FITNESS | NUTRITION | HEALTH | Mind-Body | FAMILY | WELLNESS | community | FINANCIAL
~ PREMIER ISSUE ~
Cover Story:
Resolutions that Lead to Happiness
INSIDE: What’s All The Tape About? Are Organic Foods Worth the Hype? Restaurant Journey: Zoe’s Kitchen
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 TXHWMagazines.com
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“Muscle” Boredom Out of Your Workout 5 What’s All The Tape About?
Introduction on Nutrition
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Are Organic Foods Worth the Hype?
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Mind-Body Life in the Balance
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Resolutions that Lead to Happiness
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Restaurant Journey: Zoe’s Kitchen Recipe: Quinoa Pilaf with Ribbons of Green
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On The Cover: Family Resolutions. Photo by Amanda Compton Photography, Amandacomptonphotos.com.
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Green is Your Favorite Color! Here’s Why 19
Financial
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SOLD in 5 Easy Steps
Spread Holiday Cheer, Not the Flu! The Gift of Sight Am I Normal Health Q&A
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Community 22 Calendar of Events 23 We Need That Story!
bs ghw a h w | fWr Eo LmL tNhEeS eSd i to r Happy 2015! The tradition of “ringing in the new year” truly fills me with gratitude. I feel grateful for another wonderful year, for friends and family, and to live in a beautiful and diverse coastal community. All of these things, along with challenges and obstacles, have helped shape me and the passion I have for life and for this opportunity to reach out to our community through this magazine. As the proverbial clock passes midnight and fireworks and cheers erupt, I feel a sense of awe and endless potential in us, our families, and the limitless possibilities for improved health & wellness. I, like many of you, see this winter solstice, with days beginning to lengthen again, as a time of renewal, growth, and determination to pursue endeavors that will bring mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health, wellness, and happiness. A very dear and important new beginning for me and my talented team is the inaugural issue of the Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine (BAHW). In this publication, we realize a dream to not only provide exclusive business partners a chance to highlight the services they offer our community, but to share knowledge in core areas of health and wellness from local experts and authors. Our BAHW team, from the editors to the advertisers, is passionate about empowering and inspiring others through education and stories that build, lift and change for the 2 www.txhwmagazines.com
better. It is an honor to be in this community with you. We look forward to being a reliable and trusted source of information in the future. Our print magazine is only one way of receiving and sharing with us. Visit our website or Apple I-Stand to read the electronic version of the magazine, contribute your thoughts and feedback to the stories that move you, and to participate in our Blog, Facebook, GooglePlus, YouTube channel, and Twitter. May this year bring you and those you love happiness and health, and of course, the gift of the Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine! With warmest regards and respect,
Camille Olson, B.S., Editor Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine
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Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine has a talented team of health care professionals that will be | H E A LT H contributing in their area of expertise in each issue of the magazine. Meet the BAHW authors:
Kim Thomas Fitness Author Kim is an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor and Schwinn certified Indoor Cycling Instructor at the South Shore Harbour Fitness center, where she has worked for the past 3 years. Kim loves helping clients reach their potential by giving them the tools they need to attain their goals. Kim has competed and placed in three half marathons and finished fourth place (in her age group) in her first full marathon. As a mother of two busy boys, she understands the need for balance between home and hobbies. She is a native of Syracuse, New York, and graduated from the State University College at Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Dr. Mike Olson Mind-Body Author Dr. Mike Olson is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas. He graduated with his Master’s degree from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Following graduate study, he completed a postdoctoral research and clinical fellowship in Behavioral Medicine from the UTMB, Galveston. Dr. Olson has over 14 years clinical and research experience bringing together mind-body and spirit with numerous publications in scientific journals and presentations nationally and internationally in mind-body health and medicine. He believes that wellness flows from balance at the intersection of physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual domains.
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Dr. David Redding | WELLNESS Health Author
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Dr. David Redding, with Pro-Fit Sports Therapy, has practiced in Friendswood for over 20 years. In addition to chiropractic, he is Master Level certified in Active Release Technique. He uses a blended approach to therapy that incorporates his knowledge in sports injuries, dynamic stretch therapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy and Rock Taping. He has assisted world class athletes with injury prevention and performance enhancement, and has made an impact on athletes in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and Olympics as well collegiate and high school athletes. He is passionate about helping Masters level athletes train to their potential.
Photo by Matt Cowely.
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Darlene Staheli Health Author
Darlene Staheli is a board certified Holistic Health Coach and a professionally trained Health Supportive Chef. Upon completing her Health Coach training program through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (NYC) she received her board certification through the AADP. She furthered her education by enrolling in the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts. (Austin TX) While there, she was trained in Macrobiotic, Ayurvedic, Vegan, Vegetarian, Raw and Living foods. She completed her training by working with Rip Esselstyn and ‘Engine 2’. She works with her husband, Jim Staheli, D.O., an Integrative and Functional medical doctor.
Kurt Attaway Marriage & Family Author
Dr. Serge Gregoire Nutrition Author
Kurt Attaway is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate in Texas. Kurt graduated with his Master’s from UHCL, where he was listed the top family therapist in his class. He values working cooperatively and collaboratively with his clients to help them take steps forward that bring greater expressions of life, hope and wholeness. Kurt works in private practice at The Center for Couples and Families, and serves as the Director of the WholeFit Leadership Team. Here he works with individuals and corporations to help increase the health and wellness of his clients mentally, physically, relationally and professionally.
Dr. Serge is a clinical nutritionist. He received his doctorate degree from McGill University in Canada. And later completed a 7-year postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School where he studied the impact of fat as it relates to heart disease. He has authored a book on this topic that is awaiting publication. He holds an advance certification in Nutrition Response Testing from Ulan Nutritional Systems in Florida and is a certified herbalist through the Australian College of Phytotherapy. His goal is to help others take responsibility for their own health and thereby achieve great health and vitality.
For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.txhwmagazines.com or call us at 832.323.3020 Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | 549 N. Egret Bay Blvd. | League City, TX 77573 The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine. The information contained within has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate professional advice should be sought before making decisions. ©Copyright 2015.
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Fitness is Fun!
“Muscle” Boredom Out of Your Workout
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By Kim Thomas Fitness is fun! Easy for me to say, right? But it really can be. Fitness has become such an important part of the way our society flows that you have more opportunities than ever to find a form of exercise that is FUN and fits your personality! You don’t have to sweat it out at your local gym if that’s not your thing. You don’t have to scale the nearest mountain (Which would be, perhaps, the Kemah bridge?) to get those quads rock hard. You don’t even have to pound the trails on Todville Road to whittle that muffin top away! (Although I wouldn’t discourage you from exploring that area. It makes for a beautiful hike! Besides, you might even see an alligator or two, and that’s a quick and easy way to get that heart rate up!) We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful resources for fun exercise here in the Bay Area. We are going to explore all that our area has to offer in the Fitness section and I’m going to help you enjoy exercise! The only workout that you will regret is the one that you never did! So let’s get moving…and like it! Here are some quick and easy tips to help “muscle” boredom out of your workout 1. W ork out with a friend. Statistics show people have a greater level of satisfaction with their workout if they have someone to work out with. Besides that, they are more committed to work out when they know they have someone to work out with. 2. T ry Something New! Get creative with your work out and try something new. There are many new fitness classes such as Spinning, Zumba, Boot Camp or High Intensity Interval
Training, Yoga, and many more. By switching your exercise routine up, you will feel excited and motivated to keep healthy. 3. Change up the day and time you work out. This is the best kept secret to keeping boredom out of your workout. This allows you to meet new people and see new scenery. Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | January/February 2015 5
What’s all the ABOUT?
TAPE
By Dr. David Redding Do you remember watching the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Beach Volleyball competition? If so you probably remember seeing Kerri Walsh sporting a strange and unique tape pattern on her shoulder. She and her partner Misty May were legitimate contenders to win and they immediately legitimized this “new” way to tape. Soon, we saw it being used in other sports. It was called kinesiology tape. Although kinesiology tape had been around since the 1970s it’s really finding its footing when used in a Fascial Movement Taping protocol. Fascial tissue, or fascia, is an important soft tissue found throughout the body. It works as a support and structural tissue that gives form and shape to the muscles of the body, compartmentalizing groups of muscle from others. As fascial tissue spreads out over the body’s muscular landscape, facial planes develop. When the body is in motion, a certain “relative’ motion between structures exists. When it doesn’t, strain can develop in the tissue, leading to cumulative trauma disorders, aka. strain/sprain. Fascial Movement Taping is a comprehensive framework of taping for each phase of need, from reducing swelling in an acute injury to helping outcomes in the rehabilitation phase of care. It is also an adjunct to training or competitive performance and recovery. Kinesiology tape, known as K-Tape, is different from traditional types of sports tape in the fact that it stretches along its length (but not its width), allowing it to contour around body parts and move through a full range of motion. Traditional sports tapes limit movement, while kinesiology tape is applied to encourage movement. It can stretch from 130% to 180% along its length, depending on the brand. A popular brand seen at Cross Fit competitions is Rock Tape. Rock Tape was initially developed to stretch longer and stick better than any other brand. It became immediately popular amongst cross 6 www.txhwmagazines.com
fit athletes as well as triathletes and extreme sports events athletes. The tapes elastic nature not only allows for more movement but also allows for a “Snapback” or recoil effect, which is important in the context of movement. Additionally, it can stay on for up to 5 days or longer. Kinesiology tape effectively decompresses the skin and the underlying tissues to which it is applied. This relieves pressure from the underlying nerve endings that are responsible for sending pain impulses to the brain. Its decompressing action allows for better circulation to and from the taped area. This reduces swelling and contributes to movement performance and recovery effects seen in athletes. A study using functional MRI showed more areas of the sensory cortex of the brain are stimulated when subjects had tape applied to the knee during movement. Common conditions that are helped by fascial taping are sprains/ strains, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, spinal and neurological irritation as well as scar tissue revision. The control of swelling and bruising has shown to respond amazingly well to fascial taping by decompressing the skin and the underlying tissues and the neurological effect the tape produces allows for proper movement, assisting the body’s natural pumping action. Assisting normal movement in an acute phase while assisting the body’s lymphatic system to work better can possibly shorten a person’s healing time. Studies have shown that kinesiology taping is as effective as wearing compression wraps in reducing swelling in an area. In cases where patients have had lymph node removal during certain surgeries, the resultant lymphedema responded favorably to kinesiology tape. Finding a qualified Rock Tape practitioner is easy, just go to www.rocktape.com and go to “find a Rock Tape provider”. In the meantime follow the Rock Tape motto, Go stronger longer!
Our experienced stylists use only the best products in the industry including Aquage, Redken, Rusk, Joico, and Nioxin. Come by and let our Top Notch Team transform you. Check our website for specials for the month!
Voted Best of the Bay 2010, 2011, & 2012
Our experienced stylists use only the best products in the industry including Aquage, Redken, Rusk, Joico, and Nioxin. Come by and let our Top Notch Team transform you. Check our website for specials for the month!
Voted Best of the Bay 2010, 2011, & 2012
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Mind-Body & Spirit:
Life in the Balance By Dr. Mike Olson
In the recent decade, there has been a renewed interest in all things “mind-body.” Mind-body is, in reality, a concept that has existed for thousands of years among various world groups and cultures. The idea that our minds, bodies, and spirits are separate components of our health and wellness is a function of recent philosophies and ideologies, rather than what has been believed and practiced for centuries. For most of us, the thought that our minds, bodies, and spirits are connected is intuitive and logical. Brief History In ancient cultures, the relief of suffering included the care of the whole person, including the treatment of body, mind, and spirit. The first recorded instances of medical care being provided to others were in Egyptian and Greek temples. “Holism” (from the Greek, holos, meaning all, whole, entire, total), is the idea that systems (physical, biological, chemical, social, mental) should be viewed in their entirety, rather than as a collection of individual parts. Prior to our modern era of medicine, those providing relief to the suffering of others have understood this important concept. Mind-Body Dualism and Reductionism Reductionism can be thought of as the opposite of Holism, specifically that the whole is best explained by reducing it down to its individual parts. Science has relentlessly pursued this goal of trying to break down matter into smaller and smaller bits
Welcome to the Mind-Body Section “Greetings and welcome to the inaugural issue of the Bay Area Health and Wellness magazine! As author and editor of the Mind-Body section, it is my pleasure to bring relevant and timely information on issues related to mind-body medicine and health to our readers in the Bay area. Each issue, topics pertaining to mind-body medicine and health will be explored with discussion focused on bringing the latest scientific evidence to day-to-day life. This section will also periodically feature local experts in complementary and alternative medicine, chiropractic, functional medicine, acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, yoga, among others who specialize in mind-body health. I look forward to your comments, feedback, and dialogue on social media related to this column” – Dr. Michael Olson 8 www.txhwmagazines.com
bahw | to better understand things. Rene Descartes, the 17th century French philosopher, among others that pre-dated him, has proposed ideas that maintain a rigid distinction between the mind and body. This fragmented approach has been termed “Cartesian dualism” or the “mind-body split.” Around the time of Descartes, patients began to be treated as individual parts, rather than as an integrated whole. Physicians became focused on the physical body (tangible, measurable, etc.). The spiritual life and suffering of patients became the domain of spiritual leaders (priests, Rabbis, etc.). The beginning of psychiatry (medical specialization) can be dated to the middle of the nineteenth century. With advances of psychiatric theory and classification extending through the 20th century with figures like Sigmund Freud, the care of the psyche and mental/emotional illness became the focus and domain of mental health providers. Thus, the idea of wellness, health, and balance was broken down into its component parts, each becoming the focus of specialized branches of the scientific and the sacred. There is a common parable that has crossed many religious traditions and is part of Jain, Buddhist, Sufi, and Hindu lore that illustrates the problems of reductionism and mind-body dualism. It is a tale of a group of blind men (or men in the dark) who touch an elephant to learn what it is like. Each man feels a different part, but only one part. They then compare notes and learn they are in complete disagreement. Each believes entirely what his own experience has taught him and is unable to see what others “see.” None are able to see the whole and understand the integration of each man’s perspective to understand what the actual creature really is.
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Putting it Back Together This ideological myopia persists to a large extent today but is being challenged by visionaries from fields of medicine, religion, and mental health. It has been difficult, espcially in Western culture and medicine, to bring back the original view of patients/individuals as an integrated whole, with mind-body-and spirit at the center of efforts to provide care and relief of suffering. Given the rapid advances in medical science and technology over the past century, the care of patients has become increasingly specialized. However, with clinical and research efforts of leading figures in medicine, mental health, and religion, and with mounting empirical science/evidence, the winds of change are blowing. Finally we are finding movement in the healthcare system that promotes whole person care. A recent development in catalyzing this change has been a move toward what is called the “patient-centered medical home (PCMH),” an approach that brings holism back into the center of care with teams of providers (mental health, physicians, nursing, etc.) working side-by-side for patients. For the first time, government, insurance, non-profit groups, patient advocacy groups, and corporations have come together to revision the way we provide care to patients in this country. This column will provide more detailed information related to the patient-centered medical home along with a more in-depth look at some of the treatments/therapies that bring the patient back to the center of care.
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Cover Story:
Resolutions that Lead to happiness
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By Dr. Matt Brown As we welcome in the New Year, we often reflect on ways in which we would like to improve. Many of us formalize these reflections with New Year’s resolutions or other goals aimed at focusing and tracking our change efforts. Many of these goals often deal with personal fitness, finances, and employment. While these are worthy endeavors, we may be better served by focusing on areas that have been shown to increase happiness and well-being. While we all have a personal set point that accounts for around 50% of our happiness, there is a lot within our power to change how we feel. In fact, research has shown that 40% of our happiness is accounted for by intentional activities—the things we do to make ourselves happy. So, what activities should we engage in if we are trying to improve our lives? Research has identified the following three areas of intentional activities: 1. Time With Family and Friends Social relationships have been shown to be the single biggest predictor of our happiness. Particularly, close relationships with family and friends play a major role in our well-being. To put things in perspective, a leading researcher in the field of happiness, Robert Putnam, has found that getting married produces the same boost in happiness as quadrupling your salary. Similarly, the increase in happiness is the same when you triple your salary or make a good friend. Given these findings, it seems obvious that if we are trying to make our lives better, relationships should be a part of any efforts we make in that direction. Spending quality time with those closest to us might be our top priority for the New Year. 2. Flow—Losing Yourself in the Moment The term “flow” has been used to describe the process of being fully and actively engaged in an activity we enjoy. You’ve probably
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had moments where you are doing something you are good at and everything feels right for that moment. People often experience flow around physical activities, creating something, or engaging your mind in a difficult task. These are often typical, mundane tasks, yet they allow us to fully engage and enjoy the process. There is a strong correlation between this process and our happiness. Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions revolve around personal fitness, but often focus on weight loss. It might be more helpful to see these goals, and others, and times for you to engage in flow and truly enjoy the process.
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Marriage and Family Therapist. He holds a doctorate L LTech NES degreeW fromE Texas University and a master’s degree from Brigham Young University. He is currently Assistant Professor and Program Director in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and the Clinic Manager at the South Shore Center for Couples and Families. Photography by Amanda Compton Photography, amandacomptonsphotos.com.
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3. Finding Purpose Perhaps due to the fact that we are social beings, we need to know that we are needed and that what we do matters. Our happiness increases when we engage in activities that serve the greater good. In fact, several studies have shown that giving money away produces more happiness than earning it. Similarly, acts of kindness, however small and seemingly insignificant, also lead to happier lives. They also have the added benefit of potentially increasing our social connectedness, which is the biggest predictor of happiness. The beginning of the year is an excellent time to look beyond ourselves and plug in to activities and organizations that serve those in need.
As we all consider the changes we would like to make this coming year, we would be wise to work toward balancing the demands of life with those things that matter most. This can be difficult, and we often feel defeated when we are confronted with certain aspects of our daily lives that seemingly will not change. However, small, consistent efforts are often more impactful than the large, once a year changes. Make intentional time for those you care about on a daily basis. Communicate your appreciation to them more often. Find small ways to enjoy day-to-day tasks, and make time to develop new skills that will allow you to simply enjoy being engaged. Reach out to others and find ways to be needed. As we all focus our goals and efforts in these three areas, may we all find increased happiness and well-being this New Year.
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Stay Confused By Kurt Attaway When it comes to marriages, families and any relationship, one thing is pretty certain: conflict will arise at some point. Because relationships are about connection, it is essential that we learn the art of resolving conflict. Conflict creates distance, separation and strain on a relationship. On the flip side, resolved conflict creates closeness, connection and confidence that the relationship can persevere through challenges. Learning how to deal with conflict in a relationship is a vital skill for growing a healthy, vibrant relationship. So how do you do it? How do you resolve conflict? Simply put... “Stay Confused!” Conflict often arises out of misunderstanding, miscommunication or simply when two people miss each other. If the goal of a relationship is connection, then we must remember to stay confused during moments of conflict so that we can work toward communication, understanding and, ultimately, connection. I encourage people to stay confused during conflict because it results in questions. Additionally, it helps to limit defensive interactions. If you are confused, you have not made up your mind about the situation. You do not have a position you are trying to defend. Instead,
you will seek the other person in conversation through asking questions. Throughout my life, whenever I find myself confused, my natural tendency is to ask questions. During conflict, asking questions and seeking the other person through a process of communication and sharing can help build interactions that naturally combat conflict and help bring the relationship through the issue being discussed. So, the next time conflict emerges in your important relationship, don’t too quickly jump to a conclusion; instead stay confused and ask questions until the issue is addressed and connection is discovered. Staying confused can help you turn conflict into connection.
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Katie Lamb is a Houston lifestyle portrait photographer who specializes in Cnatural, U LT U R E authentic images. She received her Bachelors in Fine Art Photography from WBaylor ELLNES University and started her business upon graduating in 2008. Her work has been featured in many local and national blogs and magazines, and she also mentors many photographers around the country. Katie has a passion for international missions and has spent time in Africa, China, and Europe documenting the work of nonprofit organizations through photography and videography.
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Before you know it, the chill of winter will be behind us and as springtime emerges, so will purchasers seeking homes to buy. If you | WELLNESS are not familiar with the home selling process, or if it has been a while, here are 5 discussion points for the prospective Realtor that will list your home. • Price it Right: Your Realtor should help you determine the proper price by using all the tools in their arsenal, including preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which tells you what recent sales prices of comparable homes have been in your neighborhood. This research is so important because you can’t just say homes are selling for $90 per foot. Your home is different than the next home due to the pool you have, the number of bedrooms/bathrooms, the age and many other factors. If not priced properly and the appraisal that the buyer obtains is less than the sales price, the buyer will want you to lower the price. Once pricing is determined, your Realtor should provide you with a Seller’s Net Sheet showing the estimated proceeds you should walk away with if you get the highest, average or lowest expected price for your home. It’s deflating to assume you will walk away with a certain amount only to find out that you overlooked a closing cost. By preparing a Seller Net Sheet, surprises can be minimized. Price is important as it affects the timing of a sale. If the price is too high, interest from buyers will wane. • Stage it Well: Imagine you were the prospective buyer of your house and, knowing what you know about all the skeletons, what would you fix to make it really shine? Your Realtor can assist you since they know what renovations/improvements truly add value. Even inexpensive things like staining the front door and putting out a new welcome mat can make an impression. Simply vacuuming the house won’t do it. Above all, if you don’t do anything else, de-clutter! You know you are moving anyway, so start packing items that are rarely used or seasonal in nature and put them in storage. This provides depth to closets and cabinets and shows the true size of the home. It also serves to make for a calmer showing as buyers are not focusing on distractions, knickknacks and other items that interfere with the home’s features. Insist that your Realtor hire a professional photographer to catch the proper lighting, angles and ambiance that the home should display. A few poorly taken pictures on an iPhone
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can really turn off a buyer. Times have changed and now over 90% of buyers start their home search on the internet, poring over pictures and crossing off the list those that About the Author don’t look appealing. Finally, on James Brockway, of Brockway days where showings will take place, Realty, has been representing home buyers and sellers how about a little mood music, soft throughout the Clear Lake lighting and opened blinds, to show and Houston area since off the comfort of your home? 1992. He is a Certified Residential Specialist • Market it to the World: As Realtors, we (CRS), an Accredited Buyer all have access to the Multiple Listing Representative (ABR), and Service (MLS) but do you just want a Certified International to “post and pray”. In other words, Property Specialist (CIPS). simply posting your listing on MLS isn’t adequate to get you full exposure. Nowadays, your home should be listed on every prominent real estate listing site, like Trulia, Zillow, ActiveRain, Realtor.com, Homes.com and many others. Buy what about traditional social media sites? Yes, even Twitter, Facebook, Google+, ListHub and other sites should be taken advantage of. If your Realtor has earned designations, such as the Certified International Property Specialist, they can promote your home to their network of Realtors around the world. International buyers most recently purchased over $90 billion annually of U.S. homes. After all, the Houston area is 3rd in U.S. Cities for International Real Estate Investment (2014) behind New York and San Francisco. • Communicate: The most common phrase in real estate is “location, location, location” but I like to think that “communication, communication, communication” is just as important. Clients should always know what’s going on in the process of selling their home. A simple phone call, text or email updating them on the status, even if there is no new news, is important. It eliminates surprises. • Close: Your Realtor should be with you at closing to provide moral support, if nothing else. The title company will lead the closing process, but should a question come up as to what was written in the contract, where an amendment to the contract is, etc. it’s nice to have your Realtor’s assistance. Just because a home sale is possibly the biggest financial transaction that you could have in your lifetime, it doesn’t mean it has to be the most stressful event! Brockway Realty is located in League City, Texas and serves the Clear Lake and Houston areas with 16 agents dedicated to being the smartest and most service-oriented agents in the market. Visit us at www.brockwayrealty.com!
Spread Holiday Cheer, Not the Flu! By Cliff Holt, RPh Every year I am asked, “Should I get vaccinated against the flu?” The short answer is usually, “Yes!” An annual flu vaccine is a great way to insure against the worst strains of the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine each year. The vaccine is designed to protect against the three or four flu viruses most likely to cause serious illness during the upcoming flu season. Every year in the U.S., over 200,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 people die from complications due to the flu. Most of these could be prevented with an annual vaccination. Influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads from person to person. It also may be spread when a healthy person touches something with the flu virus on it (e.g., hands of an infected person, discarded tissue, etc.) and then touches their nose or mouth. For most people, a flu vaccine can protect you throughout the flu season, which typically lasts from October to May. The best policy? Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available, ideally in October. It takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
Many people stay away from the flu vaccine because they think it will make them sick. All of the injectable versions of the flu vaccine manufactured in the last twenty years contain a dead virus, so it cannot make you sick. If you have flu-like symptoms after receiving the injection, it is just a coincidence.
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If you’re over 65 As you age, the flu vaccine may | MIND & not last as well as it does in younger, healthier people. If you’re over 65 or | F A M I LY About the Author have a weaker immune system, you may Cliff Holt is a pharmacist not create as many antibodies. And, your and the owner of Hurricane Family Pharmacy antibody levels may drop more quickly. | CandU L T U R E Gunnison Family Pharmacy A recent study has found that a high& Floral. He is a graduate dose flu shot is more effective in seniors of The University of Utah | W ELLNES College of Pharmacy and has than the standard dose. Approved for been practicing for 29 yrs. He people 65 and older, the Fluzone Highspecializes in compounding, Dose vaccine contains four times as diabetes, anti-aging, along much as the standard dose. With its with wellness and nutrition. use, the researchers believe that about 25 percent of flu cases in seniors could be prevented. The CDC doesn’t recommend this vaccine for all seniors, though. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s right for you or someone your love.
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Tips to stay healthy throughout flu season: • Wash your hands regularly. • Proper nutrition, including a regular multi-vitamin supplement. • Stay away from sick people as much as possible. • If you come down with the flu, stay home. After all, your productivity won’t matter as much if you make everyone at your workplace sick.
For young kids The CDC suggests the nasal spray vaccine may work quicker for healthy children ages two through eight. The nasal spray is a live virus and therefore can produce mild flu-like symptoms. But if it’s not available early in the flu season, don’t wait. Go ahead with the flu shot. Remember, even healthy children are at risk of flu complications that are serious enough to land them in the hospital. Signs of pneumonia include chest pain and fast, difficult breathing. If you’re pregnant In recent years, several studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe and effective, no matter your stage of pregnancy. The flu shot protects both you and your baby. In fact, it is much more dangerous not to be vaccinated. In addition to pneumonia, the flu can lead to premature labor and other complications. Note: If you’re pregnant, have just given birth, or are breastfeeding, don’t get the live (nasal mist) vaccine. You should have an inactivated version instead. Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | January/February 2015 15
Introduction on
Nutrition
By Darlene Staheli Food is everything! It’s delicious, beautiful, fragrant, and vibrant. It’s nourishing, satisfying, filling and comforting. It’s fun, social, family, and friends. It’s emotional, healing, energizing, and powerful. Sometimes food can be confusing, frustrating, time consuming, expensive and can even become addictive. Food is not the enemy, it’s an ally, and if understood and used properly, a life force more powerful and sustaining than anything else. Food is truly good when it both tastes good TO us, and is nutritionally good FOR us. Is it possible to have both? Is it possible to have a food taste and be good? I believe it is. I believe there is a balance in the way we need to look at food. The more I research and study food, nutrition, and its effects, the more I’m brought back to a simple way of eating that seems to serve everyone’s needs – eating real food in its whole form (banana and mango peels discarded of course). Sure, there are times when we use small amounts of something that has been minimally processed to help with the flavor of things. But bottom line; if it’s made BY a plant, eat it. If it’s made IN a plant, don’t. This section will help you discover ways to enjoy nourishing, wholesome, and delicious foods. We will explore how good food can lead to greater health and happiness.
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Are Organic Foods Worth the Hype? By Dr. Serge Gregoire Over the last few years, we have heard regularly from various media sources about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and organic foods. For some reason, they have been trying to convince us that organic foods are not different from conventionally grown produce. The ramifications of this advice are trifold: the genetic modification of our food supply, the intense spreading of pesticides on crops, and the deteriorating nutrient density and quality of our food. We we are going to discuss the latter two issues. The utilization of pesticides has completely compromised the topsoil. Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 2 to 8 inches, depending on the area. It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth’s biological soil activity occurs. Plants generally concentrate their roots in and obtain most of their nutrients from this layer. Pesticides and intense farming have eroded this critical part of soil. Consequently, the soil is becoming depleted in important nutrients that plants require to grow strong and healthy. Among others, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and chromium are minerals that are becoming rare in the soil and, therefore, rare in our food. For example, organic carrots grown in the 1950s contained more than 40 times the vitamin A than organic carrots grown today. Even if we eat
well, we are not getting the same nutrition as individuals 60-70 years ago. Even so, a study performed at Stanford clearly demonstrated the superiority of organic foods versus conventionally grown ones. Indeed, this study showed that organic foods are greatly more nutritious, in that they contain more vitamins and minerals, proving that organic foods should be part of a healthy diet in order to provide what the body requires to properly function and prevent disease. The same study also demonstrated that there is much less pesticide residue on organic crops. This is critical since pesticides are known to cause infertility, cancer, respiratory disorder, hormonal issues, Parkinson disease, birth defects, organ failure, skin problems, and digestive issues, among others. Eating organic is the best way to minimize our exposure to these toxic compounds. In conclusion, science is very clear about it: organic foods are greatly superior to conventionally grown crops. They contain more nutrients, like vitamin A, magnesium, zinc, etc. Per the definition of organic, no pesticides are allowed to be sprayed on the crops. Therefore, organic foods do not have pesticides or they exist in minute amounts. Taken together, we should go to our roots and grow our vegetables and fruits like nature intended us to, without the use of pesticides and in harmony with our environment.
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Kitchen offers Vegan and Gluten-Free dishes, as well as catering. Zoe’s Kitchen not only provides wonderful, inexpensive food and a relaxing atmosphere, but they are also involved in the community. The pictures displayed in the restaurant were drawn by local elementary schools and are available to purchase. All proceeds from these pictures go directly back to the school. Zoe’s Kitchen has succeeded in providing the Bay Area with a healthy and zesty taste of the Mediterranean. The next time you plan to take your family to dinner, try Zoe’s Kitchen. Your palate & pocketbook will thank you.
Restaurant Journey:
ZOE’S KITCHEN
General Manager: Michael Darst 1501 – C W Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598 (281) 332-4201 www.zoeskitchen.com
By Amber Cowley Simple. Tasty. Fresh. Zoe’s Kitchen has got it right. From the fun and colorful décor, to the light and delicious food, it was definitely a tasty experience. During my visit, I was able to try several of the entrees, as well as the sides. From the scrumptious Quinoa Salad to the savory Shrimp and Chicken Kabobs; the lemon infused Hummus & Pita Starter to the Steak Stack sandwich, my taste buds were singing. My daughter ordered from the kid’s menu and raved about her entree of the Kid’s Quesadilla and Fresh Fruit Cup. I was happy to see that Zoe’s
Quinoa Pilaf with Ribbons of Green Source: Darlene Staheli Yields 3 Cups, Serves 4 Instructions: Heat 1/2 cup water and veggie bouillon in medium sized pan. When mixture comes to a boil, add onion, red pepper flakes, and salt. Saute 5-7 minutes until onions are tender. Add rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water to pan. Bring mixture to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. While quinoa is cooking, toast pine nuts in another pan over mediumhigh heat, stirring frequently until lightly brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. When quinoa is done, remove from heat and stir in kale ribbons. Cover pan with lid and allow kale to steam for a couple of minutes. Stir in toasted pine nuts, cranberries and lemon juice. Enjoy! 18 www.txhwmagazines.com
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Green is Your Favorite Color! Here’s Why By Darlene Staheli What is the number one food missing on the plates of most people today? Would you be surprised to learn it was something simple to find, relatively easy to grow, inexpensive to buy, and best of all, easy to prepare? If you answered vegetables, you’re right! If you answered green vegetables, you are very wise. If you answered dark green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, you are a nutrition rock star! So, what are these amazing green things we should be putting in our mouths? There are so many to choose from and they come in differing shapes, sizes, and flavors. Below are a few of these wonderful veggies. • Dark leafy greens include: spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, dandelion, endive, chicory lettuce, swiss chard, and beet and turnip greens. • Cruciferous, dark leafy greens include: broccoli, kale, collard greens, bok choy, watercress, arugula, broccoli rabe, mustard greens, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, napa cabbage, and kohlrabi. • Some non-green cruciferous veggies include: radish, daikon radish, turnips, cauliflower, and beets. So why is eating dark green leafy vegetables so important? They: • Are loaded with thousands of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals) which include: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, and K – all of which increase energy. • Are loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and antioxidants that protect us from free radicals (the bad guys). • Build our internal rainforest, the good flora and fauna needed for a healthy intestinal track. • Strengthen and purify the blood, respiratory, and immune system. • Improve liver, gall bladder, and kidney function. • Clear congestion, especially in lungs, by reducing mucus. • Balance acidic conditions caused by the environment. • Aid in weight loss by helping you feel satiated. • Lower the risk for certain types of cancer. Bottom line, green leafy veggies increase our ENERGY, endurance, brain function, and overall health. Let me introduce you to one of my clients, Natalie, a 35 year old, mother of four children. Natalie was frustrated! Her energy had bottomed out; she was gaining weight and just didn’t feel good. Her dietary habits consisted mainly of drive through and fast pre-packaged meals. I introduced her the world of green leafy vegetables and challenged her to eat at least one serving every day. Natalie was very compliant and after just 2 weeks she lost 5 pounds, and had gained so much energy. She had enough energy for her family, and was excited to tackle things that had been on her to-do list for a while. So simple, yet so powerful. Dark green leafy and cruciferous veggies can be prepared in many ways. They can be enjoyed raw, made into salads, and even delicious sauces. They can be steamed, sautéed, added to soups and stews, and dehydrated (think yummy kale chips). They can also be blended together with other fruits and veggies for a refreshing smoothie. Do you want to feel better and more energized? Be a nutrition rock star! Take the challenge to increase your greens by at least one serving each day. Time to get energized! Get the greens! Eat the greens! Website: www.loveyourhealth.net | Email: darlene@loveyourhealth.net | Instagram: #d_staheli Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | January/February 2015 19
1. Determination. Lauren survived her college career and Master’s program (6 months left before graduation) by good old fashioned determination. Naturally, the challenges of school, combined with being visually impaired, would deter the most well intentioned person from succeeding. It seemed to fuel Lauren’s desire to continue her education. She told me, “Unfortunately, the system is flawed. It is not easy for a visually impaired person to go to school. The biggest problem is being able to access the information and resources you need digitally. It is all up to YOU. YOU need to find and order alternative textbooks online. When it comes to taking tests, YOU need to make sure your tests are available. YOU need to submit your order to disability services. YOU need to schedule your time to take the test, and YOU need to make sure the professor sends the test over to be taken. It is really a good lesson in self advocacy.”
The Gift of “Sight”
An Interview with Lauren Long By Camille Olson Lauren Long is a talented Marriage and Family Therapist Intern from the UHCL who knows what it means to overcome obstacles in her life. Lauren suffers from a disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). “RP is the name given to a group of hereditary eye disorders. These disorders effect the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, in which the first stages of seeing take place. In RP, sight loss is gradual but progressive. It is unusual for people with RP to become totally blind, as most retain some useful vision well into old age.” Although Lauren is visually impaired today, that was not always the case. She was not born blind. Lauren remembers the onset of her blindness starting when she was about 6 years old. She remembers playing softball and not being able to run or hit the ball. Slowly, from that time on, her eye sight has deteriorated to its current state. Lauren is considered legally blind and relies on Virginia, her German Shepherd seeing eye dog, to help her navigate through life. Lauren’s Keys to Success: 20 www.txhwmagazines.com
2. Perseverance. One of the struggles that Lauren has faced throughout her life is the closed mindedness of some people around her. During the interview, she recalled example after example of people telling her, “I don’t know how you can do that,” or “That seems like something that would be impossible for you to do.” You would think that the bombardment of doubt throughout her life would pull her down. But it hasn’t. The light and love of life burns deep in her eyes. Lauren was blessed with parents who were determined to treat her normally. Growing up, she was expected to do her own laundry, make her own food, and complete the tasks that most teenage girls are asked to do. Her mom would say, “Everyone will struggle in life.
Lucky you! At least you know what your struggle is!” She was taught to rely on herself, and to know that she COULD do it. One example of Lauren’s perseverance is making macaroni and cheese. To those who see, this is a simple task. To Lauren, it meant finding her way to the pantry and shaking every box of pasta until she heard the sound of the correct macaroni noodles rattling against the box. It might take a little more creativity, but it could, and would, be done. 3. Perception. Lauren is studying to be a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and is currently doing her Master’s level internship at the South Shore Center for Couples and Families in League City. One might wonder, “Is it possible to be a visually impaired therapist? How can a therapist who is blind “see” what is going on during the therapy session?” The answer is simple. Lauren has a super sensory awareness. This means that her senses are “super attuned.” Lauren states, “You catch a lot from the tone of the room and the other noises in the room. You can tell when people are uncomfortable with their constant shifting. I can tell when someone is crying because their breathing changes. I can tell when the energy in the room is lower. There obviously are a
lot more auditory cues that I rely on.” Virginia, Lauren’s seeing eye dog, seems to have a super attuned sense as well. Lauren recalls times when Virginia could detect the sadness or stress in the therapy room. At those times, Virginia would go sit by the person or lean on them. She was telling them that she was there, and that everything would be okay. Lauren said, “Virginia is so smart. She can just understand people.”
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Brandi Hinson is the founder and owner of Elizabeth Bradford Photography. C U She LT U R E graduated from Abilene Christian University with a BBA in Marketing. hasL N E S W She EL an eye for capturing those cherished candid moments. Brandi views photography as a true art, an art which captures life for us to look back on for years to come. In addition to family photography, she excels in architectural and commercial photography.
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Lauren’s Gift of “Sight”. For a person who does not have the | gift of sight, Lauren has been blessed with the ability to “see” what life is about. She sees the potential in others, and values their strengths and successes. She sees the value in education and becoming the best person you can be. She sees the value of hard work and determination. Most of all, Lauren sees love and goodness in this world. Her biggest desire is to give back to her community. “I am always receiving little services and acts of kindness. I would love to contribute positively back to society. I want to give this kindness back.”
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Bay Area Health & Wellness LOVES hearing from you! We are always looking for:
• Pictures of YOU involved in community events: high school games, competitions, programs, fairs, community parties, fundraisers. • Comments identifying what you love about the magazine. • Dates of events for our community calendar. Please send all submissions by the first of the month to bahwmagazine@gmail.com or mail to 549 N. Egret Bay Blvd, League City, TX 77573.
Story! We Need That
Do you know a neighbor, friend, doctor, teacher, public servant, health care provider or business owner who has an extraordinary story of giving and compassion? We need that story! We are looking to highlight the “unsung heroes” who give of their time and money for the benefit of others. Please share their story with us! All submissions will be edited by our team, no worries about that! The narrative should be approximately 400 words and sent to bahwmagazine@gmail.com. Please include the following information: • Your full name • Your email address • The first and last name of the person you are writing about • Contact information (email and phone number) for the person you are writing about • Photos (optional) 22 www.txhwmagazines.com
Photos on this page are from a First Choice Holiday Event in League City, and a Nassau Bay Community Event.
Am I By Julie Ung
Normal?
A question that I get asked a lot by my clients is “Am I normal?” or “Is what I am doing normal?” They are usually referring to a set of behaviors or certain personality traits when asking these types of questions. My answer to them is: Normal is relative. Something that seems normal for one person may be completely bizarre to someone else. What is normal? Does normal even exist? Who defines normal? Instead of asking yourself if you are normal, ask yourself, “Is what I am doing, or how I am interacting with others working? Is what I am doing healthy?” Assessing this is more critical to the client’s wellbeing than determining whether or not they fit into a certain mold or status quo. If the answer to the above question is no, then we can begin to have a much more productive conversation about how things can be done differently to improve lives and relationships. Julie holds a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from UHCL. She works at both Depelchin Children’s center and The Pearland Center for Couples & Families.
Question: What is Cardiovascular Disease and what are the top five things I can do to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease? Answer: by Dr. Miller, Cardiologist: I define Cardiovascular Disease as atherosclerosis of the vessels supplying arterial blood to the heart muscle. This plague can rupture and form a clot on the fissured plaque and thrombose the artery, causing a heart attack. Top five things I can do to reduce Cardiovascular Disease: 1. Do not smoke. 2. Maintain healthy weight. 3. Exercise for 45 minutes, 3 times a week. 4. Increase the soluble fiber in your diet to more than 30 grams per day. 5. Exercise glycemic control to keep hemoglobin A1C to less than 7%. Dr. George Miller graduated from University of Texas Medical School and did both his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Florida. He was inducted in the American College of Cardiology as an FACC in 1994.
What’s Your Question? Do you have a question that needs to be answered? Ask our local expert! Please submit your question to bahwmagazine@ gmail.com. Please include your name and email address. Don’t worry, we will keep you anonymous in the magazine!
C ALEN D AR O F
EVENTS
LEAGUE CITY Co-Ed Rookie Ball Registration Date: January 14 - February 28, 2015 Time: All Day Location: 2105 Dickinson Avenue Co-Ed Tee Ball Registration for ages 3 & 4 Date: January 14 - February 14, 2015 Time: All Day Location: 2105 Dickinson Avenue Co-Ed Volleyball League Registration Open to boys and girls ages 9-17 years Dates: January 29 - February 26, 2015 Time: All Day Location: 2105 Dickinson Avenue Build It With LEGO Date: February 5, 2015 Time: 4:30pm Location: Helen Hall Library- Susan Matthews Theater 100 W. Walker Road
FRIENDSWOOD “Brown Bag” Networking Lunch Date: January 15, 2015 11:45am-1:00pm Chamber Office 51st Annual Chairman’s Gala Date: January 17, 2015 6:00pm-11:00pm Location: Golfcrest Country Club, Pearland “Kick Start Your Day” Networking Breakfast Date: January 29, 2015 7:30am - 9:00am Location: Chamber Office
CLEARLAKE Epicurean Evening “A Taste of Space” Date: February 5, 2015 6:30pm- 9:00pm Location: Space Center Houston
KEMAH Wintertime Blues Discounts Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in January and February, you can buy one all day all rides pass at regular price ($21.99), get the 2nd for just $5! Must present coupon to receive discount. Check website or Facebook page for coupon. Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | January/February 2015 23
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