south Mississippi? How long do you think production and distribution will take in general, and how will it be accomplished?

A: Vaccines were expected to be available for healthcare workers as early as mid-December of 2020; the same applies to nursing home residents. Those are the two highest-priority populations.

10

January 2021

BY DR. NICHOLAS CONGER

BY DR. JESSE PENICO

Early this year, January or February at the latest, it should be more widely available for the general population.

Q: Do you think such a vaccine will be safe, and should people take it when it becomes available? If we’re talking about a 90 or 94 percent effectiveness rate, what does that mean to the layperson?

A: All three vaccines appear quite safe based on the preliminary data available to review. It looks like the vaccines that require two doses may cause pain, redness and inflammation at the injection site, like vaccines can do.

In addition, you might feel a bit ill the day you receive it, but that usually means it is stimulating your immune system as intended.

Efficacy of 90 to 95 percent is excellent for a vaccine.

Compare that to the flu vaccine, which averages between 49 and 50 percent effective annually.

We have said it will take herd immunity or mass vaccination to end this pandemic. A vaccine with efficacy greater than 90 percent could rapidly lead to herd immunity.

Additionally, in some of the vaccine trials, the few patients who caught coronavirus despite vaccination had shorter, less aggressive infection courses.

Q: What span of coverage would a vaccine provide? Will it need to be repeated annually, semi-annually? Would it protect against certain strains or any strain?

A: There are two current strains, and the vaccines protect against both. They are unlikely to protect against other varieties of viruses. The levels fall after several months, but whether the immune system will need the help of memory remains to be seen.

It is yet to be determined whether we will need repeat doses or annual boosters of this vaccine. It will depend on exactly how efficacious it is and what it does to the rate of ongoing spread in the community.

Q: What will the overall effect of this be? Will it reduce the toll on our healthcare system? Will things return more to normal, or will masks, social distancing, etc. be necessary for a while?

A: Experts hope that the vaccines’ widespread inoculation will create enough immunity to provide herd immunity and finally stop the pandemic. We are all hoping that this could lead to a return to normalcy.

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MGCCC to to inaugurate inaugurate MGCCC Occupational Therapy Therapy Assistant Occupational program in in January January 2021 program Beginningspring springsemester semester2021, 2021, Beginning MississippiGulf GulfCoast CoastCommunity CommunityCollege College Mississippi willoffer offera atwo-year two-yearOccupational OccupationalTherapy Therapy will Assistant(OTA) (OTA)program programfor forindividuals individuals Assistant interestedininworking workingwith withclients clientstotoincrease increase interested independenceininfamiliar familiaroccupations, occupations,such such independence as, self-care, work, social participation, as, self-care, work, social participation, leisure,ororhealth healthmanagement. management.OTA OTApractice practice leisure, settings include hospitals, clinics, schools, settings include hospitals, clinics, schools, homehealth, health,and andother othercommunity communitylocations. locations. home Following graduation and the completion Following graduation and the completion a nationalboard boardexam, exam,OTA OTAstudents students ofofa national become Certified Occupational Therapy become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) who work in partnership Assistants (COTAs) who work in partnership with, and under the supervision of, an with, and under the supervision of, an occupational therapist. COTAs assist clients occupational therapist. COTAs assist clients by enhancing or enabling participation by enhancing or enabling participation for a range of activities. Therapeutic for a range of activities. Therapeutic interventions may address one or more areas interventions may address one or more areas of participation/performance to include: of participation/performance to include: cognitive, physical, mental/behavioral, cognitive, physical, mental/behavioral, sensory, or environmental/personal factors. sensory, or environmental/personal factors.

Occupational therapy services may involve Occupational therapy services may involve disabled or non-disabled consumers in disabled or non-disabled consumers infor promoting health and wellness needs promoting health and wellness needs for habilitation or rehabilitation. habilitation or rehabilitation.

Dr. Bonnie Inkel, director of the OTA Dr. Bonnie Inkel, director of the program, was inspired to join theOTA profession program, was inspired to join the profession of occupational therapy when a family ofmember occupational therapyawhen a family experienced life altering illness January 2021 12 experienced member a life altering illness

andinjury. injury.After Aftercompleting completing military military and service,she sheused usedher her GI GI Bill Bill to to complete complete her her service, occupationaltherapy therapy degree. degree. occupational “Peopleneed needto tobe beengaged engaged in in meaningful meaningful “People andpurposeful purposefuloccupations occupations and and they they have have and aninnate innatedrive driveto toexplore explore and and master master an theenvironment, environment,””she shesaid. said. “This “This drive drive is is the essential to their development and adaptation essential to their development and adaptation throughouttheir theirlives. lives.The The profession profession of of throughout occupational therapy, which is over 100 years occupational therapy, which is over 100 years old, seeks to address individual needs of old, seeks to address individual needs of everymember memberof ofour oursociety society to to participate participate in in every meaningful and healthy occupations.

If you meaningful and healthy occupations. If you haveaapassion passionfor forhelping helping and and empowering empowering have others to increase their independence using others to increase their independence using evidence-based practice, then occupational evidence-based practice, then occupational therapy is for you!” therapy is for you!”

OTA is a five-semester program requiring OTA is a five-semester program requiring a total of 84 credit hours for completion. a total of 84 credit hours for completion.

Graduates must pass the National Graduates must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become a Certified Therapy (NBCOT) to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and obtain licensure in their state of practice. obtain licensure in their state of practice.

This program will accept a new cohort of This program will accept a new cohort of students each spring semester.

The application students each spring semester.

The application deadline for this year is January 4, 2021 at 5 pm. deadline for this year is January 4, 2021 at 5 pm.

All required documentation must be submitted All required documentation must be submitted with the application by this deadline. with the application by this deadline.

“If you have have aa passion for helping helping and empowering empowering others to increase increase their independence independence using evidenceevidencebased practice, practice, then occupational occupational therapy therapy is is for for you!” you!”

Dr. Dr. Bonnie Bonnie Inkel Inkel OTA Program Director OTA Program Director For more information on the For more information on the OTA program, visit mgccc.edu/ OTA program, visit mgccc.edu/ occupational-therapy-assistant, occupational-therapy-assistant, or contact Dr. Bonnie Inkel at or contact Dr. Bonnie Inkel at (601) 528-8815/ bonnie.inkel@ (601) 528-8815/ bonnie.inkel@ mgccc.edu or Courtney Broome, mgccc.edu or Courtney Broome, (601) 528-8810/ courtney.

(601) 528-8810/ courtney. broome@mgccc.edu.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 broome@mgccc.edu.

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a

forceof good

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Thanks to Jodie Picciano-Swanson, many formerly homeless veterans have shelter and sustenance. Victims of relationship violence have relocated and started new lives. Cancer patients and their families have found some measure of peace.

The Ocean Springs resident strives to be a force for good as a licensed clinical social worker. Since 2015, she has served as homeless program manager for the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System.

“No one who served our country and kept us safe should be without stable, permanent housing if they want it,” Picciano-Swanson says. “We help veterans achieve goals they set for themselves, such as recovery, budgeting, employment or reconnection with family.”

Service is in Picciano-Swanson’s blood.

From a young age, the Queens, New York, native ventured to Harlem with her father, who worked for the New York City Housing Authority for over 30 years. By age 7, she knew helping others was her calling.

“Seeing children my age stand in line in the hot summer for a block of cheese or powdered milk made me painfully aware of poverty, social injustice and inequality, and at the same time, I witnessed resilience and generational family support,” she recalls.

“As soon as I learned what a social worker was, there was no turning back.”

Her first job was as an oncology social worker, and she got to know the patients and their families. One woman, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with only a few weeks to live, had a son in the Army.

Picciano-Swanson pushed for him to be granted leave and tended to his mother in the meantime.

The patient died holding PiccianoSwanson’s hand, six days after diagnosis, and her son was grateful someone was at her side.

“From that experience, I learned that we may have other tasks that need to be accomplished,” she says, “but sometimes, we are needed so others know they are not alone — and our other responsibilities can wait.”

Like her father, she also worked for

16

January 2021

the Housing Authority — serving as the emergency transfer coordinator. Twentyfive years later, she hasn’t forgotten a woman who was in a violent relationship with her son’s father and transferred to another part of the city, where she secured a job and saved enough money to buy a home.

“I always reminded myself and my staff of the difference we made in her life,” Picciano-Swanson says. “The same is true for the program I oversee now; there are veterans who were literally homeless, living in the woods, who are now actively engaged in healthcare, working and reconnecting with family. They are the reason we love doing what we do.”

As she’s led others out of dark places, Picciano-Swanson has faced significant challenges of her own. In 2015, she lost her husband, Tim, after a brave fight with lung cancer and became a single mother to two children, Jessica and William, now 21 and 19. Her husband was a proud U.S. Army veteran, and Picciano-Swanson’s first job with GCVHCS was in the Community Living Center.

“I loved listening to memories shared by our nation’s heroes, who now required

JODIE PICCIANO-SWANSON FIGHTS HOMELESSNESS, ADVOCATES FOR VETERANS

skilled care,” PiccianoSwanson says. “Both my children have volunteered in the CLC, and their lives were also enriched by stories told by WWll and Vietnam veterans.”

Under her leadership, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has sustained functional zero for homeless veterans for over four years. This status doesn’t mean no veteran is homeless, but that the number of homeless veterans is no greater than the monthly housing placement rate.

Contrary to popular belief, Picciano-Swanson says, not all homeless have major mental health or substance abuse issues, and not all homelessness is caused by poor decisions.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but a descent into homelessness is not necessarily the direct result of ‘choices,’” she explains. “All too often, it is the loss of a job, debt, loss of housing/eviction or an illness that takes a financial toll on a family.” The pandemic cost many veterans their jobs, she adds, and GCVHCS is working diligently to find them other opportunities.

In her advocacy for veterans and others, Picciano-Swanson has been called tenacious — a trait she sees as a strong suit. As she’s told her daughter, who is following her into the profession, a good social worker also must be empathetic, caring, patient, dependable, objective, a good listener and meet clients where they are — moving at their pace. Trust and integrity are vital.

Dubbed “Wonder Woman” by her friends, Picciano-Swanson has embraced the label as she faces life’s obstacles head on.

“Wonder Woman is not a fictional character to me; it is a state of mind,” she says. “I believe all women are Wonder Women.”

John Charles Robinson of Gulfport was an American aviator and activist who was hailed as the “Brown Condor” for his service in the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force against Fascist Italy.

Forever starts here.

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COVER STORY

health

Grit and

gumption Angela Singletary breaking the beauty mold

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

W

Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture

hether she’s wearing workout gear or in full glam mode, Angela Singletary feels beautiful most of the time.

“I don’t always wear makeup, and my hair isn’t always done, but I appreciate my eyes, my freckles, my shape,” she says. “Of course, I would love to be a little more toned and think my face is more traditionally pretty with makeup, but in the end, I am grateful for who I am and how I am.”

Self-love hasn’t always come easy for the owner of Purpose by Ang, which offers nutrition and wellness coaching. She and her sister, both diagnosed with achondroplasia dwarfism, grew up in an abusive household. When Singletary was 14, her father committed suicide after two previous failed attempts.

Singletary’s grandfather provided some much-needed protection and stability. Still, she bore the responsibility of caring for her sister, whose condition caused severe disabilities, while also carrying her own load.

“My childhood formed lots of codependent and damaged qualities within me,” says the Biloxi native.

“This caused me to pick a partner who I wanted to fix – twice.”

She married the second man, and they had three children together — daughters Aidan, 11, and Angela, 6, and son Dawan, 9. Although her spouse chipped away at her self-esteem over a decade, she persisted in trying to save the relationship — always thinking she could fix things as she had done her whole life.

“I finally decided enough was enough and walked away with nothing but myself and my three kids,” she says. “It was not easy, I felt like a failure, and I had to start all over as a single mom. It ended up being the best decision I ever made in my entire life.”

STARTING TO HEAL

Singletary overcame much of the trauma from her marriage and childhood through personal development, including therapy, reading, journaling, confiding in friends, meditating and staying committed to growth.

“It took a couple of years, and it was hard and messy

22

January 2021

HEALTHIER YOU SPONSORED BY

work, but it was beyond worth it,” she says. “I am an entirely different person today than I was the day I walked away from that toxic marriage – both physically and mentally.”

Meanwhile, Singletary’s career also has evolved. After seven years of selling newspaper advertising, she went to Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she gained invaluable connections and a wealth of knowledge about event planning, fundraising, relationship building and home construction; plus, she overcame her fear of public speaking.

In 2018, she graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness. Although the feat was difficult as a single mom, she wanted her children to see what was possible with hard work and support.

Of all her traits and accomplishments, Singletary is most proud of her resilience.

“I can pretty much always find good — even in the absolute worst situations,” she says.

“This makes getting through the challenges and problem solving so much easier.”

HER OWN KIND OF BEAUTY

Singletary’s marriage left her with a confidence deficit in every aspect of her being – intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical.

Part of her recovery strategy was investing in herself with regular haircuts, quality skin care, flattering clothes and makeup. It also involved taking and posting selfies.

“That was one of the most therapeutic things I did for myself,” she says. “It felt very awkward and uncomfortable at first, but as I got used to putting myself out there, I became more comfortable with myself. Getting compliments and encouragement from women I admired was truly what helped me to see myself as beautiful.”

Standing 4 feet tall, Singletary realizes her height is the first thing people may notice about her. No matter how they react, she tries to respond with grace and kindness. Most people have times when they don’t feel good about themselves or their appearance, Singletary realizes, and while superficial things are easy to correct, deeper issues require a different mindset.

“Affirmations are a great place to start,” she says. “Take whatever negative statement you have, turn it into a positive one, and repeat it daily. ... Write them down, hang them where you will see them every day (and) say them out loud daily. Eventually, you will rewire the neural pathways, and you’ll believe them.”

True beauty, as Singletary defines it, is kindness and confidence, which can’t be faked.

Someone who has these qualities sees the best in others and wants them to see it in themselves.

“We are all different, so there is no mold or example of what physical beauty is,” she says.

“However, when someone is a kind person, beauty truly glows from within them.”

THE BEST VERSION OF HERSELF

A main source of inspiration for Singletary is her children. She can empathize with her daughters’ struggles with dwarfism, which she says they handle with strength and maturity.

Her son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder, is learning to manage his impulsivity and anger outbursts.

“They motivate me to be the absolute best version of myself every single day,” she says.

As a health coach and nutritionist, Singletary helps clients reclaim control of their lives.

The result isn’t about a number on a scale, being more attractive or weight loss, but about transformation and empowerment.

“Some of these women leave my program like a whole new person,” she says. “They believe in themselves. They find self-love, and they practice it. They understand why they have to fill their cup up first, and they do it unapologetically.”

During quarantine, many parents grew concerned about their children’s health and wellbeing. That prompted Singletary to start a kids’ coaching group that features weekly classes with emphasis on exercise and nutrition (facebook.com/groups/clubpurpose/).

“It is a purely positive experience with focus on things that are good for us,” she says.

“There’s no talk of weight or negative things — just reinforcing healthy habits and why they are good for us.”

She’s also launched a women’s coaching group with weekly classes, exercises and a monthly workshop. Singletary says it’s a great place for women who need some guidance, support and accountability in reaching their goals (facebook.com/groups/ purposebycoachang).

Singletary’s weekly newsletter, filled with positive messages, nutrition info, a word of the week and more, is available at www.

PurposeByAng.com.

Eventually, she wants to run an international health coaching business — helping people achieve whole health (mind, body and soul) through virtual coaching and personal training. She also aspires to create a nonprofit for women and children focused on nutrition education and to travel the world as a healthcentric motivational speaker. Whatever she pursues next, rest assured Singletary will fight unapologetically for anyone and anything she believes in.

“I know growth is a constant work in progress, and I have likely not scratched the surface of the pain I need to mend and heal within myself,” she says. “I am glad I am in the place I am mentally so I can do just that.”

AWARENESS ADVOCATE There are over 400 types of dwarfism, and Singletary has the most common — achondroplasia. October is Dwarfism Awareness Month, and in 2019, she posted daily on social media to raise awareness. She wanted to do more in 2020, so she continued the posts while also interviewing her LP (little people) friends — showcasing their talents and sharing insights into their lives. Singletary called the project, which is still available on her YouTube channel (Purpose by Ang), “A Little Perspective.”

Singetary is also president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Little People of America — the first chapter the state has had in decades. Members have been meeting via Zoom during the pandemic, but Singletary hopes to have in-person gatherings when conditions become safer.

Beyond people being unkind through ridicule, taking photos or making rude comments, Singetary wants to address the issues of accessibility and accommodation for those with dwarfism and various disabilities.

“Dwarfism awareness is important because it is such a rare condition that not many people have the chance to meet, much less know, a little person,” she says.

“It’s important that we make our various conditions known and understood so as to eliminate the stigma that comes with being so different physically. In the end, we want to be treated like everyone else.”

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23

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Dr. Susi Folse

Dr. Susi Folse is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with over 20 years of experience.

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Some of the most common contributing factors for falls resulting in hip fractures include lower extremity weakness, osteoporosis (low bone density), balance difficulties, vision difficulties and side effects of medication. Home hazards like uneven steps, rugs and clutter also contribute to the risk of falling.

Patients who sustain a hip fracture usually undergo hip surgery, which may include placing pins or plates to hold the bone together, but others often require a hip replacement.

Therapy after a hip surgery/ replacement is especially important to restore a patient to preinjury function. This therapy will start immediately to instruct patients on safety with walking and with normal activities around the house.

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January 2021

Inpatient therapy provides a multidisciplinary approach to care that includes physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers. This “team approach” allows for at least 3 hours of therapy 5-7 days a week to work on strengthening, gait, balance and patient education.

The patient receives close medical management of the surgical site, co-morbid medical conditions, post op pain and preventive measures for common problems that occur after surgery like blood clots.

The patient, as well as the family undergo education and training on use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices that will allow the patient to be more independent with daily activities like bathing, grooming and dressing.

The Inpatient stay is not only to strengthen the muscles around the fractured hip but it provides a safe environment to focus on a patient’s recovery. This recovery often is multi-focal and is treated from a physical, medical, emotional and functional standpoint. The treatment team meets weekly to discuss each patient and to address any barriers that may be limiting recovery. The team’s ultimate goal is to have the patient return to their preinjury functional level so they can safely re-enter the community and enjoy their lives once again.

INTRODUCING

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Dr. Susi Folse is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with over 20 years of experience. She attended LSU Medical School in New Orleans and went on to complete her Residency at LSU. She is Board Certified in PM&R and Sports Medicine. She enjoys taking care of patients of all ages. Her special interests include rehabilitation of spinal cord injury, amputations, orthopedic and trauma related injury and spasticity management. In her free time, she enjoys theatre, music, and art as well as long walks on the beach with her three pups.

4500 13th Street Suite 900 | Gulfport, MS 39501 228.822.6965 | encompasshealth.com/gulfportrehab www.gcwmultimedia.com

25

Body positive Your body deserves your unconditional love

BY JESSICA VILLEMARETTE

Being a victim of sexual child abuse had a lot to do with the way I perceived body positivity at a young age. I had very little self-esteem and suffered from the fear of not being good enough. For the longest time, I didn’t like the way I looked when I stood in front of the mirror. It wasn’t until I gave birth to my first daughter that I changed my selfperception. I realized that I needed to stop letting being a victim of sexual child abuse define me.

Speaker and author Steve Maraboli said, “When you accept yourself just as you are, you are freed from the burden of needing others to accept you.” Some people get confused about exactly what body positivity means. Body positivity is a social movement that advocates the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of physical ability, size, gender, race or appearance.

To me, body positivity begins with your state of mind. A healthy mind feeds a healthy body and a healthy soul.

That’s getting harder and harder to achieve. Social media plays a huge role in shaping what we consider attractive, especially with younger generations.

What we see on TV or scrolling through social media can change our perception of ourselves. We see the girl wearing the sexy bikini, or the guy with the ripped abs, and we immediately criticize our bodies — lamenting that we don’t look like that and wondering what we can do to change ourselves. We are unable to separate real life from social media life.

Not everything we see on social media is true — shocker, right?!

SO HOW DO WE PROMOTE BODY POSITIVITY? • Surround yourself with positivity.

• Focus on the things you like about yourself.

• Stop comparing yourself to others.

• Absorb body-positive messages.

• Focus on you as a whole person, 26

January 2021

not just your appearance.

These things are easier said than done. I still have moments when I question myself, moments when I get lost in uncertainty and wonder whether I’m being a good role model for my girls. I want them to know they are beautiful inside and out. I want them to never have a doubt and always hold their heads high.

Body positivity isn’t just about physical appearance. Who cares if you are skinny, thick, tall, short, black, white, have brown or green eyes or have long hair or no hair?

Real beauty is in how you engage in conversation, how you carry yourself and how you treat others.

Body positivity is becoming obsessed with the best version of you. Results happen over time, not overnight. Work hard, stay consistent and be patient.

Once you’re under way on your self-love journey, spread that positivity!

Imagine telling someone something positive, encouraging him or her, or just asking, “How are you today?”

What if doing one of these things changed someone’s mindset? We need more humanity. We need to extend unconditional love to each and every living being on earth, and if we all did that, imagine how our world would change.

Villemarette is a married mom of two daughters, Keelie and Laynie, and a par-

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Body positivity begins with your state of mind. A healthy mind feeds a healthy body and a healthy soul. ticipant in the Brandi State Portraiture Bold, Beautiful & Perfect Project, which strives to help women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds realize they are bold, beautiful and perfect just as they are. Learn more about Jessica at https://brandistage. com/2020/04/06/bold-beautiful-perfect-jessica.

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COULD BE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTION Woman’s Clinic staffs licensed Ideal Protein coaches who support you through the program.

Fundamentals of the Ideal Protein Protocol The body has three sources of energy from which it draws it meets its metabolic needs: Carbohydrates, protein, and fat Chronologically, the body will first draw on its carbohydrates reserve before turning to protein and fat. During the weight loss phase of the protocol, we limit carbohydrate intake to encourage the body to turn to its fat and protein components for energy. By eating protein foods, the protocol helps to support muscle mass and teaches you how to develop smarter eating habits and lifestyle choices, to help maintain your weight after weight loss is achieved.

The Ideal Protein Protocol is not a high-protein diet. It simply offers a variety of good, quality, protein-based foods that are easily assimilated.

The Ideal Protein Protocol is a weight and lifestyle management protocol medically developed and based on validated science for safe weight loss. It features one-on-one coaching and a healthier lifestyle education.

Focused on your Health It’s not just about losing weight. The Ideal Protein Protocol is about getting your life back and taking control of your health for the long term.

We want to help you maintain your weight loss success. You will not only see results, but also be empowered with valuable information that will help sustain your results throughout your new lifestyle.

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Ideal Protein brings our relationship with health and food back to its fundamentals.

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January 2021

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BRYNN JOACHIM

Account manager While some might talk about their hair or their weight, my body acceptance came with a fury in my early 40s when I had a double mastectomy for advanced breast cancer.

After surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation, the question came: whether or not to reconstruct my breasts.

After months of prayer and discussion with my doctors and my very loving husband, I decided not to do reconstruction. This was my new normal, and I figured if Kelly Ripa can go on national TV with a flat chest, I could brave things here. The bonus: no more underwire bras!

JENNIFER GENTILE

Contributing writer/editor For much of my life, if a genie had granted me three wishes, my first would have been a no-brainer: “Make me taller!” I would have settled for a few more inches — just enough that I’d be considered “normal.”

Being small in stature as I am — standing 4 feet, 11 inches tall on a good day — it’s easy to feel insignificant. Clothes never fit. People often don’t notice you, and if they do, they rarely take you seriously. No one seems to realize that just asking “How tall are you?” or making a lighthearted remark can trigger a tsunami of insecurity.

My size, like most other health challenges I’ve faced in life, is due to a genetic disorder called Turner Syndrome. The condition also affected my hearing, my fertility and my heart, but my height was the most obvious symptom — the one that made me feel the most different.

At some point in life, we reach a crossroads where we can choose self-love or self-loathing.

Through prayer and honest introspection, I found the validation I needed within. When I reached this place of acceptance, it no longer mattered what anyone else thought of my short stature. I decided to embrace it as a feature that made me special, not aberrant.

As for the clothes-not-fitting problem — discovering petite sizes in adulthood was life changing. I wear high heels more often than not, but because I happen to like them and how they look — not because they make me taller.

Learning to

love how I’m made

It’s a rare woman who looks in the mirror and doesn’t find a flaw.

Most of us have hang ups about our appearance — but they can be overcome.

Several members of the GCW team have come to embrace features that once made them self-conscious. Here’s how their biggest insecurities became their greatest strengths:

LATISHA PRICE

CRYSTAL SCRETCHING

Digital content manager I learned very early that a woman’s hair was her crowning achievement, a feature that distinguished her as feminine. Even in religious text, it was called her “glory.”

Society also taught me that the straighter and longer a woman’s hair, the more beautiful she was.

My hair always has been naturally thick, curly and a bit unruly. I did everything to try to smooth my hair. I can recall running to the school bathroom to douse water on it in hopes of taming it. On my worst days, I remember crying in pure frustration while attempting to detangle it.

Today, I couldn’t imagine having anyone else’s hair pattern or texture. My hair is my crowning glory — and not for its acceptance from society. By embracing my natural hair, every curl and wave, I honor the queen I am and who I was created to be.

Customer service specialist I was very self-conscious about my teeth and didn’t like that I was missing a tooth (the medical name is congenitally missing tooth, side lateral incisor). When I became an adult, my dentist took the time to give it a name. That was so freeing — as was learning that other people had the same issue.

I tried to hide my smile because I was totally embarrassed about that missing tooth. I felt like when I talked to people, that gap was talking louder than I was. People always told me I had a beautiful smile, but because of the embarrassment, I never accepted the compliments until my dentist gave my condition a name and told me I had beautiful, strong teeth.

I began to see it differently, and now I smile to the left, and then to the right. I considered getting extensive dental work to correct the missing tooth, but now I realize that when I smile, it’s from the soul. My smile is my signature, and I love it!

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January 2021

HEALTHIER YOU SPONSORED BY

At Crunch, we pride ourselves on fusing fitness with entertainment and making serious fitness fun. Join us this month as we celebrate the new year with Crunch Palooza! We will have a series of group fitness and personal training events that will get you moving and grooving! By combining awesome group fitness classes and personal training, you are sure to reach your fitness goals and have some serious fun along the way!

Crunch offers a variety of classes and training you can only get at Crunch.

Whether you’re looking to feel the beat in one of our hypnotic Latin Zumba classes, burn calories and tone in Fat Burning Pilates, or slow it down and recover with Hatha Flow Yoga, Crunch has something for everyone. As we move into the new year, if you’re looking for those peak results, take your workout to the next level with our Advanced HIIT classes or one of our signature group cycle classes, The Ride. Both of these classes are sure to get you sweating, burning up to 600 calories per class!

One-on-one training with one of our certified personal trainers is another great way to kick off the new year. Personal training is the fastest and most effective way to transform your body and not only reach, but exceed your fitness goals. Jumpstart your fitness routine with a CrunchONE Kickoff. It’s the single, most important first step to get the results you want. This exclusive 45-minute session is included with every membership to help put your plan into action. Whether your goals are to lose weight, gain muscle, feel and look better, or improve your overall health, one of our certified personal trainers is here to help customize a program just for you.

Prioritizing your health is now more important than ever. Aside from our No Judgements, all-inclusive philosophy, the safety of our members and staff is our top priority. To keep our members and team safe we’re following all local, state, and CDC public health guidelines so we can all keep moving. New protocols include: • Increased cleaning rotations and daily use of the electrostatic disinfecting sprayer by our Crunch team • Additional sanitation stations with cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer for member use • Updated equipment layout and reduced class sizes to ensure ample space for physical distancing • Use of floor decals to help facilitate social distancing in high traffic areas of the facility At Crunch, experience all the good stuff this year. Come join the fun as we kick off 2021, and let’s make this the best year yet!

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January 2021

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BY DR. DOROTHY DICKSON-RISHEL

Body positivity – a doctor’s perspective

Can you be healthy at any size? The answer is both yes and no.

The relationships among size, weight, shape and overall health are complicated and regularly misunderstood. People are healthy and unhealthy at different weights and with a diversity of body shapes and sizes.

Knowing your numbers is important, but health is not just a number. Metabolic health, biomarkers such as blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure in the medically “ideal” range, can be present in persons with higher body mass index, or BMI, numbers. The opposite also proves true. People who seem to be the “right” size can be harboring disease processes that threaten their overall well-being and longevity.

Size is a deceptive measure of someone’s health. People with a higher BMI remain statistically at higher risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and functionally may have more difficulty engaging in activities they enjoy or help keep them fit.

Weight stigma also persists as an unfortunate reality within our society. Its impact can have health consequences beyond the social or emotional. Studies indicate that experiencing “body shame” raises the risk not only of depression and anxiety and limited socialization or withdrawal, but also can raise cortisol levels that long term contribute to increased inflammation, poorer immunity, decreased sleep and even more weight gain. No matter your size, obsessing and fixating on shape or weight often leads to increased worries, weight cycling with unsustainable changes in eating or exercise, lower self-esteem and confidence and poorer health outcomes. Too much focus on the scale or size for most people becomes counterproductive.

How do you untangle the complex relationships of size and health and embrace how we are made?

Take a long, compassionate look at your body and your life situation and readjust attitudes as necessary. Health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is “a resource for everyday life, not the object of living.” It is a “state of physical, mental and social well-being.” The goal of healthy self-care is to be capable of living our lives to the fullest, not to be a predetermined perfect size. Your body is your vehicle to all your experiences and accomplishments. It may need a tune up or a refueling, but it can still be appreciated and valued. The decision to live fully in your current body is part of the process of healthful living.

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A re-examination of the messages you have received and created about body size frequently yields more body positivity and better health. Many automatic thoughts may be based on media or marketing images and exceptional body types that are not inclusive of the wide diversity of ethnicities, gender roles, disabilities and customs in the population. Challenge notions that center on weight status or size or elicit shame. Redirect negative thoughts to positive affirmations, health goals and self- acceptance.

Are there particular features of your body that resemble and remind you fondly of relatives or your heritage? Perhaps you have scars or marks that serve as badges of honor for challenges you have overcome or mementos of good experiences. Notice these aspects and be proud of their connection. Talk to yourself as if you were encouraging a friend or a child.

Building an environment of acceptance and concentrating energies on aspects of the body that are amenable to behavioral change promotes improved well-being. Emotional health, unblemished by enduring guilt or shame and unburdened by unnecessary anxiety, emerges as a critical ingredient to overall health. Body positivity can begin immediately and occurs daily.

Attend to your important medical numbers but also to your body’s cues on hunger, thirst and fatigue. Eat slowly and enjoy the satisfaction that good nutrition can bring. Avoid waiting for changes in weight or size to increase physical activity. Begin practicing an activity because it engages your interest or spirit rather than fulfils a requirement for exercise. Purge or store clothing that is uncomfortable or fits poorly and dress to amplify your sense of confidence. Practice mindfulness using meditation, relaxation or prayer techniques to accentuate the good things that are happening within your life. Honoring your body not only feels good, it creates better health.

The decision to live fully in your current body is part of the process of healthful living.

Dr. Dorothy Dickson-Rishel, PhD, specializes in psychology and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Memorial.

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MACRO

Eat right, feel better Most of us would like to forget 2020 — including the less-than-wholesome foods we ate while sitting in front of the TV during lockdown. Ready to resume or begin some healthy eating habits in the new year? Local food experts have shared their favorite recipes from three popular diets — keto, paleo and macro — to help fuel your fabulous in 2021.

KETO

The keto, or ketogenic, diet is a low-carb, moderate protein, higher-fat diet that can help burn fat more effectively. It can be especially helpful for losing excess body fat without hunger and for improving type 2 diabetes This keto-friendly recipe, contributed by executive chef and TV host Rob Stinson of Salute restaurant and Eat Right Meal Prep, is certified “Eat Fit” by Ochsner Health’s Eat Fit Nutrition Team. Salute is the first restaurant in Mississippi with the certified Ochsner “Eat Fit” program.

“Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring,” Stinson says, “and you don’t have to stay home to keep your nutrition plan intact.”

SHRIMP FRA DIAVOLO ZOODLE • ½ teaspoon olive oil • 1 ounce minced garlic • 4 ounces peeled and deveined 60/70 (extra small) shrimp, no tail

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January 2021

• • • •

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper ½ teaspoon fresh basil slivers 4 ounces marinara (see recipe) 4 ounces fresh zucchini spiralized as noodles: (Must be fresh zucchini run through a spiralizer: not frozen!)

marinara sauce:

Ingredients • 1 teaspoon oil • 3 ounces salt-free vegetable stock • 6 ounces fresh canned tomato fillets • 1 ounce fresh minced garlic • 1 ounce fresh minced onion • ½ ounce fresh basil • ½ ounce fresh oregano • 2 ounces white wine • ½ ounce black pepper • ½ ounce white pepper • 1 ounce white wine

marinara preparation:

• Place oil in pan with garlic and onion; add all seasoning.

• Deglaze with wine, add tomatoes and simmer 15 minutes while stirring to blend.

Cover.

shrimp fra diavolo preparation:

• Place oil in pan with garlic and shrimp.

Toss and cook till shrimp are pink.

• Add crushed red pepper to taste. Add zucchini noodles (zoodles) and toss till soft.

Add marinara and toss.

• Remove zoodles and top with marinara and shrimp. Garnish with basil.

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Macro is short for macronutrients, which is what you track when following this eating plan. Rather than calorie counting, you concentrate instead on how many grams of proteins, carbs and fats you’re eating. These three components provide most of your energy.

Kristin Uribe Grizzard (a.k.a. KUG) runs Prep By KUG — her meal-prep company in Ocean Springs, and provided this macro diet-friendly recipe that contains 46 grams of carbs, 21 grams of fat and seven grams of protein.

“This is one of my go-to recipes when I’m distance running and training for long races,” Grizzard says. “The balance of macro nutrients is perfect. There are plenty of carbs to keep me fueled through long runs and fats, proteins and micronutrients (from the veggies) for recovery and overall health.”

ROASTED VEGGIE PASTA • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 medium zucchini, chopped 1 medium yellow squash, chopped 1/2 eggplant, chopped 1 head of broccoli, chopped 1/4 extra light olive oil 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons raw honey 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 6 ounces brown rice penne pasta Basil to taste 2 tablespoons Mayo

• Preheat oven to 375-400 degrees.

• Place zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and broccoli on baking sheet. Sprinkle all seasoning and olive oil over veggies.

Toss and coat. Roast until vegetables are goinutes.

• In medium bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar and honey together. Add cherry tomatoes and let marinate for 20 minutes, then drain the tomatoes. Discard marinade and set tomatoes aside • Cook penne according to package Drain, and place pasta in large bowl . Add tomatoes, veggies, basil and mayo; mix to combine.

Add seasoning to your taste.

• Serve right away, adding chicken or shrimp if desired.

PALEO

The paleo diet, or hunter-gatherer diet, is meant to mimic our ancestors’ diet. Those following this eating plan consume a lot of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, and some nuts and seeds, says Blue Dog Bistro co-owner Josh Lord — “more or less what

you would find at your local farmer’s market.”

No dairy is a key tenet of the paleo diet, as well as no salt, no potatoes or cereal grain and no legumes.

“Paleo is considered to be one of the stricter diets,” Lord notes.

“However, it is also the only diet in the world that the human body is genetically structured for.”

This shepherd’s pie recipe, he adds, is perfect for the holiday season.

“It’s that rich comfort food that will make you want to take off your shoes and unstrap your belt,” Lord says.

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PALEO SHEPHERD’S PIE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tips: A 10-inch, round 2 turnips, diced cast iron skillet is pre1 cauliflower, cut into florets ferred to cook the veg2 garlic cloves, minced gies, and a piping bag ½ cup full fat canned coconut with a decorative tip is milk the ideal tool to apply the 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided cauliflower and turnip 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mash to the surface of rosemary, divided the meat and veggies.

1 tablespoon chopped fresh Go straight to the oven thyme, divided with the skillet to brown Fresh ground black pepper the surface of the mash.

1 pound ground turkey *You can use peeled and 1 medium yellow onion diced sweet potatoes in 2 carrots, chopped place of the cauliflower if 2 celery stalks, chopped preferred.

1 small green pepper 1 cup mushrooms, chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour ⅔ cup sodium-free chicken broth or stock

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add turnips and cauliflower and cook until tender, about seven minutes. Drain in a colander, then add back to the pot with garlic, coconut milk, one tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/2 tablespoons each of rosemary and thyme.

• Use a masher, hand mixer or food processor to blend until smooth and creamy, then season with black pepper and set aside.

• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook for 8-10 minutes or until completely cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the cooked turkey into a bowl. Set aside.

• In the same skillet, add onions, carrots, celery and green peppers. Sauté for about eight minutes until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook another two minutes.

• Add the ground turkey, the rest of the chopped herbs and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly. Add the arrowroot flour and broth and continue to cook, letting the mixture thicken as it cooks down.

• Pour the turkey mixture into a 9-by-9-inch square pan and spread the cauliflower mash over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of mashed turnips and cauliflower are browned. Let cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

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Change your thoughts, start to heal Before we talk about the emotions we’re all feeling in the wake of the pandemic, I’d like to share a crazy study done by Baylor University that went like this: An orthopedic surgeon wanted to

BY JACKIE determine which of two surgeries, CASTRO COOPER debridement (medical removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue) or lavage (washing out a body cavity with water or a medicated solution), would work best for patients with arthritic knees.

For a research study to be complete, a control group must be added for the placebo effect.

What’s a placebo? It’s a fake treatment or sugar pill given to patients to compare its effect to the “real” medical treatment. In this instance, the doctor did debridement surgery on the first group, lavage surgery on the second and a pretend surgery with just skin incisions on the third.

The results? The patients that had the pretend surgery did as well as the debridement and lavage groups. Why? Because they thought they were getting a surgery that would heal them. They believed they would heal, so their knees responded accordingly.

Why am I telling you this crazy knee surgery story about people healing themselves with just their thoughts? If these people healed their knees without surgery, imagine what you and I could do to heal ourselves during a pandemic with just our thoughts!

Our thoughts are energy that create emotions. Emotions send messages to our cells. This is epigenetics.

What have your thoughts been during the pandemic?

If they’ve been like my thoughts of fear, anger, confusion, frustration and grief, then you’re not alone. So, let’s change our thoughts right now.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS, RESIST DISEASE AND HEAL: 1) FEEL WHAT YOUR BODY IS ASKING YOU TO FEEL

If you feel fear or anger, feel them. If you feel confusion, frustration or grief, feel those as well. This is your body’s natural fight/flight/freeze response. It’s uncomfortable, but if we don’t allow ourselves to feel them, they may get stuck in our bodies.

2) EXPRESS YOUR EMOTIONS IN WORDS BY WRITING THEM DOWN

Grab a piece of paper, journal or notebook, and just say it.

Be honest with yourself. Don’t pretend all is well if it’s not.

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January 2021

We’ve been in a pandemic. This is a new experience for all of us, so give yourself permission to express yourself with no limitations.

3) SIT QUIETLY THREE TIMES A DAY

Just listening to yourself breathe slowly 10 times changes your body’s biochemistry.

4) LAUGH

Yes, laughter heals you — and it immediately changes your thoughts. One of the most important ways we can heal ourselves is to bathe ourselves in endorphins, also called feel-good hormones. I have a friend who sends me daily pictures and videos of what to laugh at during the pandemic, and after I laugh, I feel so much better.

The truth is, if we continue to have these thoughts of fear and anger and not address them in a healthy way, we are decreasing the effectiveness of our immune systems and possibly opening ourselves to getting sick.

Thoughts are energy creating emotions, and emotions tell our cells what to do — whether it’s the cells in our knees, or our entire immune system.

Try these four simple changes, and see know how you feel.

Jackie Castro-Cooper, owner of Gulf Coast Myofascial Release, holds a master’s in physical therapy and specializes in John F. Barnes’ myofascial release. Reach her at gulf.coast. myo@gmail.com.

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ADVERTORIAL

DRIVEN TO MAKE A

Difference Sky’s the limit for Memorial’s new Director of Business Development ASHLEY COMSTOCK finds great joy in starting a project and seeing it through to completion.

For over a decade, she’s tenaciously managed political campaigns at the federal, state and county levels and been responsible for a number of elected officials securing their seats.

“I have taken on several campaigns that were highly contested and were never supposed to have won,” she says. “When we beat the odds and were victorious, those were some of the most exhilarating times.”

Now Comstock, a Coast native, is taking on a new challenge as the Director of Business Development with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. In that role, she’s responsible for Memorial’s growth and outreach. Memorial is the premier healthcare system on the Gulf Coast, she says, and prides itself on patient care and local accessibility. Her new position allows her to use the relationships she’s built over the past 20 years to engage both businesses and the community — assuring them that quality healthcare is available in their backyard.

“When you have a loved one that is ill, you want them to be able to get the care they need in the comfort of their hometown,” Comstock says. “Memorial Hospital provides that service, and I am pleased to be the one to offer that reassurance.”

Previously, Comstock was the owner of Coastal Concepts, a lobbying and development firm that provided strategic advice on policy, campaign management and business development consulting to all types of businesses, nonprofits and other organizations. She also served in numerous capacities for state Treasurer Lynn Fitch — helping with communications and acting mainly as policy director.

“I have worked with the legislature to draft sound policy that promotes business growth, ensures adequate medical healthcare, assists children with reading challenges and improves the financial stability of the State Treasury as a state lobbyist,” she says. “My relationships with state agencies and elected officials have afforded

40

January 2021

me the availability to help businesses navigate the political waters to either expand their current footprint in Mississippi or to attract new businesses to our state. I hope to have the same impact on our economy and within our community with Memorial.”

In the political realm, Comstock saw the importance of networking and utilizing the skills and knowledge of others to make things happen. In her new position, her primary aims are to educate and inform.

“I want to educate on not only new systems and procedures, but on those that are existing that may have been left behind,” Comstock says. “In three short weeks, I have been amazed at all that Memorial has to offer that I had no idea about. It is incredible how advanced we truly are and how fortunate we are to not be forced out of state to receive treatment.”

She says her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to 3-year-old son Grant. Being in a position to improve the quality of healthcare for her family and community is another dream realized.

“The sky is the limit for me in this role, and I bring a rich history of positive growth that I know will impact the lives of many,” Comstock says. “I am excited for what is to come!”

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BY DR. SHELIA RIVERS

Five ways to improve your mental health

2020 took a toll on most of us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults ages 18 and older reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers and unpaid adult caregivers reported experiencing disproportionately worse mental health effects, increased substance use and elevated suicidal ideation.

Overall, 40.9 percent of individuals report at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9 percent), symptoms of a trauma- and stressorrelated disorder due to the pandemic (26.3 percent) and starting or increasing substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3 percent).

Therefore, taking care of yourself is not indulgence; it’s necessary for good mental health during the pandemic and overall mental well-being. Here are five ways to improve your mental health in 2021:

1) EMBRACE SELF-CARE

If self-care is sustained and intentionally practiced, it can preserve wellness and maintain wholeness in being. Many times, we place ourselves last on the list or not on the list at all. We ask,” Is it not selfish to put yourself first?” But how can we care for others if we never take a moment for ourselves?

It is self-FULL to be as good as possible to yourself, to take care of yourself and to be emotionally stable and healthy. That doesn’t mean you disregard everything and everyone else. It simply means you don’t run on empty emotions, which

42

January 2021

create a breeding ground for maladaptive coping skills like negative judgements, emotional masking, impulsive decision making, isolation, depressed and anxious mood, overeating/undereating, and suicide ideation.

So many of us pour ourselves out to get affirmation — trying to score points as if we were earning stars on a behavior chart to receive a reward.

Giving, to the degree of sacrificing who you are, becomes a crucifixion of your inner being. Never feel shameful or guilty for taking care of yourself. Remember it is necessary in order to fulfill your purpose in life.

2) ELIMINATE STRESSORS

This can be accomplished by using a single word: “No.” This word is a complete sentence and can be used alone without any explanation. Give yourself permission to say “no” to things you no longer want to indulge in and things you don’t like or want to do. Be aware of what you do, why you do it, how it feels and what the outcomes are.

3) BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR LOVE

Find your tribe or support system.

Surround yourself with people who support who you are and your efforts toward making the world a better place.

This also includes setting clear boundaries with others who practice emotional vampirism. These are the people who literally drain the life from you and never contribute to revitalizing your life.

4) FIND PLEASURE IN LIFE BREATH BY BREATH

Meditation teaches us to focus on

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Giving, to the degree of sacrificing who you are, becomes a crucifixion of your inner being. the present moment breath by breath.

It is practiced as an alternative or complementary solution for adverse mental health and some physical health issues.

Clinical research supports the benefits of meditation. Studies show that meditation can help individuals cope with some symptoms associated with certain mental disorders, reduce some of the psychological difficulties associated with chronic pain and even improve some cognitive and behavioral functions.

5) SHARE YOUR HONEST FEELINGS

When asked “how are you,” “I’m fine” seems to be our customary response. What if we responded with our honest feelings?

Talking about your true feelings is not a sign of weakness nor complaining. It’s vital to taking control of your wellbeing and remaining mentally healthy. Talking is way of coping with problems. Just being listened to can help someone feel supported and less alone.

Dr. Shelia Rivers, DSW, LCSW and MPH, is owner and chief therapist at Rivers Psychotherapy Services PLLC. Reach her at (707) 728-5131 or shelia.rivers@ riverspsychotherapy.com.

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GRAND OPENING JANUARY!

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DR. SHELIA RIVERS, DSW, LCSW, MPH Dr. Shelia Rivers is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW). She provides counseling services for individuals, children and adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups.

Rivers holds a bachelor-of-science degree in psychology and education, master’s degrees in social work and public health, executive administration, and a doctor-of-social-work degree. She is licensed in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Being a licensed certified social worker gives Rivers great pleasure. It allows her an opportunity to share her gift of therapy with many who are struggling with mental illness and daily life trials. Watching people grow by implementing healthier coping skills, changing thought processes, empowerment and encouragement is one of life’s most rewarding careers.

Rivers considers it her duty to remain passionate about this helping profession defined as social work. She looks forward to making an amazing impact on her community, families and the lives of individuals she serves.

DR. SHELIA RIVERS, DSW, LCSW, MPH

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45

Make

sleep one of your New

Year’s resolutions

Lifestyle has such a huge impact on our health and risk of disease. That includes eating healthy, exercising regularly and maintaining a

BY DR. PAM TULI healthy weight. But did you know getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours per night for adults) is just as important to your health?

It makes sense if you think about it, as we spend one-quarter to one-third of our life sleeping. Lack of sleep has been linked to many chronic health problems.

SO HOW DOES SLEEP AFFECT OUR HEALTH? DECREASED SLEEP IS LINKED TO WEIGHT GAIN Poor sleep is strongly linked to weight gain. One way that sleep affects weight is by controlling your hunger hormones.

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces a hormone, ghrelin, that boosts appetite while decreasing the production of another hormone, leptin, that tells you you’re full. Lack of sleep will lead you to eat more than you should and gain weight.

POOR SLEEPERS HAVE A GREATER RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

Blood pressure and heart rate drop during much of sleep, giving your heart and blood vessels a chance to recover. A review of 15 studies found that sleeping less than seven to eight hours per night increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and stroke.

SLEEP AFFECTS DIABETES RISK

Sleep also can affect glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk. One study of healthy young men found that

46

January 2021

restricting sleep to four hours for six nights in a row caused findings consistent with pre-diabetes. Those repeatedly sleeping less than six hours a night have been found to have increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of many ailments like heart disease, kidney disease and cancer.

SLEEP IMPROVES IMMUNE FUNCTION

When you sleep, your body makes cytokines — proteins that fight infection and inflammation. It also produces certain antibodies and immune cells. Together, these help to prevent illness. Just small losses in sleep, seven versus eight hours, have been shown to impair immune function. One large study gave patients nasal drops that contained the cold virus. Those getting seven hours of sleep a night were three times more likely to develop a cold than those sleeping eight or more!

SLEEP IS LINKED TO INFLAMMATION

Studies have linked poor sleep to increased inflammation.

Increased inflammation is linked to many chronic medical conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disease and cancer.

Chances are that eating a healthier diet, losing weight and exercising more are among your New Year’s resolutions. If so, good for you!

If you are not getting adequate sleep, maybe you should consider making that a resolution as well. It probably will be the easiest and most enjoyable of resolutions to keep while helping you achieve your other goals and improve your longterm health.

Dr. Pamela Tuli is a hematologist-oncologist practicing with The Medical Oncology Group - Memorial Physician Clinics.

She can be contacted at (228)-575-1234.

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NOW ’ S A GRE AT TIME TO S TART

meal prepping *This is part one of a two-part series.

A

s millions of us stay at home amid COVID-19 concerns, family meals are resurging in a big way. This shift is one of the precious positives resulting from the pandemic, and we are rediscovering the joys of eating together regularly.

Studies show that that adults report cooking more at home now while sheltering in place. The top motivators for meal prepping and planning include: • It saves money.

• Food waste decreases.

• It helps you eat healthy and control your portions.

• Large-batch cooking makes family meals easy.

• It’s relaxing and a great stress reliever.

As you set your 2021 goals, add meal prepping and planning to your list. It’s time for you to become more confident in the kitchen and reap the benefits of prepping.

PREPARING TO PREP

Meal prep involves planning, preparing, cooking and portioning your meals out for the week. This means cooking in bulk once or twice a week. Meal prep can have a huge impact on you, as it has on me for over a decade.

When will I have time to cook all this food, you ask? I know your to-do list is huge with work, meetings, kids and more; there’s always so much to juggle. But I’ll let you in on a secret: meal prepping makes life easier, and you can even involve the kids!

The process takes about four hours, and you can divide it

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January 2021

BY KAROL BRANDT

between two days. I prep once a week, on Mondays, because I am off work.

Here are the easy steps to follow:

STEP 1: MAKE TIME

Find that day that will give you a good three to four hours to plan your menu, grocery shop, cook and portion out your meals. During this pandemic, we seem to be home much more, so pick a time and commit to it weekly.

STEP 2: MAKE A MENU AND SHOP

Write down the meals you want to make and the ingredients you’ll need. Write down which meals you actually will make and create your grocery shopping list.

Categorize this list by breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

You also can order your food in advance, since you have your list done, or you can bulk shop so you don’t have to go to the store as often.

Beginners — keep it simple and stick to recipes with few ingredients and staples you can make and combine. Pick meals you actually want to cook. I’m no chef, and I pick meals that are manageable.

I focus on a balance of macros, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fresh fruits and/or vegetables in each meal. I recommend myfitnesspal.com to track macros and exercise. I use the app every day, and it keeps me accountable Here are some staples/suggestions: Proteins: chicken breasts, lean ground beef, turkey, flank

steak, turkey breast, salmon, tuna, egg whites, eggs, shrimp Carbohydrates: sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, ezekiel bread or Dave’s power seed bread, hummus Healthy fats: Almonds, walnuts, almond butter, olive oil, coconut oil Vegetables/fruit: Spinach, kale, arugula, mushrooms, asparagus, celery, tomato, peppers, zucchini, squash, eggplant, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, apples, strawberries (I try to eat fruit that’s in season.)

STEP 3: STOCK UP ON PANTRY STAPLES

From garlic and olive oil to onions and spices like fresh cracked pepper and pink himalayan crystal salt (my fave), every meal prepper should have certain staples. I use Flavor God seasoning or find salt-free spices.

Create a 10-item must-have list when you go shopping so you know to add them to your cart and pantry.

Investing in the right kitchen equipment makes all the difference. Make sure you have the essentials: cutting boards, sharp knives, sheet pans and meal prep containers. I use Ello food storage containers — the best!

They feature a leak-proof lid, and you actually can cook in them because they’re oven-safe without a lid up to 425 degrees. They’re also freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe, and yes, they have family-size options, too.

Wishing you a healthy, happy, 2021 filled with meal prep and planning. Next, we’ll get cooking!

Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.

STEP 4: INVEST IN THE RIGHT TOOLS

THE MISSION OF PREP is to provide healthy meal choices for people on the coast. Life is crazy and every hour of the day is packed. It can be really difficult for people with families, jobs, and extracurriculars to find the time to prepare healthy meal options for the whole week. That’s why we offer two different types of meal prep services.

by K.U.G.

We offer PALEO MEALS that are gluten/grain/dairy/soy/refined sugar-free.

We also offer MACRO MEAL PREP, which are meals that provide the carbohydrate/fat/protein content for those that like to keep track of macros and/or count calories. Our store front also offers GRAB-AND-GO OPTIONS of pre-made, family sized meals, soups, snacks, and more.

Eat better, feel better

When I started meal prepping for myself five years ago I could have never imagined that I’d end up here. It’s been a wild but amazing journey, as any small business owner can surely relate.

I get to get up every day and do what I love. Food is my love language and nothing fuels me more than showing my passion for the coast by nourishing them through food.

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January 2021

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES Coastal Family Health Center, Inc. (Coastal) is a federally qualified community health center established in 1976 as a 501c3 private, not-for-profit corporation. For over forty years, Coastal has remained true to its mission by focusing on the values of dignity, justice, service, excellence, and stewardship while simultaneously raising the standards in quality, service, innovation, integration, and technology.

Coastal Family Health Center is the fourth-largest community health center in Mississippi, serving over 35,000 patients annually at its twenty-seven service locations across south Mississippi. Coastal’s reputation for innovation, quality, and excellence is deeply rooted in its mission, vision, and core values. Today, Coastal Family Health Center offers excellent care to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Coastal is a JCAHO-accredited, Level-III Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). As a PCMH, Coastal offers outpatient behavioral health counseling and therapy services to our community members, along with pediatric, primary care, dental, optometry, and women’s health services. Our master’s level licensed Behavioral Health Specialists work as members of the Primary Care Team alongside medical providers and nurses.

They ensure that all of our patients’ physical, mental, and behavioral health needs are met by providing high quality, evidence-based, patient-centered services.

From depression and anxiety to managing chronic care conditions to life stressors like COVID-19, the Behavioral Health Team at Coastal Family Health Center is here to help keep you safe and healthy! Psychiatric medication management services are also available at select clinic locations. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 228-386-1133 today!

STRESS DURING AN

INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAK can sometimes cause the following:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Worsening of chronic health problems.

• Worsening of mental health conditions.

• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS AND STAYING HEALTHY: • Try to plan your day and stick to a routine. Structure is helpful and calming during exceptionally difficult times.

• Drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep. Staying hydrated and rested are two of the best ways to stay healthy during stressful situations.

• Plan time to be outdoors while maintaining social distancing (Take a walk, ride a bike, hit the beach, etc.)

• Reach out to loved ones. Connect with the people you care about most, even if it is in a virtual or remote way.

• Cut yourself some slack! Everyone is having a hard time right now. Be honest about how you’re feeling and don’t be ashamed to reach out for help or talk to someone. It’s okay to not be okay.

• Talk to a professional. In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for people to reach out for help if they need it. Talk to you doctor, or call Coastal Family Health Center at 228-386-1133 to schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor today.

ELEVEN LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! April Norwood, PMHNP-BC

Angelos Vamvakas, MD D’Iberville

1-877-374-4991 53 coastalfamilyhealth.org

www.gcwmultimedia.com

OUR TRANSFORMATION STORY:

Krisann and Keith Dikes BEFORE OUR TRANSFORMATION

Like everyone, Keith and I always have had a little extra weight we could stand to lose. Keith is an industrial firefighter and an EMT. I work for a healthcare system as a physician recruiter. Being healthy is vital for both of our careers, Every year after the holidays, I would try to be healthy — maybe doing a low-carb diet, South Beach, etc. I have inherited high blood pressure, high cholesterol and, in recent years, hypothyroidism. None of these programs was sustainable.

OUR GOAL

Noticing some of Keith’s coworkers and their significant others who were losing weight and keeping it off was amazing; (we were) watching these couples add years back to their lives! So, our goal was to lose weight and look as good as some of his coworkers and their wives.

WHAT WE DIDN’T EXPECT

I personally did not expect to have zero hot flashes and sleep so well in the first 30 days. I also did not expect to get such a thorough education on nutrition and what it does to your body.

As we became more educated about nutrition, we realized how many health-related issues are tied to being overweight.

HOW IT WORKED

We tried a structured eating plan under the guidance of a registered dietician, along with a certified lifestyle coach.

They provided education in the four key areas: • What to eat; • When to eat • How to eat • Most critical — the mindset of “why” you eat Being successful is not about a “diet,” but making a sustainable lifestyle change!

WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PART

We started this program on Feb. 13, 2020. A couple of weeks into the program, COVID-19 hit, which made it easier to change our habits. Restaurants were closing down, and fresh fruit and produce were not flying off the shelves like toilet paper. We got used to planning our meals and packing our lunch every day.

HOW WE FEEL TODAY

We feel great and enjoy food more than ever!

54

January 2021

HEALTHIER YOU SPONSORED BY

BEFORE AND AFTER

www.gcwmultimedia.com

55

ADVERTORIAL

HEALING

Hearts Unimaginable. The thought of losing a child is just that for many parents. However, for thousands of mothers each year, the death of a baby becomes a reality. Mississippi has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation with nearly 9 infant deaths for every 1,000 born. It is a life-event for parents that could take a lifetime to overcome. The Birthplace at Memorial staff delivers babies every day, and the staff shares in the joy of parents welcoming new additions to their families. Nonetheless, our nursing and social services teams must be prepared when parents experience a loss, whether it is a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or an infant death. Once a month, Memorial hosts Healing Hearts, a bereavement support group maintained by chaplains, Maternal Child Health Nurses and grief counselors who understand the mental and emotional toll loss takes on parents. They want to assist in easing the parent’s pain by hosting a place that is safe to share experiences.

HEALING HEARTS GRIEF COUNSELOR, KRISTEN SCHMITZ, EXPERIENCED THE LOSS OF HER BABY AND SHARES WHY SHE SEEKS TO HELP OTHERS: When I lost my son, I lost more than just my son. I lost my friends, closeness with my husband, security in my faith, and I lost so much of myself. I needed someone to listen to me cry, ramble and someone that understood what it felt like to leave the hospital without your baby.

I remember going to work one day, and it was like any normal day. I came home and did my nightly routine. I was 39 weeks pregnant with my second child. Later that evening, I realized I did not and had not felt my son moving for some time. After many calls to my mom, to the nurse and the doctor on-call, my husband and I headed to the hospital. After an examination, the doctor on-call told us, “I don’t hear or see a heartbeat on the ultrasound.” You never expect to hear those words, and never as abruptly as the doctor told us. We were in shock. We were

56

January 2021

HEALING HEARTS SUPPORT GROUP

meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6 -7 p.m., in the Memorial Hospital cafeteria alcove.

4500 13th Street, Gulfport (Social distancing is observed) For more information contact (228) 575-2299 already planning for our son to come home. My C-section was planned in 6 days. I wanted to know what happened. How did this happen? Our personal doctor soon arrived and decided he would do a C-section and he would determine the cause of my son’s death. It was a cord accident. How did I not know something was wrong? And now, how do I move forward knowing there was nothing I could have done; yet, feeling so guilty. I had so many questions and emotions. I needed help. My friends did not know what to say so they said nothing. My husband did not know how to help me as he was grieving himself. I was so angry, lost and felt so alone. My friends and I searched, but we found no resources or support groups for families after losing a child. I knew then I needed to try to help.

It took time, but I have been able to share my story and be there for families that experienced the same kind of event. I was so thrilled when I was asked to join the Healing Hearts Support Group. Moms need moms. Families need families. Anyone can sympathize for families that have lost a child, but only if you have walked that journey are you able to understand and can empathize with them.

CHANGE FOR changed minds

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IT’S EASY! GRAB A BABY BOTTLE & FILL IT UP WITH CHANGE Your donation will help us to provide free pregnancy testing, verification, ultrasound, and peer counseling to a woman who’s not sure what she should do.

Celebrating THANK YOU

to our wonderful patients!

Dental C.A. “BUDDY” BRICE D.D.S., P.A. AUSTIN J. MCMURPHY, D.M.D., M.S.D.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER Pregnancy Solutions

9155 Lorraine Road | Gulfport, MS 39503

228.897.8958

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OCEAN SPRINGS OFFICE

(228) 215-3100

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57

KEARN CHERRY

YOUR SENIOR CARE AUTHORITY

Problem:

FALLS WHAT TO DO: Falls are very common among the elderly. Many falls cause only minor injuries, but they are scary and can cause older adults to restrict their activities.

Most falls in older adults are a result of a combination of underlying risk factors or health problems. Insufficient strength or balance is usually one of the problems — which can be addressed with the right exercises. But it’s good to check for other factors, such as medication side-effects or even a new illness. Don’t assume the fall is a result of frailty.

Now offering wellness check service for seniors.

Call Now to Schedule.

Call KEARN CHERRY.

We’ll help you figure out what you need and tailor the hours and services to fit.

(228) 385-2603 OR 888-782-3316 kearn@prnhomecareservices.com

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January 2021

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Pedal power Pandemic makes Biloxi Bicycle Works an essential business

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

B

art Luther and Daniel Wijdenes were concerned about opening Biloxi Bicycle Works during a pandemic. But as it turns out, their timing was perfect.

“With the various restrictions that the pandemic has imposed on everyone, people have been looking for new avenues to go out and do things, and cycling is great for that — not only from a fitness angle, but also for overall mental health,” Luther says. “Once you start riding, you can’t help but be happier!”

Before their retail location opened on Biloxi’s Howard Avenue in March, the co-founders were operating mostly online and working with the military and government community, including veterans. The Coast was underserved in the cycling and multisport market for years, they say, but now, Biloxi Bicycle Works is pleased to serve patrons from all walks of life.

“Some of our customers are looking for an alternate form of transportation; some are wanting to get fit and others are competitive,” Wijdenes says. “We have a complete offering of bikes, running shoes and swimwear, so you can get everything you need here whether you swim, bike or run.”

According to Luther and Wijdenes, the biggest challenge for the growing

business has been getting inventory.

With gyms closed and families needing fun, safe activities to do together during lockdown, retailers scrambled to keep up with the demand for bikes. Sales of bikes, helmets and other related accessories grew 75 percent to $1 billion as of April compared to the previous year, according to market research company NPD. “We’ve been blessed with great partnerships with our vendors,” Wijdenes says, “and as a result have been fortunate in many cases to secure a great selection of product even when the rest of the industry has been struggling to do that.”

The store’s inventory includes quality brands like Specialized, Pivot Cycles, Bianchi Cycles, Altra Running, Olukai, Tyr, OneWheel, Garmin, Wahoo, Theragun and AfterShokz. If you own a bike that needs some work or want better performance, the shop can help with that, too — offering service and repair as well as sales. Biloxi Bicycle Works also holds organized rides and events.

“If you’re going to buy a bike, visit the folks that live and breathe this, not a big box store that’s just selling you another product,” Luther says. “We all have many years of experience, and it shows in what we can offer our customers.”

As avid cyclists themselves, Luther explains, the Biloxi Bicycle Works team

Biloxi Bicycle Works Founders - Bart Luther (left) Daniel Wijdenes (right)

enjoys helping others experience the great outdoors and improve their health and wellbeing.

“The Gulf Coast is such a great place to live and has so much to offer, so we want folks to be able to share in that,” he says.

“With the growth we’re seeing all around us in the region, it’s an exciting time to be here and grow with the community.”

WANT TO GO? 993 Howard Ave., Biloxi (228) 400-0280 Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. biloxibicycleworks. com; facebook.com/ biloxibicycleworks

www.gcwmultimedia.com

59

Welcome to 2021, where less is more

After months of loungewear and makeup-free faces, let’s put on our red lipstick and kiss 2020 goodbye! What’s trending for spring 2021 is a minimal makeup look — your skin, but better.

GLASS SKIN

Healthy, effortless beauty can be spotted all over this season. The runway always has loved the glowy skin trend, but I have noticed more and more beauty influencers edging toward the minimal makeup look over the last several months.

Skincare is more prominent in the beauty world than ever, so a lot of women are embracing their natural skin and stepping away from heavy, full-coverage foundations and swapping them for lightweight creams and liquids.

An all-time favorite of mine is MAC Strobe Cream. Apply a coin-sized amount, with or without makeup, and it will give you an ethereal, lit-from-within glow without looking greasy.

(MAC Strobe Cream, maccosmetics.com, $16-$35)

FLUFFY BROWS

Eyebrow trends are ever-changing in the beauty world.

From thin to full and arched to straight, they’re always evolving.

As we move away from the more sculpted “Instagram brow” of the 2010s, we’re starting to embrace (and enhance) our natural brows in the 2020s. To perfect this trend, if you still enjoy filling in your brows, try to focus on the mids and

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January 2021

BY CRISSY COX

ends, leaving the fronts mostly bare.

If this still feels a bit foreign, try using a multi-pronged brow pen to create small flicks, mimicking a microblade effect.

Finish off your brows with a clear brow gel (or a spoolie brush rubbed in bar soap) brushed in an upward motion. (Urban Decay Brow Blade, ulta.com, $26)

MATTE RED LIPS

Who doesn’t love a good red lip? Actually, as a professional makeup artist, I know a bold lip terrifies lots of women. But after months of hiding our smiles behind a mask, we should celebrate our lips when they can be seen.

It’s all about finding your perfect shade of red. Are you a true-red girl? Maybe a deeper, wine red is more your thing.

One shade you can’t go wrong with is MAC’s Ruby Woo. When I worked for the brand, this lipstick always was on our best-sellers list. It’s also kiss proof — and dare I say mask proof. It’s the perfect, classic blue-based red, which flatters a multitude of ages and skin tones.

A bold lip is the perfect complement to the otherwise minimal makeup look we’re sure to be rocking this year!

(MAC Ruby Woo, maccosmetics.com, $19)

Crissy Cox is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and special event makeup. Contact her or learn more at facebook.com/CrissyCoxMUA.

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228-896-3352 | www.salonalexanders.com WALK-INS WELCOME SPA PEDICURE | SHELLAC NAILS POWDER COATING

The Shoppes at Mary Mahoney’s 110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi 228.818.3233

LASH LIFT BY MONTANA www.gcwmultimedia.com

61

Beyond beauty

Lavish Salon gives clients ‘a place to belong’

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

As a preteen, Leonie Johnston Simmons colored her Barbie dolls’ hair with markers and gave perms in the kitchen.

“Then, I was always the last one running out the door for homecoming, prom and those kinds of events because I would fix all of my girlfriends’ hair,” recalls Simmons, who now owns Lavish Salon on Biloxi’s Rue Magnolia.

“Lavish” means to expend or give in great amounts without limit, which is why Simmons chose the name. Her salon’s mission, she says, is to indulge patrons with an experience that renews their beauty inside and out.

“But that experience goes even beyond beauty,” Simmons adds. “It’s a place to belong.”

Despite her early aptitude, Simmons did not attend cosmetology school right away. She had a career in public relations, marketing and media sales, and although she found success, it wasn’t her passion.

She enrolled in night classes and built a base clientele in beauty school. Upon graduation, she rented a booth and felt she was where she belonged at last — behind the chair.

Despite that fulfilment, a deeper ambition was growing.

“The thought of owning my own salon was a little flame burning in my soul,”

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January 2021

Simmons says.

She realized her dream on Feb. 14, 2007, when she opened Lavish in a historic building in downtown Biloxi — and she’s never looked back. In Hurricane Katrina’s wake, Simmons was determined to be part of the Coast’s rebirth.

Over 14 years, she says, “We’ve survived storms, a failing economy, an oil spill and now a global pandemic. I guess we are doing something right.”

THE DIME STORE DIVA

Outside of Lavish’s salon services, Simmons has worked for many years with wigs — which began when a client and friend was diagnosed with cancer and lost her hair. Simmons helped her find a wig, then cut and styled it for her.

“When I witnessed the difference it made in her self-esteem, her recovery and her outlook — well, medical hair replacement became my heart song,” she says.

In 2019, she launched Dime Store Diva — making costume, fashion and natural hair wigs, along with toppers and fascinators — which she lovingly calls her “side hustle.”

As the original Dime Store Diva, Simmons lives by the motto “It’s better to be looked over than overlooked.”

“Let’s face it — when you look good, you feel good,” she says. “My greatest reward is the joy I see when someone looks in my mirror and they feel good about themselves.”

‘WONDROUS AND REWARDING’

Simmons’s clients are also friends, and in many cases, they confide things to her they don’t share with anyone else. She treasures those relationships and takes that responsibility seriously.

Years from now, the salon owner may slow down and cut back her hours, but she’s sure of one thing: She’ll never retire.

“Although sometimes difficult, it’s a wondrous and rewarding profession,” she says. “I would not trade it for the world.”

IF YOU GO:

Lavish Salon 124 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi (228) 263-1571 Tuesday thru Saturday by appointment https://www.facebook.com/ LavishSalonBiloxi www.Dimestoredivawigs.com

MED SPA AT THE

ISLANDS

much love and fun in 2021

Bring forth the ageless beauty that lies just beneath...

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63

WHY THE

ATHLEISURE trend has staying power

T

BY JASMINE BALL

hanks largely to the pandemic, activewear and its comfy, casual offshoot, athleisure, have become a staple in closets around the world.

While we may love dressing up, we’ve gravitated toward tights, sports bras and tennis shoes lately.

Why is that?

It’s because we are in a new norm of comfortability. Our homes became our schools, workplaces and play spaces in 2020, so we’ve naturally been reaching for easy, simple clothing pieces. We also like giving the perception that we are always working out — even if we were home all day and just now running errands.

The crazy part about activewear is that it’s been around for ages. As it has continuously evolved, we’ve curated our style to adjust to it.

The main reason we gravitate to activewear is the comfortable, usually stretchy, fabric or material used to make it: Dri-Fit, natural fibers, lycra — and the list goes on. The best part about its popularity is the fun we get to have while wearing activewear — and the ever-increasing selection. Now we have the option to wear fun and expressive tights rather than just plain black ones. Some activewear trends to look forward to include full-body jumpsuits, high neckline or racerback sports bras, biker shorts, complex colorways (a.k.a. range of color options) on popular fitness shoes and matching sets.

I love showing my personality through my activewear while doing yoga or walking around my neighborhood. I’m comfortable with every move I make, and that’s why people adore this trend so much.

Ball is a Mississippi fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. Connect with her via Instagram (Miss_ Ball23), her blog site (www.theball-post.com) or by email at theballpost1@gmail.com.

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January 2021

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65

ANDREA BROKAMP

is the co-founder of Coastal City Goods (@ coastalcitygoods) and a mother-to-be (due late January). She and her husband live in Ocean Springs and came to the Coast in 2018 for her husband’s training at Keesler Air Force Base.

Originally from the Carolinas, Andrea fell in love with the coastal lifestyle and was inspired to start Coastal City Goods, an online premium gift and apparel company with products that showcase the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Here, she shares the beauty products she’s currently loving:

g n i l l i Spher secret

YOUNG LIVING LAVENDER MINT DAILY SHAMPOO

I have used this natural shampoo throughout my pregnancy to help keep my scalp and hair moisturized, especially during winter.

BUFF CITY SOAP WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

During my pregnancy, I have used this body butter every night before bed to moisturize my growing belly. The scent, oatmeal honey, is beyond

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January 2021

amazing. I love that I get to support a local Ocean Springs business, too! These body butters make great gifts.

YSL LIPSTICK

I use the color “rouge pur coutoure,” a vibrant berry hue that goes with almost any outfit. This lipstick is long lasting and feels nice on your lips.

GIMME BEAUTY SCRUNCHIES These velvet scrunchies hold

my thick hair well and don’t leave a crease.

OLIVE & JUNE NAIL POLISH

I have enjoyed using this innovative, at-home nail polish kit for do-it-yourself manicures, especially during these COVID times. The Olive & June system includes six polishes, cuticle serum, polish remover, a buffer, clippers, a nail file and a super glossy topcoat.

anniversary gift. The scent is to die for — sexy and sophisticated. It comes in a stylish perfume box and spray container, too.

GARMIN VIVOMOVE HR HYBRID SMARTWATCH

A stylish, yet durable and functional, makeup bag that fits all my compacts, makeup brushes and then some.

I always wear a watch, but I need something sophisticated, yet functional. This watch is the perfect combination to help me stay fashionably fit. It has a discreet digital display to alert me to calls and texts but also classic hands for a professional look with rose gold features.

It also tracks your steps and monitors your heart rate, among other smart features.

COASTAL CITY GOODS

L’OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER

LULULEMON MAKEUP BAG

T-SHIRT The softest tee for

sleeping or pairing with some comfy leggings. This color is so pretty and looks good on everyone.

SPEAKEASY PERFUME

I first discovered this perfume in a shop in downtown New Orleans, and then I received it from my husband as an

LIP BALM

If you buy nothing else in the L’Occitane shop, buy this lip balm. During the winter months, I am always using it to keep my dried lips feeling moisturized and smooth.

26 YEARS

OF EXPERIENCE • • • • •

Custom Design 24 Hour Repair Appraisals Engraving Cleaning and Polishing

1500 Pass Road | Gulfport | 228-731-3713

HORNECUSTOMJEWELRY.COM www.gcwmultimedia.com

67

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January 2021

Anniversary

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by Jerry Spehr

HOURS: M-F 9:30 - 5:30 S AT 9 : 3 0 - 5 : 0 0 | S U N 1 2 : 0 0 - 4 : 0 0

ART REVEAL W W W. H I L LY E R H O U S E . C O M LABOR DAY O N L I N by E ,WEEKEND! A N D Spehr CURBSIDE Jerry

920 Washington Ave • Ocean Springs, MS 39564 28485.indd 1

ART REVEAL

6/9/20 8:07 AM

PINTR TWITT

home & family

comfort zone

Creating your

With some minor tweaks, you can turn your home into your sanctuary

While everyone’s pandemic experience has been different, one truth is universal: Home has never been more important. Our new appreciation for everything our home is and represents, for the protection and stability it provides, will endure long after the COVID crisis is over.

Even in the best of times, our home is our refuge — the place where we rest, recharge and regain strength to face the world’s challenges. How do we keep our sanctuaries as comfortable and soothing as possible? Some simple, easy décor choices can enhance your home’s calming effect and help lower your stress.

FIRST, REMOVE CLUTTER

You can’t unwind in a disorganized, chaotic environment, so first things first: get the clutter under control. Display the cherished items that bring you joy and comfort, and designate a proper place to store everything else. If an item is no longer useful to you and doesn’t spark joy, put it in the trash or the donation pile. Less is definitely more when it comes to unburdening your mind and spirit.

BE CONSCIOUS OF COLOR

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

don’t hesitate to add pops of color with vibrant accessories — bringing bursts of joy to your favorite spaces.

ADD SCENT APPEAL

Research has found that smell is the sense most tied to our emotional recollection. One whiff of a familiar, pleasant aroma elevates our sense of happiness and well-being.

Another fun fact: studies have shown that women’s sense of smell is stronger than men’s.

Use your nose’s power to your advantage at home.

Scented candles and fresh flowers add instant ambiance and promote relaxation.

LIGHT THE WAY

Every winter as days grow shorter, we’re reminded how much light affects our mood. During the day, make the most of the natural light by opening the curtains and blinds and letting it pour in. Arrange your furniture in a way that lets you derive the full benefit. For the transition after the sun goes down, chose lighting that will give your rooms a warm, cozy glow.

SOFTEN YOUR SPACE

When temperatures fall, is there anything better than wrapping up in something snuggly and buttery soft? Carry that feeling throughout your home with plush rugs, throw pillows and blankets.

Color can have a significant impact on your mood. Even if you’re fond of bright, bold hues, be mindful of their impact.

A base palette of neutral, muted shades tends to be more effective in creating a serene environment. Having said that,

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DESIGN

Photograph from Prestigious Textiles

TRENDS 2021

Photograph from Sherwin-Williams

COMFORT, RUSTIC, GRANDMA CHIC

If you’ve been redecorating, refreshing and renovating for months now, you are definitely not alone. And after a brief pause during the holidays, this interior redesign trend is carrying right on over into this year. “Spring cleaning” will take on a much bigger meaning this year!

So, haven’t taken the leap yet? Not sure which direction you want to dive into?

Wondering how long all that grayness will be trendy? Let’s take a quick look at what some of the experts are saying.

From Better Homes & Gardens

EARTHY, GROUNDED SHADES

First Dulux announces its Color of the Year as Brave Ground, then Urbane Bronze is hailed as Sherwin Williams's Color of the Year. Now, Little Greene will release their latest paint range in January 2021... and, you guessed it, it’s all built around a natural, earthy color palette. Packed with rusts, warm greens, deep reds and slubby browns, it’s comforting, welcoming, and just what we need for 2021. And we love it.

From HGTV

PLENTY OF PLANTS

It seems like 2020 was the year that many of us returned to the basics (hello, baking bread and green thumbs), and

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January 2021

chances are that these primal habits will continue to grow in 2021 — especially when it comes to indoor plants.

Incorporating plants into your décor can help refresh and brighten your mood, and you don’t necessarily need to get too fancy (or hire a plant stylist) to create a green home. A few easy-to-care-for indoor plants in a beautiful textured stoneware pot will do the trick.

From Country Living

JAPANDI

Achieving this trend, known as Japanese minimalism, is all about mixing elements of Japanese and Scandinavian furniture. It’s been making big waves with interior designers this year, so expect to see the trend trickle down into homes around the country.

From Veranda

OUTDOOR SPACES BUILT FOR YEAR-ROUND ENTERTAINING

Living through a pandemic certainly has caused us to rethink entertaining at home as we know it, but as we begin to discover how easy it can be to entertain through the winter with a few changes, creating these cozy outdoor spaces for year-round use is sure to be a priority for those of us with itty-bitty city balconies and sprawling, lakefront backyards alike.

From Good Housekeeping

OLD-WORLD INFLUENCES

“I believe design should be timeless! So what is ‘in’ is that old-world aesthetic that never gets old. Darker, moodier rooms, old oil paintings mixed with a modern light fixture to the tune of not being able to place what era the room is from — that’s how to achieve timeless-ness; mix and match eras!” — Joyce Downing Pickens From Homes & Gardens

COTTAGECORE

Cottagecore started off as very simplistic, but I think it can also be mixed with touches of glamour to create a luxe traditional style. Elegant vintage style barware, gilded cutlery and statement gold accessories are all ways to get the look while staying on budget —and touches of British quirk will keep the look feeling grounded.

Think: a cuter version of Rustic Vogue, with ginghams and checks vying for attention with vintage prints and motifs – all set within a muted, pastel palette.

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FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

Mom-Approved

The Parenting Issue

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GCW AFFILIATE

WHY MY HOMESCHOOLERS NEEDED TO RETURN TO

public school A

s a mom, we never want to be in a position where we have

BY KRISTINA CONNER to make the Gulf Coast Mom tough decisions contributor about our children. Like many of you, I was faced with making the decision of putting my children back in school or keeping them home during the pandemic.

In the beginning, it was a no-brainer concerning our children and school.

I didn’t quite know how it would all work out, but I knew my babies would not be starting the school year as usual.

I prayed and prayed, and God spoke to me one day. I would not be returning to work. Fear and doubt started setting in.

I experienced all the emotions a mom could feel at once. Would we be financially able to do this? How would the kids adjust? What about my career as a teacher?

All sorts of thoughts crossed my mind. I knew I had to step out on faith and trust God, and that is exactly what I did.

I began to prep and transform our dining room into our classroom. Each

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child had a corner. I even decorated a bit to give it more of a classroom atmosphere.

I had no clue how this would work out, but I was excited to see. Makenzie, my youngest, was excited — as this is her kindergarten year. Melody, who is in fifth grade, was relieved that she didn’t have to physically go to school.

Marcus (MJ) was totally disappointed because this was his first year in middle school. He is our social child.

The first month and a half was a struggle. Well, I guess I should say the entire nine weeks was a struggle. For the first few weeks, I got absolutely nothing done around the house.

Additionally, I was having to spend about 10 hours or more seven days a week in our “classroom” with our beloved Melody. I tried everything to help her stay on track with completing her assignments. I would write out each class and each assignment so she could see and check off what she needed to accomplish. However, that didn’t work. She had to realize that no one in our house would do her work for her.

Then, we ran into another problem.

Any time I would spend helping our youngest with her work and checking her assignments, Melody would begin pretending she could not do her work.

I was very frustrated as a teacher mommy. We tried punishment, rewards and incentives, but nothing seemed to help. We knew she would not have any problems if she were in her classroom.

The deeper we were into the nine weeks, the more she struggled with homeschooling. The mental toll this was taking on her, and the stressful mode I caught myself slipping into, was not healthy. When her grades began to spiral downward, I knew we had to do something. I just struggled with making that final decision.

My husband had no problem making this decision, however; they needed to return to school. I first dealt with the emotions as a mom that I wasn’t able to make this work for the safety of our children. I had to realize that every child is different and will not thrive how I feel they should.

I had to do what I knew deep down worked for our children. So, I prayed again for guidance over them, as I do each morning before they load the bus.

We take many safety precautions upon their return from school, which I will be happy to share later. But for now, I can say that everyone is happy and stress free — and most of all, the kids are thriving being back in school.

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3 Keys TO KEEPING A TIDY HOME

BY HEATHER YOUNG

If your New Year’s resolutions include a tidier home in 2021, getting it organized is the first step.

Once you’ve chosen what to keep and have let go of the rest, you can maintain peace and order with the following practices:

1

GIVE EVERY ITEM A HOME

Above all else, you must decide where and how to store every single item you possess. This doesn’t mean immediately going out and purchasing lots of storage products. Instead, creatively source from items you already have. Even your recycling bin might provide good containers and boxes.

Live with the temporary container until you are sure its dimensions suit the spot in your home and the specific items it stores, then look for a permanent container that brings you joy. Don’t forget to measure carefully!

2

QUICKLY RETURN ITEMS TO THEIR PLACES

When you are pleased with an item’s placement in your home, it becomes much easier to return it after use.

Depending on your family or housemate situation, labels on containers can be helpful so shared items are consistently returned to their proper location.

Determine your top tidying priorities and focus your

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energy toward accomplishing them first. Is clearing the kitchen countertop most important? Is getting your laundry done and back in your closet a top goal? Would a table free of paperwork calm you at the end of every day?

3

BE VIGILANT ABOUT WHAT COMES IN

To maintain a truly organized home, surrounded only by items you’ve chosen with care and stored with intention, seriously consider the impact future possessions would have on your space. If you acquire a given item, where will you put it? How easy will it be to maintain? Is the joy it would bring to your home worth the space and effort to properly store it? If the answer is a confident yes, invite it in and give it a home.

Heather Young, of Tidy and Calm LLC, is a professional home organizer certified in the KonMari Method® popularized by Marie Kondo. Reach her at www.tidyandcalm.com.

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4

ways to improve study time

FROM HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

It takes effort and persistence to be a good student, and the hardest part for many is learning and consistently embracing good study habits. However, the investment is worth it.

Students who learn the tools to study smart as younger students will be well equipped to handle the increased workload for multiple classes in high school.

To be most effective, study time should be efficient, focused and organized. If your child’s study sessions could be better, here are four tips to help:

3. STOP TO SELF-CHECK OFTEN

1. STUDY WITH A PLAN

4. AIM FOR CONSISTENCY

Studying without a plan can lead to procrastination and wasted time. Your child should get into the habit of planning out what to study and for how long every single day. A planner, either through an app or a paper version, will be very useful here; have your child get one and use it to record daily homework assignments, upcoming tests and project dates and other obligations (such as extracurricular activities).

At the start of homework time each day, your child should review assignments due the next day and look ahead at the rest of the week for any upcoming project deadlines, quizzes or exams. Your child then can prioritize all tasks and complete the assignments.

2. GET IN “THE ZONE”

Studying when the heart is only halfway in it isn’t as effective as studying when focused and ready to work. You can help your child by talking about when he or she feels the most alert and motivated and planning to study at that time whenever possible.

Without question, there will be times when your child just isn’t feeling it. The key is to get into the studying mindset prior to starting on a pre-defined list of priorities and minimize any distractions. A concentrated 30-minute study session is much better than one hour of partly distracted and unenthusiastic work.

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January 2021

It’s a fact that regular summarizing and self-testing is one of the best ways to help solidify knowledge. If your child has a lot of reading to do, encourage him or her to preview the text before reading, jot down main points while reading and stop every few pages to summarize what he or she just learned.

If it’s a problem-solving subject like math, have him or her complete any practice problems or self-check quizzes in the text or workbook.

Regular studying of a topic helps it “stick,” making those exam study sessions much easier and less stressful. While homework is generally assigned to reinforce class teachings, it’s always a good idea for middle- and high-school students to spend time each evening reviewing any class notes, even if just for a few minutes.

A student who spends 20 minutes each evening completing homework and reading and reviewing concepts covered in class for two weeks will be far better prepared than the one who does homework only but pulls an all-nighter study session the night before a test.

When it comes to learning, how your child studies is as important as how often he or she studies — if not more important. If your child seems to struggle with getting started, or you notice that his or her time or effort is not translating into positive results, you may consider enlisting some professional help.

The Huntington Learning Center Gulfport is located at 8950 Lorraine Road, Unit E, Gulfport. Contact the center at (228) 206-2353.

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H O M E

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success

HOW I STARTED MY BUSINESS:

Leigha Malone

In June 2020, I started my boutique estate planning and business law practice with the mission of bringing innovative, creative and proactive legal counsel to coastal Mississippi. After extensively researching firms on the Gulf Coast, I realized that most lawyers offered services based on antiquated models and high overhead costs. This usually meant poor client engagement and higher fees.

I was confident I had something to offer — an entrepreneurial mindset. I couldn’t find the right seat at the right table, so I rolled up my sleeves and built my own.

I knew if I wanted the perfect job, I’d have to create it from scratch. With a huge helping of grit, a dash of flexibility and a pinch of passion, I’ve created the foundation for a rewarding career.

While autonomy is extremely rewarding, this independence is not without a price tag. As a true solo business owner, I am a bookkeeper, notary, PR specialist, graphic designer, paralegal and receptionist.

The world is changing, and many law firms refuse to adapt and embrace evolving client lifestyles and technological innovations. I embrace technology as a tool to help serve my clients more efficiently while delivering exceptional work at a cost-effective investment. I offer virtual consultations, secure electronic documents and e-payment options. Before launching, I spent countless hours researching solutions to provide intuitive and streamlined services to clients.

I pride myself on providing personalized and tailored estate planning, business law counsel and entity formation services for individuals, families, entrepreneurs, small businesses and creatives. Many of my services can be handled remotely, and I am willing to meet with clients outside of normal business hours. I want to be as creative and innovative as the clients I serve. My ultimate goal is for my clients to walk away thinking, “I love my lawyer.”

IN THE SIX MONTHS SINCE LAUNCHING MY PRACTICE, I’VE COMPILED A LIST OF TIPS FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: 1. Ignore those who say you can’t.

2. Plan ahead. Draft your business plan and marketing strategy and build a small savings. It may be months before you start seeing a real financial return.

3. Pick a niche — and pick the right one. Performing a market analysis is key. Don’t offer a dozen mediocre services.

Choose one or two areas where you can provide tailored and innovative solutions.

4. Be nice and make friends. Creating lasting and authentic relationships with others in your professional field is vital to

your success.

5. Build a high quality, engaging and informative website immediately.

6. Imposter syndrome is a liar. Focus your energy on your work product, client-engagement and continuing your professional development, and ignore the inevitable self-doubt.

Jumping into the deep end (a.k.a. entrepreneurship) requires you to bet on yourself. Every mistake is a learning opportunity to grow your business, streamline your processes and increase your knowledge of your field.

Leigha Malone is the managing attorney and owner of The Law Office of Leigha Malone PLLC on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and can be reached at (228) 297-1238.

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Photo by Joan Peno McCool Photography.

‘It seemed like a dream!’

Kindergarten teacher publishes first children’s book

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

2020 was Stephanie Anne Box’s breakthrough year.

In early June, the kindergarten teacher at Pecan Park Elementary in Ocean Springs sent a writing sample to an editor at Rourke Educational Media. Within a week, she had a contract to write her first book for the publishing house.

“I had waited over two decades to hear the news that I was indeed going to be published,” says Box, who has lived on the Coast for almost 18 years. “I was so surprised; it seemed like a dream!”

The culmination of that dream is Box’s nonfiction children’s picture book titled “Ayanna Howard” — the seventh book in the successful “Women in Science and Technology” series. Box got to work immediately researching Howard — an educator and innovator who has contributed significantly to the areas of artificial intelligence, computer vision and robotics.

Howard was intrigued by robots from a very young age.

As a child, she watched “The Bionic Woman” and knew she wanted to help people by building robots. She rose to the top of the male-dominated field and built her dream one part at a time.

“In work for hire, the company gives you the title they want you to write about,” Box explains, “but it was ultimately up to me to find out as much information as I could about this wonderful scientist.”

The book is geared toward first- through fourth-graders, but Box hopes all children will read it.

“It serves as an inspiration to keep reaching for more answers in everything we do,” she says. “STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) is in every aspect of learning. As a teacher, it drives everything I do!”

During her career of 22 years, Box has taught several grades in public and private schools. She was named Pecan

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January 2021

Park’s Teacher of the Year in 2017, and in 2020, she was a nominee for Ocean Springs School District Star Teacher.

Her ambition to be an educator dates back to childhood, when stuffed animals were her pretend pupils. Her love of writing started at a young age, too — and she recalls filling pads of paper and spiral notebooks.

“Everywhere you look, there’s a story in each person, in Find Box’s book, “Ayanna Howard,” on each living thing,” rourkeeducationalmedia.com, amaBox says. “Find it, zon.com and barnesandnoble.com. and write about it!”

The author and teacher, who belongs to The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, has another contract with Rourke to write a four-book nonfiction series about space. That project will release in fall 2021. In the meantime, she’s also hoping to find a traditional publisher for her other books.

“This book is just the beginning for me,” Box says.

New Year, New Opportunities!

JOIN

TODAY!

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. | mscoastchamber.com | 228-604-0014

THE PEOPLE’S GULF COAST ACCIDENT AND INJURY FIRM!

Attorney Becky Farrell

The Hancock Chamber Business Women’s Leadership Roundtable was founded in 2006 to offer professional women in Hancock County opportunities for networking and professional development. Under the direction of the Hancock Chamber, the group hosts quarterly meetings providing both personal enrichment and ideas for business development. All women in business are welcome, including newcomers.

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LEGAL MINUTE BLOG Attorney Farrell comments and informs on current legal trends and issues, breaking down complex topics into simple, actionable insights in an engaging and accessible style.

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PO Box 3447 | Bay St. Louis, MS 39521 beckyfarrelllaw.com • Further and free information on background of attorney and firm is available upon request from the MS Bar Assc at (601) 948-4471

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100 Men Hall 200 North Beach Amada Senior Care Bay Town Inn Biz-Zee Bee Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill Dan B’s Restaurant & Bar Fleurty Girl Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union HL Raymond Properties John McDonald Realty Keel Dentistry L’Avenir Medical Spa Mockingbird Cafe Serious Bread LLC Southgroup Insurance – Gulf Coast The French Potager

BILOXI FINALISTS:

Beacon Insurance Services, Inc. Biloxi Bicycle Works Brent Harrell Insurance, LLC Brice Pediatric Dental Specialist D. Batia Interiors LLC Dirt Busters Mobile Detailing Edgewater Cleaners Exclusive Dining & Catering Co. First Command Financial Services Furniture Galore & More Gabrielle’s Grant’s for Her Gulf Coast Training & Education Services LLC Jacked Up Coffee Bar Lavish Salon Le Cafe’ Beignet Luckies Furniture Warehouse Mississippi Roots LLC North Bay Physical Therapy PhenomAFit Fitness Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Southern Bound Book Shop Sweet Stuff Inc Taco Sombrero Biloxi The Law Office of Leigha Malone PLLC The Threaded Cork

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January 2021

As we emerge from a difficult 2020, it’s more important than ever to recognize the small businesses that are the economic and social heart of our communities.

In our December issue, we honored the Best Small Business winners in each Coast city — chosen by you. Our audience cast nearly 3,000 votes online for their favorites.

Here, we continue our celebration of small businesses by sharing the finalists in each city.

Some are promising newbies; others are longstanding institutions. All contribute to making the Coast a great place to live, work and play.

DIAMONDHEAD FINALISTS:

DeWitt Insurance GMFS Mortgage Recipero Massage and Wellness

D’IBERVILLE FINALISTS:

1st Franklin Financial Angel’s Nails Cafe New Orleans Coral Boutique Crunch Fitness Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union Layla’s Boutique Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Grill Style Encore

GAUTIER FINALISTS:

Ad2 Inc. First Federal Savings & Loan Jason Pilger Hyundai Jerry Lee’s Grocery Inc. Tenesha & Company That Gumbo Life

GULFPORT FINALISTS:

A Pet’s Memory Pet Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. AGJ Systems and Networks Inc. Alterations by Chris Antonian Salon Avl Wealthcare LLC Baudier’s Flooring LLC Bay Pest Control Compton & Son Appliance LLC and Outdoor Living Center eAgent Realty Educate & Celebrate Floor Co. Goldin Metals Inc. Health Nuts Jackson’s Discount Pharmacy Jonathan Haynes Ministries & JH Consulting La Passion Artisan Chocolates LaBella’s Salon Mighty Men Movers Mississippi Mercantile Company

Panache Apparel & Accessories Inc. Party Girls Pass Road Mini Storage Pass the Juice Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry Polished Salon & Spa Quality Bakery Run-N-TRi Company S.F. Alman Ltd. State Farm Eaton Insurance Stevenson Elite Renovations Tamale Shak Vintage Flamingo Wildflower Catering and Events Woerner Landscape

KILN FINALISTS:

Coastal Hardware & Rental Co. Dempsey’s Seafood & Steak Jourdan River Steamer The Barn at Love Farms

LONG BEACH FINALISTS:

A Southern Bagel Company Bacchus Wine & Liquor BagelBees Beach Dawgs NY Hot Dog Cart Bloom Photography Bull’s Restaurant Coastal House Washing Dolce Bakeshop Forget-Me-Not Florist Harbor View Cafe Lois’ Flower Shop Long Beach Nutrition Sister Swank Boutique Steve’s Marina Restaurant

OCEAN SPRINGS FINALISTS:

4 Bulls Meats Seafood & Deli Bay Pest Control Blue Dog Bistro Charisma “A Girl’s Best Outfit” Chef Scott’s Restaurant Christie Fountain Advertising Inc. Common Threads Uniform Shoppe DaBayou Bar & Grill Delmar Mortgage Ocean Springs

Thank you for your continued support! eAgent Nexus Flowers by Karen Growing like Weeds Children’s Consignment Sale Hartz Chicken Hillyer House Integrity Automotive Group It’s All Arranged Love & Aesthetics Ocean Springs Miner’s Big Stuff Doll & Toy Store Moxie Shop Nana J’s Soulful Kitchen Ocean Springs Mercantile Pop Brothers Poppy’s Rain Residential Salon Bella Salon Rouge Smile Gulf Coast Sugar and Spice Tap & Crust The Pink Rooster W.P. Shelton Jewelers Wood & Wine Design Co Your CBD Store

Membership in the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is open to any individual or business.

Membership in the theBiloxi Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Membership in Bay Area Chamber of

Commerceisto isopen open to any individual or Chamber business.

Commerce tothe any individual or business.

ALL are welcome joinBiloxi FUN Chamber #BBACC! Membership in the Bay Area of

don’t have city, or state lines Commerce is open any individual or#BBACC! business.

ALL We are welcome toto join thecounty FUN Chamber for our membership.

ALLALL areare welcome toto join the welcome join theFUN FUNChamber Chamber#BBACC! #BBACC!

PASCAGOULA FINALISTS:

Action Printing Center Inc. Crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat Estabrook Ford Nissan Gary Smith Agency Navigator Credit Union Outrigger Bar & Grill Paradise Deli & Grill Seaman & Associates Tay’s BBQ The Cornerstone Restaurant The Sandy Pelican Wiggins Law Firm PASS CHRISTIAN FINALISTS: Bacchus On The Beach Cat Island Coffee House and Pass Christian Bookstore Cook’s Day Off Fatsumo Sushi K Pavoloni & Company Pass Christian Books Pass Christian Olive Oils And Vinegars Cigars in the Pass Robin’s Nest In The Pass Sea Level Shaggy’s Pass Harbor Uncle Joes Pizza & Wings

BY AND SEE US! Come COME by and see us! nd Floor/East Biloxi BiloxiVisitors VisitorsCenter Center -|22nd Floor/EastHall Hall | (228) 435-6149 by and see us!

(228)Come 435-6149 Biloxi info@biloxibayareachamber.org Visitors Center -- 2nd Floor/East Hall info@biloxibayareachamber.org (228) 435-6149 www.biloxibayareachamber.org Come by and see us! www.biloxibayareachamber.org info@biloxibayareachamber.org Biloxi Visitors Center - 2nd Floor/East Hall facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber www.biloxibayareachamber.org (228) 435-6149 facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber info@biloxibayareachamber.org www.biloxibayareachamber.org facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber

Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography

Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography

VANCLEAVE FINALISTS:

57 Nutrition Georgia’s Corner Market The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint Vancleave Family Medical

WAVELAND FINALISTS:

Ashman-Mollere Realty Bay Carpet & Flooring Inc Countryside Antiques Da Kitchen Too Ebony Sage Apothecary & Healing Center Kirk’s Wheel & Tire Pros Tony’s Seafood Restaurant Waveland Candle Company

www.gcwmultimedia.com

85

FOUR S TEPS TO A

faster, better performing computer

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Fess up — at some point, you’ve gotten so frustrated with a computer that you’ve imagined hurling it out a window. Maybe you actually did … and we aren’t here to judge.

After months or years of constant use, your once lightning-fast machine may be struggling to keep up. Is it time to throw in the towel?

Before consigning your computer to the scrap heap, give these tips a try. You may be able to restore your clunker to its former glory.

DELETE OR REMOVE UNNECESSARY DATA AND PROGRAMS The sheer amount of “stuff” on your machine may be bogging it down. Your computer only has so much processing power, so if it’s trying to do too much, its performance and speed will suffer.

• If you’re low on space, get rid of files, software and programs you don’t need.

• Over time, your computer’s storage gets cluttered with temporary files and other unnecessary data. Running a disk cleanup or repair can free up a

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January 2021

significant amount of space.

• It’s also a good habit to periodically empty your trash/recycle bin and move files you want to keep but don’t use regularly to the cloud or an external drive.

DISABLE/CLOSE UNNECESSARY APPS/PROGRAMS Notice that it’s taking a while to boot up? You almost certainly have programs you don’t need, but your computer is launching them and running them in the background — slowing you down. However, you can disable them and prevent them from launching automatically.

If you’re on a Mac and have unnecessary apps running in the background, force quit to close them and stop their drain on your resources.

Also, make sure you’re restarting your machine regularly rather than just putting it to sleep; shutting down completely closes background applications and clears caches.

UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE

When you get those notifications that software updates are available, resist the temptation to hit the “remind me later” button. These updates fix glitches, patch security holes, allow you to access the latest features and have other benefits that keep your computer running optimally.

INSTALL GOOD ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

If your usually reliable computer is acting up, malware could be the cause.

Anti-virus software can protect your machine from a host of cyber threats.

Like a human virus, a computer virus is an intruder that attacks, replicates and damages a system. Without proper defenses, your data is at risk and your performance is compromised. Norton, McAfee and Bitdefender are some of the most popular antivirus brands.

ELEVATIONS

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION Memorial ranked as a best regional hospital in the coastal region of Mississippi for 2020-21 in the annual ranking of hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The magazine’s Best Hospitals rankings recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging cases. Memorial was cited as high performing in heart failure, COPD and knee replacement.

High performers provide care at levels in the top 25 percent in regional or state markets.

U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk due to age or multiple health problems. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, adequacy of nurse staffing levels and other data largely determine the rankings in most specialties.

ROSETTI NAMED HANCOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Hancock Chamber of Commerce has recognized Dina Rosetti, owner of Rosetti’s Liquor Barrel in Bay St. Louis, as its 2020 Citizen of the Year.

In addition to her business, Rosetti contributes her time and talent to a number of community groups and causes, including the Krewe of Nereids, Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse and the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, which she served as the second female commodore.

“Over the past few decades, her work has helped to fuel other small businesses and nonprofits, and we cannot thank her enough for her dedication to our county,” says Chamber Executive Director Tish Williams.

Rosetti said she was honored to be among a dozen Outstanding Citizens identified by the Chamber, “who all are so deserving and love our community just as much as I do.”

“It is very humbling to be elected by your peers and fellow members of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce for such a special award,” she told her Facebook followers.

MISSISSIPPI POWER GRANTS $80,000 FOR MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Foundation has received an $80,000 grant from Mississippi Power, which will be used to establish the Shine A Light Minority Small Business Grant program.

Funds will be distributed over a five-year period as part of the program of work of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber Diversity Council.

“These grants will boost economic development in our community and support the small businesses that drive our economy. They’re a true win-win,” says Mississippi Power Vice President of External Affairs Billy Thornton.

The grant application process will open on March 23, with grants awarded up to $1,000 for minority-owned small businesses that are Mississippi Power customers and a member in good standing with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. The application deadline is May 5.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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ELEVATIONS LIGHTHOUSE BPW ANNOUNCES 2021 LEADERSHIP

Lighthouse Business and Professional Women has named its board of trustees for 2021, which includes several new faces. The board will include the following members: • Susie Davis and Sonya Ashley – co-chairs • Angela Singletary - secretary • Kim Juzang - treasurer • Lisa Parker - programs chair • Kristen Schmitz - marketing chair • Karol Brandt and Jenifer Freridge - co-fundraising/community relations chairs • Cathy Wildschuetz - membership chair • Tiffany Bell and Christine Coker - governance New board members include Jolan Wedgeworth, Leanna Morgan Saucier, Ashley Peresich, Tracy Daniel Hardy and Sheila Farr.

Lighthouse BPW’s mission is to unite professional women, support business and community relationships and provide leadership skills and networking opportunities. Learn more at www.lighthousebpw.com.

Susie Davis

Sonya Ashley

Angela Singletary

Kim Juzang

Lisa Parker

Kristen Schmitz

Karol Brandt

Jenifer Freridge

Cathy Wildschuetz

Tiffany Bell

Christine Coker

Jolan Wedgeworth

Leanna Morgan Saucier

Ashley Peresich

Tracy Daniel Hardy

with Karol Brandt BROUGHT TO YOU BY

OMAN GULF COAST

WATCH WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY AT 3PM ON FACEBOOK LIVE.

Facebook.com/ GulfCoastWomanMagazine 88

January 2021

Sheila Farr

money

21 ways to improve your financial health in 2021 The beginning of a new year is a great time to make financial changes we have long delayed or avoided. Here are 21 ideas that may help you manage your hard-earned money better: 1. Take the time to review every penny you make and spend. Make a paper list or an Excel spreadsheet.

2. Examine every expenditure; was each purchase essential? Consider your “why” on each purchase. Does the way you spend your money align with what you BY KATHY ROGERS value?

3. Based on the review you just completed, develop a budget.

Make it your goal to build your budget based on 80 percent of your net income. This allows you room to save and make charitable donations.

4. Start a savings account and have money directly drafted from your checking account into your savings. Use this as an emergency fund, not extra money for everyday expenditures.

5. Include a plan to save at least a small amount each payday.

6. If you are unable to make a budget on your own, seek assistance. Be sure the person you approach for help is good with their finances.

7. Don’t base your spending on someone else’s financial situation. Don’t compare yourself to others and expect to have all the “things” your parents or others have.

8. To prevent impulse buying, implement the 24-hour rule. Wait 24 hours before making a purchase on non-essential items.

9. Discontinue duplicate services like Netflix and Hulu. Do you really need every channel cable TV has to offer?

10. Don’t shop out of boredom. Avoid going to the store or browsing Amazon or other shopping sites for entertainment.

11. Pay your bills on time. Late fees add up quickly.

12. Check with your bank to see if there’s a checking account without monthly fees.

13. Review all your insurance policies with your agent; home, auto, umbrella, health and life. You will be surprised by the savings you can realize with simple changes.

14. Review the income tax deducted from your paycheck. If you expect a large refund every year, you are having too much money withheld. When you received a large tax refund, it means the government has held your money for a year with no interest earned. Use this money for your savings.

15. Automate bill paying; set things up to directly draft from your checking account.

16. Meal plan before you grocery shop; buy based on your grocery list. Plan for leftovers so you can take your lunch and avoid the cost of eating out.

17. Cell phone plans change often, so ask your carrier if they have another plan that may cost you less. Check with other carriers for a better deal.

18. If you have credit card debt, call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. If you pay your bill on time, they often will lower your rate.

19. Stop or cut back on alcohol or tobacco consumption.

20. Do you have a storage unit? If so, do you really need it?

21. Consider using an online or consignment platform to purchase or sell clothes you aren’t wearing.

I hope these ideas spur you to think creatively about your spending and set you on the path to a brighter financial future in 2021.

Kathy Rogers is the vice president of Marston Rogers Group, a life planner and business consultant. Reach her at (228) 206-5902 or Kathy@mrg.life.

BRIGHTER FUTURES BEGIN WITH

HOPE...

MEET

MONICA WALKER, COMMERCIAL LENDER

projects. Monica received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and Alumni of Leadership Gulf Coast.

Monica is a key member of HOPE’s team on the frontlines of our Biloxi and New Orleans branches. She is passionate about financing small to mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits1, and helping companies create jobs and address important needs in the region.

Monica has over 25 years of experience in the field of consumer and business finance, with the last 20 working with small businesses.

She was Director of Business Development for Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District for 16 years, where she worked with the southern fifteen counties on economic and business development

With leaders like Monica at HOPE, we place a priority on community development and on meeting the needs of minorityand women-owned businesses.

We do this with the following programs: Business Loan Purposes Include: Startup, acquisition, and expansion; commercial real estate purchase, construction, improvement, and refinancing; purchase, refinancing, and repair of furniture, fixtures, and equipment; purchase of commercial vehicles and Inventory; help carry accounts receivable and provide working capital.

Business Loan Types Include: Term loans, mini-perm loans, short-term loans, letters of credit, lines of credit, SBA guaranteed loans, USDA guaranteed loans, and special programs financing.

Loans subject to credit approval.

1

Mississippi Coast Branch 188 Porter Avenue | Biloxi, MS 39530 Phone: (228) 374-1554 | Fax: (228) 374-3387 www.hopecu.org www.gcwmultimedia.com

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“IF”

What

The unexpected happens…

You have a stroke or dementia…

Your child has special needs…

You have the death of a loved one…

You have an unexpected injury…

BE WISE ABOUT

marriage, divorce

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? WE CAN HELP.

KATHY BROWN VAN ZUTPHEN COASTWIDE LAW, LLC

office@coastwidelaw.com

428 Courthouse Road, Suite A | Gulfport MS 39507 Phone (228) 357-5227 | Fax (888) 486-3446 4603 South Carrollton Ave., Suite E New Orleans, LA 70119 Phone (504) 264-5899 | Fax (888) 486-3446

Covering Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana 90

January 2021

January has been called the divorce month, with divorce filings typically spiking from Jan. 12-16. It is estimated that 41 percent of all first marriages will end in divorce and, unfortunately, the divorce rate

BY KATHY for second marriages increases to 60 BROWN VAN ZUTPHEN percent, and to 73 percent for third marriages. So, it becomes obvious that before you get married, you should discuss the availability of a pre-nuptial agreement with a family law attorney. Agreeing to financial arrangements before the marriage can prevent disputes later.

Many factors seem to impact the likelihood that a couple will get a divorce, but it seems obvious that stressors in the marriage increase the likelihood of divorce. For instance, couples who have a baby before marriage increase the risk of divorce by 24 percent, and couples who argue about finances at least once a week are 30 times more likely to divorce.

Interestingly, the success of your parents’ marriage seems to be a factor. The risk of divorce is 50 percent higher when one spouse comes from a divorced home, and 200 percent higher when both partners had divorced parents.

Fortunately, when a divorcing couple works with a family law attorney, they are able to settle the issues between the parties, or in a mediation, in 95 percent of cases. So, if you find yourself in the common position of desiring to end your marriage, a family law attorney can help in a majority of cases to reach a desirable resolution for each party.

Kathy Brown van Zutphen of Coastwide Law LLC is an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama and Mississippi. She focuses on the “elder law” areas of trusts, estates and conservatorships.

Additionally, she litigates lawsuits and represents small business owners as part of her legal practice. Visit https://coastwidelaw. com/to learn more or reach her at her office: (228) 357-5227.

LEARN THE ROPES ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE The most important reason to have life insurance is to avoid leaving your loved ones with significant debt and expenses. We are not promised tomorrow, and when you leave your family behind, there is a serious

BY ANGELYN financial impact. Life insurance TREUTEL ZERINGUE will help with covering burial costs, paying off the mortgage, paying for your children’s continued education and provide your family with income after you are gone.

You must consider the amount of coverage that you need and include enough for your family’s well-being. In most cases, even if you are fortunate enough to have benefits through your work, the life insurance provided by your employer at work is insufficient for your needs.

If you have a business, life insurance is helpful because losing a key employee could cripple your operation. Using life insurance to protect your key employees is a smart move. Life insurance also can provide a method of perpetuation for your business and be used to buy out ownership from the older generation.

We make saving easy.

Meet our team!

THERE ARE THREE MAIN TYPES OF LIFE INSURANCE THAT PAY OUT A SET AMOUNT OF MONEY TO SOMEONE ELSE WHEN YOU DIE: TERM LIFE INSURANCE

Term life insurance is the lowest-cost option and covers you for a specific period of time, usually 10, 20 or 30 years. If you die within that timeframe, the policy proceeds would be paid to your beneficiary.

WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE

Whole life insurance continues as long as needed, until you die, and has a cash buildup that is like a savings account; you can borrow against the cash value if needed.

UNIVERSAL LIFE

Universal life insurance is similar to whole life, but it allows more flexibility on the monthly payments and cash buildup.

To save on life insurance, get your coverage in place when you are young and healthy. Making annual payments is less costly than monthly payments. Non-smokers have lower rates, and the build of your body is considered in the rating (i.e. your height and weight). Medical conditions and the medications you take are included in the calculated rate and usually cause the rate to be higher. Shop around to find the company that will provide the most coverage for the lowest rate.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is president of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA and licensed Trusted Choice insurance agent. Reach her at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177 or azeringue@southgroup.net.

Local professional agents!

Biloxi 2505 Pass Road 228-385-1177

Bay St. Louis 412 Hwy 90

228-466-4498

Fax 888-415-8922

www.southgroupgulfcoast.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

91

A different kind of CPA START GETTING ANSWERS TO YOUR FINANCIAL QUESTIONS 14 YEARS IN PUBLIC ACCOUNTING 5 YEARS IN CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

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Call 228.396.2996

15506 Lemoyne Blvd., Ste D | Biloxi, MS 39532 Howell CPA • PA is owned and operated by Denise Howell, CPA. Howell is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and is a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).

You may not be able to change many of life’s problems… but you can change

How You Face Them Let’s talk about PLANNING FOR THE UNEXPECTED.

KATHY P. ROGERS, Life Planner kathy@mrg.life | cell: 228.697.0786

UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS:

Business Exit Strategy | College planning Retirement Planning | Life Insurance | Business Protection

WWW.MRG.LIFE

Office: (228) 206-5902 | Fax: (228) 206-0150 15431 O’Neal Rd. Ste B | Gulfport, MS 39503

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January 2021

food & fun

‘It’s got to be fresh’ Exquisite dishes, beautiful surroundings make Blue Marlin a standout

BY CHRIS DEARMAN

Just steps from the beach, housed in a historic, fully restored Spanish mission-revival-style building that was once a nurse’s dormitory, The Blue Marlin is an upscale seafood restaurant that has become one of the Coast’s premier fine-dining spots.

With marble countertops, linen-draped tables and large windows showcasing gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico and the many live oaks throughout the property, The Blue Marlin provides the perfect atmosphere to spend an intimate evening with someone special or celebrate with friends.

Located in Gulfport’s Centennial Plaza, which formerly was home to the Veterans Administration Hospital and sat vacant for many years until the property was transformed into 48-acre resort complex in August of 2019, The Blue Marlin offers the freshest catch crafted into exquisite, contemporary seafood dishes.

“We try to take Southern dishes and put a new spin on them,” says General Manager Ron Craven. “There’s a little more originality than what you might normally find around the Coast.

We try not to have things that are smothered in sauce so you can taste each ingredient. Each ingredient stands alone, but (they are) formulated to taste great together.”

I can attest to this, as everything my girlfriend, Lauryn, and I had during our visit was exceptional. While sipping our expertly made specialty cocktails, our meal began with Executive Chef Monique Hoard presenting an appetizer of pan-seared sea scallops. Made with a mushroom duxelles and served atop a light

mushroom purée with a crispy pancetta, the perfectly cooked dish had a fresh, earthy taste. We both knew quickly that we were in for a treat that evening.

Up next, a fantastic barbecue shrimp-and-grits dish featuring Gulf shrimp tossed in a lemongrass barbecue sauce, crispy grit cakes, caramelized onions and a bit of beurre blanc with micro cilantro. It was hard to hold back from licking the bowl.

“We get everything in fresh; nothing is ever frozen,” Craven says. “Once you taste the food, you will understand. Everything is made in house — every sauce, every aspect of the dish. It comes in fresh, and it’s put out fresh. The menu is fresh because it changes often. That’s kind of our thing; it’s got to be fresh.”

The Blue Marlin’s ever-changing menu is printed each day to reflect the fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch dishes.

One such item, the baby iceberg salad, is tossed in a red wine vinaigrette with spiced pecans, pickled green pear, honey goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and crispy prosciutto. The textures of the salad, along with the hint of sweetness, complemented each bite perfectly. Lauryn said it would be worth a return visit just for the salad alone.

Chef Monique’s 16 years of cooking experience definitely were on display when serving her main entrees: two varieties of fresh fish. Lauryn’s was a pan-seared, oven-roasted halibut with fingerling potatoes, hearts of palm and arugula tossed with a little bit of chard and shallot vinaigrette, then topped with black-eyed pea relish. Mine was a striped bass served atop a corn

www.gcwmultimedia.com

93

Nezaty’s

Coffeehouse & Eatery

Opening Soon!!! in mid February/March

Same NEW Great Additions!

Menu small bites menu Plus

expanded variety for breakfast and lunch/dinner

BEER on draft and in bottle

Catering Available

for Pickup or Delivery

Fresh Daily Food is Made

Desserts Made

From Scratch

PASTRIES - SANDWICHES - SALADS - SOUPS

COAST ROAST COFFEE

NEW LOCATION!!

2079 East Pass Road - Gulfport www.nezatys.com \ 228.897.1139 HOURS: Monday-Friday 7-5 and Saturday 8-2

OPEN SATURDAY!!!

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January 2021

puree and sprinkled with roasted corn, fingerling potatoes and jumbo lump crab meat, drizzled with delicious pecan butter. Both were perfectly cooked and absolutely delightful.

Our meal ended with The Blue Marlin’s most popular dessert: the rustic sea salt caramel and white chocolate bread pudding. A decadent bowl of bread pudding, smothered in a white chocolate and salted caramel sauce, was more custard-like than bready and tasted absolutely heavenly. Walking it off afterward and watching Centennial Plaza’s 25,000-gallon dancing fountain choreographed to music was the perfect way to end our visit to such a beautiful place.

The Blue Marlin is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner and Sundays for brunch. Reservations are encouraged through Open Table. An upstairs event space is available for your next social gathering.

Leave yourself time to stroll around and take in the numerous murals and pieces of artwork created by local artist Marty Wilson, who spent a couple of months before the restaurant’s opening adding splashes of color throughout.

IF YOU GO

The Blue Marlin at Centennial Plaza 200 E Beach Blvd., Gulfport www.facebook.com/thebluemarlinCP (228) 206-3329

SOUP’S ON! When temperatures fall, cravings arise for hot, hearty soups and stews that warm you from the inside out.

Two local restauranteurs have shared their favorite recipes that you can simmer up at home.

SPICY CHICKEN STEW

This recipe soon may appear on the menu at El Agave, Mercedes Carranza’s Gulfport eatery. Carranza says he’s trying to bring more homestyle food options to the Coast to offer a taste of “our wonderful food culture.”

“It is a delicious spicy gravy with a kick,” he says of this stew, “but don’t worry; it’ll go away with a margarita.”

HOW TO MAKE IT: • • • • • • • • • • •

2 pounds chicken breast Oil I tablespoon salt Cumin (to desired taste) I teaspoon oregano Black pepper (to desired taste) Red chili powder (to desired taste) 3 garlic cloves 3 medium tomatoes 6 small jalapeno peppers ¼ of small onion (chopped)

• Cut two pounds of chicken breast into strips and sauté them in light oil until chicken is cooked.

• While cooking the chicken, add chopped onions, salt, cumin, black pepper and red chili powder to your taste. Chop one of the garlic cloves and add it to the chicken while sautéing.

• In a blender, blend tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, garlic cloves and a tablespoon of salt with two and half cups of water. Add this sauce to the chicken and one teaspoon of oregano.

• Do not drain the oil. Give it a good stir and keep the heat at a medium level for about 10 minutes. Let everything simmer and finish cooking — or as I say, “Let the flavors fall in love.” *This dish can be served with rice or tortillas.

CRAYFISH ZYDECO SOUP

Starr Chapman, who co-owns Waveland’s Rum Kitchen restaurant with her husband, John “Chappy” Chapman, describes this recipe as “delicious” and “worth the effort.”

“I choose this soup because it highlights the wonderful bounty of seafood available to us year-round,” she says, “(and it has) a delicious punch of coastal flavor.”

Crayfish season began Dec. 1, Chapman adds, “and promises to have a bountiful yield.”

HOW TO MAKE IT: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

½ cup chopped onions ½ cup chopped green peppers ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup oil or butter (substitute chicken stock for low-calorie version) ½ cup flour (substitute whole wheat flour for low-calorie version) I teaspoon Chappy’s Garlic Spice 1 teaspoon Chappy’s Zydeco Spice (Tony Chachere’s is a good substitute.)

I quart to ½ gallon milk (substitute low-fat or fat-free milk for low-calorie version) ½ cup chopped carrots ½ cup chopped purple cabbage ½ cup chopped green cabbage ½ cup little, purple Bermuda onions, halved (omit if not available) 4 cups peeled, cooked crayfish tails 1 dash cayenne pepper or Tabasco to taste

• Saute’ onion, pepper and celery in oil or butter over medium high heat. Add the flour and make a roux. Continue stirring. Add spice and seasonings.

• Add milk and “bring the roux up” (meaning gradually add milk until the roux rises). Do not boil. The amount of milk added depends on desired consistency.

• Reduce heat to low. Add the chopped veggies for color.

After 10 minutes, add the crayfish. Simmer for two to three minutes longer. Add cayenne pepper or Chappy’s Pepper Sauce for spice.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Is refinancing right for you?

Remove monthly mortgage insurance?

Always Available

Full Service Caterer & Event Planner

Call Stephen for quotes

Take cash out to consolidate debt?

Professional Service Exceptional Events

Lower your payment?

WE PROVIDE CLEAN AND MODERN, READY-TO-GO CAMPERS Camper trailer rentals come with camper delivery and set up service WE DELIVER ANYWHERE FROM COVINGTON, LOUISIANA TO DESTIN, FLORIDA!

Floral Arrangements • Table Decorations Ice Carvings • Rentals • Cakes • Mobile Kitchens We Also Do Rehearsal Dinners

Enjoy the excitement of camping without the headache of camper ownership.

Retail shop for all your camping needs

CONTACT STEPHEN FOR QUOTES

228-990-7161 Meet Our Owner Stephen Soldo

ht3434@bellsouth.net www.simplyseafoodandcatering.com

10381 Hwy 603 | Suite A | Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 Email: info@gulfcoastcampers.com | 228-463-3200 Visit our website: www. gulfcoastcampers.com

Good Shepherd Christian Academy provides quality education partnered with a Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

GOOD SHEPHERD We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and computer programs to enhance preparation for kindergarten.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Enroll your child today in the safe, healthy, cheerful environment of our school.

Our loving and professional staff works with every child provides quality education partnered in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner. with a Christian environment • Chapel each morning 80 48th St. • Gulfport, MS 39507 • Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

Hours of Business: • Low child/ teacher ratio • Child care from 6 weeks to completion of Pre K

Mon. thru Fri. 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM

We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and computer programs to enhance preparation for kindergarten.

Enroll your child today in the safe, healthy, cheerful environment of our school. Our loving and professional staff works with every child in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner.

Chapel Each Morning Christian Environment Low Child/Teacher Ratio Child Care for 6 Weeks to Completion of Pre K

80 48th Street • Gulfport, MS 39507 Hours of business: Mon. thru Fri. 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM

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January 2021

Call me about a Free Mortgage Analysis.

P: 228.200.8591

Amy Brand

Branch Manager | NMLS 103259 www.abrand.amerifirstloan.com

AFI Mortgage | NMLS 145368 1113 Ames Avenue Ocean Springs, MS 39564

AFI Mortgage, division of AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368). 1-877-276-1974. © 2020. All Rights Reserved. AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. is an independent mortgage lender and is not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Federal Housing Administration.

! t s e B s ’ i ox l i B STAY WITH

LUXURY BEACH FRONT CONDOS

SIENNA ON THE COAST

SEA BREEZE

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS ONLINE AT: WWW.BILOXIBEACHRESORTRENTALS.COM OR CALL TODAY 877-9-BILOXI (877.924.5694)

W ilit e a A an r y P ccep d er TD Di t Y. em

LEGACY TOWERS

OCEAN CLUB

www.gcwmultimedia.com

M

BEAU VIEW

97

fill your cup

BY ROBIN KILLEEN

Our time is in

His hands

T

his past year, I found myself saying things like, “I can’t wait to get out of 2020,” “I’m looking forward to 2021; it has to be better than this,” and “A new year will bring new beginnings.” I even considered purchasing a 2021 day planner in the middle of 2020, but they weren’t available.

I guess you could say I was looking to escape 2020, move on to bigger and better things and resume some type of normalcy. Just like everyone else, I had more time at home, fewer meetings and less interaction with others.

During my involuntary pause in 2020, I had the opportunity to spend a lot more time with God. I had more time to reflect and to seek his face, his perfect will and his direction for my life.

So, was 2020 a bad thing — or a good opportunity for personal growth? I’m not referring to growth like the “COVID 15” — gaining 15 pounds during the pandemic.

I’m referring to gaining valuable wisdom by spending uninterrupted time alone with God. In an article I wrote in 2020 titled “Divine Reset,” I stated that a reset takes us back to the original intent or meaning of something. What if God simply was resetting our priorities — the way we conduct business, ministry and government — in 2020?

Without a divine reset, we enter the next season doing things as we have always done them. Just maybe, His goal was to slow down our pace of life so we acknowledge that our time, our energy, our possessions

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January 2021

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years.”

2 PETER 3:8

and all that we are come from and belong to him.

As we have entered 2021, I understand to a greater level the importance of time. I believe the lessons we have learned are valuable and life-changing. I understand that God is not bound by our human timelines, our day planners or our apple watches. He created time and days for us so we don’t become overwhelmed; he carefully put time into bite-size pieces for our benefit.

God doesn’t need our human schedule to accomplish his divine purposes. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years.”

Our time is in His hands.

Robin Killeen is founder of W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom).

W.O.W. meets every second Wednesday of the month at noon at the Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport.

BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE High Quality Dynamic Photography

The Brandi Stage Portraiture Team that creates an extraordinary experience and stunning images for our clients.

Heather Gagnon, Executive Assistant

Kasper Ly, Makeup Artist and Photography Assistant

Individual & Family Portraits Headshots Personal Branding & Content Creation Editorial & Advertising

228-344-3230 www.brandistage.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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L. Randy Buntyn, DMD • L. Ross Buntyn, DDS

Proudly Introducing Advanced Full-Arch Dental Implant Restorations With When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference.

That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is now your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

Ross Buntyn, D.D.S. and “Randy” Buntyn, D.M.D.

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1203 Government St. • Ocean Springs, MS 39564

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Call: 228.875.3343 Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com January 2021 Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com