An Apple A Day April 2014

april 2014

Wellness For Life

Welcome Spring!

Allergies?

The Culprit Could Be Your Own Backyard pg. 12 You Can Make Odessa Playground Dreams Come True pg. 10 Don’t Start Your Engines A ticket for warming up your car on a cold morning? pg. 5

Changing the Experience of Surgery When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions. For generations, open surgery has been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures and is still used today.

With the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, Dr. Van Riper operates through just a few small incisions.

The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D highdefinition vision system and tiny-wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist.

As a result, da Vinci enables Dr. Van Riper to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

Dr. Van Riper has extensive experience using the da Vinci Surgical System.

He is your trusted expert for minimally invasive surgery with a faster recovery time.

Pregnancy—Including High Risk • 3D Sonograms • Gynecology • Urogynecology Urinary Incontinence • Bladder Problems • Pap Smears/Physicals Menopausal Treatment • Tubal Ligation • Contraception Laproscopic Surgeries • da Vinci Robotic Surgical System Minimally Invasive Surgeries • Outpatient Hysterectomies

James Van Riper, D.O., FACOG Board Certified OB-GYN

Jackie Lehr, MSN, RNC Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

Accepting New Patients 410 N. Hancock • Odessa, TX 79761 432–337–4782

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Because of the generous donations from the community, the Permian Basin Rehab Center has completed construction on our new pediatric therapy gym.

The pediatric gym is used with children who are on the autism spectrum, children with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, spinal bifida, and any other physical or cognitive challenges. The pediatric gym is designed to help a child gain coordination, increase gross motor skills, improve motor planning, develop core strength, and acquire confidence in their achievements.

620 N. Alleghaney Odessa, TX 79761 432–332–8244 fax 432–580–7428 connectedtoyou.org

The new pediatric gym is a wonderful childfriendly environment that will make a patient comfortable while working on therapy goals to learn skills lost to an accident or achieve goals that once seemed impossible.

Our therapists and their patients thank the community for making their dream become a reality.

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James Van Riper, D.O., FACOG PBRC Midland Memorial Hospital Furst Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Other Remedies Occasions Fine Jewelry ORMC Stephanie Beidler, MD Legacy Ranch The Springboard Center Dr. Robert L. Chappell, Jr., M.D., PA The Odessa Family Y Midland Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center Cooking with Kim MCH Center for Women & Infants MCH ProCare Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Center National Cooling, Heating & Plumbing Freedom Buick GMC Truck

Wellness For Life

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To advertise, contact Mary at 432–550–7339 Publisher Mary Hunt, Ha! Publishing Editor Evangeline Ehl Publication Manager Mary Hunt Sales Mary Hunt Writers Kim Clinkenbeard, CPT, FNS; Janie Ellington; Joy Harriman; Wendy Hilliard; Ben McCampbell; Keliree Mitchell Photography PBRC, Mark Swindler Design Sarah Fleck, Chantel Miller

Have a great story idea for An Apple A Day? Submit your idea online at www.anapplemag.com.

3527 Billy Hext Road • Odessa, TX 79765 432 550 5998 • 866 550 7329 fax 432 550 7346 www.hapublishing.com The information in this magazine is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read. Always consult your physician before you start, stop, or change anything that has been previously prescribed. All content herein is the property of Ha! Publishing and may not be reprinted or reproduced in any medium without the written permission of the publisher. Some art work is used at the sole discretion of the advertiser and is not created by Hunt Advertising.

10 5 Don’t Start Your Engines

6 Vitamins: The Bottom Line

19 Get Fit With Kim: Timing is Essential

20 Woof Woof! The Dog Blog by Mindy

9 Unlocking Autism 10 Making Playground Dreams Come True 12 Allergies? The Culprit Could Be Your Own Backyard

23 Health & Beauty: Choosing a Prom Dress or Formal Gown to Match Your Style 24 Recipe: Kim’s Pizza

15 PBRC Telethon Wrap Up

ON THE COVER Spring has sprung, so learn about planting allergy-friendly trees (pg. 12) and how you can help provide a new playground for Odessa kids (pg. 10).

an apple a day april 2014

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Matthew B. Furst, m.d., p.a.

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by Ben McCampbell

ou may be one of the unlucky few to have experienced the following scenario this past winter. You went out into the bitter morning cold to start your car or truck so it would be warm inside to drive your kids to school and you to work. Then you went back into the house to finish your coffee and gather your stuff and the kids, only to go back out to your car and find a ticket on the windshield for leaving your vehicle running unattended. All you wanted was a warm car for you and the kids—and you got a ticket!

There’s a very good reason for the unexpected increase in this type of ticket; it’s because there’s been an increase in vehicle thefts in Odessa, and the Odessa Police Department is trying to find ways to combat it. Many people think it’s a new Odessa city ordinance, but Mel Hernandez, Deputy Court Clerk Supervisor for the City of Odessa Municipal Court, said that the law is actually part of the Transportation Code for the State of Texas (you can look it up—Sec. 545.404). It’s a Class C Misdemeanor, the same as a speeding ticket, and typically the fine is $95 plus court costs of $45 = $140. Ouch. Basically the law says that you can’t leave a vehicle unattended without turning off the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key. (It also requires you to set the parking brake effectively and turn the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway if on a grade, but these two requirements are probably ignored most of the time in the Permian Basin because you can’t find a sizeable hill for miles.)

So when you start your car on a cold morning so it’ll be warm before you drop the kids off at school, you’re leaving your vehicle unattended in the eyes of the law. And an empty car with the engine running,

particularly if it’s parked on a residential street, is a prime target for the bad guys who roam some Odessa neighborhoods in the early morning hours looking for idling cars to jump into and drive away.

That’s what’s been happening—to the tune of about 40 vehicle thefts per month—and that’s what the Odessa Police are trying to stop. Of course, this isn’t the only method that thieves are using to steal cars, but it’s really worrisome—about half of the cars that are stolen in Odessa are taken while the engine is running. The thieves also hang around convenience stores waiting until some unsuspecting customer drives up, leaves the car running while rushing in to grab a snack, and returns to find the car gone.

Yep, that quick.

Vehicles are stolen in other ways also, but the reason for the increased ticketing of unattended idling cars by OPD is the spike in this type of car theft. The police are trying to discourage people from starting their cars or trucks and then going back into their house while the vehicle warms up.

OK, the car won’t be toasty warm to drive if you wait until you’re leaving to start the engine, but at least you’ll have your car to drive instead of walking out and wondering where it went.

Corporal Steven LeSueur, the Public Information Officer with the Odessa Police Department, filled me in on a few other details about the law. Newer vehicles that have the remote start feature are exempt (or if you get a ticket and can prove that you have remote start it will likely be dismissed), probably because the key isn’t in the ignition and the doors are locked, making the process very difficult for a thief. Most vehicles with this feature also will automatically shut off the engine if the gearshift is moved from Park if the key isn’t in the ignition. Also, most of the residential thefts are of cars and trucks that are parked on the street or Continued on page 14 an apple a day april 2014

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Vitamins:

The Bottom Line

by Joy Harriman

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imple as it sounds, the bottom line is just what your mother said: eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods; don’t depend on any single vitamin to protect you from a disease; don’t overdo any vitamin no matter what you hear on the news. In short: eat your fruits and vegetables and a healthy, varied diet to stay in good health. It would be so much easier if we could purchase health in a pill, over the counter!

Taking a daily multivitamin can be wise, but unless you have specific needs (pregnancy, elderly, etc.), don’t take much else. Vitamins and supplements are not FDA regulated, so quality isn’t assured.

The most recent major scientific studies show that vitamins and mineral supplements don’t fend off chronic and age-related diseases and generally don’t reduce the odds of major cardiovascular or cancer problems. But these studies assume we are well nourished and don’t fall short on getting essential nutrients. Some physicians are concerned we get too much in the way of vitamins—others think we don’t get enough. Will we ever have a clear answer? Learning the vitamin basics may help.

VITAMIN BASICS There are 13 essential vitamins: vitamins A, C, D, E, K and all the B vitamins: B6, B12, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folate. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they are stored in the body’s fat cells. Vitamin C and the B vitamins are water soluble and are taken out of the body through urine.

RECOMMENDATIONS Vitamin A or Mixed Carotenoids: 15,000 International Units (IU) a day. Try using natural 6 april 2014 an apple a day

forms of mixed carotenoids, such as alpha- and gamma-carotene along with betacarotene, which is found in health food stores.

Read the label to make sure a supplement gives you lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes that helps prevent prostate cancer, and lutein, which protects against cataracts and macular degeneration.

Vitamin D: The safe upper limit for vitamin D is 1,000 IU per day for infants and 2,000 IU for children and adults. Vitamin D toxicity almost always occurs from overuse of supplements. Excessive sun exposure doesn’t cause vitamin D poisoning because the body limits the amount of this vitamin it produces.

Vitamin E: 400 IU of mixed natural tocopherols a day, or at least 80 mg of mixed tocopherol and tocotrienols. Since vitamin E is fat soluble, it must be taken with food to be absorbed. Always choose natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol with mixed tocopherols) and avoid the synthetic form (dlalpha-tocopherol).

Selenium: 200 micrograms a day. Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Selenium and vitamin E help each other’s absorption, so take them together. Doses above 400 micrograms a day may not be healthy.

Vitamin K: The current recommended daily intake for vitamin K is 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women.

Vitamin C: 250 milligrams (mg) daily. Plain ascorbic acid is fine, but may irritate a sensitive stomach, so take it with food or look for a buffered form.

For example, too much vitamin A can damage bones, increase the risk of osteoporosis, or cause liver damage. Vitamin E protects the cells from damage and has been linked to keeping cells healthy and preventing heart disease. Too much vitamin E can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The recommended daily intake amounts are what Vitamin B: The B vitamins are thiamine (B1), your body needs to be healthy. Some vitamins inriboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), teract with medication, pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid or folate Don’t be fooled into thinking that if a so it’s smart to talk to a doctor or a pharmacist (B9), cobalamin (B12). certain amount of a vitamin is good, before taking a vitamin B vitamins are essential then more than that is better. supplement. For examnutrients for growth, ple, vitamin K makes development, and a your blood clot, but if you take a blood thinner, such variety of other bodily functions. as warfarin, and you supplement with vitamin K, you waste money on both drugs and won’t get the Don’t be fooled into thinking that if a certain benefit of the blood thinner. amount of a vitamin is good, then more than that is better. It doesn’t work that way. Excess waterINDIVIDUAL NEEDS soluble vitamins will be excreted through the urine.

A healthy person who eats a balanced diet probably However, because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fat, taking a large dose of them can cause a toxic reaction.

Continued on page 14

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by Ben McCampbell

henever I encounter the word “autism,” whether in conversation, or seeing it in an article, or hearing it in a public service announcement on the radio, I probably have the same reaction that most people have who are unfamiliar with the condition—What is it exactly? How can it be treated?

Can a person with autism still lead a productive and happy life?

These questions are especially important to a surprisingly large group of people, a group that seems to be growing since the 1990s. The incidence of autism was, for many years, about 5 in 10,000 births; now it is about 60 in 10,000, though it’s possible that the higher number may be the result of a broader definition of the condition.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with some form of autism.

Curiously, autism occurs in boys about four times as often as in girls.

In any case, autism—autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—is very real. It is a severe developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first three years of life. Autism affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills.

It is not immediately obvious in many cases, because most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance. But they exhibit puzzling and disturbing behaviors which are very different than those of typical children.

Early indicators of autism include no babbling or pointing by age 1 and/or no single words spoken by 16 months or no two-word phrases by age 2.

The most common and noticeable sign of autism is impaired social interaction. This can include being withdrawn, not responding to their own name, not making friends, not entering into kids’ games, lack of eye contact, treating others as objects, preferring to be alone, and lack of empathy.

Another sign is problem with communication.

It’s common for an autistic child to have problems

with social conversation, have slow (or not any) language development, or use gestures instead of words to communicate. Children with autism may not react well to changes in routine (In fact, they may fly into an uncontrollable rage). Repeated body movements (such as constant rocking or selfabusive head-banging), and unusual attachments to objects are more signs of autism. Autistic people may become easily startled, or not affected at all, by loud noises, may have a heightened or low response to pain, and may have other sensitivities, such as those involving sight, touch, smell, or taste. Autism may manifest itself in intense temper tantrums, aggressive behavior to others (or self), short attention span, narrow range of interests, overactive or very passive behaviors, or getting stuck on a single topic or task.

Researchers aren’t entirely certain what causes autism, but they think that possibly both genetics and environment may play roles. Studies have found irregularities in the brain, causing the inability of various sections of the brain to effectively communicate with other parts of the brain. One question that is often asked, when addressing the possible causes of autism, is whether or not common vaccines are a cause. There are no studies indicating that childhood vaccines cause autism.

How is autism treated? Does it eventually go away as the person grows into adolescence and adulthood?

Can it be managed well enough to enable the autistic person to live a “normal” productive life? I asked Kim Armitage, a pediatric occupational therapist at TOTS Therapy and Wellness Center in Midland. She stressed that early detection and Continued on page 16

an apple a day april 2014

9

MAKING PLAYGROUND DREAMS COME TRUE

by Wendy Hilliard

E

leven-year-old Tristan Ogren has a vision of his dream playground. The park would have a big castle-like structure with rock walls to climb. Contained within the castle’s walls would be a reflective maze which would twist and wind, ending with a corkscrew slide. It would be, as he says, “cool.”

The imaginative boy could see his dream come to fruition thanks to a unique non-profit group called KaBoom!

KaBoom! is a national organization that partners with qualifying communities to combat a problem they have identified as play deficit. KaBoom! research has determined that lack of accessible parks and unstructured play has led to an epidemic of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, anxiety disorders, and depression.

The organization believes they can resolve play deficit by building more public playgrounds. Odessa Family Y Health and Wellness Director Steve Talbot said a United Way Representative had contacted the Y about an opportunity to apply for the innovative program.

A huge part of KaBoom!’s success is community involvement. As a prerequisite of the application, Talbot needed to collect signatures of committed volunteers. His efforts paid off and the Odessa Family Y was awarded the KaBoom! program. Plans 10 april 2014 an apple a day

to transform the Mike Neeley Park, located west of the Odessa Family Y, began.

Nate Ogren, Tristan’s father, is one of the many volunteers on the project. “I haven’t done anything for the community. I’m doing this for my son and the children of Odessa. Kids need some place safe to play. I remember growing up and always being outside. Nowadays, kids are constantly indoors playing video games. They need to get out and get active,” Ogren said.

KaBoom! implements an eight-week timeline to prepare volunteers for the building day. About 20 to 30 planning committees will meet once a week leading up to construction. During the thirtyminute meetings, numerous details and jobs will be outlined to organize everyone for the build day. “On building day we will have about 200 volunteers show up. We will have the site ready and the equipment will be there. On Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 am to 3 pm, we build it and go home,” said Talbot.

Truly one of the fun aspects of KaBoom! is that the children themselves get to help design the park.

About 20 to 30 kids aged 5 to 12, armed with pencils, paper, crayons and markers, draw what Continued on page 16

Welcome Dr. Ritchie O. Rosso Jr. Dr. Robert L. Chappell Jr. welcomes Dr. Ritchie O. Rosso Jr. as his new associate. Dr. Rosso is originally from Virginia and received his M.D. with distinction from the University of Virginia. He then completed a clinical research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. He completed his dermatology residency with a focus in dermatological surgery at the University of Miami in Miami, FL. Dr. Rosso specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, including Mohs surgery. He also has a focus in cosmetic dermatology including laser resurfacing, fillers, and other specialized procedures.

Dr. Robert L. Chappell, Jr., M.D., PA

Ritchie O. Rosso Jr., M.D.

2487 E. 11th Street Odessa, TX 79761 432–580–6605

for youth development for healthy living for social responsibility

experience fitness at the odessa family y

• Latest equipment and technology • Nursery care for members • Certified instructors and personal trainers • Fun classes to fit your schedule • No initiation fees or contracts

Want a FREE MOntH OF MEMBERSHIP? new members that come in now through the end of april receive 1 MOntH FREE membership.* Existing members can refer a member and get the nExt MOntH FREE. *Must sign up for bank drafts and sign an agreement to stay a member for three months.

3001 E. University Odessa, TX 79762 • 432–362–4301 • www.odessaymca.org

by Janie Ellington

A

the culprit could be your own backyard

bout one out of every eight adults and one out of every ten children suffers from hay fever in America.

Asthma occurs in more than one out of every fifteen adults and in more than one out of every eleven children.

has exclusively either male flowers or female flowers. Examples are ash, hollies, some maples, mulberry, ginkgo, and palm. The male plants are the worst allergy offenders because their pollen becomes airborne to be carried by the wind to the female plant.

Plant pollen is a major cause of hay fever and asthma and authorities caution susceptible individuals to limit their exposure when possible.

Until recently, that meant limiting all kinds of pleasurable outdoor activities. Thanks to the work of a botanist named Thomas L. Ogren, there is another approach. Through his work, we can learn how to make our yards, gardens, and cities more pollen free, partly through understanding the sex characteristics of our plants.

When the pollen from the male plants becomes airborne, it is tumbled through the air until it develops a positive electrical charge. Its female counterpart has a negative electrical charge and this causes a magnetic attraction, drawing the pollen out of the air. This makes the female plant an effective natural air cleaner. Females also provide food for our birds and bees.

Mr. Ogren created the first plant-allergy ranking system in existence. The Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALSTM) is now being used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop allergy rankings for all major U.S. urban areas. Some plant nurseries are already selling plants that are tagged with their OPALS rankings.

Thomas Ogren is very approachable and he seems happy to share his valuable work with those who are genuinely interested. His goal is to teach us how to correct our allergy-aggravating planting trends.

I was thrilled that he granted me an interview. I was able to ask specific questions about the plants common to our area. The following information is what I learned.

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SEX OF PLANTS AFFECTS YOUR ALLERGIES Pollen from plants is a leading cause of allergies, but plants differ in the way they produce pollen based on their sex characteristics. Only the male parts of plants produce pollen.

The females of “separate-sexed” plants are our sinuses’ and lungs’ best friends. These plants are referred to as separate-sexed because each plant 12 april 2014 an apple a day

The second most allergy-friendly are plants that have both male and female parts in the same flower. These plants are considered by botanists to be “perfectly flowered.” The pollen from the male part of the flower is already in close proximity to the female part so nature has no purpose in causing the pollen to become airborne. It is heavy and sticky and it stays on the plant and is moved from the male part to the female part by the activities of birds and insects. Roses are an example.

The third best plants for our allergies, but still contributing to the levels of airborne pollen, are plants that have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The pollen must be airborne but is carried only a short distance between the flowers.

Examples are oak and cypress.

HOW CAN OPALS HELP US DECREASE ALLERGENS IN OUR AREA? Controlling the sex characteristics of the plants you have in your environment will go a long way toward decreasing the amount of pollen in the air you breathe. However, OPALS can help us finetune a low-allergy garden. The scale takes into consideration two fundamental questions: (1) What do plants that are well known not to cause allergies have in common? (2) What do plants that are well known to cause allergies have in

common? OPALS considers and weights more than 70 individual plant factors. Ratings are from 1 (the most allergy-friendly) to 10 (the worst allergy offenders). Thomas Ogren’s book, Allergy-Free Gardening, gives the allergy rating for over 5,000 different plants.

Landscapers can use OPALS to evaluate all of the plants in a given area and come up with a numerical ranking for that area. The goal for a low-allergy landscape is one that ranks under 5. It is possible to create an entire yard, trees and lawns included, that ranks 1. This low-ranking landscape would be virtually pollen-free and would not offer any contact allergy risk either!

Albuquerque, are beginning to pass local ordinances against, and to publish lists identifying, the worst allergy offenders.

Our communities are where the most improvements are needed because rural areas, though sometimes supporting abundant plant life, reflect nature’s own balance of sex characteristics. Our allergies worsen with repeated exposure to offending pollen, especially if the amount that is airborne is great.

The goal is not to eliminate pollen altogether, but to reduce it to a much healthier level.

Implementing what we learn from this work can be a real boon to our community. Improving our health is the number one payoff but there may be other benefits too. If our landscapes contain mostly plants that are very low in pollen and other allergy-causing characteristics, we can promote and advertise that. We can attract people who yearn to live in a more allergy-friendly area. Reversing the allergenicity of entire communities is even predicted to increase real estate values.

HISTORICAL PLANTING PREFERENCES The USDA began recommending the planting of male trees and shrubs in 1949 in an effort to make cities more “litter-free.” Therefore, female plantings in urban areas have been avoided because they produce the fruit, flowers, and seeds.

Pursuant to the USDA’s advice, horticulturists have historically chosen “cleaner” male plants. This habit has continued for aesthetic reasons, and with low-maintenance as a goal. As a result, we now have cities full of plants that cause the Having fewer allergenic worst allergies.

Though some argue that local plantings are not the entire answer and that pollen can travel great distances, improving the situation locally can only have beneficial results. plants Having fewer allergenic in one’s yard and community plants in one’s yard and drastically decreases exposure, community drastically Of special interest are as most windborne pollen stays in decreases exposure, as our schoolyards. Our the immediate area. most windborne pollen children, including stays in the immediate those with asthma, area. In 1972, a scientist named Raynor was able are having their lunches sitting under the most to show that a male pepper tree in one’s own yard allergenic trees. They are also playing in grasses that exposes him to ten times the pollen that he would cause the most problems. Mr. Ogren says, “School have to breathe if that same tree was located in a after school is landscaped with the most allergenic neighbor’s yard down the block. Besides, as more plants possible. Even at hospitals I see landscaping and more communities take responsibility in this so explosively allergenic that it makes me shudder.” regard, it follows that there will be less airborne pollen traveling to other locales.

Based on Mr. Ogren’s work, that trend is being thrown into reverse. Many localities, including Tucson, Phoenix, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and Continued on page 17 an apple a day april 2014 13

Continued from page 5 driveway. Not many thieves will bother an idling car in an open garage; they don’t like to get that close to the house.

If you’re really unlucky, it is possible that your car could be ticketed and then stolen; unfortunately, you’d still be responsible for paying the ticket. You’d be paying a ticket for the car that you no longer have—talk about a bad day! So it might be a good idea to just tolerate the cold car seat instead of running the risk of losing your ride. The reason for the tickets is to discourage people from creating a situation that makes their car or truck easy to steal.

Pretty simple.

Continued from page 7 doesn’t need to supplement with vitamins. A daily multivitamin probably wouldn’t hurt anyone, but always check with your health care provider. Which vitamins people need most depends on their stage of life. For example, a woman in her childbearing years needs folate, a B vitamin, to prevent neural tube defects in a potential fetus.

Those older than fifty may need a B12 supplement: the body is less able to absorb that vitamin as it ages. Vitamin B12 is important for healthy nerves and red blood cells. Without enough of it, a person would feel exhausted. Someone who has had gastric bypass surgery will need a multivitamin and B12 because so much of the small intestine is bypassed during the surgery that there isn’t as much time for the body to absorb vitamins.

Occasionally, the elderly need to take vitamin D. Because much of our vitamin D comes from sun exposure, a nursing home patient may need to take vitamin D because they may never go outside.

Vitamin D deficiency is rare because so many of our foods are fortified with vitamin D. Vegetarians and vegans may require vitamin supplementation. While most vitamins come from 14 april 2014 an apple a day

fruits and vegetables, the B vitamins are mostly found in meat. Someone who has renal failure and is on dialysis will likely need vitamin supplements because vitamins are lost during dialysis.

FOOD IS THE BEST SOURCE The best source of vitamins is in food and our bodies absorb nutrients best from food. Good health begins with physical activity and a balanced diet that is strong on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish (lean protein), “good” fats, and low on red meat, processed food, and lower in calories and “bad” fats. When getting vitamins from food, you also get phytochemicals that help fight infections; you get fiber, which keeps you regular. To get vitamins from your diet, eat a variety of foods including different colored fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Even if you can’t get fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen will do.

If you feel compelled to continue taking vitamins, look for the “USP or USP-DSVP verified” symbol on the bottle. It’s not a guarantee, but products with this approval (US Pharmacopeia) are usually of good quality. Another good indicator of quality is the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) stamp.

Those products with this mark have passed other measures of quality evaluation.

PBRC TELETHON WRAP UP

This year’s Telethon was a huge success!

WE RAISED $1,194,076!

Thank you to everyone who participated or donated. All the proceeds from the event stay right here in the Permian Basin to help patients and families at PBRC. Thank you!

an apple a day april 2014 15

Continued from page 9 treatment are of utmost importance. If a child is diagnosed with autism very early, then therapy can be much more effective because the nervous system is still developing; it’s still changeable, and with that the nervous system can be “taught” new behaviors. Since autism varies greatly in degree and nature, treatment has to be tailored specifically for the individual. Most treatment involves a behavior analysis and modification program, and it can also include medications, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and physical therapy. Ms. Armitage also mentioned the need to remember that the child with autism is a child, not a disease.

She says that the best therapy is that which focuses on the child’s strengths and builds on them, not the weaknesses. In addition to early diagnosis and treatment, the other key to successful management of the disorder seems to be the degree of autism in the individual. Many high-level autistics can perform well in conventional classrooms and go on to lead productive lives. For example, Dr. Temple Grandin is a professor at a major university and worldrenowned designer of livestock handling systems­— and is autistic. She also lectures all over the world, enlightening her audiences about autism.

Continued from page 10 they would want as their dream playground. Then about five to seven adults will look at the drawings and find common themes. “We then look through Playwell playground equipment catalogs and match the kids’ ideas as best we can,” Talbot said.

Being active in summer under the scorching West Texas sun can be a challenge, because playground equipment inevitably becomes too hot and inaccessible. KaBoom! has a solution. “KaBoom! has built over 15,000 playgrounds. Less than one percent of the parks get a canopy. We’re lucky, they are providing us a massive sun shade structure,” said Talbot.

Parks and necessary amenities are expensive.

Even with an army of volunteers to do the work, constructing a playground is not cheap. “The cost of building a playground is upwards of $150,000.

16 april 2014 an apple a day

The biggest challenge to people with autism and their families is social interaction—everyday life.

This becomes even more important as the child grows toward adolescence and adulthood, because teen peers can be quite cruel. Autism never goes away; it is not outgrown. But the simple act of going out to dinner can be a harrowing, embarrassing experience for a family with an autistic child.

Sometimes the smallest, most unexpected thing can trigger an almost uncontrollable outburst, and the parents try to deal with it in front of “the whole world.” And the general public just sees what they think is a misbehaving child with bad parents who’ve never disciplined him. The public is not very forgiving. So simple things—like getting a haircut, going shopping, going to a movie—become things that many families with an autistic child just can’t do.

The previous paragraph is the most important one in this article. If you see a family with an outof-control child at the mall or the grocery store, give the parents some slack. Don’t automatically assume that they’re bad parents who let their kids run wild. They may be working as hard as they can to try to raise an autistic child to become a normal, functioning adult. And this may be the best they can do.

During the application process we knew there was an unknown funder. We later found out Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas would be footing the bill,” Talbot said. Additional beautification to the park will be an ongoing side project. Talbot envisions public art, planters, and benches to enhance the park aesthetically. The Y Health and Wellness director added, “We gratefully accept donations for the additional park improvements.”

Talbot invites everyone in Odessa to be a part of this public venture. “We want the whole community in on this. Young and old alike can be a part of it. There is a job for everyone. The more people involved the better.” One-hundred and fifty volunteers are needed to complete this project within one day— Saturday, May 3.

For more information on this community project, contact Steve Talbot at the Odessa Family Y, 432–362–4301.

Continued from page 13 GENERAL ADVICE FOR OUR AREA The worst tree we have in our area is a male separate-sexed tree referred to as fruitless mulberry.

It has an OPALS rating of 10. It is commonly used as a shade tree, especially in schoolyards. This tree is responsible for a great many allergy and asthma problems and it has even been the cause of deaths from asthma. You may know someone who is forced to leave town while these trees are in bloom?

The good news is that if you have a fruitless mulberry, it is “as easy as riding a bicycle” to convert it to a female. During the winter months, when the tree is dormant, it can be cut back to a stub and then it can be grafted with a cutting from a female tree, giving it an overnight sex-change operation.

Though some people want to avoid the messy female mulberry, there is a variety called a weeping mulberry that hangs like a willow but doesn’t produce much fruit and it can be used in the graft.

The end result is a beautiful tree that produces no pollen and is not very messy.

How can John Q. Public accomplish a sex-change operation on his mulberry? The best way is to learn how to graft. “Once you have gotten the hang of it,” Mr. Ogren says, “it is very easy.” Alternatively, mulberry owners could hire a gardening expert to do the grafting.

Our worst grass is common Bermuda. It is bad for allergies and blooms all the time. Hybrid Bermudas are more expensive, but they look better and produce no pollen. A hybrid called “Princess 77” is available as seed or sod and it is pollen-free.

Buffalograss is also specifically recommended for our area. It comes in male or female plants. The two best all-female buffalograss varieties are “609” and “Legacy.” Both of these can be purchased as sod or as plugs. They are low growing, blue-green in color, very soft under bare feet, and they are pollen-free.

They need less fertilizer and water than most lawn grasses but they do go dormant for a few months during the winter and then they green up again in early spring. If you already have an allergy-offending variety of grass, Thomas Ogren’s book, Growing a Perfect Lawn, can help you remedy the situation.

Most grapevines are pollen-free. Pomegranates are low-pollen shrubs that sometimes grow to be small trees. Any poplar or willow or cottonwood or aspen tree that makes “cotton” is a female tree, and is pollen-free. All of these are very easy and fast to grow from dormant cuttings that are stuck into the ground during winter months. Thomas Ogren recommends collecting a cutting from the female tree, in a thickness somewhere between that of a pencil and an index finger, about one foot long, and sticking three-fourths of it into the ground. He uses that same approach for grapevines.

Anyone in the area who chops his own firewood should only chop down male trees, leaving the females alone. In west Texas, the native junipers (red cedar) are separate-sexed trees and only the ones that do not have any berries should be used for firewood.

THE BEST TREES FOR OUR AREA Thomas Ogren has been kind enough to provide us with the following list of the ten best allergyfriendly plants for our area. These are not listed in any particular order: • Female red cedar trees (Juniperus virginiana).

Identify the females by looking for juniper berries or ask for “Manhattan Blue,” which is always female.

• Female mulberry trees, especially “Illinois Everbearing Mulberry.”

• All-female persimmon trees such as “Fuyu,” “Eureka,” or “Suruga.”

• Crape myrtle trees are low-pollen trees and they are heat-tolerant.

• Weeping willow (Salix babylonica). Don’t buy a golden willow.

• “Theves Poplar” (Populus thevestina). This all-female poplar grows up tall and narrow and is similar in shape to the “Lombardy Poplar,” but is better-shaped and lives longer.

• “Variegated Box Elder” (Acer negundo) is a female tree.

• Fruit trees such as plum, peach, pear, and apricot are all very low-pollen trees.

• “Red Sunset” (Acer rubrum) is the southern red maple cultivar. It is a female tree with good fall color. It is heat-tolerant and grows quickly.

• “Bradford Pear” trees produce some pollen, but not too much, and allergy to them is rare. They grow fast and have great fall color. an apple a day april 2014 17

Is your Mohs Surgeon Fellowship Trained?

Mohs micrographic surgery has set a new standard in skin cancer treatment. An increasing number of physicians are performing Mohs surgery, which is now widely accepted as the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. Not all Mohs surgeons receive the same level of training as Russell Akin M.D., a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. When it comes to skin cancer treatment, West Texas patients deserve no less than the best.

Russell Akin, M.D. has completed an American College of Mohs Surgery credentialed fellowship. This means peace of mind for his patients, as well as an optimal outcome.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, ask your dermatologist if Mohs surgery is right for you. MDSCC also has the capability to perform immunostains for more difficult to treat skin cancers.

Dr. Akin (432) 689-2512 www.midlanddermatology.com • info@midlanddermatology.com Dr. Chandler & Dr. Close (432) 689-2491 Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus • 4214 Andrews Hwy., Midland

Cooking With Kim

2014 Spring Class Schedule

March 6th & 7th - Breakfast Made Easy Fast breakfast bowls that will start your day off right. No more cereal during the week. Plus, biscuits and gravy that you can eat any day of the week without sacrificing your health or your waistline.

March 20th & 21st - Weeknight Gourmet Meals You can make gourmet meals in less time than ordering out. Lobster just became a weeknight option!

This class will be $30 April 3rd & 4th - Dress It Up with Flavor NOT Fat Learn how to flavor your salads and entrées without fat and calorie-laden salad dressings or spreads. Lowcalorie dressings, sauces, toppings, condiments, and more are made.

April 24th & 25th - Stock Your Pantry & Freezer: SIMPLY SIDES Learn how to keep foods on hand to prepare quick meals for your family when you didn’t have time to prepare.

It’s faster than the drive-thru!

Each class is $25 (payment and registration required prior to class).

To register and pay, or ask questions, contact me at 432–557–5001 or getfitwithkim@cableone.net. Classes are filling up quickly! Classes for private groups and parties are also available–choose your own menu and class date! You can also prepay and register for every scheduled class and you are guaranteed the recipes for those classes whether you can attend or not. Contact me for details!

get fit with kim TIMING IS ESSENTIAL

E

xercise is essential to any weight loss program and the only way to a strong, healthy body. However, you must keep one important fact in mind. You will never out-exercise a bad diet. I want to conclude this series on refocusing your New Year’s resolutions with a few tips to help you make the most of your workout time. This will begin my next series with exercise being the focus.

More focused workouts will lead to better results with less time in the gym. We never plan to fail. We just fail to plan, as the saying goes.

Without a destination, the road to success will be at best bumpy and at worst a dead end.

Maybe you’ve lost sight of your goal. Maybe you reached your first goal and need to set another one. Or maybe your goal has changed or was never specific. Whatever the case may be now is the time to readjust and set a more specific goal to work towards. Once you have your goal, then you can implement the following tips to get the most out of your workouts and propel you towards health.

TIP: MAKE THE MOST OF THE TIME YOU HAVE. The first thing I noticed at the gym this morning was how “busy” it was. I put busy in quotes because it looked like a bad zombie movie with most of the people wandering around with blank expressions on their faces. Don’t get me wrong. There were a few who definitely had a routine they were doing.

But the majority of exercisers were trodding along on a treadmill or sitting on a piece of equipment.

And I’m not talking about the first-time exercisers.

I’m talking about the same people I’ve seen at various gyms over the past 20+ years. They do the same thing year after year and look the same year

after year. The worst part was that they were still wandering around when I left—45 minutes later! I don’t think they had even broken a sweat.

People get stuck in a routine for many reasons: they are afraid to change it, they don’t know what or how to change it, or they don’t see the need to change it. So they go day after day, year after year and never really get the results they seek. And spend hours of their day in the gym in the process.

I love the gym and working out or I would not have made it my profession. However, the last place I want to spend my free time is in the gym. You noticed I was in there this morning for 45 minutes.

Some days my workouts may only take 15 minutes, but I promise those are not the easy days!

Try this technique this week to jumpstart your routine—old or new—to make the most of your time. Set your timer or watch for 30 minutes (the minimum amount of time). Or for those of you who feel like they must spend hours in the gym to make it worthwhile; set it for HALF the time you normally work out. Make it a point to fit your routine into the allotted time frame. This may mean you take fewer or no rest breaks. Or this may bring to your attention that a few more exercises are needed.

Either way, I promise you will get a great workout in less time.

Next month I will address another exercise topic that may be hindering your results. Until then, join my free fitness group www.facebook.com/ groups/FIT.3now/ for short workouts that you can do anywhere with no equipment.

Special thanks to this month’s contributor: Kim Clinkenbeard, CPT, FNS getfitwithkim@cableone.net

an apple a day april 2014 19

woof, woof!

the dog blog by mindy

Keliree Mitchell founded Petspotters, a Facebook site dedicated to connecting lost pets with their owners after losing her own pet Chihuahua, Mindy. Woof, Woof! represents stories related to this site and is dedicated to Mindy.

W

hen my dogs were puppies, they were so cute and lovable. Mickey and Missy both had very high energy levels and required a great deal of attention. Thankfully, my husband Steve is an excellent dog trainer. He hasn’t had formal training, but he has the natural ability to train dogs, and Mickey and Missy love him. He was able to potty train them fairly quickly and teach them good behavior around the house. They never tore up furniture or shoes because he knew how to train them, and I’m sure the thought to tear something up never occurred to them. They were the perfect little puppies.

Then around age nine or ten, we began to see subtle changes in their behavior. Small things like not standing as quickly as they used to or not following me around the house. They still do it some, but for the most part, if they follow me to the laundry room, they will lie down in the doorway instead of coming on in. There were other changes too, like not wanting to spend so much time outside. They would much rather lie in their beds, so getting them to exercise is harder than it used to be. Also, they seem to be losing their hearing. There are other changes as well, as they make their way to becoming senior dogs.

Don’t be disappointed that your senior dog is not interested in the same activities that he used to be. Older dogs can still be happy and wonderful companions.

There is no question now. They are definitely senior dogs. During this time in their lives, it is important that I monitor their behavior on a daily basis. I watch 20 april 2014 an apple a day

them to see if their appetite changes or if they are limping or moving particularly slow. Just like people, they can be fine one day and the next be terribly ill. Dogs can develop arthritis and many other agerelated problems. Since they can’t tell me what is hurting, it is my duty to watch them and notice anything out of the ordinary. Missy is much older than Mickey, so her problems started earlier, but different breeds can also be more prone to different disabilities. Since she is a lab mix, I knew to watch for obesity but I never thought of her getting cancer.

To promote the best health of their senior years, I make sure they eat a special diet. That can be difficult with a grandson around that will feed them cookies, but we try. Also, a visit with the vet, regular vaccinations and an annual blood screening will help you stay on top of health issues before it’s too late. Don’t be disappointed that your senior dog is not interested in the same activities that he used to be. Older dogs can still be happy and wonderful companions. Give them the best life you can and love them with all your heart, that’s all they want.

“They too are created by the same loving hand of God which created us…it’s our duty to protect them and promote their well-being.”

–Mother Teresa

Special thanks to this month’s contributor: Keliree Mitchell Founder, Petspotters www.facebook.com/petspotters

Those first few moments with your new baby are filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Those memories become even more special when you deliver your baby at the Center for Women & Infants.

From the moment you step into your beautiful private room – to the moment you settle into our caring capable hands – you’ll know you made the right choice for you and your baby.

You can arrange a private tour of Odessa’s new choice for advanced maternity care by calling (432) 640-6000.

mch4women.com

Advanced Orthopedic Care

is Right Here at Home.

Vijay Borra, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon Hip and Knee Replacement

You don’t have to travel far to get advanced orthopedic care. Dr. Vijay Borra and the ProCare Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Center offer comprehensive treatment and follow up care right here at home.

Dr. Borra, fellowship trained in hip and knee joint replacement surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, specializes in a broad range of orthopedic services, including: • Primary and Revision Hip and Knee Replacement • Knee Arthroscopy • Trauma Call (432) 640-6446 and schedule your appointment today.

ProCare Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Center 519 North Lincoln Avenue Odessa, Texas 79761 (432) 640-6446 Office (432) 640-6491 Fax www.ProCareOdessa.com

health & beauty

CHOOSING A PROM DRESS OR FORMAL GOWN TO MATCH YOUR STYLE

T

hey say the high school years are the best years of your life. Football games, time with friends, and formal dances are just a few of the highlights that will make lasting memories. But of course prom is the one event you can’t miss. It’s the story from high school that inevitably the grandchildren hear about. But where did it come from? What makes it so special?

THE HISTORY BEHIND PROM The prom was believed to have originated in the U.S. in the 1920’s in the Deep South. Girls would take short and heavily chaperoned “promenades” around the block with their dates. Of course they were dressed formally, and out of respect, the southern gentlemen would give his date a flower (corsage). The details have changed slightly over the years: the attire, the dancing, and certainly the chaperones, but one thing remains the focus— it’s all about the dress! Every girl wants to dress up from head to toe and feel like royalty on prom night. Even if they aren’t prom queen, they can look like one with the right gown, hairstyle, and make-up.

For a sleeker choice, the sheath or mermaid style gown shows off a woman’s curves and gives her that Marilyn Monroe look. (This fashion statement is highlighted even more when she adds long gloves to complete the overall look.)

HALTER PROM DRESSES ARE A FLATTERING STYLE A halter neckline deemphasizes a larger bosom, while at the same time accentuates the bare shoulders. For a more modest look, finding a dress with either a short or a longer sleeve can be tasteful and elegant. A traditional garment such as this will not only make you feel comfortable, but it is absolutely timeless.

WHERE TO FIND VINTAGE PROM DRESSES The ever increasing popularity of vintage gowns is uniquely fun and fashionable. The side benefit of a vintage dress is that it is often less expensive than other styles and brand new gowns. This benefit is a real plus for the budget-conscious.

You can find many dresses and gowns on ebay.com. Matching your unique personality and sense of fashion to a dress is the fun part. Plan ahead, and spend lots of time shopping around until you are completely satisfied.

LOOK AND FEEL BEAUTIFUL WITH THE RIGHT DRESS STYLE It’s amazing the choices of styles and sizes that are available for teens today. The junior’s department that once carried a handful of sizes now accommodates a large spectrum of sizes and styles for many young women looking for that perfect prom dress. From discount to ultra expensive designer, any girl can take the dress that is right for her physique and make it shine.

PLANNING A FUN PROM NIGHT For a little boost, promgirl.com gives you the latest in dresses, accessories, hairstyle and makeup. You can “ask fashion girl” any questions you have via email and they give great advice on how to find cheap deals for all things prom. They also offer great beauty tips and tricks to help you look your very best on prom night. They also offer suggestions of fun things to do pre-prom, during the dance, and post-prom to make it memorable! By the way, getting drunk and pregnant are definitely not on the list. Have fun, be smart, and be safe.

Ball gowns are the most formal and true to the prom of the 20’s, with a wide skirt and layers of tulle and crinoline over taffeta. It creates a soft, feminine, hourglass effect that emulates royalty and grace.

This month's article courtesy of www.freebeautytips.org

an apple a day april 2014 23

Kim’s Pizza

by Kim Clinkenbeard, CPT, FNS 1 Tandoori naan garlic flat bread 1 oz. reduced fat crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup organic mushroom pasta sauce 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach Toast bread on both sides. Spread sauce evenly on one side of the bread. Next add the frozen spinach and top with feta cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Serves 1

distribution points MIDLAND Albertsons Pharmacy 1002 Andrews Hwy. 4706 N. Midkiff Rd. 3317 N. Midland Dr.

Midland Memorial Hospital Scharbauer Patient Tower 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway

First Baptist Church 709 N. Lee

Mission Fitness 8050 Hwy. 191

Furr’s Music City Mall

The Odessa Family Y 3001 E. University

Fit Family Fitness 3404 N. Midland Dr.

Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus 4214 Andrews Hwy.

Harmony Health Food Shoppe 3110 E. University Blvd., Ste. A

Odessa Regional Medical Center 520 E. 6th St.

Heaven Bound Daycare 507 Elliot

Permian Basin Rehab Center 620 N. Alleghaney

Flat Belly Organics 3326 N. Midkiff Rd. Graham Pharmacy 1601 W. Wall St. HealthSouth 1800 Heritage Blvd.

HEB Pharmacy 3325 W. Wadley Ave. Midland Memorial Hospital 2200 W. Illinois Ave.

24 april 2014 an apple a day

St. Joseph’s Home Health 24 Smith Rd., Ste. 500 Walgreens Drug Store 3221 W. Wadley Ave. 215 Andrews Hwy. 4313 Andrews Hwy. 3201 N. Big Spring St. ODESSA Albertsons Pharmacy 1350 E. 8th St. 4950 E. 42nd St. 2751 N. County Road W.

HEB Pharmacy 3801 E. 42nd St. Hunt Advertising 3527 Billy Hext Rd. Medical Center Hospital 500 W. 4th St.

River of Life Health Food Shop 2601 N. Grandview Ave. Smith’s Shoes 5101 Twin Towers Super Shapes 5000 E. University Blvd.

University Pharmacy and Medical Supplies 4850 E. University Blvd.

Walgreens Drug Store 801 Maple Ave. 2161 E. 42nd St. 1305 W. University Blvd.

1707 W. 8th St. Walmart Clinic 4210 JBS Parkway 2450 West Loop 338 Wendover Family Medicine 4222 Wendover, Ste. 600 Westview Medical Clinic 1220 W. University Blvd.

Wheatley Stewart Medical Pavilion 574 W. 5th St.

• Heating • Air Conditioning • Plumbing • RO Water • Insulation

Residential & Commerical Services • Remodeling & Conversions • New Construction • Complete Repair Services • Heat Pumps

Midland/Odessa 432–580–3342 www.nationalplumbing.us

3527 Billy Hext Road • Odessa, TX 79765 432 550 5998 • 866 550 7329 fax 432 550 7346 www.hapublishing.com

with every new GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Two year/24,000 mile maintenance on oil & filter change Four wheel tire rotation 27 point vehicle inspection

2014 Sierra Crew Cab

5251 E. 42nd St. • Odessa (432) 550–9950 • www.freedombg.com Visit us on Facebook