An Apple A Day June 2015

june 2015

Wellness For Life

Spectacular Summer Have a Healthy, Happy Vacation pg. 12 Break a Sweat‌ For a Great Cause pg. 6 Easy DIY Gardening pg. 21

For over a decade now, The Laser & Aesthetic Center of the Permian Basin has been doing much to beautify the population of our beloved community. We want to ensure that all the residents of the Permian Basin feel their best, and in order to do so, we feel you need to look your best. We are experienced in caring for patients with various cosmetic issues, and in optimizing patient outcome. We would be privileged to assist you in achieving your inner and outer beauty.

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First Physicians Freedom Buick GMC Truck Laser & Aesthetic Center Occasions Fine Jewelry Robotic Surgery MMH Other Remedies Furst Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery The Odessa Family YMCA Odessa Farmers Market Hunt Advertising MCH Studio 7 Cooking with Kim The Springboard Center Earlene Smith ORMC National Cooling, Heating & Plumbing Permian Basin Chevy Dealers

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; Joy H. Coleman; Janie Ellington; Wendy Hilliard; Ben McCampbell; Earlene Smith Photography Mark Swindler Design Sarah Fleck, Chantel Miller

8 5 An Invisible Disability 6 Zumbathon For Alzheimer’s 8 Eating Organically

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.

21 Get Fit with Kim: Fun…Food…

Learning…All Summer Long 22 Health & Beauty: Natural vs. Synthetic

11 #onlineaddiction 12 A Happy, Healthy Vacation

24 Recipe: Perfect Pico de Gallo

ON THE COVER Have a spectacular summer with our tips for a happy, healthy vacation (pg. 12), by breaking a sweat to help Alzheimer’s patients (pg. 6), or by growing a simple garden from veggies you already have in the fridge (pg. 21).

READ MORE IN THIS ISSUE an apple a day june 2015

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“Robotic surgery is a great choice. I was in the hospital for one day, recovery was quick, and then I was back to living life.”

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AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY

by Janie Ellington

Names in the following article have been changed for privacy.

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ultiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease involving auto-immune attacks that inflame and scar the myelin sheath that covers and insulates nerve cells. The scarring results in hardening, or sclerosing, and in impaired nerve signal transmission. When a nerve is damaged, the function it supports is compromised. MS affects each patient differently, sometimes with severe symptoms that friends and family can’t see. Because MS patients may not look sick, the disease is sometimes called an invisible disability.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MS Visual disturbances are frequently the first symptoms to appear and over half of MS patients experience them at some point. Most patients also experience fatigue. Some have poor balance, vertigo, lack of coordination, or problems walking.

About half of MS patients experience pain, sometimes intermittent and sometimes chronic.

About half also have memory or learning difficulties.

Patients may have numbness, muscle stiffness, spasms, and sometimes paralysis. Other symptoms can include bladder and bowel dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Depression or mania can be experienced, sometimes simultaneously. Any symptom is possible with MS, including headaches, hearing loss, speech disturbances, seizures, difficulty breathing, tremors, and other symptoms.

FOUR DISTINCT TYPES OF MS Relapsing-remitting MS causes alternating attacks and remissions without worsening of the disease.

Primary-progressive MS causes gradual worsening of function without distinct flare-ups or remissions.

Secondary-progressive MS relapses and remits for a time and then function steadily worsens, with or without relapses and remissions. Rarely, patients have progressive-relapsing disease with a steady progression punctuated by occasional flare-ups. Fortunately, death from multiple sclerosis is rare. It does not usually shorten life expectancy.

CAUSES AND RISKS Though it is considered an auto-immune disease, the exact cause of MS is not known. Research is evaluating the impact of numerous factors including heredity, viral infections, geographic location, immune-system malfunction, malfunction of the blood-brain barrier, and the patient’s environment.

It is rare for MS to begin before age fifteen or after age sixty. Caucasians have double the risk of other nationalities and women have double the risk of men.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) can identify nerve lesions that typify MS. Other diagnostic tools measure nerve impulses to see if they move too slowly. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid is also done. “Disease-modifying therapies” for MS can shorten flare-ups, decrease their severity, and block further nerve destruction, but there is no cure.

Starting effective therapy early is critical to optimal outcome. However, not every patient responds well to every treatment, and it has been difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments since the disease can remit spontaneously. Sometimes Continued on page 15 an apple a day june 2015

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n o h t a b m u z for

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sooner and slow the disease’s progression.

“People sometimes ignore the signs of dementia, thinking it is just momma getting old. It’s important to get testing done and prepare for the future if Alzheimer’s is diagnosed,” Polk said.

ome to the Odessa Family Y and help save a brain! This is Brain Awareness month, and on Friday, June 12th, the Odessa Family Y is hosting a Zumbathon to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every 67 seconds someone in America develops this devastating disease. Women tend to fall victim to Alzheimer’s more than men, but everyone is at risk. Research has determined lifestyle plays a significant role in the disease’s prevention as well as progression.

“It’s highly important to stay fit,” said Alzheimer’s Association Associate Director of Development Letisha Polk. “A person who is active and works out affects the brain in a positive way; fitness is a part of mental health.”

Another way of maintaining good health is getting regular wellness checkups. Getting an early diagnosis can help a loved one get treatment 6 june 2015 an apple a day

Sheila McCray takes it one day at a time since her husband JB was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three and a half years ago. Yet, years before his diagnosis, McCray had a suspicion something was wrong.

“His problems started to manifest in physical ways.

We would play bridge and he couldn’t place the cards in the right format. Now, communication has become a challenge. Sometimes we try to talk by using charades. He’s a “A person who is good-natured person and sometimes active and works he tells me ‘you just don’t know what out affects the brain it’s like being me.’”

in a positive way; fitness is a part of mental health.”

JB is doing well, and aside from knee surgery, McCray is too. She has a solid support system through her church, faith, and family. Not all caregivers are as lucky. Education and Program Director of the West Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Janet Cross, helps caregivers in Odessa, Midland, and San Angelo get the support and information they need.

“We can help patients and caregivers on a number of fronts. In the early stages we help families plan for the future with legal and financial information.

Continued on page 15

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Eating Organically

by Joy H. Coleman

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any of us who are interested in long term health buy “organic” food at the grocery or health food store because we think it’s healthier to eat. In terms of nutritional value, studies in the US indicate no significant increase in the nutritional quality of organic food. But studies in Europe show much higher amounts of nutrients than conventionally produced foods.

Plus, the organic food is usually more expensive than standard foods. So what’s best for us and our families? What does “organic” mean?

The designation “organic” doesn’t say whether a food is healthy or not. “Organic” is only a marketing designation and refers to the way farmers grow and process fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.

Organically grown foods are produced by certified farmers who support renewable resources, aim to conserve water and soil, and to reduce pollution. Being labeled “natural” does not mean “organic.”

The debate between organic and conventional food is not black and white. It is not one or the other. A large part of the debate is the environmental impact of both methods of production.

Organic produce is sustainable as it is less energy intensive and often locally based and it helps to replenish our resources.

Organic relates to protecting the soil and limiting water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers that seep into the ground. For this reason, buying organic is a good choice, especially if it is grown locally and uses less fuel to be transported.

Visit www.localharvest.org and enter your zip code for local farms and markets selling fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy. Other resources to help find local producers include: • The Eat Well Guide (www.eatwellguide.org) • The Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com; a listing of products and services is available at www.theorganicpages.com) • Eat Wild (www.eatwild.com/products/index.html) Continued on page 16 8 june 2015 an apple a day

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by Ben McCampbell

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emember the old phrase “too much of a good thing?” Examples of this adage abound everywhere—for example, some time spent in the sun is good for you.

The warmth feels good (unless it’s already 100 degrees in the shade), you can get a good dose of vitamin D, and sometimes just being outside gives you a nice feeling. But too much sun causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer and other health problems. Likewise, alcohol in moderation has been shown to be beneficial (especially red wine), but alcohol in excess can lead to alcoholism, danger on the road, relationship problems, and damage to the body, to name just a few ramifications.

never have dreamed of: instant communication, convenient commerce (from eBay to airline reservations), information on just about anything just a click away, entertainment, and a myriad of other capabilities. But, like so many other activities that bring pleasure and utility, it can have a downside when frequented in excess.

Many researchers believe that one can become an internet addict. A study by the Stanford University School of Medicine estimated that nearly one in eight Americans exhibit at least one sign of problematic Internet use.

Many researchers believe that one can become an internet addict.

So it is with the Internet—it opens so many new vistas which twenty-five years ago most of us could

Like you probably do, I check my Facebook page a few times a day, and I’m amazed that some people Continued on page 18 an apple a day june 2015 11

a happy, healthy

VACATION

by Joy H. Coleman

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ooray! Summertime is here! We’re all going to be escaping for vacation and while we hope we and our children stay healthy on vacation, illnesses and accidents do happen when we’re away from home.

I’ve called some friends who travel frequently and asked for ten simple things to do before leaving.

Here’s what they told me: 1. DON’T FORGET YOUR MEDICATION If you’re traveling with medications, before leaving home make sure they are legal in the countries you are visiting. And if you need to travel with a lot of medication, plan to separate the quantity between your luggage Indulge—but only to a and your carry on—in case checked bags go point. You’ll have so much missing. If you need more energy for fun and some extra medicine avoid weight gain. to see you through a trip call your physician and let them order the extra necessary well before the trip. Travel with your medicines in the original labeled bottles in case it’s not available in other countries.

12 june 2015 an apple a day

2. COVER YOUR FAMILY You might think you’re perfectly healthy, but one day’s hospitalization in Asia can cost $800 and a medical evacuation home can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you or your children’s pre-existing conditions.

If you’re traveling with someone who has a chronic illness, purchase a MedicAlert bracelet.

3. DRIVE HASSLE-FREE Are you driving long distances with someone who gets motion sickness? Seat them in the front of the car and tell them to focus on the horizon. Also ask them to concentrate on a math problem or mental task. The reason the driver rarely gets car sick is because their mind is otherwise occupied!

4. SAVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Who hasn’t lost luggage, been robbed, or had a credit card swallowed up by an unfriendly ATM? To save your sanity, leave a photocopy of your itinerary, credit card details, passport details,

insurance policy, travelers’ checks, and visas with someone at home. Take a copy with you and keep in a separate place from the originals.

5. TIE UP LOOSE ENDS BEFORE TRAVELING Make sure all appliances are turned off and provide relatives with a list of contact numbers in case you need to be reached while away and your cell phone is out of range. Organize for mail to be collected and garbage cans rotated by neighbors.

6. BE WATER SAVVY If you’re traveling to underdeveloped countries, don’t drink tap water. Even avoid brushing your teeth in it …use bottled water instead. Do not eat any fruit unless you peel it yourself (even in five-star hotels) and don’t have bottle drinks with ice cubes.

insurance policy for seeking medical care when traveling. Most require a phone call to them within a certain time frame to report care received out of network.

If possible, it’s best to call before you seek care.

Many insurance companies have a nurse’s line that may be able to guide you on care if you or they don’t feel a visit to a physician is needed.

Your primary-care clinic can often help you over the phone as well. They know your child and his or her health history and can help guide you in determining if you should seek care where you are.

If care is deemed necessary, the hotel where you are staying may be able to guide you to nearby urgent care facilities. Some primary-care

7. MAKE A MAGIC BAG FOR KIDS Buy a stack of cheap toys from the discount shop and produce one every hour. For driving trips, get the kids to guess how far away an object is on the odometer or use the number plate on the car in front to see who can form the fastest sentence.

Develop games to keep their thoughts occupied— you’ll be surprised to see how much the games engage your mind.

8. DON’T FORGET YOUR “REGULAR LIFE” Don’t stop exercising just because you’re on holidays. Take a walk, do a few triceps dips while watching TV, or pump out a few push-ups before you get in the shower.

Indulge—but only to a point. Pick one meal a day as your splurge. Otherwise, stick to lower-calorie foods high in protein and fiber, such as fruit, egg-white omelets, salads and wraps filled with veggies and lean meats, and fish. You’ll have so much more energy for fun and avoid weight gain.

Protect yourself from the elements. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 (or higher) any time you’re outdoors. If you’re visiting a heavily wooded area, use an insect repellent with at least 30 percent DEET, and wear long pants and thick socks to avoid catching West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or Lyme disease from tick and mosquito bites.

9. REVIEW YOUR INSURANCES While planning your vacation, review your health

Protect yourself from the elements. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 (or higher) any time you’re outdoors. If you’re visiting a heavily wooded area, use an insect repellent. clinics also will see patients visiting from out of town. This may save you on a long wait at an urgent care/emergency room and higher copay.

All that said, if emergency care is needed seek the care immediately and call the insurance company afterward!

10. CHILD FREE VACATIONS From time to time you may decide on vacation without the children. With cell phones we are usually reachable but there may be times when those caring for the children can’t reach us immediately.

Continued on page 19 an apple a day june 2015 13

HEART DISEASE

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This is a scary statistic, but heart disease doesn’t happen overnight.

Our eating habits, sleeping schedules, stress level, exercise regiment and genetics all have a part in our heart health. It’s important to know your numbers to see how healthy your heart really is.

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Continued from page 6 “We prepare them for the journey ahead. We can help caregivers understand their family member’s behaviors and what triggers will get certain responses. We are there to support families in all stages of the disease.”

While early diagnosis and treatments have greatly improved the quality of life for patients and their families, there is no cure. The Alzheimer’s Association’s vision is to find a cure by 2025, “a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Until then, Cross says that healthy habits are the key to stave off the disease.

“Only about 10% of Alzheimer’s is genetic or the familial form. Researchers are now examining lifestyle, environment, and the impact of diet and exercise.

It’s also important to stay socially engaged. Heart healthy is brain healthy.”

A perfect way to combine social interaction, physical and mental activity is to partake in a Zumba class. On Friday, June 12, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Odessa Family Y will work both brain and body with a Zumbathon benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. The cost is $10 and all funds go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association. Child care will be available.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. In addition, the group provides care and support for all those affected by the disease. The association aims to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

For more information contact the Odessa Family Y at 432–425–4001.

Continued from page 5 months or years go by before a treatment’s lack of effectiveness for a given patient becomes clear.

Fortunately, a study at Stanford University offers hope that simple tests can be developed to predict individual response to specific therapies.

REFUSING TO BE DEFINED BY MS Linda’s early symptoms were numbness in the roof of her mouth and shooting pains in her legs, arms, and hands. She frequently dropped things.

She had very severe migraines. She was diagnosed around age 48. Her relapsing-remitting MS was caught early. She sometimes feels great for weeks and then suddenly can’t get out of bed until the attack subsides.

Although Linda tends to stumble and fall, she does not consider herself handicapped. She was mad at the world for six weeks after her diagnosis but decided not to let MS take over her life. “One night, I slapped myself on the knee and gave it to God.”

She does not spend her time worrying about MS because she feels the problem is in capable hands.

MS WILL NOT TAKE OVER MY LIFE! At age 36, Jean started having visual disturbances that were like watching a movie screen that kept fluttering. She saw several practitioners and made some trips to the emergency room before being diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting type.

Two months after being diagnosed, Jean’s employer laid her off, citing company cutbacks as the reason.

Jean believes that the company’s self-insured status made her a financial liability they didn’t want.

Fortunately, she landed another job, with good insurance, three days later and has worked there for many years.

Jean doesn’t consider herself handicapped by MS, though she sometimes stumbles and falls. She doesn’t let occasional severe fatigue stand in the way of getting things done. She has resolved, “This is my life, not MS’s life. I refuse to let it run my life!” an apple a day june 2015 15

Continued from page 8 When it comes to meat, poultry, and dairy, “organic” means the animals have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones, they have had access to the outdoors, and have eaten organic feed. Antibiotics can produce more resistant strains of bacteria which may be transferred to humans.

Many buy organic fruit and vegetables because they are not sprayed with pesticides and are fertilizer free. We know these chemicals can cause birth defects, cancer, and endocrine disruption, but it remains unclear whether the amounts in conventionally grown fruit and vegetables are high enough to be a health hazard. There is a myth that organic farming doesn’t use herbicides or pesticides, but they do. What they don’t use are synthetic pesticides or growth hormones, antibiotics, or medications to enhance animal growth or to prevent disease.

In terms of safety, conventional food producers are well regulated. Reports show that 65–75 percent of conventionally grown produce has no Many buy organic fruit and vegetables because they are not detectable pesticides.

When used properly sprayed with pesticides and are and applied at the fertilizer free. right times, pesticides degrade and become inert. But for those times when they aren’t used properly and for those fruits and vegetables that naturally retain more of what’s in their surrounding soil, here’s a list of twelve fruits and vegetables that you might always consider buying organic if possible. These usually register highest in the pesticide residue when grown conventionally even after careful washing: apples, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, strawberries, red raspberries, potatoes, bell peppers, celery, and spinach. Some organizations have added: tomatoes, green beans, winter squash, cantaloupes, and rice.

Just so you know, the USDA guidelines for careful washing: wash your own hands to avoid contaminating food, rub the produce for thirty seconds under running water, and use a clean towel to wipe off the produce.

16 june 2015 an apple a day

If you’re concerned about pesticides and added growth hormones, but want to save money on groceries, knowing which conventionally grown items are lowest in contaminants will help you prioritize. Here’s a list of fruits and vegetables that you might consider buying conventionally grown because pesticide residues are rarely found on them: asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples, and sweet peas.

Another thought in favor of purchasing organically grown foods includes the belief there is a taste difference between organic and conventional products. Others recognize the techniques in raising wildlife for consumption do not include their natural habitat and there is a big ethical difference between properly reared animals as opposed to the mass produced animal. The government allows cattle—but not pigs and chickens—to be raised with added hormones. So, if you’re worried about these hormones, buy organic beef, which must be fed one-hundred percent organic feed and is hormonefree. Save money by sticking with conventional pork, chicken, and eggs. For those who stick with conventional beef, the leaner the cut, the fewer the contaminants.

For milk lovers it pays to buy organic—as long as it’s a local product. This designation refers to the farming practices, not to the milk itself. Some studies have found organic milk to have higher levels of healthy fats and antioxidants, such as beta carotene. If you don’t want to pay organic prices, get skim milk, since many pollutants concentrate in fat. If you choose to purchase organic milk from outside your local area, then you’re supporting the long distance transportation charges.

When only looking at determining the healthiest option, the best choice is to simply eat foods of high nutrient quality, consume a wide variety of plant-based foods, balance your food choices, and keep portion sizes small. Eat basic and simple. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the label, don’t eat the food. Try to eat more at home where you have total control over food preparation. Stick to whole grains and whole-wheat flour. The issue comes down to personal choice.

Happy Father’s Day! Presented by:

Throughout this month we’re featuring special topics that celebrate the men in our lives! We appreciate you guys and Dads and wish you all the best. And for the single Moms who fill both roles…your courage and strength is admired.

Linda Poindexter says something that makes me chuckle, but it touches my heart at the same time. “A father is someone who is proud to see you get your first car…but secretly wishes it had no keys.” Ha! To all the Dads out there, many blessings and carry lots of auto insurance!

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Continued from page 11 seem to feel compelled to chronicle their every move and thought. Are they Internet addicts? Let’s look at some of the signs compiled by psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young, a researcher in this new field.

She developed a questionnaire to diagnose the disorder. Meeting five of the following symptom questions was a reasonably good indication for diagnosis: • Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session)?

• Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?

• Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?

• Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?

• Do you stay online longer than originally intended?

• Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?

• Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?

• Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression)?

no signs of diminishing. Here are some sobering numbers: Almost 14% find it difficult to stay away from the Internet for a few days. In the workplace, 67% of workers admit to using the Internet for personal reasons during work hours. About 60% of employers have disciplined workers and 30% have fired employees for inappropriate Internet use. Of this personal use at work, 24% have done online shopping, 23% have checked the news, 18% have accessed pornography, 8% have gambled online, and 6% have participated in online auctions. When you convert these percentages to actual numbers, it’s obvious that this is a substantial problem.

It’s a problem of compulsive stimulation, much like drug addiction.

Other indicators include: a heightened sense of euphoria while engaged in Internet activities; neglecting sleep to stay online; feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of online behavior; physical changes such as weight loss or gain, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome; withdrawing from other usual pleasurable activities.

Based on the fact that almost 69% of Americans are frequent Internet users and that Internet use continues to grow, and as mentioned above, approximately 1 in 8 show signs of problematic Internet use, the trend of so-called Internet addiction shows 18 june 2015 an apple a day

At this time, Internet addiction is not recognized as an official psychological disorder, and many health professionals are not certain if it ever should be. Regardless of whether it’s “official” or not, Internet addiction is a big problem for some people. It’s a problem of compulsive stimulation, much like drug addiction. Because of this similarity, proven treatment procedures for drug addicts can be adapted for treatment of Internet addiction. One problem with this, though, is that with alcohol or drug addiction, frequently the goal of treatment is abstinence. But many people with an addiction to the Internet still need to access it in their work, not to mention typical personal use of staying in touch with friends and family and the many other activities that make it so convenient and useful.

Like with many other problematic conditions, recognizing that one has a problem is the biggest step towards dealing with it. If any underlying reasons for the inordinate time on the Internet can be identified, then they can be treated. Seeking the help of a professional therapist can be beneficial once the person recognizes that a problem exists.

Increasing coping skills for factors that influence Internet behavior can also help, factors such as trouble relating to others or excessive shyness.

Finally, building a strong support network can be a great help. The more relationships one has in real life, the less the Internet is needed for social interaction and other activities. The Internet is a wonderfully useful part of modern life, but remember the old wisdom mentioned at the beginning of this article: “Too much of a good thing.”

The Traveler’s Medical Kit Whether leaving your children with a babysitter, grandparents or other family members, provide the caregiver with a signed letter stating that this person can make medical decisions and seek care for your child in your absence.

Continued from page 13 For this reason, it is best to leave basic information including the name, phone number and address of your child’s doctor, insurance card (or photocopy), and information about any allergies, medications, or health issues.

Whether leaving your children with a babysitter, grandparents or other family members, provide the caregiver with a signed letter stating that this person can make medical decisions and seek care for your child in your absence. Physicians legally need parental consent to examine or treat a child even if someone as close as a grandparent brings in your child.

Enjoy your travels, always wear your seatbelt, and have a safe and healthy vacation!

Keep a medical traveler’s kit on hand. Here’s what the CDC—and my friends—recommend:

* Your prescription medications in their original containers with your name and dosing regimen on the label (take what you’ll need for the duration of the trip, plus a few extra days’ worth just in case). * Copies of your prescriptions, including the generic names of the drugs. * Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. * Hydrocortisone cream. * An over the counter drug for diarrhea. Ask your physician which is best for you based on your current conditions. * A mild laxative. * An antacid * An antihistamine, a decongestant, and a cough suppressant for colds and allergies. * Medication of motion sickness. * A hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). * Sunscreen. * Health insurance cards. * Band-Aids or bandages. * Safety pins and sewing kit. * Mobile phone, camera, laptop and iPod batteries and chargers.

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Cooking With Kim Summer 2015 Cooking Class Schedule June 11th - “Veggie Delight”

July 16th - “No-Cook Summertime Meals”

June 25th - “Desserts that Don’t Weigh You Down” Ice Cream!

July 30th - “Picnic Lunch”

Hearty vegetarian dishes that even meat-eaters will love!

It’s non-dairy and oh so yummy!

Easy recipes that you can make without having to heat up your kitchen.

Flavorful menu suitable for dinner or a picnic lunch.

August 6th - “Sushi”

Learn how to make your own sushi just the way you like it—cooked or raw or vegetarian.

Each class is $30–$40 (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!

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get fit with kim FUN…FOOD…LEARNING…ALL SUMMER LONG

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ummer is a great time to relax and play, and plant a garden! You may be thinking, “But a garden is really time consuming and too expensive. And my kids won’t eat vegetables anyway.” The fact is, kids love digging in the dirt, which is where gardening begins. Kids will literally do “the dirty work for you.”

And they will be more likely to eat foods that they have grown themselves and/or cooked themselves.

Like cooking, a garden can also teach them about nature and nutrition as well as give kids a sense of accomplishment. Gardening and cooking will keep their minds and bodies active which can be challenging for some parents whose kids prefer computers, reading, or other sedentary activities.

Getting outdoors will also ensure your family gets enough of the sunshine vitamin—vitamin D. And cooking the foods they grow sharpens their math skills while getting their creative juices flowing.

Kids love digging in the dirt, which is where gardening begins.

To make gardening a little easier for those who may not have the money to purchase plants or the outdoor space to grow a garden in their yard, here are eight vegetables that you can re-grow again and again; straight from the grocery store, any time of year!

SCALLIONS You can re-grow scallions by leaving an inch attached to the roots and place them in a small glass with a little water in a well-lit room.

GARLIC When garlic begins to sprout, you can put them in a glass with a little water and grow garlic sprouts. The sprouts have a milder flavor than garlic and can be added to salads, pasta, and other dishes.

BOK CHOY Bok choy can be re-grown by placing the root end in water in a well-lit area. In 1–2 weeks, you

can transplant it to a pot with soil and grow a full new head.

CARROTS Put carrot tops in a dish with a little water. Set the dish in a well-lit room or a window sill. You’ll have carrot tops to use in salads.

BASIL Put clippings from basil with 3 to 4-inch stems in a glass of water and place it in direct sunlight. When the roots are about 2 inches long, plant them in pots too and in time it will grow a full basil plant.

CELERY Cut off the base of the celery and place it in a saucer or shallow bowl of warm water in the sun.

Leaves will begin to thicken and grow in the middle of the base, then transfer the celery to soil.

ROMAINE LETTUCE Put romaine lettuce stumps in a 1/2 inch of water.

Re-water to keep water level at 1/2 inch. After a few days, roots and new leaves will appear and you can transplant it into soil.

CILANTRO The stems of cilantro will grow when placed in a glass of water. Once the roots are long enough, plant them in a pot in a well-lit room. You will have a full plant in a few months.

If you are interested in growing an outdoor garden in our West Texas area, check out my Summertime Series in the June and July 2014 issues, available online at www.anapplemag.com.

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

an apple a day june 2015 21

health & beauty NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC

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have heard many women say, “Oh I won’t use that; I only want natural products on my skin.” This sounds wise, but what does it really mean and how are the so-called natural delineated from the unnatural or synthetic?

The bad rap for the use of synthetics probably comes because there are some that are not good for your skin and others that should be used with extreme care. Certainly parabens, sulfates, and phthalates are to be used with caution.

However, many synthetics are “safe, effective, and on the cutting edge of what science has to offer in the race against aging” (Fiorella Valdesolo, May 2015, Town and Country Magazine).

Therefore this label would apply to any ingredient that has been manipulated or modified in a lab even though it was “nature-derived.” Gross points out that “many of the most prized synthetic skincare ingredients do occur naturally but for various reasons are reproduced in a lab.” For example, peptides occur in nature and are commonly considered the most valuable ingredient for regeneration; however, they might not be available for use if they could not be reproduced in a lab. In nature this complex chain of amino acids is simply too difficult to retrieve.

“Many of the most prized synthetic skincare ingredients do occur naturally but for various reasons are reproduced in a lab.”

The truth is, most leading research in skincare indicates that a good blend of the natural or organic ingredients with the synthetic or laboratory ingredients produced results in the most successful skin products in terms of providing the desired outcome. Synthetic is applied to anything that does not “spontaneously come from nature,” states dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

22 june 2015 an apple a day

Many natural ingredients work better when linked with synthetics.

A good example of this linking of natural with synthetic is the use of vitamin C which is one of the few ingredients that can build collagen, a vital factor in the smooth firm texture of young skin. As we age, our bodies produce less and less natural collagen. Skin creams and serums containing the natural C combined with a little help from science work well in supplementing that loss of collagen. Alone C is only water-soluble, “but if you piggy back it into a lipid molecule it can get to areas it wouldn’t normally reach, promoting collagen and protecting skin from free radicals.”

According to Dr. Gross, “In order for a product to make you look younger, you need to get ingredients into both the water-soluble and lipidsoluble phases of the skin.”

Natural ingredients are vital for our health and well-being; however, they do have limitations. So, perhaps that avocado you smoothed over your face and the cucumbers on your eye lids would provide you more benefit if eaten as part of a delicious salad.

Remember to use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, and to always smile as a smile is an instant face lift.

Earlene Smith Executive Consultant 432-563-0682 432-553-9957 earlenes@cableone.net

“Changing skin.

Changing lives.”

Special thanks to this month’s contributor: Earlene Smith earlenes@cableone.net

Mother Inspired

Maternity Care

Trust. As an expectant mom, that’s what you look for in the hospital that will deliver your little ones. At Odessa Regional Medical Center, we’re passionate about delivering babies, and it’s more than just our job. We provide onsite, round-the-clock, high-risk pregnancy specialists, and offer the security of state-of-the-art accommodations in an atmosphere that makes you feel close to home. We also built the highest level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit available in the Permian Basin — a Level III NICU. At Odessa Regional Medical Center, we’ve spent over 40 years earning that trust, and we know that our involvement is just the beginning. For Adrian, ORMC gave her the peace of mind she needed when starting her family. At ORMC, we’re ready for the expected and the unexpected. We love what we do and we think it shows. Inside and out.

“We knew we were in good hands.”

– Adrian, ORMC Labor & Delivery Patient

I am an ORMC Mom Clare & Adrian Delivery June, 2014

520 East Sixth | Odessa 582-8677 www.odessaregional.com

Perfect Pico de Gallo

by Kim Clinkenbeard, CPT, FNS

The perfect pico de gallo is one that suits your individual tastes. Therefore, the below recipe should be adjusted as you like.

5 medium ripe tomatoes (firm to the touch), medium chop 1/2 red onion, small chop 3 scallions, small chop 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 1 large lime, juiced 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced Salt to taste If you like hot: 1 Serrano pepper, seeded and diced 1 habanero pepper, seeded and diced Add all vegetables to a large bowl.

Add salt, cilantro, and lime juice to the bowl and gently stir to combine all the ingredients without smashing the tomatoes. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes before serving.

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

Fit Family Fitness 3404 N. Midland Dr.

Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus 4214 Andrews Hwy.

Flat Belly Organics 3326 N. Midkiff Rd.

Palmer Drug Abuse Program 1208 W. Wall St.

Graham Pharmacy 1601 W. Wall St. HealthSouth 1800 Heritage Blvd.

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

24 june 2015 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.

First Baptist Church 709 N. Lee Furr’s Music City Mall Harmony Health Food Shoppe 3110 E. University Blvd., Ste. A Heaven Bound Daycare 507 Elliot HEB Pharmacy 3801 E. 42nd St. Hunt Advertising 3527 Billy Hext Rd. Medical Center Hospital 500 W. 4th St. Mission Fitness 8050 Hwy. 191

The Odessa Family YMCA 3001 E. University Odessa Regional Medical Center 520 E. 6th St. Permian Basin Rehab Center 620 N. Alleghaney 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.

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