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Depression in the Time of
COVID-19 By Peggy Bell Former Cutler Bay Mayor I am worried about you. We are living in such troubling times. Never before in our lifetimes have we been under siege by a virus that has affected the entire world, causing so many deaths, a pandemic. This is not a movie, this is real. Our world has changed. We are isolated at home, worrying about masks, job loss and vulnerability. Depression can easily overwhelm you. Life is hard enough without adding this new “normal”. Often people put on a happy face (Robin Williams.). We don’t always know what pain people are hiding inside. I know. Our young son Jamie took his life. He was hiding his depression. Depression can strike anyone, you don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental illness. In 2017 the NIMH estimated 7% of U.S.
adults had at least one major depressive episode. Depression is most common in ages 18 to 25,. Women are twice as likely than men to have had an episode. The WHO estimates over 300 million people worldwide have depression. According to the CDC in the U.S., per 100,000, suicide affects whites the highest (16.84), followed by Native Americans 14.84), with African Americans, Asians and Hispanics (7.2) From 1999 to 2018, our suicide rate had climbed 35%, or over 48,000 annually people were lost. On average, there are 132 suicides per day. One can only imagine how high these numbers are today. Shockingly in 2019 our own County Commission slashed funds for mental issues by 40%. Today we must provide more resources for depression,not less. We need to talk about it more, we need to remove any stigma from those suffering with depression and provide more help. It is an epidemic. So, what can we do during this pandemic? We must stay safe, try to keep busy,
and do all we can to reach out to family and friends, many of whom are isolated at home, alone. We need to keep spirits up. People are lonely and afraid. One way I try to reach out to others is to make a list of those to remember to call. Texting is good, but it does not take the place of a personal call. It is so much better to hear a warm, friendly voice and know you’re cared for. It makes the caller feel better too. We can get through this, it won’t last forever. If you are feeling depressed NAMI Miami has zoom groups for those who have a loved one with mental health challenges, and for those who need support for themselves, visit online at www.namimiami.org MIND charity has a 24 hour helpline 800-123-3393. Compassionate Friends has a Miami Chapter for those who have lost a loved one (305) 460-5762. The suicide hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Peggy Bell can be reached online at PeggyBell123@gmail.com. INSPIRE HEALTH
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contents issue 50 โ ข 2 0 2 0
ADD A HEALTH BOOST TO YOUR PANCAKES
30 BAPTIST HEALTH HEROES
3 DEPRESSION
In the Time of Covid
8 NATURAL BEAUTY
5 Health Benefits of Ginger
10 EXERCISE
ON OUR COVER
UNITED HOMECARE Tag Teaming the Pandemic
20 36 RECIPE
Corn Soup with Turkey Tasso
42 THE ROAD AHEAD
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Fab Fitness Fads
18 WELLNESS
Boost Your Immunity the Natural Way
24 PUROCLEAN The Paramedics of Property Damage
26 PETS
Stop Your Cat from Trashing the Christmas Tree
28 ASK VET MD
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Veterinarian on Demand
31 HEALTHY MIND Role Fatigue
32 DISCOVER
Using Nutrition to Prevent Macular Degeneration inspirehealthmag.com ยง #inspirehealthmag
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15
Minutes
Rapid COVID Test Results in 15 minutes.* Walk in or save your spot online.
BaptistHealth.net/CovidTest *For the antigen test. Also offering PCR and antibody testing. While supplies last. Testing covered by most insurance plans.
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• editor’s letter
A Season to be Grateful 2020 has brought challenges we couldn’t have imagined this time last year. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in widespread sickness and death, economic paralysis and the shutdown of schools and businesses. Our citizenry yearns for a return to normalcy and stability. As we enter this most unusual holiday season, Inspire Health Magazine’s November/December issue shines a spotlight on some of the unsung heroes of the past year, for whom we all are so grateful. Our brave and tireless healthcare workers and first-responders who have consistently put themselves at greatest risk while keeping us safe and healthy. Working parents who are doing double-duty as teachers and caregivers while keeping food on the table and a roof overhead. Business owners and employees who have defied the odds to stay open and serve their clients and customers. We are grateful to them all, and we look forward to ushering in a new year that will bring more hope, health, smiles and laughter.
M AG A Z I N E PUBLISHED BY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
publisher GRANT MILLER executive editor MICHAEL MILLER director of advertising AMY DONNOR marketing director KARINA HINTZ contributing writers OSCAR MUSIBAY CHRISTOPHER PEARSON GARY RUSE account executives GLORIA BURNS MILLER MYERS RICHARD NEIDORF BARBIE PONS FARA SAX DIANE SCHILLER GEORGIA TAIT production & design DENISE CEBRERO ISABEL VAVREK Cover and United Homecare photos by Denise Cebrero Photography Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. Never substitute content contained in this publication for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, and the publishers of Inspire Health neither endorse nor promote the products and services described herein. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise, or supplementation program before taking medications; and if experiencing or suspecting the onset of any health problems.
GRANT MILLER Publisher
MICHAEL MILLER Executive Editor
6796 SW 62ND AVENUE SOUTH MIAMI, FL 33143 PH 305-662-6863
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INSPIREHEALTH@CNEWS.NET
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natural beauty
r e g n i G
By Nellie Palmer
G
inger is incredibly versatile. It has long been used in Chinese medicine to treat a whole range of ailments and conditions. In some Eastern cultures, particularly in Japan, slices of ginger are eaten between dinner courses in order to clear the palate. In Western culture, ginger is often used to prevent travel sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also sometimes used to treat colic, flatulence, and other stomach and intestinal disorders. In cooking, fresh root ginger, dried ginger, or ground ginger can be used to add a spicy tang to sweet or savory dishes. The oil from ginger is also sometimes distilled so it can be used in perfumes. Here are five health and beauty benefits of ginger: 1. Ginger can stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation. Finely grate a small piece of fresh ginger and then extract the juice by passing it through a fine sieve or piece of cheesecloth. Mix the ginger
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juice with a little avocado oil and massage into your scalp. Leave for 30 minutes before washing out. 2. Ginger may provide relief from migraine headaches and the accompanying symptoms. Research has been conducted into the affect of ginger on migraines and the results have been encouraging. Ginger is thought to help by stopping prostaglandins from causing the dilation of blood vessels, which is a common cause of migraines. 3. Including fresh ginger as a regular part of your diet could help to alleviate the pain of arthritis. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and has been successful in helping to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis in some people. The effect is cumulative, so you need to eat the spice regularly to feel the full benefits. 4. Ginger can boost your immune system and help to fight off colds and infections. For an immune-boosting drink, infuse some slices of fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water, and
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add a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of honey for additional benefits. The drink can also help to clear your sinuses and settle your stomach. 5. Ginger can help to clear spots and treat acne. Finely grate a piece of ginger and extract the juice using a sieve. Dab the juice directly onto spots, pimples and areas that are prone to acne. Leave it for thirty minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
One tablespoon ginger 1. juice, 2 tablespoons aloe vera and 1/2 tablespoon honey. 1 tablespoon ginger juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Brewed green tea and grated ginger.
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Mix ingredients of each remedy. Apply to your face with a cotton ball. Leave on for 5 minutes. Reapply once a week.
YOUR SOUL
5
HEALTH BENEFITS OF
THREE ACNE REMEDIES MADE WITH GINGER
Our Psychiatry Counseling Team helps you during these difficult times
From left to right: Danny, Claudia & Trina (Certified Treaters); Marilyn Alfaro, PhD (CEO/Owner TMS Certified); Robert Coppola, MD (Neurologist TMS Certified)
We are proud to introduce Psychiatry Counseling to our Practice
DEPRESSION | ANXIETY | MIGRAINES | SLEEP DISORDER WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER NEUROSTAR® TMS THERAPY TO OUR PATIENTS. Our Team of highly skilled professionals work individually and collectively to provide superior service in the ongoing commitment to fulfill the needs of our clients.
Hernan Pabon MD
Mariolys Lorenzo ARNP
Our Board-Certified Psychiatrist Clinicians are dedicated to addressing your Mental Health Issues providing expert evaluations, customized therapy and a medication management plan, to improve Patient's quality of life. Specialties include: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, psychosis, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. Book Your Consultation Today
We do so much more than simply help relieve your pain. We evaluate your symptoms and identify the source, with our comprehensive testing. We work as your treatment partner and guide you to the path of recovery from the injury, control pain and prevent further injury. Our friendly and caring Team provides assistance in English and Spanish.
7374 S.W. 93 Avenue #201 Miami, Florida 33173 | 786.753.7467 sunsetneurological.com
exercise
Fab Fads FITNESS
By Anthony Baker
G
etting fit and staying in shape is incredibly important to people of all ages, especially in the 21st century. Even though only approximately 15 percent of Americans belong to an actual gym, more people are getting involved in outdoor fitness activities as well as joining yoga studios and Pilates. Certain fitness fads are incredibly popular and effective for weight-loss, endurance and strength. The first of these major fitness fads is hot yoga. Often called Bikram yoga, hot yoga is taught in a studio with the heat turned up to 90 degrees or more. Hot yoga is helpful for increasing flexibility and cardio. Even though you are engaging in a rather typical
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yoga routine, it is much harder for your heart rate to maintain a normal level while enduring the heat. One of hot yoga's most desired benefits is the detox your body will receive. All that sweating will help to clean out your system and purify your organs and muscles. Another popular current fitness fad is Zumba by Beto Perez. Zumba is an exciting, calorie burning dance exercise that blares music, typically with a Latin flare. These classes are usually taken in a gym with a certified instructor, but can also be purchased on CD to get a work out in your living room. Typically an hour long, Zumba is great for men and women of all fitness levels who want to sweat while having a blast. The dance styles
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Zumba is an exciting, calorie burning dance exercise class, typically with a Latin flare. are a combination of salsa, hip-hop, tango, meringue and more. The choreography is fun and incorporates strength movements to help promote muscular endurance. One of the most highly ravedabout fitness programs right now is Insanity created by Shaun T. The Insanity workout is a variety of high impact workouts that shred calories and build cardio endurance fast. Insanity is quite difficult and requires the individual to be able to push past their physical and mental boundaries in order to keep going, even when they feel the need to quit. Plenty of fitness experts find the Insanity program to be fun, addictive and super effective.
Hot yoga, Zumba and Insanity are just a few of the top exercise programs that are all the rage right now. Luckily for some people with gym memberships, they can take all the classes whenever they are available at their fitness center. Otherwise, many programs can be purchased online and you can work out to the videos in the comfort of your own home.
HOt Yoga, often called Bikram Yoga is taught in a studio with the heat turned up to a minimum of 90 degrees.
Insanity Fitness is a variety of various high impact workouts that shred calories and build cardio endurance fast
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The Holidays By Dr. Daisy Elwick, AuD, F-AAA
Coming into this Fall season, we have so much to be grateful for. We count every blessing and start everyday with an attitude that, slowly but surely, we are creating our new normal. While the Covid-19 crisis has forced us to think outside the box, it has a surprising bit of good. It has reminded us how delicate our human bodies are and how far a little extra care and attention will go to protect ourselves and our patients from harm. Kendall Audiology is celebrating the move into our beautiful new office and we are so happy to welcome everyone from our loyal patients to new faces of every age. We continue to safeguard our patients and staff with increased sanitation processes, air purifiers throughout the office, and we will gladly provide masks for anyone who needs a face covering. Even with all the changes that our current situation demands, the one thing that has stayed the same is our
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are Hear!
promise to provide the finest quality hearing care for our community. We invite anyone in need of hearing protection, a hearing exam, or service on their hearing instruments to call us today and speak with Mercy or Debbie in reception. We will find a solution for you. Although we are coming into the end of the year, it feels like a fresh start! We are grateful to have something new to look forward to everyday.
Visit our new location: 9900 SW 107th Ave, Ste 202 Miami FL 33176 305-595-1530 www.theaudiologyctr.com
(From l to r) Elizabeth Herrera, MS, CCC-A Clinical Audiologist; Natalie Crespi, MA, CCC-A Clinical Audiologist; Dr. Daisy Elwick, AuD, F-AAA
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eat fresh
5
SCIENCEBACKED HEALTH BENEFITS OF
s o d a c Avo
By Katherine Tallichet
A
vocados are one of the few fruits that are high in fat, specifically monounsaturated fat, the heart-healthy kind that many dietitians recommend. Avocado used to be called the alligator pear because of its bumpy outer texture, and while you might love it for its creamy texture; this popular fruit also has surprising benefits. Here are five health benefits of avocado you should know about.
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Avocados Fight Inflammation Inflammation is a driving force behind a number of chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. There aren’t many health problems that inflammation doesn't contribute to. With inflammation being such a threat to health, avocado is a helpful and healthy addition to the dinner table. It contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties and oleic acid, one of its fatty acids that helps keep inflammation in check. Good for Eye Health Vision is important to humans, but eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration rob people of their ability to see clearly. Sadly, the risk of developing macular degeneration is 30 percent by age 75. So how can you lower your risk? A healthy diet, moderate exercise and not smoking are lifestyle habits that may lower the odds; but eating more avocado might give you an edge too. They contain nutrients called carotenoids that support the health of the retina, the portion of the eye affected by age-related macular degeneration. What a delicious way to help prevent loss of vision! Beneficial for Weight Control A cup of avocado contains 10 grams of fiber, giving it the highest fiber content of any fruit. A study published in Obesity Reviews found consuming more dietary fiber reduced appetite by 5 percent, lowered long-term energy intake by 2.6 percent
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and reduced body weight by 1.3 percent. They also contain healthy fats and proteins that reduce sugar cravings. Avocados are nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants. When you're trying to lose weight eating less can help, but you need to consume more nutrient-dense foods to prevent nutrient deficiencies. When you combine the satiety benefits of avocados with their high nutrient density, it's easy to see why they're a weight loss friendly food. Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease A diet rich in avocados may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite their high-fat content, studies show that the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in avocados lower LDL-cholesterol, the type linked with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies also show that adding more avocado to the dinner table, especially if you use it as a replacement for starchy vegetables and processed carbohydrates, may improve insulin sensitivity and how the cells in your body handle glucose. Since
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insulin resistance and elevated LDL-cholesterol are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease, you're doing something good for your heart when you bite into one. Avocados Enhance Nutrient Absorption One nutritional fact about avocados that many people don't know is that they boost the absorption of certain nutrients when you eat them with other foods. The monounsaturated fats in avocado help you absorb more of the beta-carotene, an antioxidant nutrient and precursor to vitamin A, from orange vegetables and leafy greens. An Ohio State study found that people who ate around 5 ounces of avocado with carrots and tomato sauce absorbed more of the beta-carotene available in these foods. So add avocado to your next
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salad for optimal nutrient absorption. The Bottom Line Avocados have a creamy texture that makes them irresistible. They're a natural for salads, wraps and sandwiches. You can use avocado as a sandwich spread and replacement for butter.You’ll get hearthealthy monounsaturated fats when you make this substitution, making it a smart and healthy move. Try cutting an avocado in half, removing the pit and filling the space with fresh chicken or tuna salad.You can even open one up and spoon the inner flesh out with a spoon with a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. You'll find many uses for the versatile avocado and you can rest assured that you're getting lots of great benefits.
Use Avocados as a sandwich spread.
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Tag Teaming The Pandemic About United HomeCare United HomeCare® (UHC) is one of the largest 501 (C) (3) non-profit, home and community care organizations serving disabled, older adults in Miami-Dade. Since 1974, the Agency has grown to more than 850 employees and volunteers who provide approximately 21,000 hours of care each week to nearly 3,500 clients in the comfort of their home. Over 750 Home Health Aides (HHAs) comprise the bulk of the workforce. United HomeCare® has pioneered an interdisciplinary approach to home health that fosters team work and has served the Agency well during the Pandemic. Clients benefit from a wide range of health professionals who specialize in care for the elderly, including case managers, LCSWs, nurses, PT/OT therapists, nutritionist, personal care assistants, care coordinators and intergenerational volunteers. Since the Centers for Disease Control sounded the COVID-19 alarm, United Home Care’s doors have remained open as an essential provider of home care service in Miami-Dade. To protect both employees and clients, Carlos L. Martinez, UHC’s President & CEO
United HomeCare® Nursing Heroes
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has diligently secured thousands of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment. By early March, as Miami residents began to quarantine, United HomeCare’s Interdisciplinary Team went into triage mode as the call volume spiked from community residents and clients seeking information, referrals and home care supports. By early July, C.A.R.E.S Funding allocated to UHC by the Alliance for Aging, Inc., enabled United HomeCare® to quickly assemble a CARES Mental Health LCSW Program, which provides FREE mental health counseling services by telephone to individuals age 60 plus. The Program serves UHC clients, as well as individuals on the Older Americans Act waitlist, and the community-at-large. Helping older adults in need is a priority, says CARES Mental Health LCSW, Guadalupe Rodriguez. Fellow LCSW, Glenda Taylor, who started her career at United HomeCare, as an FIU Social Work Intern and is now a UHC employee had this to say, “the experience of counseling seniors during COVID-19 is fulfilling, and is my way of giving back with the greatest empathy to a community that has given so much to me over the years.” First hand, the Clinical Social Work Team has seen the detrimental impact of social isolation on older adults and their family caregivers. The services they provide help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fears – all on the rise in Pandemic social isolation. Sadly, some clients have lost their partners of 50 plus years, and have multiple painful chronic illnesses that impact their mental health. Since July 2020, over 50 individuals age 60 plus are benefiting from CARES Mental Health LCSW services, and many more will be helped through December 2020, when the grant comes to an end. Interdisciplinary home care teamwork has made a difference in engaging seniors willing to accept help and participate in mental health counseling. Referrals to the Program started in May 2020, with UHC’s volunteer driven Telephone Reassurance Program staffed by Summer Interns. They were dedicated to making bi-weekly friendly telephone calls to seniors to check-in on them. This helped to keep a pulse on clients with the greatest need for supports. Alina Palenzuela, Communications & Outreach Manager was instrumental in launching the Telephone Reassurance Program and directed the efforts led by
United HomeCare® Employees – Working Together Dolores Pollack and the Summer Interns. The Team continuously makes referrals for counseling to The CARES Mental Health LCSW Program. Referrals are also made by United HomeCare’s Case Managers, and the Customer Care Center also refers from the Older Americans Act client waitlist of 2,000 individuals. Additionally, partner organizations like the Alliance for Aging, the United Way of MiamiDade, where UHC serves as an Impact Partner, Miami-Dade County and various community organizations make community referrals. Self-referrals are also welcomed. Boris Anoceto, UHC Director of Programs and Ileana Ferrera, Compliance Officer also played an instrumental role in identifying UHC clients needing counseling assistance. “It takes advocating within the Agency for referrals, particularly for Case Managers to support the Interdisciplinary Home Care Team. This was key in the implementation
phase of the Program, and now they are all engaged,” says Boris Anoceto. Since CARES Mental Health LCSW services are grant funded, initially UHC had to operationalize data entry, billing and compliance with documentation of services rendered in a timely manner. With Finance and accounting support, the LCSW clinical team got the back office help and remained focused on delivering counseling services. Resiliency and resourcefulness have helped UHC’s Interdisciplinary Home Care Team to address all obstacles. A key factor for this success is collaboration through team work. More than ever, United HomeCare’s tagline, “There’s just no place like home”, remains true. Home is where seniors prefer to live in older age, and in times of duress we must strengthen our safety net services by working together to help them remain safe at home.
United HomeCare CARES Mental Health LCSW Team: l-r: Blanca Ceballos, Community Liaison; Alina Palenzuela, Communications and Outreach Manager; Guadalupe Rodriguez, LCSW-MPH, CSW; Dolores Pollack,Volunteer Liaison and Boris Anoceto, Director of Programs.
United HomeCare Executive Management Team: l-r: Terry Cartaya, Home Health Administrator; Corporate Compliance Manager; Roger Lopez, Chief Operating Officer; Carlos L. Martinez, President & CEO; Simon De Oliveira, RD, Nutrition Program Manager.
wellness
t s o o B
YOUR IMMUNITY THE NATURAL WAY
By Sara Kirckland hat dreaded time of the year is almost here – cold and flu season. This means sicknesses brought on by cooler temperatures, back to school Petri dishes and a general abundance of germs. You may be looking to enhance any immunizations or shots you receive with some good old fashioned natural immune system boosters. Follow these guidelines for you and your family to enjoy a more comfortable fall.
T
Get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep
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each night is essential to keeping your immune system operating at peak efficiency. When you don't get enough sleep consistently, vital processes in your body begin to shut down. Adequate sleep is essential to regulating your immune system and keeping it able to fight off external infections and germs. Strive to stay well-rested with around eight hours of sleep each night.
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
It's no wonder that parents everywhere admonish their children to eat their fruits and vegetables. Plantbased foods are rich in nutrients and vitamins that are critical to proper immune function. Some foods that are believed to naturally boost your immune system are blueberries, foods with omega-3 fatty acids, broccoli and spinach. This can also help you maintain a healthy weight which keeps your immune system functioning properly. It‘s a win-win! If you don't like vegetables, a daily multivitamin added to your diet can make up for any vitamin deficiencies. inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag
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Practice good hygiene. Keeping your hands washed during cold and flu season is one of the most sure-fire ways to avoid getting sick. People touch their eyes, nose and mouth a lot throughout the day, so washing your hands is essential to keeping germs away from those areas. This also includes oral hygiene - brushing teeth, flossing and mouth washing are important to keeping germs out of your mouth and out of your body.
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Exercise regularly. In addition
to helping you maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise keeps your body and immune system functioning properly. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and allows white blood cells to travel rapidly to fight infections. Pursuing the healthiest lifestyle possible will help you avoid an uncomfortable cold season.
Simplicity is often best. These basic rules to live a healthy lifestyle through good eating, adequate sleep, proper hygiene and exercise will provide benefits to fighting off infections. Herbal supplements may help, but it's important to understand there isn’t scientific evidence supporting such claims. If you want to avoid the cold and flu season altogether, follow these tips to boost your immunity the natural way.
Baptist Health System
Heroes
Antavius Lumpkin, Lead Floor Technician in Environment Services at Miami Cancer Institute
“I was inspired to give back to others and pursue a job in the healthcare industry after losing my grandmother to colon cancer in 2010. I love my job. I am happy to start early and work late to get the job done. And I have the support of a great team – a family at work. We work as a team to keep the staff, patients and visitors at Miami Cancer Institute safe and healthy. As they say, there is no ‘I’ in team. Although the pandemic has increased awareness of the importance of what we do, we have always maintained the highest standards to keep every surface in the facility clean and sanitized. We suit up in our gear, gloves and masks and utilize ultraviolet (UV) light surface-disinfecting devices throughout the Institute to eliminate germs. We also use the most advanced equipment and products to keep the terrazzo floors clean, polished and beautiful. I’ve been doing this for 14 years – three years at Miami Cancer Institute and 11 years at Baptist Hospital – so I’ve become a master at my craft! And I truly appreciate the recognition for my efforts.”
Michele Ryder, MSN, MSHSA, RN, CENP, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of Miami Cancer Institute
She developed an exemplary military-like command center and screening system to ensure safety of vulnerable cancer patient population. Miami Cancer Institute's best practices in screening patients and employees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, may be useful to other hospitals in the next disease outbreak. Miami Cancer Institute screens 100% of its employees because it serves a high-risk cancer population and must ensure no one is symptomatic. In some periods, they have screened 2,000 people a day with 50 staff members performing the screening process. The effort was accomplished with support from the Baptist Health System, which coordinated the COVID-19 response for its nine hospitals, says Michele Ryder, MSN, MSHSA, RN, CENP, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of Miami Cancer Institute. The health system and the Miami facility used the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the more targeted Florida state guidelines to develop a comprehensive testing.
Meghan McCooey, Physician Assistant with Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute
“I was fortunate enough to be trained by incredible physician assistants (PA) early in my career, and I’m very grateful for that guidance during my first year as a cardiology PA. Now, after gaining more experience, I've had the opportunity to 'pay it forward' and train some of our advanced practice practitioners (APP). I’ve found the process of helping them transition into more confident providers to be very rewarding. During this pandemic, I developed a training document to help the new APPs during their onboarding process. At the suggestion of Dr. Marcus St. John, I also piloted the use of a new risk calculator tool to better evaluate our patients' pre-procedural risk and improve patient care and outcomes. My goal is to have a positive influence on those around me, and I’m hopeful that the tools I’ve helped implement can improve our confidence as providers and the quality of care we offer our patients.”
t r a m S g n i l Sett A NEW SLANT ON BALANCING LIFE By Patricia Danflous
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S
ettle up. Settle down. Let’s settle our differences. It’s not available in blue, so you will settle for green. How often do you settle? Stop now. Follow the advice of leadership specialist, consultant, author, and entrepreneur Dana Look-Arimoto and start “settling smart.” The 52-year-old, dark-haired, super-active Californian, with a bright smile, equally bright eyes and glowing skin defies age. Her words and experience demonstrate wisdom and maturity. Glance at her resume, look her up on Linked-In, listen to her speak, or see an Instagram notification and you’re going to want to learn more about her and what she has to say. A former executive specializing in strategy, solutions and growth initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Look-Arimoto was recognized by the Silicon Valley Business Journal as the 2015 Woman of Influence. She’s delivered international keynote addresses for a variety of industry events and has a reputation for leading companies to focus on “what’s next.” What was next for Look-Arimoto just over four years ago was powering up her entrepreneurial spirit to another level. She founded Phoenix5, a leadership and executive coaching company that transforms individuals and organizations with the holistic energy of Stop Settling®, which aims to end the myth of work-life balance. She recently started a podcast and her latest book, Stop Settling, Settle Smart: Rethinking Work-life Balance, Redesign Your Busy Life highlights the well-defined, logical method, mindset and movement to help individuals understand priorities and live a more harmonious life. In its name, the business reflects Look-Arimoto’s life experience on a professional and personal level. “Phoenix5 is kind of the fifth in a series of phoenixes in my life,” she explained. “The symbolism of
the mythological creature rising back to life from its own ashes is the brand that is authentic, genuine and experiential for myself and inspirational for others.” “The story behind the story, goes back to my strategy advisory work,” she said. “I co-led an analyst strategy house for six years, and I thought, ‘Well, wouldn’t it be cool to help people take the most complex thing- the most multi-dimension thing, their fifth-dimension life their quintessence, and boil it down into the simple, most common denominator of clarity?’ So Phoenix to the fifth dimension was a logical choice.” Choice is a core element in Look-Arimoto’s approach to Stop Settling. “Redesigning your life is making deliberate, conscious choices based on what you truly want out of life and learning how to prioritize your time,” she said. In Stop Settling she offers question and answer scenarios which guide individuals in determining priorities, while providing guidelines for understanding, accepting and working within priority boundaries. “You can define a method and mindset that helps you choose the things you say ‘yes’ to in a way that not only fits your individual life but also gives you the push to move forward.” Look-Arimoto’s “yes” or ah-ha moment to redesigning her life came during a high point in her career. While moderating a Women’s Tech Networking event, a time management question was addressed to one of her mentors, Kate Purmal, a contributing author
to business-oriented Moon Shot Effect. Kate’s answer included the observation, "Oh, your problem is you don't have enough white space." “I felt like time froze,” Look-Arimoto said. “It was as if Kate was speaking directly to me, not the audience member who asked the question. I knew then it was time to make a decision. I pulled the trigger; became a corporate defector, and launched my own company. Up until then I lacked confidence.” Twenty-four hours later she resigned her company president role. “When Kate said ‘no white space,’ I was inspired,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I have some money in the bank. I'm a single mom, but my kids are alright, we're very stable. I was with a great guy clearly leading to marriage, and I just thought, if not now, when? I had to do it quickly because I didn’t want to lose the nerve. I always saw myself as the woman behind the entrepreneurs, but not the entrepreneur herself. But I was at the point where I didn’t want to build another business for anyone else. It was a choice – it was solo ownership or stay the corporate route.” Her decision-making story is a good one, but not all roses and sunshine. “My first on-my -own client came with a significant lesson learned. I sounded all ‘ballsy’ as I got started on my own, but I was still risk-adverse underneath. I took what I call a soft landing pad client right away and it was a big mistake. I had to fire her. I have never again repeated
Learn how you can be more human and less robotic as you discover your priorities and start settling smart. ”
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that mistake and I know that I never will. I'm really good about what I call, ‘doing the fit’ call. I make sure that my clients are a good fit for me and me for them. Now part of that is I'm really booked up. I've got a wait list and I am in an amazing, fortunate position.” While Phoenix5’s reputation and client list continues to grow, Look-Arimoto points to the women in her life who continually inspire and validate her decisions. “Brené Brown’s work on courage has really changed my life and I am grateful for her work, her vulnerability and her teachings. A book I love is Kim Scott's Radical Candor, and my daughters, 16 and 20, have really inspired me, frustrated me, taught me, challenged me. My 16 year old, for example, is very outspoken, very assertive, unbelievably clear about what she wants, what she doesn't want, how to get it. She's a crusader. When I went out on my own, she actually said, ‘So it's about time you practice what you preach.’ That was a powerful moment for me.” Stop Settling is not about stopping, she emphasizes. It is about living smart to get where you want to be and that is a constant journey. “Yes, I have achieved success financially. I am helping people and making a lasting impact,” she stated. “Am I where I want to be? Not even close. My husband asked me ‘what if you only touch one life and make a difference for one person? Is it worth it?’ I immediately said yes, but a million would be good, too. I’m very driven when it comes to helping making the universe better, particularly during this time of racial injustice and economic uncertainty and health issues. I feel very driven to make a difference for as many lives as possible while I'm on this planet.” She is not settling. “I have not settled for stretching my own ability to be more public-facing, more social, reaching beyond my usual comfort zone of leaders and executives,” she emphasized. “It’s not easy. I have fought, and fought, and fought against this whole social media thing and then
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finally, it dawned on me like, ‘Duh, if you don't get on, you will never touch the lives you want to touch.’ So that has been a super-stretch and and I'm absolutely loving it.” She is settling for the opposite, however. “That’s not doing it all at one time, taking breaks, using white space and doing nothing. I will not give up on my reading time,” she said, adding that she typically has three diverse genres going at one time. “It's really only been probably the last three out of four years that I've really gotten my act together in terms of what I want and what I don't. What I'm willing to accept and what I don't. I'll give you a good example, I was asked to do a 5:30 am major top 10 news spot this week. It was really hard to do, but I said, ‘no, thank you, can’t do 5:30 am. It’s not because I'm a prima donna and I need to be in full makeup. It's because my sleep is vital, I struggle with sleep, and it's just not worth it. That was all about making a good choice for me.” The Phoenix5 leader advises her executive clients to navigate their day in a similar manner. She recommends planning the day around individual optimal performance. “If I am better at writing or speaking in the morning, I plan my stuff that way,” she said. “If
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I am better at strategizing thinking or just allowing myself to do research or contemplate in the afternoon, I do it that way. My number one rule for time mastery is 15 minutes between meetings. We need to pet the dog, do outside we need water, we need to get up and stretch, we need a break. We need mental relaxation and the ability to reset.” “If you've ever had lunch in Mexico City, let me tell you, it is a two-hour glorious experience and it is more than just food, and a break, and relaxation, and bonding and eating, it's work,” she said. “It's performance-enhancing and incredibly relaxing as well. There is a dichotomy in this country. We see those who say, ‘I'm a superwoman because I take 80 hours worth of meetings every week.’ That's not the truth. Actually, productivity, joy and value goes up when we take more breaks because we have limits. We are human after all, we're not robots.” Learn how you can be more human and less robotic as you discover your priorities and start settling smart. You can learn more in Look-Arimoto’s book, Stop Settling, Settle Smart: Rethinking Work-life Balance, Redesign Your Busy Life or visit her website: www.settlesmarter.com
Tackling
Together
COVID-19
As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, local government, businesses and the public need to work together to stop the transmission of the virus. Miami-Dade County is, no doubt, a great place to live, work and play. Simple actions—such as wearing face coverings in public, practicing six feet of social distancing and staying safer at home if you don’t need to go out—go a long way toward flattening the COVID-19 curve. Here are a few personal measures everyone must take to stay safe. FACE COVERINGS Wearing a face covering is currently required in Miami-Dade County. Studies have shown the potential transmission of COVID-19 decreases greatly when people wear face coverings. Face coverings help prevent the spread from person to person, whether it’s when speaking, breathing coughing or sneezing. You can buy different varieties of face coverings or even make your own, but if you wear a disposable face covering, please remember not to litter and dispose of it
correctly. If you wear a cloth face covering, wash it after every use. SOCIAL DISTANCING In addition to wearing a face covering, keeping a distance of six feet from nonhousehold members helps curb the spread of COVID-19. Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations. SAFER AT HOME To reduce the chance of spreading or transmitting COVID-19, it is always best to stay safer at home if you don’t need to go out for anything essential. Persons with compromised immune systems should also stay home except for essential needs. Of course, we all miss spending time with other families and friends, but creating a household bubble helps curb the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, emails, chats, phone and video conferences can help bring us closer while we’re apart. BUSINESSES Keeping businesses open is vital to our County’s economic health, but business-
owners have responsibilities too. They’re required to carry out emergency orders on social distancing, face coverings and other mandates on their premises. If you see a business not complying, call 305-4POLICE (305-476-5423). SURGE TEAMS While it may seem clear that when individuals do their part, we can save lives, the County continues to focus on public education. That’s why it has deployed Strategic Unified Response to Guideline Education (SURGE) Outreach teams. Volunteers and County employees are visiting targeted neighborhoods providing residents and businesses with safety kits that include hand sanitizers and masks. SURGE teams are also providing helpful tips to avoid transmitting or contracting COVID-19 while also sharing information about testing locations. Getting the upper hand on this virus is a shared responsibility. We all must do our part so that we can get back to work, school and being together. ———————————— For more resources, visit www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus
PuroClean of Aventura/Davie: Paramedics of Property Damage
Property damage caused by water, smoke or fire should always be handled by professionals to prevent emergencies from becoming catastrophes. Whether due to flooding, flames, smoke or mold, or in the event of biohazard cleanups, PuroClean of Aventura/Davie provides the expert restoration services needed by homeowners and business owners. PuroClean technicians recently restored a flooded apartment building that houses 600 people. “We see this happen a lot. A pipe burst, flooding the entire ground level, including 40 rooms and the main lobby,” says Ricardo Herdan, who co-owns PuroClean of Aventura/Davie along with David Shiffman. “In the drying process, we used industrial fans and dehumidifiers throughout the flooded areas. Our team also had to solve another typical problem in our line of work: powering all the equipment. We solved that by bringing in generators to plug into,” explains Herdan.
The PuroClean team also recently completed a fire restoration job that caused the shutdown of an entire wing of a local medical facility, all during COVID-19. PuroClean restored the 10,000 squarefoot facility and reconstructed the damaged structure to bring it back up to pre-disaster standards. “Medical patients depend on this medical center, so it was important to finish the job as quickly as possible,” adds Shiffman. “We worked hard to minimize the disruption of services the facility provides for the community. The property managers extended their most sincere appreciation for our swift and effective response.” Biohazard cleanup services During COVID-19, PuroClean of Aventura/Davie has provided biohazard cleanups for many commercial properties, including the Aventura Marketing Council and the Key Biscayne Police Department and Fire Station. Taking into account all of their concerns, the company incorporated all of its quickest and most effective methods. Here for our Community PuroClean of Aventura/Davie prides itself on providing timely professional services for the community whenever disaster strikes. For businesses, the company can also create disaster preparedness plans ahead of time, at no cost. “When an emergency situation occurs, every minute counts,” says Shiffman. PuroClean of Aventura/Davie can be reached 24/7 at (305) 907-7373/info.aventura@puroclean.com for Miami-Dade and (954) 233-1100/info.davie.puroclean.com for Broward.
pets
Stop
Your Cat from Trashing the
CHRISTMAS TREE
By Annie Franklin
Cats and Christmas trees can be an impossible combination. Cats love to climb, they are attracted to things that shine and love to pounce on anything that dangles. With a bit of forethought it is possible to have both a Christmas tree and a cat at least minimize the potential for damage. These six tips should help stop your cat from attacking your Christmas tree.
1
Strategically position the tree Make sure your tree is in a secure position and the stand is stable. If you place the tree in a corner it's less likely to get knocked over. The same applies if it's far away from tables, chairs or anywhere high enough for your cat to use as a launch pad. Smaller trees are also less likely to topple over.
2
Distraction Place cat goodies like a scratching post or cat tower in the room. Add kitty gifts containing catnip to keep your cat interested in that part of the room, rather than in the Christmas tree. Any time
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your cat looks like they are going to head for the tree, distract them with a jingling bell or squeaky toy to divert them. It's also a good idea to make sure that no cat toys or treats are left under the Christmas tree. If you have a gift for your cat, especially something that it might be able to smell, don't leave it under the tree or you may be inviting trouble.
3
Scent the tree Cats tend not to like citrus scents so giving the branches an essential oil spritz before decoration may help keep kitty away. Other suggestions include a vinegar spritz or scattering citrus peel around the base.
4
Secure the Christmas lights Twinkling lights are a magnet for cats, so if you must have them, make sure they are
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secure. Wrap them closer to the trunk rather than have them dangling in a reachable position. You could also tape the wire down or use a sturdy cable tie for any slack.
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Avoid tinsel and glass ornaments Some decorations will be too tempting for your kitty, and dangerous. Glass baubles, glitter, decorations that attach with wire and tinsel all fall into this category. Broken ornaments, wire and tinsel could cause serious damage if ingested. Think about more natural ornaments made from wood and tied with string, or paper, felt and silk decoration alternatives.
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Double-sided sticky tape and aluminum foil Cats don't like the feel of anything sticky on their paws, so a layer of double-sided tape around the base of the tree should stop most cats from trying to climb it. This isn't fool proof, as some cats will jump over the tape, but in combination with the other suggestions it may work to ward off your cat. Aluminum foil works on a similar principle - cats tend not to like the feel of it under their paws.
It may not be possible to completely deter a determined kitty. But these tips should at least help to make your Christmas tree less likely to be trashed by your cat.
COVID also impacts our
Furry Friends
By Yolanda Berkowitz. President, Friends of Miami Animals The world has changed, we’ve changed and animals need us more than ever. Our lives have been deeply affected, with social habits upended, public health compromised, and world economies brought to a screeching halt. Receiving far less attention is the effect the pandemic has had on companion animals, especially those without an owner but also on pet owners struggling financially during this time. As federal, state and local governments worked to identify and support essential services, it became clear we needed to advocate for pets and the essential services that support them (e.g., animal shelters, animal control and veterinarians). It was critical that animal welfare would not be compromised and that these essential services remained open so they could continue to serve the public health and safety needs. During these efforts, every day heroes emerged in shelter workers, veterinary care professionals, animal control officers and others who put themselves on the front line every day and proved themselves essential workers in our community. Equally important was the need for formal communications to the general public, with accurate, factual and reliable information on companion animals and COVID-19. Animal shelters have
been challenged with balancing animal care and community demands with public health and safety and have had to create best practices and animal control protocols so that false perceptions and lack of reliable information did not result in more pets being surrendered to shelters. When people began losing their jobs in March and it became harder for people to care for their pets, the priority was to provide them with food donations to ensure pet owners didn’t have the make the hard decision to surrender their pets. Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (“FoMA”) was early to address these needs and helped fund nearly 1,500 pounds of free pet food through Miami Dade Animal Services (“MDAS”) sponsored food distribution efforts that have delivered nearly 20,000 pounds of food to date to pet owners. One pleasant surprise during the pandemic has been the community’s interest in fostering shelter pets. Shelters have reported record low occupancy during the pandemic due to their outreach in the community and every day heroes who were willing to take shelter pets into their homes temporarily. To support these fosters, FoMA moved quickly to provide supplies needed for pets going into temporary homes and in just a few weeks, over 250 pets went into foster homes and almost 300 were adopted. FoMA also helped initiate, with MDAS, weekly Facebook Live virtual adoption events to continue to share shelter pets with potential adopters as social distancing, limits on gatherings and other restrictions made it difficult for adopters to visit shelters. Yet, in many ways and despite all we’ve done, those of us working in animal welfare know that we are treading water. As the pandemic alters the way we live and conduct business, needs will grow, especially when unemployment benefit needs increase and eviction and other protections expire; and with that the needs of pets will also grow. At Friends of Miami Animals Foundation we are committed to continuing to do our part & continue to help our community’s pets and to support those on the front line: veterinary care professionals, shelter workers, fosters, adopters and pet owners and to continue to innovate and support life saving efforts in MiamDade County.
Yolanda Berkowitz, president of Friends of Miami Animals Foundation, Inc.,501(c)3 Non Profit Organization. 305-854-2800 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.berkowitz Instagram: @mrsyobe. @rescuedogsrockmia. @friendsofmiamianimals.com www.fomapets.org
Veterinarian On-Demand Telehealth Company Delivers Real Time Answers During COVID-19 Pandemic
In an effort to help clients make educated decisions regarding their pets’ medical issues, an Ivy League trained veterinarian, Dr. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, a graduate of both the prestigious Brown University and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, has launched AskVetMD, a veterinary care on-demand telehealth platform offering services in English and Spanish. “Our goal was to create an affordable, bilingual platform that makes veterinarians more easily accessible, and, in turn, provides pet parents with factual information to optimize their pet’s health” said Dr. Ruiz. Most of the time, especially during the current pandemic, owners turn to the Internet for answers, which offers much misinformation and often compounds their pet’s medical condition. Dr. Ruiz and her team of experienced Ivy League trained veterinarians are available 7 days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM, to give general pet care advice along with triage support via live one-on-one chat. Pet owners can choose a single session or a monthly membership. Upon completing a short form available online at www.askvetmd.com which includes pet breed, age, weight, sex, and a brief description of their concern, clients can connect to a private chat. By asking specific questions and having the owner send photos and videos, the veterinarians can determine which animals need urgent medical attention, which need to go to their veterinarian in the near future, and which can be safely cared for at home. For the low price of $19.99 for a single session, or $14.99 monthly for unlimited sessions and up to 3 pets, the platform offers peace of mind. The doctors have also found that their service is increasingly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when being closer than 6 feet apart could put clients and their loved ones at risk. ———————————————— For more information on AskVetMD, visit www.askvetmd.com Facebook: @askvetmd Instagram: @askvetmd
Dr. Tiffany Ruiz
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feature
ADD A HEALTH BOOST TO YOUR
PANCAKES By Amy Reid
P
ancakes have been a breakfast staple for almost 2,500 years. References to this popular breakfast dish date back to Ancient Greece, and people have been calling them by the name "pancake" since the Renaissance. However, traditional pancake recipes are falling out of fashion because they don't reflect modern ideas about healthy breakfast choices. But there is good news for pancake lovers. Even in the age of avocado toast and overnight oats, there’s still room for a pancake breakfast. You can boost the health (and flavor) of your favorite pancake recipe by making any of these simple changes.
Use Whole Grain Flour
Try replacing one cup of white flour with ¾ cup of whole-wheat or multi-grain flour in your favorite pancake recipe. This adds extra vitamins and minerals, and the added fiber will help you feel fuller for longer.
Toss in Some Berries
Add a cup of fresh or frozen berries to your favorite pancake batter. This simple addition increases the amount of antioxidants and fiber in the pancakes without adding too many extra calories. The natural sweetness of the berries can take the place of sticky syrups as well.
Add a Super food Supplement
You can mix super food powders in with the other dry ingredients. Start with one teaspoon and adjust accordingly. Maca is an adaptogen that helps regulate hormone levels while adding a mellow flavor similar to vanilla. Beetroot powder will turn your pancakes a bold shade of pink and is packed with Vitamins A and C. Add a tablespoon of raw cacao powder for a kid-approved, chocolate-flavored mood enhancer.
Increase the Protein
If you follow a plant-based diet or don’t eat very much meat, you can help reach your daily protein goals by adding a scoop of protein powder to your pancake mix. Add one scoop of protein powder for every one cup of flour without impacting the texture of the pancakes.
Ditch the Mix
Pre-packaged pancake mixes often contain unhealthy ingredients like added sugar, partially hydrogenated oils and artificial colors. If you don't have time to make pancakes from scratch during the week, then batch cooking might be right for you. Double or triple your favorite pancake recipe, allow them to cool, and then freeze them in a resealable plastic bag with a piece of wax paper between each pancake. For two perfect, mid-week pancakes, just reheat them in the microwave for forty-five seconds on high. There's no need to throw out your griddle or restrict yourself to boring cereals. With these simple changes, you and your family can enjoy delicious, healthy pancakes for breakfast anytime.
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healthy mind
ROLE FATIGUE:
By Judi Gaman
Is Wearing All Those Hats Making Your Head Spin?
I
f you’re past forty, you’re probably the leading lady of your own home, while playing many supporting roles on the larger stage of life.You’re most likely the mother to children of various ages, daughter to parents who have new and unique needs, and friend to those you would never turn your back on. Often these roles are balanced around a myriad of tasks in the home or at the workplace. At the end of the day, your head may be spinning and your brain is feeling heavy or drained. It would be easier if the roles were played one at a time, but instead we’re flipping back and forth between what we need to accomplish, and in what capacity we need to be present. For example, one day after a busy day at the office, I came home and signed a card to one of my children with my first name, rather than signing it ‘Love, Mom’. My brain didn’t have quite enough time to switch from boss mode to mom mode. Role fatigue is real, and it comes with a list of symptoms that include headache, back pain, malaise,and even sexual dysfunction. The best way to manage the symptoms is to manage what’s causing them. Here’s a list of tips on how you can manage the hats you wear, and in turn reduce fatigue. SET BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR CHILDREN (even if they’re grown) – Many of us were “yes moms” when
our kids were young, always there to help no matter what. The downside of that is when the children grow up they still haven’t figured out how to manage their issues without calling for help. Help with the big stuff, the life changing things, but encourage them to tackle the smaller stuff on their own. Even if they get it wrong, they will learn from the experience. Don’t rob them of the opportunity to grow. PUT DATE NIGHT ON THE CALENDAR AND MAKE IT NON-NEGOTIABLE – When all the kids leave the nest there will be this moment of truth. Do you really know this person you’ve been living with? Don’t wait another day. Pick a night of the week and make it your night to reconnect. Trade off each week and allow the other person to plan the evening. Just be sure that this night is also about intimacy. It’s so easy to get distracted that weeks can go by without sex, but this guarantees that you’ll connect at least four times a month. SCHEDULE YOUR PARENT TIME – If you’re like many others your age, your parents may be aging and facing health issues. These issues can be stressful alone but when you tag on the emotion of watching a parent decline, it can become overwhelming. Pick a day of the week that you check on them, review their medications, discuss any concerns and then write down the action plan for that week.
Role fatigue is real, and it comes with a list of symptoms that include: headache, back pain, malaise and even sexual dysfunction.
This will also help you gauge when it’s time to bring in more help or move to an assisted living center. TIGHTEN YOUR CIRCLE – In a world where social media has us calling everyone a friend, it’s easy to forget who your besties are. Pick three to five people for your inner circle and stay close with them.You can still have friends at lower levels of closeness, but by focusing on a smaller number you can reserve your energy for the more immediate needs of family and self. DATE YOURSELF – That’s right, you need to have time to yourself. Find a few hours each week that you take all the hats off your head, turn in your titles and just be you spending time with you. Take in a good book, a bubble bath, a dip in the pool or your favorite show – uninterrupted. Not everything about middle age is bad. Finding ways to manage all the external pressures you’ll be able to find the simple joys that come at the most unexpected time. When you wear your hats, wear them proudly. But never be afraid to take them off, let your hair down and just be you. AUTHOR: Judy Gaman is the CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas (www.emtexas.com) and author of multiple books. Her latest book, Love, Life, and Lucille (www. lovelifelucille.com) is about how Lucille Fleming, a centenarian (over 100), changed her life forever. Judy’s also an award-winning speaker who travels the country inspiring and engaging audiences of all sizes.
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discover
USING NUTRITION TO PREVENT
Macular Degeneration By Annie Franklin
T
he ability to see the beauty of the world is one of the most precious senses we have. It’s easy to take this ability for granted until it’s lost. One of the most common causes of vision loss in adults is a disease called macular degeneration, a condition most commonly seen in those over the age of 50. This disease is associated with a loss of central vision which makes it difficult to see and recognize details such as faces, but some peripheral vision is retained. The most common type, known as dry macular degeneration, is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. As many as 10 percent of retirement age Americans have some degree of macular degeneration. Fortunately, there may be a way to prevent macular degeneration – through nutrition. A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology showed that a diet rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, reduced the risk of progression to serious macular degeneration. To determine this, researchers looked at dietary information on 2,924 subjects. They found that those who had a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduced their risk of advanced macular degeneration by about a quarter. Several previous studies have also shown that macular degeneration is less common in those with high
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intakes of omega-3 from sources such as fatty fish This isn’t the first study to focus on nutrition as a way to prevent macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute sponsored research which showed that supplementing with high doses of beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and copper reduced the risk of severe macular degeneration by 25 percent. Studies to further determine the effects of antioxidant supplements on the progression of this disease are ongoing. While there’s evidence that nutrition plays an important role in advanced macular degeneration, using antioxidants in supplement form has its own potential health risks. Antioxidant supplements, including vitamins C, E and beta carotene, have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Omega-3 supplements
appear to hold some promise for the prevention of macular degeneration and are safe to use in most people as long as a brand is chosen that’s free of impurities such as mercury and PCB’s. Omega-3’s have other positive health properties including benefits for the heart and blood pressure, but should be avoided if taking blood thinners. Always consult a doctor before taking any type of nutritional supplement. The safest approach for preventing macular degeneration may be to increase the amount of fresh vegetables and fatty fish in your diet. Fresh vegetables are a good source of the antioxidant vitamins C and E, while fatty fish are rich in omega-3. Care should be taken to select orange vegetables such as pumpkin and carrots since they’re the best sources of beta-carotene.
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recipe
p u o S Corn
Makes about 8 servings
WITH TURKEY TASSO
By Nellie Palmer
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp ground cumin • 4 cups vegetable stock • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained • 2 ( 8.75 oz) cans white shoepeg corn (or one frozen package of Pictsweet corn, or 16 oz fresh corn off the cob) • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper • 1 (28 oz) can stewed Marzano tomatoes • 8 oz of cooked and diced Turkey Tasso (any type of spicy ham or sausage will work here)
DIRECTIONS
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STEP 1 In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Add cooked tasso, chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add stock, beans, corn, and pepper; bring to boil. STEP 2 Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, puree tomatoes leaving chunks of tomato, add to pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until tasso is tender. STEP 3 Season to taste with salt and pepper and ENJOY!
Relief for Musculoskeletal Pain
Despite these challenging times, many of us still experience the aches and pains of traumatic, post-traumatic or “wear and tear” injuries. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the No. 1 cause of chronic disability in the United States and the leading reason for patient visits to physicians. Treating musculoskeletal pain can be difficult. Conventional treatment options are, at times, insufficient to restore function and reduce pain. Physical therapy, manipulation, drug treatment, corticosteroid injections and surgery can be beneficial in certain circumstances. When they are not successful, however, patients are often left without options. Regenerative Injection Treatments, utilizing Platelet Rich Plasma (“PRP”, derived from your blood) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (“BMAC”, which is derived from your bone marrow and is a source of Stem Cells) are used for joint, tendon, ligament, muscle and spinal pain. Treating musculoskeletal pain in this manner stimulates the body to heal itself. Treatment with cell-based therapies, using your own concentrated tissues (“orthobiologics”), are at the forefront of regenerative and sports medicine worldwide. Not all stem cell procedures are created
Dr. Evan Musman
equal, nor are the doctors who perform these procedures. Dr. Musman is part of Regenexx®, an elite network of musculoskeletal specialists; who are world leaders in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. Dr. Musman recently relocated to Miami following a 25-year practice of Interventional Pain Management (the last 5 of
them spent as a Regenexx® provider). Regenexx® at Gold Coast Orthopedics is the area’s most sophisticated Regenerative Medicine practice. Only the top 1% of all physicians have the injection skills, always utilizing ultrasound and x-ray guidance, to be accepted in the Regenexx® network. To determine if a person is a candidate for a Regenexx® procedure, a complete history/physical exam is performed. A detailed physical exam is the most important part of any evaluation. A live ultrasound evaluation is performed. Radiographic studies (X-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s) are reviewed. The joint/tendon/ligaments are evaluated and the site of damage or degeneration is determined. If there are no contraindications, a solution of cell-based treatment with the patient’s own plateletrich-plasma, autologous fat or bone marrow grafts, are introduced into the damaged ligaments, tendons and/or joints. This launches the healing cascade, leading to deposition of new, better-organized collagen/cartilage and restoration of ligament/tendon/joint health and function. To see if you are a candidate, contact Regenexx® at Gold Coast Orthopedics @ 786-298-5984 for a prompt evaluation.
West Coast University Miami scores outstanding 98.4 percent pass rate in 2019 for first-time NCLEX test takers
With the strategic preparation and support from West Coast University Miami (WCU-Miami), aspiring nurse Raquel Nader passed her NCLEX, graduated as a registered nurse, and was hired all while a global health pandemic was sweeping the world. “I saw my nursing brothers and sisters in need and I just wanted to get out there and help with COVID as soon as I could,” said Nader, West Coast University graduate. “I put in the work, got the green light from my WCU-Miami NCLEX coach, and passed the exam on my first try.” Raquel was in good company at her WCU-Miami campus as the pass rate among BSN students taking the NCLEX on their first attempt was 98.4% in 2019*, which is important for aspiring students hoping to become a practicing nurse. “The NCLEX is the ultimate goal — pass your NCLEX boards and become an RN,” said WCU-Miami instructor Sandi MaxwellCooke, MSN Ed. BSN, RN. “Our students are taught how to think critically, apply concepts, and answer those questions so they can pass the NCLEX on their first attempt.” To help students achieve this ultimate goal, WCU-Miami personalizes its support by implementing weekly learning exercises covering all important NCLEX topics and identifying the weaknesses and progress of each student. WCU-Miami’s team of NCLEX advisors address each student’s areas for improvement with NCLEX boot camps, tutoring, one-on-one meetings, and access to a virtual library of educational books and videos. “We do everything it takes for these students to pass on the first time, said Maxwell-Cooke, MSN Ed. BSN, RN. “As NCLEX advisors, we meet with the students even on weekends. We work with their schedule to give them that extra push.” This individualized attention stems from the university’s studentcentric culture, which focuses on identifying, understanding, and
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responding to every student’s needs. From NCLEX advisors and professors to the dean and other leadership, it’s all hands on deck to achieve good student outcomes. Professors meet with the dean every week to identify students at risk, analyze their weaknesses, and strategize on how to best support the student. “Professors are very available and they’re always willing to help, which is something you don’t always get at other universities,” said Nader. “Even though I was a little nervous, with the weekly learning exercises and all the readings they give you at WCU, I knew I couldn’t have been more ready for the NCLEX.” Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Raquel successfully passed the NCLEX and achieved her dream of helping save lives in a time when our community desperately needs its healthcare heroes. It’s proof that WCU’s student-centric approach leads to student success, regardless of the circumstances. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– *Florida Board of Nursing National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) Pass Rate West Coast University - Miami Campus 2019 Bachelor First-Time Test Takers (Passed/Overall Total) - 123/125 Passage Rate 98.40% Associate First-Time Test Takers (Passed/Overall Total) - 0/0 Passage Rate - N/A West Coast University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) - 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001,www.wascsenior.org. West Coast University's Nursing programs are programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 887-6791, http://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE. WCU does not guarantee employment. The opinion is the individual’s sole opinion and not necessarily representative of that of the school, any instructor, or any student.
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1 Students that have been conditionally accepted will be required to meet all admission requirements in order to advance into Nursing core courses. All students must progress normally and successfully pass their courses in order to advance into Nursing core courses. Students should review their program specific requirements located in the University Catalog for more information. 2 West Coast University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, California 94501, 510-748-9001, www.wascsenior.org 3 West Coast University’s Nursing programs are programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 887-6791, www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/accprog.asp. WCU cannot guarantee employment. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University has moved most of the on-ground courses into a distance education modality. However, as soon as the COVID-19 circumstances change, students will be expected to return on campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as approved by WSCUC and outlined in the university catalog.
WCU-AD-MiamiCommunityNews-FullPage-Jackson-062020.indd 1
10/21/20 11:46 AM
Is it allergies or
COVID-19?
The early onset symptoms of Coronavirus may be similar to the ones of common seasonal allergies and it could be difficult to tell them apart. We have asked our doctors and we have compiled a generic explanatory list to make it easier. Please remember that each case is different and what we are sharing isn’t a substitution of care or a diagnosis, but a professional description of symptoms.
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS Sinus Congestion Sneezing Wheezing Itchy Throat, Eyes, Ears, Nose Post-nasal Drip CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SYMPTOMS Fever Shortness of Breath Muscle aches Sore throat Loss of taste and/or Smell Fatigue
SYMPTOMS IN COMMON Coughing Runny Nose What to do when in doubt? Stay home, maintain precautionary distance. If symptoms persist stay in touch with your primary care physician or allergist. Consider getting tested, following CDC recommendations. Resources: https://thehealthnexus.org/ is-it-seasonal-allergies-or-covid-19/
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THE ROAD AHEAD...
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
By Karyn Cunningham Palmetto Bay Mayor
There are almost 8 billion people living on the planet and nearly every one of them has been impacted by COVID19. While some have been impacted by the effects of the virus itself, or have friends or family members who have been ill or died, almost all have experienced the impact of changes to the regular rhythm of our social, work and family lives. Many people are isolated from family, have interrupted work days (or have lost their employment completely) due to caring for school age children, ill family members or aging parents and are socially isolated from friends and neighbors that provided the “village” of support with childcare and other needs. With so much uncertainty in our economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, our physical and mental health, most communities are looking to local, state and national leaders to set the course and the road to recovery and in many cases, the longer road to transformation. Together we will need to: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Government: Government at all levels was slow to adapt and react to the pandemic. In a large part due to not having an understanding of the virus or a playbook to follow. Unemployment, small business loans and policy to help us recover has been the slowest in coming. It is likely we will continue to need policy interventions to support the economy. Government at every level has a unique opportunity to think about big policy changes that might not have been possible if we hadn't been in this position. Local Businesses: Small and big business alike will need to rethink the way they do their work. Many businesses are in that process right now. In fact, many businesses have said that they are just as or even more productive working digitally. But there are still a vast number of small businesses that will need to collaborate with communities to adapt. Finding ways to recover revenue, rebuild operations, rethink organizational structure, and accelerate innovative digital solutions should be something that we work hand and hand with businesses on and find ways of incentivizing. Education: As businesses change the
way they do business, so will the need for investing in our workforce and changing some of our educational curriculum. As the need for digital solutions for businesses increases so will the need for analytical and technical support and training of new vocational skills. Working to create partnerships for our schools that adapt to the changes in business modalities will be essential. Healthcare: How and where patients receive medical care will likely change drastically and remain permanent as the industry transforms. Telemedicine, health insurance, nursing home care, and drug manufacturing will all ultimately change the way we receive services in the future. So, what does the road ahead look like? I don’t think any one person can determine all that is needed to transform after the pandemic, but I do think that government, businesses, education and healthcare are likely to see big shifts. And while it is difficult to determine exactly what our world will look like when this pandemic has passed, it is apparent that we will need to improvise and adapt to overcome and transform our communities as we move forward to the next normal.
Photo courtesy of www.wolfbergalvarez.com/
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