YOU’VE PICTURED IT LONG ENOUGH. Build your dream backyard this spring!
F E AT U R I N G Serenity 200 Fireplace
Paladin Garden Column
Autumn Ridge Weathered Pavers
(Featured products shown above are not to scale)
It’s easy to picture the backyard you’ve always dreamed of. But with General Shale outdoor products, it’s just as easy to make it a reality! Our fireplaces, fire pits, grills, garden benches and columns, accentuated with clay or concrete pavers, will add undeniable value, functionality and enjoyment to your home this spring!
Visit or call our local showrooms today!
423-952-4135
423-245-6131
3015 Bristol Highway Johnson City, TN 37601
925 East Stone Drive Kingsport, TN 37661
www.GeneralShale.com
You never get sick when it’s convenient. Don’t worry. First Assist Urgent Care is here for accidents, falls, sprains, strains, fever, flu, sore throat, cough, broken fingers or toes, rashes, infections, bleeding, cuts, stitches or whatever minor illnesses or injuries strike. When you need medical attention but not an emergency room, head for the closest First Assist.
For hours of operation, visit THINKfirstassist.com.
First Assist Urgent Care of Abingdon 603 Campus Drive, Suite 100 Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-8010
First Assist Urgent Care of Johnson City – Northpoint 1019 W. Oakland Ave., Suite 1 Johnson City, TN 37604 423-915-5000
Piney Flats Urgent Care* 6419 Bristol Highway Piney Flats, TN 37601 423-538-5202
First Assist Urgent Care of Colonial Heights 4600 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN 37663 423-224-3950
First Assist Urgent Care of Jonesborough 395 Forrest Circle, Suite 100 Jonesborough, TN 37659 423-753-0721
First Assist Urgent Care of Marion 245 Medical Park Drive, Suite C Marion, VA 24354 276-378-3300
First Assist Urgent Care of Elizabethton 314 Rogosin Drive Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-542-8929
First Assist Urgent Care of Kingsport 1101 E. Stone Drive, Suite 2 Kingsport, TN 37660 423-224-1110 *Affiliate of Mountain States Medical Group
Humana proudly salutes our network providers who have achieved service excellence.*
A
+
Your health and well-being is their top priority. These providers have ranked among the highest overall in our health plan based on Medicare quality measures*, which include: • Providing preventive services • Managing diabetes • Providing cancer screenings
• Controlling cholesterol levels • Preventing heart disease • Medication management
They take the time to see you frequently and closely follow those with chronic conditions. It’s the little things they do every day that can help keep you in good health. That can reduce your healthcare costs in the long run.
We are proud to salute:
State of Franklin Healthcare Associates Blue Ridge Family Medicine Blackmore, Ronald Bowling, Gretchen French, Jason Robins, Guy Way, Brian Family Physicians of J.C. Hutchins, Christina
McLaughlin, Dean First Choice Health Care Family Bertotti, Marian Merrifield, Angela Ross, Charles First Choice Health Care Internal Medicine Forbush, F. Alan Grosserode, Michael
Hemphill, Chris Monderer, Rachel Pearson, Michael Proffitt, Amy J.C. Internal Medicine Brown, Jr., Paul Cary, Matthew Cook, Keith Dykes, James T. El Bazouni, Hadi Freemon, David Gibson, Mary Jane
Hansen, James Hansen, Shoko Hatjioannou, Jason Hodges, Stanley Hoover, Randy Johnson, Frank Khezeri, Azadeh Malik, Sulleman Matherne, Craig Moulton, David Nerren, Bryan Rafai, Ali Rolen, Richard
Shankle, Victoria Sweet, Kevin Williams, Mark Pinnacle Family Practice Colyar, Allan Humston, Elizabeth Manginelli, Stephanie Nave, Ellen
*Providers were ranked based on their 2013 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Pharmacy Claims Data metrics. HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Helping you stay healthy in the community
Humana is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in a Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in our network. Y0040_GHHHL2ZHH_15
| vol. 1 no. 8
PHOTO BY WOVEN STUDIOS
april 2 0 1 5
features ON THE COVER
getting fresh p20
Winter’s chill may still linger in the air, but that hasn’t stopped local farmers and gardeners from coaxing their first spring crops to grow. Around the Tri-Cities, farmers markets are getting ready to bloom with greens, onions, plants and flowers as they open this spring. BY DEBRA MCCOWN
bigger is better p26
Local families share what it’s like to nurture and raise a house full of children.
BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE
Cover photo by John Jernigan
piecing together the puzzle p32
Autism is a big deal. With over 3 million people in the United States affected by the disorder and an alarming spike in its prevalence, scientists are scrambling for answers.
BY LESLEY JONES
APRIL 2015
| tchealthyliving.com
3
departments p46
7
HE ALT H Y
beat
TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE
BY LAUREL GILLUM, LEIGH ANN LAUBE & DEBR A MCCOWN
8
Spring festivals for the whole family.
10
Calling all race fans!
12
How to raise a compassionate child.
15
HE ALT H Y
p8
dose
INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS
BY JOANN GUIDRY & BROCK SENG
16
All about acne.
18
Measles on the rise.
37
HE ALT H Y
p10
body
NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUT Y
BY CEALIA ATHANASON & K ATIE MCPHERSON
38
Managing your meals.
40
Spring trends to splurge on.
43
HE ALT H Y
p10 p18
p38
balance
MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE
BY BROCK SENG
44
Is your teen tired?
46
Double check your discounts.
p44 p40
p16 Correction: In our March 2015 issue of Healthy Living Magazine, we inadvertently imply on our Challenge page that you should use both ammonia and bleach to clean your counters. Mixing ammonia and bleach together can be extremely dangerous. It should have read “ammonia OR bleach.” We sincerely apologize for this error.
4
tchealthyliving.com | APRIL 2015
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4 2 3 . 6 3 1 . 0 4 7 0 39 80
B ris t ol
|
r e n o v u s b e a u t y. c o m
H i g h w a y,
J oh ns on
C i t y,
TN
3 7 6 0 1
tchealthyliving.com / 423.794.8780
publisher
MARK BAGGARLY mark@tchealthyliving.com EDITORIAL
Welcome
editorial@tchealthyliving.com
executive editor
KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY managing editor
MELISSA PETERSON contributing writers
JOANN GUIDRY LESLEY JONES BONNIE KRETCHIK LEIGH ANN LAUBE DEBRA MCCOWN CYNTHIA MCFARLAND CARLTON REESE associate editor
KATIE MCPHERSON editorial assistant
BROCK SENG
editorial interns
CEALIA ATHANASON LAUREL GILLUM Christopher S. Marengo, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist
ART & PRODUCTION art@tchealthyliving.com
creative director
JASON FUGATE
production manager
CYNTHIA BROWN
Abingdon Healthcare for Women proudly welcomes Christopher Marengo, OB/GYN, to its growing staff. He specializes in noninvasive surgery with modern gynecological techniques and considers it a privilege to be an OB/GYN. Dr. Marengo comes to us from Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. A Roanoke resident for four years, Dr. Marengo is married and the father of two children. He is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Marengo is welcoming new patients today.
graphic designers
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Healthy Living Tri-Cities, April 2015. Published monthly by Healthy Living Media, LLC and distributed by The Caddy Group, Inc. 2332 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620. All contents copyright 2015 by Healthy Living Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or advertising information, call (423) 794-8780. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Promotional” and “Promotional Feature” denote a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.
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HE ALT H Y
TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE
WHO cares? APR
7
Source: who.int
beat
More than 2 million deaths occur every year due to unsafe food consumption. With those statistics in mind, this year’s World Health Day, April 7, will focus on food safety around the world. More than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhea to cancer, are caused by food-borne pathogens and improper preparation and storage. An increasing global market makes it possible for those conditions to easily cross borders. For consumers, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages reading labels, familiarizing yourself with dangerous chemical agents that may be in crops and observing proper food handling. To check out the campaign and educate yourself on food safety, visit who.int.
APRIL 2015
| tchealthyliving.com
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HE ALT H Y
beat happenings
it’s festival time! S
pring has sprung around the Tri-Cities, and local festivals abound! Here’s a glimpse of springtime events that are happening around the region over the next few weeks. BY DEBRA MCCOWN
carter mansion celebration
APRIL 11-12, ELIZABETHTON
• FREE Celebrate history, traditional arts and family fun at the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Step into the 1780s with living history re-enactors who will demonstrate different aspects of 18th-century life and local craftsmen who will demonstrate traditional skills. (423) 543-5808 sycamoreshoalstn.org
appalachian antique farm show APRIL 24-27, GRAY
• $5 ADULTS, FREE FOR KIDS Centered around antique farm equipment, this event at
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tchealthyliving.com | APRIL 2015
the Appalachian Fairgrounds also has flea market vendors, a petting zoo, pig races, a frying pan toss and “tractor Olympics.” (423) 341-7241 tsapa.com
spring garden fair at exchange place APRIL 25-26, KINGSPORT • $3 ADULTS, FREE FOR KIDS Featuring demonstrations of springtime activities on a 19th-century farmstead, this festival also includes the sale of plants and garden accessories, traditional music, old-fashioned foods, children’s activities’ animals and educational “talks and walks.” (423) 288-6071 exchangeplace.info
fiddlers & fiddleheads festival APRIL 25, UNICOI
• FREE This 20th anniversary event is a day of music from local and regional talent, held at the Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens. The festival will also include food, crafts, a blacksmithing demonstration and a Model-A car show. (423) 735-0317 Find them on Facebook by searching Fiddlers & Fiddleheads Festival.
appalachian trail days MAY 15-17, DAMASCUS, VA • FREE It’s been called the family reunion for Appalachian Trail hikers. This little town north of Mountain City is crammed full of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for a packed schedule of events centered around the town park and informal activities around town where hundreds of people camp for the duration. (276) 475-3831 traildays.us
strawberry festival MAY 16, UNICOI • FREE Featuring strawberry-themed foods, this festival includes a parade, games and ac-
tivities for kids, craft vendors and demonstrations. (423) 735-0317 / unicoitn.net
clinch river days MAY 28-30, ST. PAUL, VA
iris festival
• FREE This idyllic small-town festival stretches out along the bank of the Clinch River with activities including food and craft vendors, rides and games for kids, and guided caving and river trips. In its 17th year, the festival is a celebration of the Clinch, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world. (276) 762-5544
MAY 16-17, GREENEVILLE
• FREE This festival traditionally draws more than 25,000 people to downtown Greeneville for a juried craft show with craft demonstrations, food vendors and merchants, music and dance shows. (423) 638-4111 greenecountypartnership.com/ events/iris-festival-1
racks by the tracks
nickelsville days
MAY 16, KINGSPORT
MAY 23, NICKELSVILLE, VA
• $30-$50 BEER & CONCERT, $10-$15 CONCERT ONLY Craft beer and BBQ are the story at this festival, which is held at the Kingsport Farmers Market building. It attracts over 12,000 people and is a local community fundraiser. (423) 863-3998 racksbythetracks.com
• FREE This small-town festival packs a lot into one day. It has the typical music and craft vendors as well as
whitetop mountain ramp festival MAY 17, WHITETOP, VA
• FREE Take a scenic drive into the mountains to a spot where you can dance to mountain music, enjoy a homemade chicken dinner with ramps and watch (or join in) the legendary ramp-eating contest. Ramps are strongtasting wild leeks that signify the coming of spring. mtrogersvfd-rs.com
a parade, fireworks, free games and rides for kids, and a Civil War re-enactment. Nickelsville is located in Scott County, Virginia, about
13 miles north of Gate City on Route 71. (276) 479-3257 nickelsvilledays.com
plumb alley day MAY 23, ABINGDON, VA • $1 ADMISSION This 33rd annual event draws thousands of people to the shaded alley between Main Street and Valley Street in downtown Abingdon. It’s a massive yard sale with kids’ activities and local entertainment with a very festival atmosphere as you stroll up and down the street. abingdonkiwanis.org/ plumballeyday.html
FREE CONCERTS DOWNTOWN!
DON’T FORGET THE TRI-CITIES’ TWO FREE DOWNTOWN CONCERT SERIES, TWILIGHT ALIVE IN KINGSPORT AND BORDER BASH IN BRISTOL. KINGSPORT SHUTS DOWN BROAD STREET EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE FOR FREE CONCERTS FROM 7-10PM. FOR MORE DETAILS, GO ONLINE TO VISITKINGSPORT.COM/CONCERT-SERIES.HTML, OR
clinchriverfestival.sharepoint.com
native american festival
MAY 30-31, ELIZABETHTON
• $5 ADULTS, $1 CHILDREN In its 25th year at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, this festival is a celebration of Native American heritage with an emphasis on the Cherokee culture. It includes award-winning dancers, storytellers, artists and re-enactors with historic craft demonstrations. (423) 543-5808 sycamoreshoalstn.org
CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/KINGSPORT.CVB OR CALL (423) 392-8800. BRISTOL SHUTS DOWN STATE STREET EVERY OTHER FRIDAY NIGHT FROM MID-MAY THROUGH AUGUST FOR FREE EVENTS WITH KIDS’ ACTIVITIES BEGINNING AT 6PM AND CONCERTS FROM 7-9PM. FOR DETAILS, CHECK OUT BIRTHPLACEOFCOUNTRYMUSIC.ORG, EMAIL INFO@BRISTOLRHYTHM.COM OR CALL (423) 573-1927.
APRIL 2015
| tchealthyliving.com
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HE ALT H Y
beat out & about
it’s bristol baby! F ans are gearing up for new race date.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE
10
tchealthyliving.com | APRIL 2015
Race fans had to wait a little longer this year for the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” to roar back to life. The Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was moved from March to April 19. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick and others will battle it out once again for an early season victory. Jeff Gordon has announced that this will be his final full-time year in the Sprint Cup Series, and fans are invited to send one of Bristol’s all-time winningest drivers off with a bang. “When you come to Bristol, No. 1, it’s an experience,” says Ben Trout, Bristol Motor Speedway’s vice president of ticketing and guest relations. “It’s not about the 500 laps that happen on the track. It’s about everything that happens from the seven days in front of the event to right up to the checkered flag. It truly is a bucket list item. It’s an event that has to be experienced inperson to be fully appreciated.”
“It truly is a bucket list item. It’s an event that has to be experienced in-person to be fully appreciated.”
— BEN TROUT
Race events begin at 12:30pm on Thursday, April 16, when gates open for spectators. Between 12:30pm and 5pm, the track will host the PittLite 125 NKNS-E practice, final practice and qualifying. Speedway Children’s Charities Laps for Kids will be held from 8-10pm. Fan Friday starts the weekend on Friday, April 17, as Sprint Cup Series qualifying returns. The evening culminates with Food City Race Night. Held in Bristol’s Hospitality Village, this free fan fest always entertains with music, food and driver appearances. The Food City Race Night 5K, the first race in a three-part series for Bristol Motor Speedway this year, will begin at 8pm on April 17. Runners are invited to take in the sights and sounds of Race Night, the Bristol Motor Speedway Campgrounds and go for a lap around the track. Registration is $25.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Visit bristol.speedwaycharities.org for more information about the 5K. BMS continues April race week on Saturday, April 18, with the NXS 300 at 1:30pm and the PittLite 125 at 4:30pm. Gates open at 8:30am. On Sunday, April 19, gates open at 9am with the Food City 500 at 1pm.
what to expect First-timers should expect to meet some of the friendliest Southerners as well as folks from all around the world. “Why is Bristol Motor Speedway special? Well, first of all, we have one of the largest venues in NASCAR with more than 150,000 seats,” Trout explains. “Our guests get to watch racing at its finest, in a coliseum-like stadium environment, and experience something that isn’t like anything else in NASCAR. “Sixty-two percent of our fans who visit Bristol Motor Speedway prefer to camp. It
creates a city around the track. To be honest, at least a week in advance of the event, we have thousands of people here. Five days in front of the event, we have tens of thousands of fans here. The weekend of the event, we have over 100,000 fans in attendance. On race day, Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the largest cities in Tennessee.” If you have a question, don’t be shy about asking. Bristol Motor Speedway has more than 15 guest services booths located around the Speedway. Or, you can text “BRISTOL” TO 69050 and then ask your question. It’s recommended that you arrive early to beat the traffic and find the best parking spots. Visit bristolmotorspeedway.com for the most up-to-date information on free parking and park-and-ride locations. With that extra time, be sure to visit the interactive display and souvenir areas. “If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to get here early and meet your fellow race fans,” Trout says. “Make it a staycation and a destination spot. You’re going to witness the best racing, hands down, that you are ever going to see.” Dress comfortably for springtime weather in East Tennessee. Check out the Bristol Motor Speedway app for the latest weather updates. Good walking shoes are a must. Golf cart transportation is available for guests needing special assistance. Inquire at any guest services booth for more information. For kids ages 15 and younger, there are two free kid zones full of activities. Race tickets can be purchased in the Bruton Smith Building by calling (866) 415-4158 or visiting bristoltix.com.
what to bring • SUNGLASSES AND SUNSCREEN • EAR PROTECTION • SCANNER WITH HEADSET (RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE) • ONE COOLER (UP TO 14 INCHES) WITH YOUR OWN FOOD AND BEVERAGES • ONE BACKPACK OR BAG NO LARGER THAN 14 INCHES IN SIZE, PREFERABLY SEE-THROUGH
what not to bring • GLASS CONTAINERS • COOLERS OVER 14 INCHES • HELIUM BALLOONS OR BEACH BALLS • NOISEMAKERS, HORNS • PETS, EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS ASSISTING THE DISABLED • ROLLERBLADES, SKATEBOARDS, STROLLERS • STADIUM SEATS WIDER THAN 17 INCHES OR STADIUM SEATS WITH ARMS • UMBRELLAS • WEAPONS, INCLUDING GUNS, KNIVES, ICE PICKS, REGARDLESS OF PERMIT
APRIL 2015
| tchealthyliving.com
11
beat the challenge
kindness counts
ICONS © TRETER ; HEARTS © VASELENKA ; BOY © BLAJ GABRIEL / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
HE ALT H Y
Each month we create a new challenge for our readers to try to improve their health and wellness. This month we are challenging you to challenge your kids to become better people!
KIDS BY NATURE ARE USUALLY PRETTY SELFISH. IT’S UP TO US, AS PARENTS, TO TEACH THEM TO THINK BEYOND THEIR OWN WELL-BEING AND HAPPINESS AND TO PUT OTHER’S FIRST.
ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO BE GOOD FRIENDS. IF SOMEONE IS EATING ALONE, SUGGEST THEY INVITE THEM OVER TO THEIR LUNCH TABLE AT SCHOOL. PULL TOGETHER A BOX OF TOYS TO DONATE TO CHARITY OR TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO WOULD LOVE THEM. HELP YOUR CHILD ORGANIZE A FOOD AND COAT DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS. LOVE PETS? MAYBE A PET FOOD/BLANKET DRIVE FOR THE LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER.
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tchealthyliving.com | APRIL 2015
the challenge:
Teaching your kids the right way in life isn’t always easy. In fact, a recent Harvard study found that over 80 percent of children surveyed feel their parents are more concerned with their child’s academic achievements or personal happiness than whether they do nice things for other people. In order to halt this “me-only” attitude, we challenge both you and your child to commit regular random acts of kindness. We guarantee this is a challenge that will change your life, and attitude, for the better. HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED. SUGGEST THAT YOUR CHILD BRING DONUTS OR OTHER TREATS OVER TO THE FIRE STATION OR NURSE’S STATION AS A SWEET THANK YOU FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
HELP YOUR CHILD PLANT FLOWERS IN A DECORATED POT AND WALK THEM OVER TO ONE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS AS A NICE PICKMEUP. WHEN OTHERS ARE GOSSIPING, ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO BE THE ONE TO GIVE A COMPLIMENT. HAVE YOUR OLDER KIDS HELP A YOUNGER SIBLING WITH THEIR HOMEWORK OR CHORES.
HAVE YOUR CHILD OFFER TO UNLOAD AN ELDERLY PERSON’S OR A BUSY MOM’S GROCERIES AT THE STORE. GIVE A DOLLAR TO YOUR CHILD AND HAVE THEM LEAVE THE MONEY IN A PUBLIC PLACE TO BE FOUND. EVEN A DOLLAR CAN BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO LET SOMEONE GO AHEAD OF THEM IN THE SCHOOL LINE—OR ANY LINE FOR THAT MATTER! NO NEED TO GET UPSET IF SOMEONE GOES IN FRONT OF YOU. ALWAYS HELP YOUR CHILD WRITE THANK YOU NOTES WHEN RECEIVING GIFTS.
Sources: buzzfeed.com, huffingtonpost.com
the issue:
care
GENTLE, EFFECTIVE
FOR THE E N T I R E FA M I LY • Chiropractic Services • Massage • Health & Wellness Services • Sports Medicine & Injury
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Celebrating 25 years in practice!
423-538-4000
5661 Hwy 11-E Ste 1 Piney Flats, TN 37686
COSMETIC LASER SKIN CENTER
OPEN HOUSE APRIL 10TH
CONSIDERING EYELID OR BROW SURGERY? While some doctors or plastic surgeons are qualified to perform cosmetic eyelid surgery, you’ll probably agree that it’s best to choose an ophthalmic plastic surgeon like Dr. Jeff Carlsen, Johnson City Eye Clinic. The Tri-Cities only fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic eyelid surgery, Dr. Carlsen has had extensive training, and his expertise in eyelid surgery is second to none. When choosing someone to perform surgery on the delicate area around the eyes, finding a surgeon with Dr. Carlsen’s unique expertise just makes sense.
pineyflatschiropracticcenter.net
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| tchealthyliving.com
13
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HE ALT H Y
dose INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS
the misery of menopause
Source: nbcnews.com
Over 1,400 women were involved in a recent study that revealed, in most cases, hot flashes and night sweats last, on average, seven years. In extreme cases, they have been known to last even longer—14 years of menopause. Can you imagine? Women of Asian descent reported symptoms lasting an average of five years, Hispanic women nine years and African American women claim 10 years of misery. What treatment is right for you? Medications, natural therapies and lifestyle changes are all options. Ask your doctor for advice.
APRIL 2015
| tchealthyliving.com
15
zap those zits Y
ou wake up and the middle of your forehead aches. You walk to the bathroom and see a giant red mark right between your eyes. You don’t remember getting bit by a bug or stung by a wasp, and then you see it, right in the middle, a white dot poking through the red. That’s when you realize: You’ve got a pimple.
what is acne?
ACNE IS USUALLY FOUND ON YOUR FACE, NECK, CHEST, BACK AND SHOULDER AREAS, AS THESE AREAS OF SKIN HAVE THE MOST SEBACEOUS (OIL) GLANDS. WHEN THE BODY PRODUCES AN EXCESS AMOUNT OF OIL AND DEAD SKIN CELLS, THE TWO CAN BUILD UP IN THE PORES. IF THE CLOGGED PORE BECOMES INFECTED WITH BACTERIA, INFLAMMATION RESULTS.
types of acne
• Whiteheads: Small and under the skin, whiteheads are pores impacted with oil and covered by skin layers.
• Pustules: Visible on the skin, pustules are red and filled with a yellowish, liquid pus like a blister.
• Blackheads: Visible on the skin, • Nobules: Visible on the skin, blackheads are pores impacted nobules are large, solid lesions with oil and exposed to air. due to infection of the tissue. • Papules: Visible on the skin, papules are small, pink bumps that are hard to the touch.
• Cysts: Visible on the skin, cysts are deep, painful and filled with pus.
what causes acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but four things can lead to the growth of acne: oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. Below are some common explanations for how these occur, leading to the growth of acne. Hormones: Hormonal changes cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil. Family history: Genetics are linked to acne. If both of your parents had acne, you’re likely to develop acne, too. Greasy, oily substances: Oily lotions, oily creams or exposure to grease, such as fry vats in kitchens, can cause acne. Friction on the skin: Cellphones, helmets, tight collars and more can all keep the skin from getting enough air, which can then cause pores to clog. Prescriptions: Steroids found in drugs such as topical treatments can cause hormone imbalances, leading to acne.
COMMON ACNE MYTHS:
16
YOU CAN GET ACNE FROM SWEATING.
EATING JUNK FOOD WILL MAKE YOU BREAK OUT.
WASHING YOUR FACE MORE FREQUENTLY PREVENTS BREAKOUTS.
False. Sweat alone cannot cause acne. You would need a combo of sweat, heat, friction and covered skin.
False. Eating unhealthy food does not cause acne, but high-oil food can increase oil production, which can lead to acne.
False. Over-washing your face can make acne worse due to dryness of the skin, which makes the body produce more oil to overcompensate.
tchealthyliving.com | APRIL 2015
DOCTOR © STOCKLITE, VINEGAR© RSASIMOTO; GIRL ©SZASZ-FABIAN JOZSEF/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
dose
Sources: webmd.com, womenshealthmag.com, mayoclinic.org, kidshealth.org, aad.org, medicalnewstoday.com, totalbeauty.com, dermalinstitute.com, healthyskinportal.com, about.com, everydayroots.com, mindbodygreen.com, Eric Schweiger, MD, New York Dermatologist
HE ALT H Y
natural treatments
According to MindBodyGreen, acne treatments, such as isotretinoin sometimes cause severe side effects such as liver disease, severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, all-natural treatments may be safer. Try the following:
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria, balances the pH of your skin (making it harder for bacteria to live) and dries up excess oil.
CINNAMON AND HONEY: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, which stop bacteria from growing, and honey is a natural antibiotic, which kills any bacteria the cinnamon left behind.
TEA TREE OIL: Tea tree oil cuts through the extra oil and dead skin cells and unclogs the pores while also killing bacteria with its antibacterial properties.
PAPAYA: Raw papaya removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and helps reduce inflammation to prevent pus from forming.
EGG WHITES: Egg whites are full of proteins and vitamins to help rebuild skin cells and soak up any excess oil.
ALOE: Whether in gel form or fresh from the plant, aloe helps to heal existing acne, reducing the appearance of pimples.
GREEN TEA: When applied topically, green tea reduces oil production and protects against acne-causing bacteria.
teen acne vs. adult acne
According to The International Dermal Institute, 54 percent of women over the age of 25 have acne. You might be thinking this is past the normal age of acne, which is often associated with the teenage years, and you’re right. This is adult acne, and the two are entirely different.
TEEN ACNE:
ADULT ACNE:
• STARTS WITH PUBERTY WHEN THE OIL GLANDS START PRODUCING
• STARTS WITH BLOCKED PORES AND OVERACTIVE OIL GLANDS
• BREAKOUTS TYPICALLY OCCUR ON THE FOREHEAD, NOSE AND CHIN AREAS • USUALLY CAUSED BY THE HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS COMMON DURING PUBERTY
• BREAKOUTS ARE MORE COMMON ON THE LOWER PART OF THE FACE, INCLUDING THE CHIN AND JAW LINE • RESPONDS WELL TO OVER-THE-COUNTER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ADULT ACNE
• MAY APPEAR AS BLACKHEADS, WHITEHEADS, PUSTULES OR CYSTS SCATTERED ACROSS THE FACE
• MAY BE DUE TO THE HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLES, PREGNANCY OR MENOPAUSE; INCREASED STRESS AND CONSUMPTION OF HORMONEENRICHED PRODUCTS
• USUALLY RESPONDS WELL TO OVERTHE-COUNTER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TEENS
• MAY APPEAR AS BLACKHEADS, WHITEHEADS, PUSTULES AND CYSTS AROUND THE JAW LINE
WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST If you’re experiencing acne that doesn’t go away with over-thecounter products, find yourself skipping friendly outings due to embarrassment or have acne scars, it’s time to see a dermatologist to find out more about medical acne remedies.
SUN EXPOSURE HELPS CLEAR UP ACNE.
APPLYING TOOTHPASTE TO A ZIT CLEARS IT UP.
POPPING PIMPLES MAKES THEM GO AWAY FASTER.
False. The sun does not “dry out” acne like acne-care products do and instead causes the skin to tan, “hiding” acne.
False. Toothpaste doesn’t “dry out” acne and instead can clog pores and cause skin irritation.
False. Popping pimples pushes bacteria further into the skin and can also cause acne scars on the face.
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dose VACCINE © SHERRY YATES YOUNG ; BABY ©HANNAMARIAH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
connection disconnection T BY JOANN GUIDRY
he 2015 measles outbreak in the United States has brought to the forefront the longheld misconception of the connection of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. This traces back to a study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield published in The Lancet in 1998. Wakefield’s study claimed that 12 children with neurodevelopment delays that he examined, including eight who had autism, had the measles virus in their guts. But the key here is that the study only implied a vague association between the MMR vaccine and developmental disorder. And, in fact, the original article, which was contributed to by 13 authors, stated that “we did not prove an association between [the] measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described.”
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But Wakefield’s vague comments to the media further pushed the belief that there was a definitive link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey subsequently voiced their own beliefs in this unfounded connection. Many desperate parents of autistic children followed suit. And, out of fear, many parents began opting out of vaccinating their children. “In my practice, I have parents ask me about the MMR vaccine and autism. Some even bring up Jenny McCarthy,” says pediatrician Dr. Chris Okonkwo. “I tell them the scientific research shows no link and that the vaccine is safe. If parents are not willing to vaccinate their children, I refer them to another practice.” Since Wakefield’s study, every reputable medical research organization has conducted numerous studies involving hundreds of thousands of children. No link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been found. In 1968, the MMR vaccine was developed and first distributed in the United States. By 2000, there was no
continuous measles transmission for more than 12 months, which meant measles had been eliminated in the United States. But before the 2015 measles outbreak (170 cases in 17 states and Washington D.C. as of March 3), there was a much larger outbreak. In 2014, there were 644 measles cases in 27 states. Of that number, 383 occurred in unvaccinated Amish communities in Ohio. The remaining were connected to travel to and from the Philippines, which had experienced a large measles outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of those who aren’t vaccinated will get measles if exposed to the virus. A serious health complication in children who get measles includes swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause permanent hearing loss and/or mental impairment. And between one and two of every 1,000 children who get the measles will die from the disease. The CDC recommends that all children get two doses of the MMR vaccine; first between 12 and 15 months and again between 4 and 6 years old.
Sources: cdc.gov, thedoctorwillseeyounow.com, webmd.com
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FreSh inter’s cHill mA� sTill lInger in tHe aIr, but tHat hAsn’t sTopPed lo�al fArmers an� gArdeners from coaxIng tHeir fIrsT sPring cropS to grow. Around tHe Tri-CitIes, fArmers mArkets are gettIng ready to bloom wIth greens, onions, planTs an� flowers aS tHey oPen tHis sPring.
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There are five big farmers markets in the Tri-Cities and more than a dozen smaller markets around the region. They open for the season beginning in early April, with some waiting until May or even until peak summer season. Some celebrate with big fanfare, while others opt for a lowkey season opening, knowing their loyal customers will turn out. For a lot of people, the start of farmers market season is more than just a chance to buy fresh, local produce; it’s also an opportunity to catch up with people they haven’t seen all winter, find out what’s new in the world of local food and get a fresh start on healthy eating as the warm weather approaches. This year, the Kingsport Farmers Market is set to open April 4, the Johnson City and Abingdon farmers markets April 18 and the State Street (Bristol) and Jonesborough farmers markets May 2. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
ngsport i k Farmers Market
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Season Opening Day
S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 4
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Saturdays and Wednesdays, April through December, 6am-2pm Corner of Center & Clinchfield Streets facing Food City, Kingsport (423) 357-3897 kingsporttn.gov/kingsport-farmers-market facebook.com/kingsportfarmersmarket
The kingsport FarmerS market began in tHe 1��0s, and at that time, farmers
markets in all three of the Tri-Cities were tied together under an umbrella organization called the Tri-Cities Farmers’ Association for Retail Marketing (FARM). In the years since, the Bristol and Johnson City farmers markets have formed independent entities, and other farmers markets have grown up around the region, especially in the last decade. Jim LaFollette, president and market manager for the Kingsport Farmers Market, says the local-food trend that fueled the founding of the first market decades ago continues today. “Back when the farmers market started, it was to help small farmers that couldn’t go out and sell to wholesalers, so they had a way to bring their items to a farmers market and sell them fresh and local,” LaFollette says. “Since then, the movement has continued to buy fresh and buy local. The people get to talk to the farmers who produce [their food], they know what’s been sprayed, what kind of fertilizer’s been used on it and it’s one day out of the field.” Each summer at the Kingsport Farmers Market, there’s a tomato festival and a pepper festival, both put on in partnership with community organizations. LaFollette says nonprofit community groups often work with the market on special events, which have ranged from breakfast fundraisers to a kids’ cardboard construction challenge. “We kind of leave it open to let things like that happen,” he says, “and it’s worked out good.”
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nson City h Jo
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Farmers Market
Farmers Market
2015
2015
Season Opening Day
Season Opening Day
S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 18
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Saturdays and Wednesdays, April 18 through October, 7am-2pm City-owned parking lot at South Roan Street & State of Franklin Road, Johnson City (423) 367-7627 johnsoncityfarmersmarket.com
The cIty hAs broken groun� on tHe new Johnson City FarmerS market fA�ility, which will move it under roof and closer to
downtown businesses. Lori Love, treasurer for the market, says the hope is that it will be complete by early fall, before this year’s market season is over. The Johnson City Farmers Market has been located in the same city-owned parking lot since the late 1990s, Love says, and since then, it’s grown from half a dozen vendors to more than 50 on a typical Saturday. Attendance has taken off as the market has increased its online visibility, started accepting food stamps and made a point of having live music every Saturday. But more than that, Love says, the growth trend began with a series of food safety scares that made a lot of people ask where their food was coming from—and question whether corporate agriculture was the best way to feed their families. What it’s become is a community, she says, a place where people see each other’s children grow year after year, where buyers and sellers are also neighbors and friends. “Folks bring their dogs, they bring their kids, they come in their running suits. People hang out at the market, and I can’t figure out why, but you’ll see the same person travel past you for two hours. You’ll see people running into old friends that they haven’t seen in quite a while. They just hang around and talk, or they’ll stand and listen to the music,” Love says. “It’s just a festival atmosphere on a nice hot day in the middle of summer. It’s somewhere there are thousands of people and you don’t feel alone at all, because there’s always someone there that’ll talk to you about something.”
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S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 18
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1st & 3rd Saturdays, January through April 11, 10am-noon Saturdays, April 18 through Thanksgiving, 8am-1pm Tuesdays, April 18 through Thanksgiving, 3-6pm Saturdays, Thanksgiving through Christmas, 10am-noon Cummings Street & Remsburg Drive, just north of I-81’s Exit 17 in Abingdon, Virginia (276) 698-1434 abingdonmarket@gmail.com abingdonfarmersmarket.com facebook.com/abingdonfarmersmarket
The A�ingdon FarmerS market alwA�s sTarTs tHe sPring season wIth a bIg evenT: Opening day at the market is paired with
the town’s Earth Day celebration, a festival across the street and adjoining the market pavilion that offers a variety of activities for kids and information and freebies for adults. The market, which draws more than 50 weekly vendors during much of the season, also hosts a variety of events, including a tomato festival in August, a “Squashtoberfest” in September and a fall festival where the main attraction is a giant pumpkin contest in which the mayor pays the winner $1 per pound for the prize-winning pumpkin. The Abingdon Farmers Market, which is open yearround, also hosts a variety of other events throughout the main season, including music about twice a month, chef demos about once a month and a weekly children’s program in the summer. A producers-only market, it only accepts vendors from within 50 miles but draws customers from throughout the Tri-Cities region and beyond.
other FarmerS’ marketS
The Appalachian Farmers Market Association maintains a network among community farmers’ markets in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. On its website (appfma.org/) the organization maintains a listing of farmers markets, which includes these around the Tri-Cities region:
te Street a St
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Farmers Market
Farmers Market
2015
2015
Season Opening Day
Season Opening Day
S AT U R DAY, M AY 2
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Saturdays, May through October, 8am-noon Wednesdays, July through September, 3-7pm State Street in downtown Bristol (423) 764-4026 bristoltn.org/204/state-street-farmers-market facebook.com/statestreetfarmersmarket
The State Street Farmers Market also hosts several seasonal events, including a corn festival in July where corn is
prepared and given out, a tomato festival in August where tomato biscuits are shared and the “Pumpkin Palooza,” which ends the season with a celebration of fall on the last Saturday in October. Even on non-festival days, the market is a fun place to be, says Mike Musick, recreation superintendent for the city of Bristol, Tennessee, which runs the State Street Farmers Market in a spot that sits on the Tennessee-Virginia state line. “We’ve got a good group of vendors and folks who enjoy the market, and they come out. It’s as much of a social gathering as anything, about a town square kind of feel,” Musick says. “[Farmers markets] are a lot of fun. If you’ve never been to one, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
Tennessee: • Appalachian Farmers Market (Gray) • Blountville Farmers Market • Erwin/Unicoi County Farmers Market • Elizabethton Farmers Market • Farmers Market at East Tennessee State University • Greeneville Farmers Market
• Johnson County Farmers Market • Rural Resources Mobile Farmers Market of Greeneville • Unicoi Farmers Market
S AT U R DAY, M AY 2
Saturdays, May-October, 8am-noon Closed during festivals July 4 and October 3
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Beside the old courthouse on Main Street., Jonesborough
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(423) 458-4122
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In Jonesborough, a small historic town just west of Johnson City, the eat-local trend has
taken on a life of its own. The Jonesborough Farmers Market, a producers-only market started in 2008, comes with weekly music and averages around 28 vendors. But beyond just a weekly market, it’s become the foundation for a variety of community endeavors. In the market’s second year, when customers were asked to chip in to buy tables and chairs for the market, they gave readily, says Karen Childress, executive director of Jonesborough Locally Grown, the umbrella nonprofit that runs the farmers market and related efforts. “Every different initiative that we’ve come up with associated with our farmers market just [gets] tons of positive support and people who want to help,” says Childress. She notes that market customers are very interested in where their food comes from and how it’s
Virginia: • Big Stone Gap Farmers Market • Chilhowie Farmers Market • Clinch River Farmers Market (St. Paul) • Friends & Family Farmers Market (Norton) • Glade Spring Farmers Market
• • • •
Lebanon Farmers Market Nickelsville Farmers Market Pennington Gap Farmers Market Wise Farmers Market
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ne Street o Bo Market Open year-round
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101 Boone Street, Jonesborough
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Whe raised, but there’s also a link with other issues they care strongly about. “For some, it’s about food safety and what they’re putting in their bodies. Some, it’s about supporting the local economy. And some, it’s about environmental concern,” says Childress. “It would seem to me that supporting local food and local farmers is just a win-win for everyone involved. It’s a cost you feel 100 percent good about. You can make a difference in all those things—the environment, the economy and your own health—with something that’s within your control, which is how you shop.” Another important aspect—one that’s taken hold around the region as farmers markets have grown—is that they serve as centers of community and a welcome Saturday morning ritual. “Our farmers market really is—somebody calls it Jonesborough’s front porch—it’s a real place you go and see your neighbors, see your friends, have a cup of coffee. It’s like a big party that you don’t have to do anything for but show up,” Childress says. That party takes on a special energy at the Farm to Table Dinner, an annual event where Main Street is closed down and a long table is set for 200. The brainchild of a local chef and the primary fundraiser for the Jonesborough Farmers Market, it’s a five-course meal, a great big open-air showcase of local fare made from local ingredients—and its $75 tickets sell out in less than an hour. “Every single year, it’s just this magical little atmosphere created down there with this beautiful table down the street and everybody sitting together at one huge harvest table,” Childress says. “You might not think that sitting in the middle of Main Street would be that special, but something about it on a summer evening, usually the sun is just dropping behind the storytelling center, it’s not too awful hot, and everybody is just so happy.”
Weekdays, 9am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm
acT ConT
(423) 753-4722 jbolocallygrown@gmail.com jonesborough.locallygrown.net
And tHen tHere’s Boone Street market, tHe year-ro�nD lo�al food mArket that opened
in November 2014 and only stocks products produced within 100 miles of Jonesborough. “It’s doing really well, even in the dead of winter,” Childress says of the store, which is located in a renovated gas station along a main thoroughfare. “We have lots of meat, we have cheese, dairy products, hummus, crackers, sauces, jams and jellies, and we still have some potatoes, sweet potatoes and greens like kale and lettuce. We have enough to hold our own in the winter, but it’ll be great when spring comes and the fresh stuff starts coming out of the fields.” Still, Childress says, there’s plenty of room for growth in local foods; with several other projects in the works, the farmers market crowd in Jonesborough plans to keep on building. “I don’t think any of it would’ve been possible without the support of having had a strong and growing farmers market for this many years,” she says. “We don’t have a huge, long history, but what we have has really given us something to grow on.”
PHOTOS BY WWW.FRESHAIRPHOTO.COM
WRITTTEN BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE
BIGGER IS BETTER
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LOCAL FAMILIES SHARE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO NURTURE AND RAISE A HOUSE FULL OF CHILDREN.
BRADLEY FAMILY:
S
OME PEOPLE PROBABLY STARE WHEN ROBERT AND SARAH BRADLEY’S 15-PASSENGER VAN PULLS UP AND THE FAMILY OF NINE PILES OUT. THEY’RE USED TO THE STARES, BUT THEY’RE ALSO USED TO LARGE FAMILIES. SARAH’S OLDER SISTER HAS 10 CHILDREN, AND IF YOU WERE TO HAVE A FAMILY GATHERING OF YOUNG COUSINS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY, THERE WOULD BE 37 OF THEM.
The Bradley children love their large family so much that 8-year-old Cora, the third oldest of the seven, wants 10 children of her own. Callie, 7, would be happy with a hundred kids, she says. Even before Robert and Sarah married in May 2000, they knew they wanted many children. Robert was homeschooled before attending Bob Jones University and the University of South Carolina (for his master’s degree), and Sarah attended a Christian school before getting her degree at King College in Bristol. A typical weekday morning finds Sarah at the kitchen table with the six oldest children, books open and pencils ready for another school day. “We wanted a Christian education and felt like homeschooling is best,” Sarah explains.
IT’S MORE PEOPLE TO LOVE.
There’s Madeleine, 12; Bonnie, 10; Cora, 8; Callie, 7; 5-year-old Forrest; 3-year-old Jackson and Patrick, 1 1/2. Before school, however, they’ve had breakfast and done some chores. “Madeleine and I take turns cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming upstairs,” Bonnie explains. “The three middle ones sweep, then clean the playroom.” Sarah doesn’t keep the kids on a strict schedule. Homeschooling starts when breakfast is over, beds are made and a few chores are done. Before lunch, they’ll get through
YOU JUST TAKE EACH DAY AT A TIME.
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math, spelling, writing, science and grammar. “After lunch, we’ll do history and whatever else we didn’t get done in the morning,” she says. “We try to wrap up school by 12:30.” The two older girls attend some classes at their church—Westminster Presbyterian in Kingsport. The girls spend afternoons practicing piano, and a piano teacher comes to the house every Thursday. The younger boys nap. During free time, the kids can read, do crafts or catch up on their chores. On warm days, and especially during the summer when school is out, they take advantage of their roughly three
acres of property to play in their barn’s hayloft clubhouse, play with the dogs, pick raspberries and blackberries and explore the woods. They also travel during the summer—to the beach, to family reunions, to visit the grandparents. Car rides, Madeleine says, are fun for the first several hours but not so much after that. Sarah has packing for nine down to a science. Madeleine feels certain she doesn’t want to attend college. She does know what she wants to be when she grows up—a mom. Cora, on the other hand, knows she’ll have to go to college if she wants to be a nurse. But she may also want to study ballet. Or she may want to be a stay-at-home mom. Callie wants to own a pet store so she can take the animals home. Bonnie isn’t sure what her future holds. All the girls say they want large families some day. “You can always have someone to play with. Someone to sleep with. Someone you can fix their hair or they can fix your hair,” Madeleine says. “It’s more people to love.” The downside of so many siblings? “It’s loud,” Cora says. “Christmas is very loud.” Friday nights at the Bradley home are family nights. Summertime means croquet, kickball and collecting fireflies. Colder weather means games and movies. Friday nights also mean a kid’s sleepover in the den.
Sarah’s flexibility with the daily schedule also includes not pre-planning the evening meals. “I don’t meal plan. We don’t have a lot of variety in what we prepare,” she explains. Buying in bulk helps her keep trips to the grocery down to once a week. Sarah does rely on help from the older girls, and they are happy to help. “I do a lot of herding because we have so many little people,” Sarah explains. “The bigger ones help. I rely on them a lot. There’s no way we could do everything without them. You just take each day at a time. I try to schedule, but I have to be flexible. The older ones have to learn how to focus.”
WAMPLER FAMILY: LOVING THE ‘UNLOVABLES’
W
HEN RICH AND RISE (PRONOUNCED REE-SAH) WAMPLER MARRIED IN 1990, RISE IMMEDIATELY WANTED TO START A FAMILY. BUT NO BABY CAME, AND SHE WAS HEARTBROKEN.
“It didn’t happen. We did everything. It broke my heart, but we decided it was OK,” she says. To fill the void of not being able to have children of their own, the Wamplers began babysitting a friend’s foster child, and they decided to begin fostering. Their first foster was a 3-month-old
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girl born addicted to drugs. When she left them, they got 3-month-old Riku. They signed intent-to-adopt papers for Riku, but a judge returned him to his biological mother. They fostered another three or four children and tried to adopt them as well, but they were all returned to their biological parents. Then came 18-month-old Richard, who was given a life expectancy of five years because of his drug addiction and other issues. “He had 16 surgeries before he was 4,” Rise says. “He had a stroke before he was born. We decided to adopt him.” Cora came next, going home with the Wamplers on her first birthday. “She was deemed ‘autistic symptoms,’ but they weren’t sure if she was autistic,” Rise says. “She has sensory deprivation disorder.” Next, the Wamplers took in Cora’s biological brothers, Isaac and Jaime. Alexandria arrived next, at 3 months old. Born to a 13-year-old mother, Alexandria was a temporary foster child. Half-siblings MariElyzabeth and Elyjah were fostered next, arriving at ages 3 and 18 months respectively. Eli had a sleep disorder and has ADHD and an impulse control disability. “By that time, Cassie, who is Alexandria’s halfsister, was born,” Rise explains. So Rise and Rich were given permanent guardianship of both girls.
Next, Riku’s biological mother gave up guardianship of him and his sister Rachel, so they joined the Wampler family. Emma-Krystina is the only independent adoption. Her biological mom was 14 when Emma was born. The adoptions came in this order: Richard (now 18), Cora (15), Jaime (17), Isaac (16), Mari (17), Eli (16), Alexandria (14), Christiana “Cassie” (11), Emma (10), Riku (19) and Rachel (16). Cheyenne, 19, arrived in December, although she’s not a foster. She’s a friend of Richard’s who just needed a place to live. “I always wanted 14 children,” Rise says. “It broke my heart when they told us we couldn’t. I got mad at the Lord. I wouldn’t go to church. I wouldn’t pray. In His great wisdom, of course, He knew how badly they needed a family.”
WE WERE TOLD THEY WOULD NEVER BOND IN A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT. BUT BOND THEY HAVE. Both Rise and Rich grew up as one of three children, and Rich thought he didn’t want any children. Now he’s the head of a household of kids once on the “unlovable list,” he says of the term used by those in the Georgia foster care system, where they lived. “They were stuck in the system for various reasons. Nobody would touch them,” he says. “We were told they would never bond in a family environment.” But bond they have. They are homeschooled together, do chores together, study the Bible together and cook and play together. “We chose homeschooling because some of them have mental issues,” Rise explains. “A lot of their issues are not being able to retain. It was easier to keep them here and make sure they’re learning.” The Wamplers believe their family works because, although each child has some limitation, they’re not allowed to use that as a crutch, Rich says. “We never treated them differently,” Rise adds. On a typical school day, Rise lets everyone get up on his or her own time, believing they learn better when they’re allowed to awaken on their own. Usually everyone is up by 10am, and breakfast and chores follow. Bible study and devotions are next, and then it’s time for school.
The homeschool curriculum, Rise explains, is eclectic and tailored to each child. Everyone does four hours of schoolwork and two hours of life skills learning. “Each day they concentrate on one subject because their brains can’t flip-flop,” she explains. Riku, Richard and Mari will graduate from high school this year. Mari attends cosmetology school and likes to practice on her sisters at home. She says cosmetology will be a way to pay for college to do what she really wants to do—open a home for children who age out of the foster care system. The schooling stops for one month during the summer, but life skills learning doesn’t take a break. One of those life skills is learning to cook, and Rise says she no longer fixes breakfast or lunch for the kids. Because it’s too expensive to eat out often—it costs $180 at McDonalds and $200 at Golden Corral—favorite home-cooked dinners include Chinese, tacos, pizza and pot roast. A birthday meal means the child can have whatever they want, no matter how weird the combination. Having so many siblings brings the advantage of always having someone to play with, and the disadvantage of not having any alone time. All except Riku are bunked together to sleep. “It’s always loud,” Riku adds. Mari recalls the family exiting their 15-passenger van in Gatlinburg and having
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people count them. Riku likens his family’s excursions to a circus clown car. “It feels like a circus when a bunch of clowns keep getting out of that car,” he says. Rise’s mother, Mimi, lives with them. She’s usually at the end of the line getting out of the van. “I had the misfortune of standing aside… and this lady came by and she said, ‘Some people need to know what’s causing that,’” she explains. Outside play means exploring the nearby creek and woods. During the summer, it means grilling out and watching movies on a large projector screen. For Eli, who admits to being grounded a lot for his unwillingness to participate in chores, outside means capture the flag and playing with Airsoft guns. “There’s unlimited stuff I do outside,” he explains. “I have a good imagination.” At one time, the Wamplers had 11 children under the age of 7, but a testament to their good behavior was shown during an adoption celebration at a restaurant near their former Georgia home. A man at a neighboring table donated a $20 gift card to help pay for their meal, and the waitresses pooled their money to pay for the rest of the meal. For the Wamplers, life with a dozen kids is normal. “A lot of them can’t remember their life before. Those who can remember, remember bad,” Rich says.
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BROCKMYER FAMILY: ‘THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH’
S
TEP OUTSIDE THE BROCKMYER HOME IN A SECLUDED AREA NEAR MENDOTA, VIRGINIA, AND YOU HAVE A 120-ACRE PLAYGROUND. THERE’S A BARN, A CREEK, A RIVER, A GARDEN, HORSES, COWS, CATS, TURKEYS, PLENTY OF TREES TO CLIMB AND ROOM TO RUN.
Not only do the nine Brockmyer children have each other to play with, they have 12 more playmates— in the form of very young aunts and uncles—on the same property. Andy and Charlotte Brockmyer purchased the property several years ago along with Charlotte’s parents and grandparents. They live in one house with Calvin, 18; Isabel, Chris and Ben, all 16; 11-year-old Bliss; 10-year-old Maeve; Ellie, 8; 2-year-old Peter; and 1-year-old Lorna. Baby No. 10 was born in late February. Charlotte’s parents live nearby with her 12 younger siblings. Her grandparents occupy the property’s original farmhouse. Charlotte is stepmom to Calvin, Isabel, Chris, Ben, Bliss, Maeve and Ellie. Chris and Ben were adopted by Andy and his late wife. After Andy—a physician who practices at HMG Family Medicine at Sapling Grove in Bristol, Tennessee, and at HMG Primary Care at Mendota—married Charlotte three years ago, they had Peter and Lorna.
“She was willing to marry a guy with seven kids,” Andy explains. “It seemed small,” Charlotte replies. Charlotte was born in Germany while her father served in the military. Her family moved to the Bristol area in 2007. She was homeschooled and grew up helping with her siblings, the youngest of which is 5. Andy grew up in Michigan, one of seven children. He earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his doctorate of medicine from the Michigan State University School of Medicine. He did his internship and residency at East Tennessee State University. “I always wanted to have a large family,” Andy says. While Andy is at work, Charlotte keeps the kids on a schedule. They’re homeschooled, although the four older kids work more independently. Calvin has nearly enough credits to be classified as a junior in college. “I’m an organizer and planner. I’ve always enjoyed the responsibility of a household,” Charlotte says. “I was raised watching them [her siblings]. Lots of children are a blessing from God.” A typical school day starts with breakfast, morning devotion and chores. Chores are divided into age-appropriate categories. “The end goal is not to get the chores done but to teach everyone how to do them,” Charlotte says. Most of Charlotte’s sit-down teaching is done in the morning. After lunch, they’ll finish school. Then it’s naptime for the younger children and quiet time for the older ones. The older boys play in two different baseball leagues, so they’re gone in the evenings during baseball season. Charlotte doesn’t teach during the summer, however, as one of the chores is milking the cows, biology lessons are continuous. Free time is spent playing together. They’ll swim, ride bikes, explore the woods, play baseball or volleyball, play golf on a small homemade golf course or shoot Airsoft guns. “For me it feels normal,” says Ben. “It feels like you can do more stuff with them. Plans are just easier. Sometimes it’s not easy getting along, but it works out.” “Normally, we just go down the hill and play in the barn,” Maeve says. “There’s always someone to play with.” “We’re happy with our family and hope it will continue to grow,” Andy says.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A LARGE FAMILY.
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BY
LESLEY JONES 32
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UTISM IS A BIG DEAL. WITH OVER 3 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES AFFECTED BY THE DISORDER AND AN ALARMING SPIKE IN ITS PREVALENCE, SCIENTISTS ARE SCRAMBLING FOR ANSWERS. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, OR COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS ASD, IS A GROUP OF COMPLEX BRAIN DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS THAT CAN CAUSE SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES, COMMUNICATION LIMITATIONS AND REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS. ASD CAN ALSO CAUSE OTHER HEALTH THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT AILMENTS, SUCH AS GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS OR The project is an international effort to unlock the IRREGULAR SLEEP PATTERNS. genetic factors in human disease and other conditions
A
Because the autism spectrum encompasses a wide variety of brain development disorders, one case of autism may be completely different than another. The complexity and variation in the symptoms of each makes treatment a multifaceted process rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. The symptoms can be severe, moderate or almost undetectable. People with autism can have different levels of functionality. Some may develop some verbal skills, and others may not have any. The same also applies to intellectual ability. In fact, there are some cases where people with ASD have exceptional skills in music, math and art. Because each case is different, finding answers that can work for all autism patients can be difficult. However, recent research has provided breakthroughs on understanding the tendencies of the disorder. In addition, scientists are steadily developing new, promising therapy options to help improve the quality of life for those affected by it.
BREAKTHROUGHS IN UNDERSTANDING GENE MUTATIONS AND GENDER Although research has uncovered a number of rare gene mutations associated with the disorder, only a handful of them appear to be sufficient enough to cause autism on their own. Instead, researchers believe the combination of these linked
in order to find ways to pinpoint diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The project was completed in April 2003 and includes three billion base pairs in the human genome. Researchers still have questions as to how some complex disorders, like autism, can be reliably linked or prevented. Source: National Institutes of Health
gene mutations and environmental influences seem to play a role in the development of autism. However, recent research has provided possible insight into why autism varies so much in type and severity. Researchers from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City analyzed hundreds of people with autism and sifted through about 1,000 genes to find out how gene mutations affect autism symptoms. They found that more damaging genetic mutations typically resulted in more severe symptoms. Autism patients who had little or no verbal skills usually had mutations in genes that are more active in the brain. They also discovered that the mutations also play a role in the gender difference in autism. Although autism is more common in males, females with ASD are more likely to have severe symptoms. The mutated genes in females tended to have a bigger role in the brain than the mutations in males. The researchers at Columbia University hope that by uncovering these clues, it will open the door for more
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innovative diagnostic and prognostic tools. Perhaps in the future these discoveries will personalize treatment for autism patients.
TIME AND IMPROVEMENT Can time really heal all? Canadian researchers think age could play a role in the improvement of children with autism. Canadian researchers tracked 421 children between the time they were diagnosed, between the ages of 2 and 4, until the age of 6. They gathered information on each child four times throughout the study to see how their symptoms and functioning had changed. They found that more than 10 percent of preschool-age children with autism saw an improvement in their symptoms by age 6, and 20 percent of them did better in everyday functioning. The research team at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto also noted that the earlier children were diagnosed, the more likely they would show improvement in everyday functioning. Researchers were not able to link the improvement of symptoms with the improvement of everyday functioning, however. Children who saw improvement in symptoms didn’t always see improvement in everyday functioning and vice versa. The connection between the two is still unclear, but these findings give hope to the healing power of time.
EARLY DETECTION = EARLY TREATMENT Currently, autism can’t be diagnosed reliably until a child is about 2 years old. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during routine doctor check-ups at:
9 18 24 OR 30 MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS
IN�HOME INTERVENTION BREAKTHROUGHS Past research has indicated that early signs of autism include low social interest and decreased eye contact, according to Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Therefore, numerous studies have recently been conducted to search for correcting the earliest symptoms and avoiding the development of autism. In many early intervention programs, therapists are called in to either provide service in the home or in a specialized center. However, scientists are creating paths for a new way of administering early intervention to at-risk children. From the development of effective home-based programs to video-feedback programs, scientists are making life-changing breakthroughs in the realm of autism.
PARENT-LED INTERVENTIONS Parents can significantly improve sensory, communication and social sensory abilities in at-risk 1 year olds, according to a pilot study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the study, parents of at-risk infants participated in a six month home-based intervention program that focused on improving parental responsiveness and child development. The program, called Adaptive Responsive Teaching (ART), is based on a responsive teaching curriculum. Parents participating in the program were taught responsive strategies, such as imitating the child or following the child’s lead. The parents were also routinely coached to use these strategies throughout their daily routines. The specific set of strategies included in ART target “pivotal” behaviors that are known to improve development, such as engagement and social play, according to Autism Speaks. The findings indicate that the children in the ART program made significantly greater progress in receptive language, socialization and sensory hyporesponsiveness as compared to children receiving other early intervention services from their community. A larger study is now in the works, but the initial results are promising.
VIDEO FEEDBACK PROGRAM Technology has its ups in the autism world. For parents with children who are at risk, video technology is being tailored to help reduce the likelihood that their children will develop autism. A recent study conducted by the British Autism
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LOCAL
RESOURCES Autism Tennessee 955 WOODLAND STREET, NASHVILLE / (615) 385-2077 OR AUTISMTN.ORG
Autism Society of East Tennessee 123 CENTER PARK DRIVE, SUITE 211, KNOXVILLE / (865) 247-5082 OR ASAETC.ORG
GENDER: DOES IT MATTER? Autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls.
1 IN 41 BOYS ARE
Southwest Virginia Autism Action Group Commonwealth Autism AUTISMVA.ORG / HEATHER OVERSTREET, HOVERSTREET@AUTISMVA.ORG
1 IN 189 GIRLS ARE
DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM IN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM IN THE UNITED STATES. THE UNITED STATES.
Source: cdc.gov
Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) found that video-feedback programs could modify the development of autism-related behaviors and symptoms. The randomized trial included 54 infants who were considered to be high risk for autism because they had siblings with the disorder. The study found that using video feedback-based therapy helped parents understand and respond to their child’s communication style during their first year. The results indicate that there was an improvement in the social and communication behaviors in the infants whose parents received guidance with a video-feedback program called “Video Interaction for Promoting Positive Parenting” versus families who were not administered the program.
Because the study was relatively small, definite connections between video feedback and the results can’t be made. However, the results are vital to future research on this method of intervention and at-risk infants. “Families participating in ‘baby sibs’ studies such as this continue to provide us with valuable insights into autism’s earliest beginnings and how we can best foster early development to improve outcomes,” says Andy Shih, senior vice president for scientific affairs of Autism Speaks.
ROBO-THERAPY? A research study conducted by the University of Southern California Viterbi integrates 21st-century technology into autism therapy. Researchers observed how children with ASD responded to humanoid robots that used an occupational therapy technique called graded cueing. Graded cueing molds
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AUTISM
There are plenty of downloadable apps that have proven to be effective forms of therapy or skill development for children with autism. Most of these apps are available on Apple platforms; some are even free of charge. For more information and access to a larger database of apps for ASD, visit autismspeaks.org/autism-apps.
Alpha Writer This app is based on the popular Montessori moveable alphabet. Children can learn to read and compose words, practice with phonetics and improve writing skills. AVAILABLE ON APPLE DEVICES / $4.99
AutiPlan Pictoplanner This app helps create more structure in daily routines and activities. It allows you to plan activities using pictograms and text, step up to receive notifications and utilizes text-to-speech to keep the focus on planned activities. AVAILABLE ON ANDROID AND APPLE DEVICES / FREE
Autism Learning Games: Camp Discovery Developed by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), Camp Discovery has a variety of games that make learning skills fun for children with autism. AVAILABLE ON APPLE DEVICES / FREE
DEVELOPMENTAL READING FaceUp Children learn to associate objects, their names and pronunciations with this simple card-matching game. Familiar animals and objects give the learner visual stimulation while they learn and rewards correct matches to reinforce learning. AVAILABLE ON APPLE DEVICES / $1.99
Social Skill Builder lite Interactive videos teach everyday social skills, such as social thinking, language and behavior. AVAILABLE ON APPLE DEVICES / $2.99
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ANIMALS LOVE FRIENDSHIP is a book designed to educate children, families and others about autism. Using character descriptions related to animals, Ivonne D. Hernandez describes what it's like to love and raise a child with autism. She also reveals the virtues that, when lived to their fullest, can help people better relate to and understand the world of autism. The pages were beautifully illustrated by her teenage son, Eric J. Ruiz, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. CHECK OUT ANIMALSLOVEFRIENDSHIP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
behavior by providing increasingly targeted prompts to help build new skills or regain lost ones. Researchers divided a group of children who had ASD into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The researchers then used the Nao robot to initiate a game of “copycat” that prompted the child to imitate 25 different arm poses. If the children in both the experimental and control group correctly imitated the pose, the robot responded by flashing its eyes green, nodding or saying “Good Job.” If the children in the control group failed to imitate the pose, the robot would repeat the same command over and over. However, children in the experimental groups were prompted in a variety of ways when they failed to imitate the robot correctly. The children who received varied commands after a failed imitation, the graded cueing feedback, showed improvement or maintained performance when playing the game. However the children who didn’t receive the graded cueing feedback worsened or maintained their performance. The results of the study suggest that the use of varied feedback was not only less frustrating to the participants but was actually more effective than unvaried feedback. What does this mean for the rest of the autism community? In the future, a socially assistive robot could be used to help provide useful feedback to children with autism. Research is pushing to make this a reality.
Sources: cdc.gov, autismspeaks.org, nlm.nih.gov, sciencedaily.com, webmd.com
APPS
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body
WOMAN © BIKERIDERLONDON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUT Y
nailed it! The trendsetters of spring have spoken, and word is out—glitter is back! So if you can find a subtle color that shimmers, your nails won’t go out of style anytime soon. Here are a few colors fashionistas swear will keep heads turning. Pale blues: Icy blue is the “it” color of the season. It’s both cool and edgy. Yellows: Get ready to rock it, whether you choose to go bright or with a pastel.
Source: cnn.com
Pretty pinks: Pair a perfectly pink mani with distressed denim for a cute combo. Whites: Wear it alone or as a creamy backdrop with your favorite nail art.
SEPTEMBER APRIL 2015 2014
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get started
meal plan makeover W ith a little planning, you won’t be saying “what’s for dinner?” anymore.
Meal planning. Just hearing those two words might make you cringe. It sounds overwhelming, tedious and time consuming—especially with the busy lives most of us lead. But, planning your meals is actually healthier and saves time and money. And, it turns out it’s not as difficult as it seems. With a little well, planning, you can do it, too.
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Perhaps the hardest part of meal planning is just getting started. But keep reminding yourself that setting aside a little time to plan will save you valuable time in the end. Whether you’re planning for an entire month or just a week at a time, the first step is to get organized. So, grab your laptop, tablet or paper and pen, and put on your thinking cap. The Resourceful Gals blog suggests doing a few things before hitting the supermarket. First, make a list of all the meal favorites in your household and make sure to have options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Next, make a grocery list of the ingredients you need for each meal. Dig through your pantry, freezer and refrigerator to see what you already have and make an inventory list. This is the tedious part, but you only have to do it once.
there’s an app for that
YOU CAN USE YOUR TRUSTY PEN AND PAD IF YOU PREFER, OR YOU CAN USE AN APP—AND IT’LL DO A LOT OF THE WORK FOR YOU. PEPPERPLATE IS A FREE APP THAT SYNCS ON ALL YOUR DEVICES. DOWNLOAD THE APP, CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND SIGN IN. THE APP ALLOWS YOU TO IMPORT RECIPES OF YOUR OWN OR BY URL. IT ORGANIZES YOUR RECIPES, CREATES SHOPPING LISTS AND LETS YOU ADD MEALS TO A CALENDAR. BESIDES HAVING A GREAT MEAL-PLANNING FUNCTION
COMPLETE WITH HEALTHY RECIPE SUGGESTIONS, THE COOK SMARTS APP EVEN HAS RESOURCES TO HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER COOK. YOU CAN ACCESS TUTORIALS, INSTRUCTIONS AND VIDEOS, ALONG WITH A DOWNLOADABLE AND PRINTABLE GROCERY LIST. AS AMAZING AS THIS APP IS, YOU DO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. IT COSTS $6 TO $8 PER MONTH DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU PAY YEARLY OR MONTHLY. BUT, ACCORDING TO LIFEHACKER. COM, MANY USERS SAY IT’S WELL WORTH THE COST.
LABEL © CUTE LITTLE THINGS ; WOMAN © DIEGO CERVO; DOOR © TOOCANIMAGES; CROCKPOT © KELLYNELSON ;LEFTOVERS © ZOEYTOJA ; PEN © NADIN3D ; PHONE © SERGEY FURTAEV; BAG © COPRID / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM;
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Sources: resourcefulgals.blogspot.com, thenaptownorganizer.com, simplebites.net, workingathomeschool.com, lifehacker.com, happymoneysaver.com Recipe and photo courtesy of happymoneysaver.com.
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COOKING AHEAD SO, WHETHER YOU USE AN APP OR NOT, YOU SHOULD HAVE AN INVENTORY AND GROCERY LIST BEFORE YOU SHOP. YOU JUST NEED TO DECIDE HOW FAR IN ADVANCE YOU WANT TO PLAN. JUST GRAB A CALENDAR AND ASSIGN MEALS TO EACH DAY FOR AS FAR AHEAD AS YOU’D LIKE.
no time to prep? no problem.
Need to avoid a whole day of cooking? Try tripling the recipe you cook for dinner each night. The Working At Homeschool blog says this was the easiest way to build up freezer stock. After cooking three times the amount of each meal for a week, you’ll already have a few weeks worth of meals in the freezer. Keep track of how many servings you should get from each meal and use your leftovers for lunches or re-freeze for future dinners—like a leftovers night once a week. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit—prep when you have time, use the crockpot when you have no time and keep track of it all on your tablet or phone. The main trick to saving time and energy is planning it all out. You can get more meal ideas from the Healthy Living Magazine Pinterest board, Healthy Recipes. But, for now, we want to share this recipe from Karrie at the Happy Money Saver blog to help you get started:
NOT SURE WHICH MEALS TO PICK? THE SIMPLE BITES BLOG SAYS PLANNING EACH MEAL AROUND A THEME HELPS. THE BLOG SUGGESTS PLANNING A KID’S MEAL OPTION AND EVERYONE’S FAVORITE, BREAKFAST FOR DINNER. IT ALSO RECOMMENDS PLANNING SOMETHING QUICK AND EASY AS A BACKUP FOR BUSY DAYS. DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE PLENTY OF EASY-TO-MAKE CROCKPOT MEALS, TOO. FOR SOME, SHOPPING AND COOKING AHEAD FOR A WEEK OR A MONTH WORKS WONDERFULLY. USE A FREE DAY, OR MAYBE A WEEKEND, TO SHOP, PREP AND COOK MEALS, AND THROW THEM IN THE FREEZER. BUT, FOR OTHERS, JUST KNOWING WHAT’S FOR DINNER IS ENOUGH.
HONEY LIME CHICKEN RECIPE Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 35 mins 4
chicken breasts, cut into strips
¼
cup honey
3
½
tsp garlic salt
tbsp lime juice
2
1
tbsp oil
tbsp soy sauce
2
1
20-oz can pineapple tidbits, keep the juice
tsp corn starch
Cut the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, and sprinkle with garlic salt. Heat oil in a skillet over med-high heat, and add chicken. Cook chicken until golden brown. Drain the pineapple, keeping the juices. Add 1⁄4 cup of the pineapple juice to the skillet. Cover, and simmer 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan. Add honey, lime juice, soy sauce, cornstarch and remainder of pineapple juice to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook, and stir until thick and clear, about one minute. Add chicken and pineapple tidbits last, and heat through. Serve over hot rice; garnish with lime wedges or chow mein noodles.
, let cipe o a e r s t . i d it e th eez nd ad er bag r f To ol, a freez e. it co n size freez d lo gal abel an L APRIL 2015
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body
spring style
W
ith a change of season comes a change of fashion, so this spring, we’re talking accessories. Here are the newest products from a few of our favorite brands plus some tips on using them to give your darker winter wardrobe that joyful spring feeling.
jolly jewels Spring runways featured plenty of interesting twists on jewelry design. Asymmetrical earrings were all the rage, whether they were different lengths, sizes or colors. Choker necklaces are back from the ’90s, but this time, ditch the beads and stretch materials for silver and gold. A strong metallic choker will bring spring sass to any outfit. Necklaces and bracelets played with stone size using massive minerals to adorn the models, bringing a definitely earthy but modern feel to the season. Designer Rose Gonzales is gaining popularity among celebs with her boho chic style. Her hand-crafted bracelets (prices vary) are perfect if you’re going for that earthy rocker vibe (plus a little bit of sparkle). Color combos range from bold blacks and grays to bright or subdued hues. The beautiful colors will easily mix and match with all your spring favorites. You can find whatever you need at rosegonzales.com.
all about the obi
OBI© AMAZON.COM;
HE ALT H Y
You may not know what an obi belt is off the top of your head, but we promise you’ve seen them. Leather wraparound belts at the waist are perfect for the military and denim shirtdresses popular this spring. You can cinch them in for that perfect hourglass silhouette and tie them any way you please.
yes to comfort!
Praise be, comfortable shoes are back in style! Cool sneakers, ballet flats in fun prints and slide sandals (think Birkenstocks) are all back on the list. If you’re going for the babe-in-Birkenstocks aesthetic, be sure to style them up with a well-fitted top and plenty of accessories. Maybe a bold lip? Yeah, that can’t hurt.
THE HAPPIEST HANDBAGS
Sorial is all about classic neutrals and funky patterns in quality leather, just like the Nude Leather Crossbody ($268)
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and Python Embossed Leather Satchel with nude accents ($378), both available at shopsorial.com.
Ora Delphine’s
Harlowe Satchel ($365)
and Arden Satchel ($375) both come in an array of beautiful colors that will complete any look this season. See them for yourself at oradelphine.com.
And should you need to keep your beautiful new bag in better order, PurseN has all the organizers, cases and pouches you could ever need, like the Diva Make-Up Case ($102)
and Tiara Vacationer Jewelry Case ($54), both available at pursen.net.
Sources: harpersbazaar.com, style.com, pantone.com
WHEN YOU BOIL IT DOWN, SPRING FASHION IS ALL ABOUT ONE THING: COLOR AND FUN PATTERNS. THIS SEASON’S HAUTE COLOR COMBOS ARE ALL ABOUT COOL, SOFT SHADES ACCENTED WITH SPRING BRIGHTS AND BOLD HUES. WHAT BETTER WAY TO INCORPORATE SOME COLOR THAN A HANDBAG?
For only $85(+taxes) your family can enjoy the amenities of the Johnson City Country Club Pool and Clubhouse.
Other Membership Amenities:
Membership includes: access to the pool, food and beverage for the member, spouse and dependent children. Food & beverage minimum of $50 per month.
•
Swimming Pavilion
•
Changing Rooms
19th Hole Dining Room • 12-Month Membership • Formal Ballroom •
Olympic-Size, Multi-Lane Pool • Group & Private Swim Lessons • Diving Pool with 3 Diving Boards •
Call 423.975.5520 to find out more on the Clubhouse Membership and other Great Memberships. 1901 E. Unaka Ave. • Johnson City, TN 37601 www.jcccsite.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS
HEALTHIER?
Call Mark at (423) 794-8780 or email mark@tchealthyliving.com
EXPERIENCE HOW ADVERTISING IN HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE CAN COST EFFECTIVELY GROW YOUR BOTTOM LINE!
APRIL 2015
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HE ALT H Y
balance
© BLEND IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE
knock, knock! Sources: huffingtonpost.com, mayoclinic.org
APRIL: a bleak month of 30 grim days and overdue taxes. Wrong! April is much more than a five-letter word, it’s also National Humor Month, so we expect you to be giggling, laughing, guffawing and tittering every day for the next few weeks! It seems even doctors are in agreement with this one. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic states laughter is the best medicine for stress relief—and that’s no joke!
APRIL 2015
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balance
e often picture teenagers as lazy beings who binge on Netflix or video games and spend hours upon hours sleeping. Well, not so says researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health who recently found the average number of hours a teenager sleeps has decreased in the past 20 years. The National Sleep Foundation says teenagers need to get between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night to function normally the next day. And the problem with a lack of sleep goes beyond having a grumpy, groggy teenager in the house.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a major cause for auto crashes and crash-related deaths each year.
STUDENT © SABPHTO; MAN © MARCOS MESA SAM WORDLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
is your teen too tired? W LEARNING PROBLEMS:
Lack of sleep hurts the cognitive processes by impairing attention, concentration and problem solving.
too much technology?
THE BLUE AND RED LIGHTS EMITTED FROM ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SUCH AS CELL PHONES, LAPTOPS AND TVS, HAVE BEEN FOUND TO DISTURB SLEEP MORE THAN NATURAL LIGHT. TURN OFF THESE DEVICES AN HOUR BEFORE BEDTIME TO MAKE DOZING EASIER.
HEALTH ISSUES:
Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and weight gain can all be caused by lack of sleep.
sleep solutions
MAINTAIN A REGULAR SLEEP SCHEDULE. YOUR TEENAGER SHOULD GO TO BED AND WAKE UP AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY.
TURN OFF TELEVISIONS, COMPUTERS AND RADIOS. Stimulating activities at bedtime will make it harder to fall asleep. Screens should be shut off at least one hour before bedtime. CONSIDER A NAP. Make it between 3pm and 5pm, and don’t let it last more than 20 or 30 minutes. MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A QUIET PLACE. Turn off all noisemakers before you get in bed. (Unless
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DEPRESSION:
In a 2005 Sleep in America poll, people who slept less than six hours at night were more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
ambient noise is your thing and helps you sleep). If your home is loud at night, wear earplugs. TAKE A HOT BATH OR SHOWER BEFORE BED. One study showed that sleep comes naturally when the body cools down. EAT CARBS BEFORE BED. High-carb snacks make you feel warm and sleepy.
Sources: medicalnewstoday.com, foxnews.com, webmd.com, nationwidechildrens.org
HE ALT H Y
Opiate addiction is a very dangerous and real epidemic in the United States. Millions of people every year abuse illicit opioid drugs and prescription medications. According to the CDC, opiate overdoses have passed traffic accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. It is a serious medical condition that can be very damaging to a person’s mental, physical and emotional health; it damages families and may even cause death. If you are suffering from opiate addiction, you are not alone, and you can receive help by contacting the experienced and compassionate staff here at Watauga Recovery Center. THE WATAUGA RECOVERY CENTER Intentional Recovery Education Program is our unique approach to assisting our patients in developing a strong, 4-level recovery foundation and teaching the life skills needed for relapse prevention.
“Addiction is a Disease, Let’s Treat it That Way.”
3114 Browns Mill Road Johnson City, TN, 37604 (423) 641-0432 www.wrchope.org
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HE ALT H Y
balance
I
f you’re like most Americans, you’re probably paying too much for insurance. In fact, according to a study conducted by NerdWallet, most families overpay an average of $368 a year. Ready for a change? Here’s a handy list on how to save money on insurance—both homeowner’s and auto.
start saving
protecting your home
BUNDLE AND SAVE. When one
IS IT NEW? The newer the house you live in, the cheaper the insurance is going to be. Make sure to have the date your home was built while shopping for insurance.
SHOP AROUND. Not all agencies
UPGRADE YOUR HOME. Upgrading your home can bring in tremendous discounts on your homeowner’s policy. Check with your insurance agency to find out about discounts they offer for upgrades. Discounts may be offered for a new airconditioning unit, hot water heater, windproof roofing, shatterproof windows, security systems, deadbolt locks and fire alarms.
BEFORE WE DISCUSS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSURANCE, CONSIDER THESE TIPS FIRST.
company handles both homeowner and automobile policies, there is usually a discount offered for bundling. Ask your agency before you start shopping around. are the same. Each one charges a different price for basically the same policy, so, before jumping into a plan, shop around and see who offers the most for the least amount of money. If you’ve been with the same insurance company for a long time, however, ask about a loyalty discount before jumping ship.
RAISE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE.
The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Just be sure you can cover your deductible at any time in case of emergency.
HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE IS A MUST-HAVE WHEN YOU OWN YOUR OWN HOME, BUT PREMIUMS CAN BE HEFTY DEPENDING ON WHAT’S COVERED UNDER YOUR POLICY. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR SAVING A LITTLE DOUGH.
CHOP OUT THE UNNECESSARY. A lot of homeowner’s policies cover unnecessary or outdated items,
such as a boat even after you’ve sold the boat. Review what’s covered under your policy and cut out what you no longer have (and be sure to update your policy when circumstances change). SEEK OUT DISCOUNTS. Check with your agency to see what discounts they offer, such as being over the age of 55, being retired or going paperless. THE LAND DOESN’T COUNT. Don’t include the value of the land when deciding how much insurance you need. It’s not insured, and even in the case of a fire, the land isn’t going anywhere.
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Kenneth N. Raff, II Regional Executive, NMLS #649436 Debbie Varney, Branch Manager, AVP, NMLS #870424 Brandy Mullins, Portfolio Specialist
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| tchealthyliving.com
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HE ALT H Y
balance
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AUTO INSURANCE IS NEEDED IF YOU OWN A CAR, BUT AS WITH HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE, PREMIUMS CAN SKYROCKET IF YOU’RE NOT AWARE OF WHAT YOU’RE PAYING FOR. FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO LOWER THE COST.
Get your discounts. Ask your insurance company about discounts they offer. Here’s a list of what some of those might be: 1823
LOW MILEAGE DISCOUNT CLEAN DRIVING RECORD DISCOUNT
720
GOOD CREDIT SCORE DISCOUNT HIGH GPA DISCOUNT FOR STUDENTS
DISCOUNT FOR CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS, SUCH AS BEING A FIREFIGHTER OR DOCTOR
MARRIAGE/AGE DISCOUNT
MILITARY DISCOUNT
MULTIPLE CAR DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT FOR CAR ALARMS AND OTHER SAFETY FEATURES
DISCOUNT DEPENDING ON YOUR ZIP CODE (DETERMINES WHETHER YOU LIVE IN A HIGH CRIME AREA) AND WHERE YOUR CAR IS KEPT WHEN NOT IN USE (GARAGE VERSUS PARKED ON THE STREET)
ADD IN SAFET Y. The more safety features on the insured car, the cheaper the insurance is going to be. If your car has anti-lock brakes and power steering, mention them to your insurance agency. CONSIDER TELEMATICS. Some companies offer a GPS and/or sensor that can be installed in your car so they can monitor how, where and how much the car is being driven. Depending on the outcome, your costs may lower.
what is renter’s insurance?
JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T OWN YOUR HOME DOESN’T MEAN YOU DON’T NEED INSURANCE. RENTER’S INSURANCE IS SOMETHING YOU NEED IF YOU RENT PROPERTY, AND HERE’S WHY: PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE Everything you own is covered under theft, loss or destruction due to fire, storm or other perils.
LIABILITY COVERAGE If someone gets hurt inside your home and decides to sue you, liability coverage protects you.
TEMPORARY LIVING EXPENSES This covers a place for you to live temporarily while your home is rebuilt due to damage from flooding, fire or other disasters.
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LANDLORD’S PROPERTY It extends past just your property and also covers the property you’re renting as well.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS If a guest or visitor is injured on your property, renter’s insurance covers some of the medical payments.
PROPERTY DAMAGE TO OTHERS Coverage follows you wherever you go, so if you accidentally damage someone’s property, it can help replace it.
INSURANCE RIDERS Renter’s insurance can cover expensive items like jewelry, antiques and more.
Sources: immartin.com, allstate.com, esurance.com, usnews.com, dallasnews.com, alliedinsurance.com, homes.yahoo.com, usa.gov, autohomeboat.com, iii.org, kbb.com, wikihow.com, quickanddirtytips.com
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