JOY Magazine--Fall 2021

ISSUE 03 / 2021

JOY BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

SWING SEASON INTO A JOY-FULL

PLUS: ENJOY Great AL Golf

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Have A Healthier Holiday

AWARD WINNING CARE Women’s Choice Award Winners Best Stroke Centers  Baptist Medical Center South Best Hospital for Obstetrics  Baptist Medical Center East Best Mammogram Imaging Centers  Montgomery Breast Center and Baptist Breast Health Center From excellent clinical care to ranking above average for patient safety to the highest level of overall patient satisfaction, we understand what matters most to women. And being recognized with multiple Women’s Choice Awards signifies our commitment to meeting the highest standards in healthcare, close to home.

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG

Live here.

�ive here.

Read the magazine. Purchase the tag for your car, truck, motorcycle or boat. Buy the trash can. Sport our wearables. Support the Walk of Life each spring. 100% of the proceeds stay in Alabama!

Thanks to your support, we’ve provided over 98,000 mammograms and hundreds of screenings and physician visits to the underserved in every county of our state. But the best news—through our efforts hundreds of cancers have been diagnosed and treated. Lives have been saved. And that’s what makes us joyful!

Visit joytolife.org to learn about more ways to support our mission, plus the latest news and upcoming events.

Joy to Life PROVIDES LIFESAVING MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SCREENINGS IN EVERY COUNTY IN OUR STATE.

ACCURACY

HIGH

Using the latest technology, we’re treating patients’ lungs with unparalleled insight.

At Baptist Medical Center South, we’re using the ILLUMISITE platform to perform critical lung tissue procedures. This is the latest, most modern guidance that provides our specialists with the greatest precision—moving lung health technology forward in Central Alabama.

baptistfirst.org

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Chip In for Breast Cancer Join us as we tee-up to provide more mammograms and support for Alabamians. Our first-ever golf tournament will be a double-shotgun event held in Montgomery, AL at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club on October 18, 2021.

Team and sponsorship opportunities available.

Register now at joytolife.org.

JOY

Hello everyone.

As we approach the fall and winter seasons, I want to continue to remind all of you to get vaccinated!

Do it for yourself. Do it for your family and friends. Do it for humanity! The sooner we all get the vaccine, the sooner we will resume our lives and activities as they were before the pandemic.

The articles in this issue are amazing! In the “Real Life” section you will get to know Tina Hodge.

Tina is very special, and her previvor story is filled with her tough and courageous spirit. Beth Hornsby shows a generous spirit in her work to fight the food insecurity that affects so many in Alabama. Learn more about her and the Auburnbased non-profit “Nourish, AL” that she and her husband Josh cofounded with a local pediatrician to address hunger needs of families in and around Lee County.

We’ve got more food-focused content in this issue’s “The Dish.” It’s packed with delicious and healthy recipes from Sidney Fry who, as you learned from our summer issue, contributes wonderful recipes that taste as good as they look! She puts “new spins” on traditional holiday dishes. You’re going to love them!

As you read about all the great golf opportunities throughout Alabama, I hope it reminds you to register for the Joy to Life Foundation’s first golf tournament at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery on October 18.

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Have some fun with friends while you “Chip In for Breast Cancer.” It’s going to be a glorious day! We look forward to seeing you there.

Every article in this issue is so interesting, and I know that you will absolutely learn things you didn’t know before. We try to keep our readers up to date on a variety of subjects. We would love hearing from you when you read or see something in our pages that you really enjoy.

And, remember you can subscribe to JOY magazine and have it delivered to your door for just per $10 year. We would love to add you to our growing list of regular and repeat readers.

Visit ourjoymagazine.org to sign up!

Stay well! Have a peaceful holiday season, and as always here’s to good health, happiness and Joy to Life!

PUBLISHER JTL Publishing EDITOR Joy Blondheim MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative COPY EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs Ray Blondheim CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachael Fisher, Sidney Fry, Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Kym Klass CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Michael Clemmer, Jonathon Kohn, Erika Tracy I COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Big Dreamz Creative ON THE COVER: Amanda Flaherty enjoys a morning on the green at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club.

Joy Blondheim Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation

Joy is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. © 2021 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher.

Joy reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy.

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Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

Image by Michael Clemmer.

CONTENT 15 THE DISH

08 28 REAL LIFE

A Discussion with Tina Hodge

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday

20 FIT FOR KIDS

Products & Gear

Identifying & Overcoming Eating Disorders

24 EVERYDAY JOY

News & Happenings with the Joy to Life Foundation

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36 GREAT GOODS

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

40 ON THE MOVE Feel the Heat

44 TO LIFE

Trust Your Gut

FEATURES

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Lookout

for some

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Alabama

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Tee Up, Alabama

With a long list of courses, our state’s golfing opportunities are definitely up to par. And that’s good news for the many in Alabama who’ve been bitten by the golf bug and those who simply can’t stop playing, always striving for that spectacular swing or the perfect putt.

Both these devotees and the more casual duffers have an array of locations and layouts to choose from.

In fact, Alabama boasts hundreds of holes of public golf, and several of its courses often appear among the “top public golf course” accolades bestowed by national golfing media. We’ve highlighted a few favorites from the state’s diverse options, so read up. Then grab your clubs and head for the greens.

BY JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY

IMAGE BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Alabama’s Golf Gem

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

is a dazzling collection of 11 sites with a total of 26 public golf courses spread out across Alabama and under the management of the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

Multiple RTJ courses annually earn awards and host prestigious tournaments. A Trail Card lets you play the courses’ 486 total holes for less; buy one each year to receive discounts on greens’ fees and more. The following four courses are standouts.

Cambrian Ridge Golf Course, Greenville:

This 27-hole course has three nine-hole offerings, the Loblolly, the Canyon and the Sterling, so you can mix and match to play your perfect 18.

CAMBRIAN RIDGE GOLF COURSE

Capitol Hill, Prattville:

This Trail stop boasts three of arguably the most challenging courses on the RTJ, all named with a nod toward Montgomery’s role as the center of state government: The Judge, The Senator and The Legislator.

Each is unique. The Senator offers a traditional, Scottishstyle layout. The Legislator lets you play among the pines. And the Judge boasts natural beauty, with 12 holes bordering the banks of the Alabama River.

Lakewood Golf Club, Fairhope:

Book a tee time at this lovey location that takes full advantage of its picturesque setting with fairways nestled between 200-year-old oaks. Its 36 holes on two courses — the aptly named Azalea, packed with blooms in spring, and the Dogwood — will test your skills without souring your mood thanks to the scenery.

Grand National Golf Course, Opelika:

Set on the shores of a shimmering lake and with 54 holes, Grand National remains popular with golfers of all abilities. The Links Course is the foundation of the complex. The Lake Course claims its 15th hole is one of the prettiest on the entire Trail. And the Short Course has prompted some golf writers to call its 18 one-shot holes the best of their type on earth.

LAKEWOOD GOLF CLUB 10

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

CAPITOL HILL

GRAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

Images by Michael Clemmer

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KIVA DUNES

FARMLINKS AT PURSELL FARMS 12

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Off the Trail

The RTJ Trail gets the lion’s share of attention when it comes to public golf in Alabama, but there are many other worthy courses, each with their own challenges and charms.

Kiva Dunes, Gulf Shores:

The man behind Limestone Springs, Jerry Pate, helped design this course, which sits just a golf-ball hop away from the waves of the Gulf lapping at white-sand beaches. Major renovations in 2015 made the original layout even better. Its 7,100 yards of play area wind through breeze-twisted coastal oaks and greenery plus natural marsh. Near constant winds and other beachside features can make the course an ever-changing test, but an enjoyable one.

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms, Sylacauga:

FarmLinks was once the private playground of golf course superintendents and ornamental nursery growers who visited and tried their hand at it as part of a marketing trip meant to sell them on Pursell Technologies’ controlled-release fertilizer. When the company was sold, the Pursell family kept the golf course and surrounding pastoral land and opened it to the public. The 7,444-yard, championship course is consistently ranked among the top courses in the nation. It’s wide open, with scenic vistas that can prove distracting to even a seasoned player. Markers dotting the course share tidbits of area history, aspects of the course’s environmentally friendly design and pieces of the Pursell family story. The No. 18 hole alone is enough to get most golfers really excited and draw them back. Sitting alone in a 250-acre field, it’s often considered a most magnificent finish to a challenging but fun round of golf.

Limestone Springs, Oneonta:

Nestled in the final foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this course can claim some of the most stunning views in Alabama golf, thanks to its dramatic elevation changes. With its 18 holes spread among more than 200 acres approximately 30 miles north of Birmingham, it’s consistently named one of the best public courses in the state alongside the RTJ courses but doesn’t have the name recognition – or crowds – that they often do. It was designed by University of Alabama alum and former U.S. Open champ Jerry Pate, but he’s also claimed that nature was a co-designer. Craggy outcrops of bare limestone dotting the hillsides gave the course its name.

Image by Big Dreamz Creative

BREAST

CHIP CANCER GOLF IN! TOURNAMENT The Joy to Life Foundation’s first golf tournament is teeing up this fall on October 18 at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club. Don’t miss the chance to play a round of golf with friends and fundraise for the Foundation.

TEAM AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE SO GET THE DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!

joytolife.org

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New Normal... Same Cancer.

t ’ n o D lay! de

COVID-19 has changed many things—the need to have regular cancer screenings isn’t one of them.

Call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CANCER SCREENING DURING COVID-19.

Visit our website at: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer

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the dish

Have a Happy,

Healthy Holiday This year, put a healthy twist on traditional holiday dishes with a renewed focus on vibrant colors, bold textures and a fun set of flavor combinations.

BY SIDNEY FRY, MS, RD PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE 15

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

If your annual holiday spread has gotten a little ho-hum or a little heavy, why not try these fresh spins on some old-fashioned favorites? Sweet potatoes get stacked and bathed in luscious browned butter. The star of the side show —dressing — takes center stage with the addition of flavors found in cheesy spinach and artichoke dip. And to round the roster out, there’s a bountiful bowl of glorious greens, filled to the brim with fall goodies like apples, Brussels sprouts, almonds and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

You’ll notice there’s no turkey here. Most families already have their deeply rooted traditions when it comes to the big bird, so go with what you love. Or toss the turkey this year! These delicious and super nutritious sides can definitely rise above their usual supporting role.

Secret Ingredient:

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Browned butter (used in the Sweet Potato Stack recipe) is a single-ingredient secret weapon in the kitchen; stir in a touch of maple syrup, and you’ve got yourself a spoonful of liquid gold. But watch the butter carefully; that gold can tarnish and burn quickly if you aren’t paying attention.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

SALAD: 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallot (or red onion) 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar Dash of salt 1/4 cup boiling water 2 (10-ounce) packages shaved Brussels sprouts 1/2 cup chopped Marcona almonds 1 pink lady or honey crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced 3-ounces shaved ParmigianoReggiano cheese To prepare salad, combine sliced shallot, ¼ cup vinegar, sugar and dash of salt in a small bowl. Add boiling water; let sit 15-20 minutes.

Combine pickled shallots, Brussels sprouts and almonds in a large bowl.

Add dressing; toss to coat. Top with apples and shaved ParmigianoReggiano cheese.

DRESSING:

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples & Marcona Almonds

This delicious take on Brussels sprouts earns the best-dressed award at the holiday dinner party. When shaved, Brussels sprouts result in an unbelievably delicate, yet bold, base for a salad. Add traditional autumn ingredients like apples, and give it all a holiday-worthy upgrade with decadent Marcona almonds and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. What I do love most about this simple-but-oh-so-delicious side? You don’t have to cook anything! I like to lean on already-shredded Brussels sprouts, which are a huge time saver, something we all need around the holidays.

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot or red onion 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt To make dressing, combine oil, 3 tablespoons vinegar, mustard, chopped shallot, honey and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk until combined.

Serves 8-10 Recipe can easily be cut in half.

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INGREDIENTS:

Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dressing It’s your all-time favorite dip — tucked, folded and stuffed right into the table’s most coveted side dish. This dressing is loaded with all the cheesy, creamy, appetizer-inspired goods, but lightened with layers upon layers of veggies, greens and sprouted grains. Sprouted grains contain nutrients that have been unlocked, meaning they are more readily available and easier to absorb and digest. They’re also delicious! And, they make a great base for hearty greens and savory cheeses, like cave-aged Gruyere (great for those decadent and gooey cheese pulls!). A hint of parmesan lends a rich-but-not -too-heavy flavor boost.

1 (1-pound) loaf sprouted whole grain bread, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 (9-oz) bag baby spinach 2 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 ounces cave-aged Gruyere, shredded 2 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 baking sheets. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and very crisp, rotating pans halfway through.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery and garlic; cook 10-15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add spinach and wine; cook 5 minutes or until spinach wilts and wine is reduced by half. Stir in artichokes; cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl combine bread and artichoke mixture and half of each cheese; toss to combine. Pour half of egg mixture over bread mixture; toss to coat. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread mixture; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Cover with foil; refrigerate overnight.

Holiday Bonus:

This dish is made a day ahead of time! This not only allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together overnight, but it’s also one less thing to worry about during 18 JOYTOLIFE.ORG the Thursday countdown.

Preheat oven to 350º. Bake at 350º, covered, for 25 minutes.

Uncover and cook for an additional 25 minutes or until browned and bubbly and center is cooked through.

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons butter 12-24 sage leaves 1 tablespoon maple syrup 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Sweet Potato Stacks with Maple Browned Butter & Crispy Sage

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Thinly sliced, elegantly stacked, expertly baked and crowned in a mapleinfused browned butter? Now that’s what I call a sweet potato queen!

Traditional sweet potato casserole could easily have its place at the dessert table; one ½-cup serving has more sugar than a slice of apple pie (and I’m not even counting the extra marshmallow topping you’ve dolloped on top).

Rather than cover those already-sweet potatoes in a blanket of streusel and sugar, these stacks lean on browned butter, a hint of maple syrup, crispy sage and nutty pecans.

Melt butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add sage. Cook 8-10 minutes or until butter is golden brown and fragrant, swirling occasionally. Place sage leaves on a paper towel-lined plate.

Stir in maple syrup. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 375º. Thinly slice sweet potatoes (using a mandolin if you have one) into ⅛-inch thick (or thinner) rounds. Combine sweet potato slices, oil and salt in a large bowl; toss well to coat.

Layer slices into muffin tin coated with cooking spray, stacking slightly above the rim of each cup.

Bake at 375º for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender in the center. If tops of potatoes start to brown too much, cover loosely with foil.

PRO TIP: If you have one, use a mandolin to slice the sweet potatoes. When stacked all together in a muffin tin, the tin acts like a mini-oven, creating crispy edges and butterysoft middles. Make sure you buy potatoes that are less than about 2.5-3” in diameter so each round easily fits into the muffin cups.

Let stand 5 minutes. Run a sharp knife around rim of each cup, and lift potato stacks from cups using a spoon or thin spatula. Transfer to a serving platter.

Drizzle each stack with 1 teaspoon browned butter mixture; sprinkle evenly with pecans. Top each stack with one or two sage leaves.

Serves 12

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FIT FOR KIDS

IDENTIFYING & OVERCOMING

EATING DISORDERS The number of young people — particularly girls — with eating disorders is on the rise, and while there’s still much to learn about the issue, there are things parents can look for and do to protect their kids. / BY RACHEL FISHER

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RECENT STATISTICS ON EATING DISORDERS IN OUR COUNTRY ARE TROUBLING: An article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that they doubled worldwide from 2000-2018, with the largest rise—7.8 percent—during the five years of 2013-2018.

In the United States, as many as 10 in 100 young women suffer from an eating disorder. While the impacts of the pandemic on this problem are still out with the jury, The New York Times reported in June 2020 that COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions and lockdowns created new hurdles for those managing complicated relationships with food.

The National Eating Disorders Association defines eating disorders as a group of 11 defined disorders that are severe but treatable mental and physical illnesses. They can affect anyone. However, the increase in these disorders, specifically anorexia and bulimia, is higher among teenage girls and young women and often runs in families.

Christy Holding, a therapist at Samaritans Counseling Center in Montgomery, says that the most common eating disorder she sees is anorexia. The criteria for anorexia are restriction of energy intake that produces significantly low body weight; intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat; disturbance in how one’s body, weight or shape is experienced; and the undue influence of body weight, and/or shape on self-evaluation. Bulimia, on the other hand, is characterized by a cycle of binge eating and then compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo the effects of the binge.

We know what these disorders are and understand the physical damage and mental anguish they bring, but what triggers them is less clear. “The root causes of these disorders are complicated,” says Holding. “They are multifactorial in causation and cure.” However, she explains that there is evidence for a possible genetic component to these disorders and a powerful cultural influence.

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ON WATCH: MOST COMMON EATING DISORDERS

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“WE HAVE A BODY, SOUL, AND SPIRIT, AND THEY ARE ALL EQUALLY IMPORTANT.” “We are taught that a body should look a certain way, and if it doesn’t look this particular way, we can manipulate our bodies into looking a way they were never designed to look,” says Holding. When parents ask her what they can do for a child suffering from an eating disorder, she says it’s key to watch our own prejudices. “Not commenting on other people’s bodies and focusing more on the person’s heart, motivations and the things that make them who they are without it having to be about how they look — this is totally counter-cultural.”

Holding likes to encourage parents to talk about food without attaching a moral value to it, such as deeming items “good” food or “bad” food. Instead, she hopes parents can find ways to help their children notice that food is enjoyable, that it is necessary fuel for our bodies and to pay attention to how they feel after eating certain foods.

WHAT IT IS: An eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: • Dramatic weight loss • Intense fear of gaining weight • Preoccupied with nutritional labels

But Holding thinks shifting how we view bodies could be the most powerful way to help the teens in our life begin to perceive their true worth and value. “If we can begin to look at our bodies as beautiful because of what they allow us to do—to run, play, hug, paint, dance, play sports—and begin to appreciate all things about our bodies, we can find a deeper purpose that goes beyond physical appearance,” she says. “We are embodied creatures. We have a body, soul, and spirit, and they are all equally important. And while I think there is a place to acknowledge physical beauty, we don’t have to define that in one particular way.

I think if we can begin to have these conversations with ourselves, among friends and with our children, we could speak to the core of this issue and help young women embrace their bodies and whole selves with courage, boldness and confidence.”

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1

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

and dieting • Makes frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite appearance • Makes excuses for avoiding mealtimes or situations involving food • Has disturbed experience of body weight or shape, undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of low body weight.

From the National Eating Disorders Association and The Mayo Clinic

TEEN TROUBLES

The National Organization for Women reports:

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BULIMIA NERVOSA

WHAT IT IS: A serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo the effects of binge eating.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: • Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time • Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals,

AT AGE 13

53%

OF AMERICAN GIRLS ARE “UNHAPPY WITH THEIR BODIES.” THIS JUMPS UP TO

78%

WHEN GIRLS REACH AGE 17.

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BODY DYSMORPHIA WHAT IT IS: A mental health disorder in which the person can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in their appearance, including a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others but that makes them so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious they may avoid many social situations.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: • Intense focus on appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours

signs and/or smells of vomiting

each day

• Hoards food in unusual places

• The perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors

• Body weight is typically within the normal weight range, or they may be overweight • Has calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self- induced vomiting • Appears uncomfortable eating around others

ADDITIONALLY,

5O%

OF TEENS ARE “SELF-CONSCIOUS” ABOUT THEIR BODIES

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

cause significant distress and impact their ability to function in their daily life • Seeking out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw

everyday

Joy

NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

JOY TO LIFE GETS A NEW LOOK! The Joy to Life Foundation recently “rebranded” with a new logo and new overall look. We asked JTL co-founder Joy Blondheim to share the motivation for the change and inspiration behind the fresh style.

But don’t worry, pink is still the power player!

JOY mag: What prompted the Joy to Life Foundation to rebrand at this time?

Joy B.: When the original logo

Founders Joy and Dickie Blondheim

was created 20 years ago, the Foundation’s geographic focus was the River Region, and we had no concept at that time of the future scope of the Foundation or the success of its reach. Today, Joy to Life serves all 67 counties in the state, so it was fitting to base its new identity on the shape of the state of Alabama.

What were the thoughts, ideas and inspiration driving you and the JTL team during the rebranding process?

Over the past several years, the JTL Foundation has experienced tremendous growth, helping women and men of all ages get the necessary screenings they need and so richly deserve. Part of this growth was expanding our funding to all 67 counties in the state of Alabama. The JTL Foundation is the largest private provider for breast screening in the state.

STAMP Idea Group

A partner in our branding from the beginning!

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JOYTOLIFE.ORG

What messages and feelings do you want the new branding to convey?

The new logo tells everyone who sees it that we are a statewide breast cancer organization. It was very important to us and our team that people recognize that we live in Alabama, and we help low-income men and women ONLY in Alabama. It was also important to ensure that when people make a donation to JTL, they know that their money stays in Alabama.

Why is something like good branding important for an organization like the Foundation? How does it help JTL do its work and accomplish its goals? A brand for a non-profit distinguishes the organization from other similar brands. How the brand communicates the mission of the organization is very important.

A brand whose core lies in caring and support, whose attitude and tone of voice is warm and human and whose actions are authentic should have a visual identity that matches these promises. In this case, the Joy to Life Foundation differentiates itself with our mission to “Live here. Give here.”

By adding the state outline to the widely accepted symbols of a ribbon and the color pink, the new branding and logo set the Foundation apart from national organizations with a similar mission.

PINK WEEK IN ACTION Denise Greene, Joy to Life Foundation

A CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS AND A MISSION GOING STRONG!

t h a nk y o u f o r y o ur s up p o r t

Victoria Belton

Melissa Orr, Joy to Life Foundation

Our NEW look!

Alabama Department of Public Health

Jackie Butler and Evelyn Jackson, Joy to Life Foundation

Montgomery Biscuits

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LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.

everyday

Joy

NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

We’ve got some fun events planned this fall in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s work, so make plans to attend and get involved.

PRAY IN PINK Pray in Pink is an opportunity for houses of worship and any group or organization to honor breast cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their fight to this disease.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRAY IN PINK RESOURCE PACKET AT JOYTOLIFE.ORG

BREAST CANCER SCRAMBLE OCTOBER 9 • 11 AM WETUMPKA SPORTS COMPLEX

CHIP IN FOR BREAST CANCER!

Join us as we tee-up to provide more mammograms and support for Alabamians. Our first-ever golf tournament will be a double-shotgun event held in Montgomery at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club on October 18th.

TEAM AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE SO GET THE DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!

Use your phone’s camera.

Witness Haynes Helicopter drop 6,000 pink ping pong balls as you scramble to collect them. There will be prizes from participaing sponsors and food trucks on site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 334-558-2247

JOURNEY TO LOSE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK & RUN 2021 OCTOBER 23 • 8AM SHORTER, AL

Save the date for our favorite event of the year!

Your support of the Walk of Life helps provide our services through the state of Alabama.

SAVE THE DATE

WOL 2022 APRIL 23, 2022

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JOYTOLIFE.ORG

PODCASTS. JOY MAGAZINE. SOCIAL MEDIA. Get news and information in a variety of formats­.

Find them all at joytolife.org.

Gre at Ways to find us:

NE IN! TU GRATITUTDE FOR ON-GOING SUPPORT Kinedyne, an international producer and distributor of strapping materials, will host its second annual Pink Out. Its employees and staff in the Prattville and nationwide offices fundraise for JTL in October. Their significant contribution of more than $5,000 last year was life-saving.

Tune into the Joy to Life Foundation podcast, Everything Joy to Life. Each episode features insightful medical information, inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors as well as interviews that provide tips and ideas that will help you live your healthiest, best life.

Enter here!

The podcast began last October, and new episodes are added each month. You’ll laugh; you may cry; but whatever emotions it brings, you’ll certainly enjoy it.

Help BUSH HOG Mow Down Breast Cancer by donating! Register to win a Pink BUSH HOG Zero-Turn Mower.

Find Everything Joy to Life wherever you listen to podcasts and at joytolife.org.

Use your phone's camera.

Joy to Life Foundation is partnering with makers and small businesses in Alabama to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October (and all year long!). Keep an eye out this month for new products from Auburn Candle Company and Priester's Pecans.

C OMING S O O N:

Watch our newsletter and social media channels for ordering information.

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LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.

FIRST-HAND ADVICE AND INSIGHT TO HELP CAREGIVERS COPE

A DISCUSSION WITH

TINA HODGE JOY: Please tell me a little bit about the BRCA 2 gene mutation and your current health status as it relates to the gene.

When she learned about the BRCA 2 gene and its increased risk for certain cancers, Tina Hodge, a Clinic Manager at the Montgomery Cancer Center in Prattville, underwent testing to see if she had it. She did. Here, she shares what pushed her to be proactive, the resulting decisions she made about preventative care, how friends and family supported her and how she hopes she can help others.

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Tina: I was tested for a gene mutation because my father and my paternal uncle both died of pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing for an inherited mutation looks at DNA found in blood or saliva samples to find mutations that can cause cancer. I carry the BRCA 2 mutation which increases my risks for certain types of cancer.

Those cancers are breast, ovarian, pancreatic and melanoma.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE

real

HEAR FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR

Real Life SECTION.

What was your first thought when you learned you had the gene mutation?

I honestly wasn’t shocked by it. I am a reader, so I began to research it to come up with a plan of action. What I tell people is you have to be prepared for the answer either way. Once you know you can’t un-know. Just because you have a gene mutation, it doesn’t mean you will get cancer, and if you don’t have the gene mutation it doesn’t mean you won’t ever get cancer. I was just glad to know so that I could be proactive.

What preventative steps did you take once you learned about the gene mutation? I decided to have my ovaries removed and then had prophylactic bilateral mastectomies.

I also get skin checks done every six months. My oncologist checks my blood work every six months, and I will eventually have diagnostic imaging done to keep a watch on my pancreas.

During this process and after, what did you want and need from your friends and family? I had my surgeries very close together.

I had my ovaries removed first and then only six weeks later, did the mastectomies with tissue expanders added. Having these surgeries is just as much mental as it is physical. I was blessed with supportive help both ways by many friends and family. Hearing from other people who had gone through it helped tremendously mentally. Having help the first few weeks with housework and meals helped me to be able to focus on my recovery physically.

What forms of help and support really stood out? My mother stayed with me for three weeks and helped keep things running smoothly as far as cleaning, clothes, keeping my drain tubes drained and the fluid charted and keeping track of my medicines.

All Ears Curious about the BRCA 2 gene and what it’s like to take preventative measures?

Tina Hodge talks about the nitty gritty of the subject in a recent episode of the JOY magazine podcast. Listen in on any podcast platform to learn more!

Prior to my surgery, my husband threw a huge party for me that we called my “Preventative Maintenance Party.” He wanted all my friends to come and show their support.

What one thing that you did for yourself most helped you cope? I took pictures of my journey so that I could show others who may have questions about it later on. I joined Facebook support groups to learn more about what to expect, and then I became a genetic support leader for FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) to help others.

What advice would you give other spouses/parents/friends, etc., on how to approach and help their loved one who has found out they have the gene mutation and decide to take “previvor” steps like you did? Not to be judgmental about their decision. What I did was right for me but may not be right for everyone. Whatever steps they decide to take, just support them in that decision.

I WAS JUST GLAD TO KNOW SO THAT I COULD BE PROACTIVE.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

- TINA HODGE

FEEDING

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DO GOOD NOURISH, AL, A NONPROFIT BASED IN AUBURN, IS HELPING NEEDY FAMILIES IN ITS COMMUNITY FIND FREEDOM FROM FOOD INSECURITY.

THE NEED

BY J E N N IFE R S. KO R NEG AY PHO TO GR A PHY BY BIG D RE A MZ C REATIV E 31

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Left: Beth Hornsby, founder of Nourish, AL. Beth packages weekly produce boxes from Hornsby Farms and other area partners to deliver to families.

might have when we can,” Beth says.

BETH HORNSBY IS A FARMER;

a wife (to fellow-farmer husband Josh); a mom; a jelly, jam and pickle maker; and she’s combined all of these roles under the other hat she wears: co-founder of Nourish, AL. In 2016, a chance conversation with her children’s pediatrician Dr. Katie Wolter planted a seed in Beth. “She gets a veggie box through our CSA program, and we started talking about how many families she knew from her practice could really use access to the fresh, healthy food in our boxes,” Beth says. After that discussion, Beth’s desire to nourish grew beyond taking care of her own family. Katie felt the same, and soon the two had created a way to fix the problem Katie noted; they started Nourish, AL. Nourish, AL addresses the hunger needs of families in Lee County and the surrounding area. Through her work, Katie identifies families who could most benefit from weekly doses of nutritious fruits and vegetables, and they are added to the Nourish list to receive a food basket each Friday, a basket Beth has taken great care to fill with a balanced mix of food.

Much of the food is produce donated from Beth and Josh’s farm, Hornsby Farms, as well as other local farm partners, but Nourish likes to fill in the gaps with other foods too, grapes and other produce Hornsby Farms doesn’t grow, and meats like turkeys and hams around the holidays. Late last summer, Nourish added school supplies to the items it provided for its families. “We also try to address specific needs each family

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To raise funds to purchase these additional items, the nonprofit sells lovely cut flowers called Nourish Blooms at area farmers markets and farm stands. Pre-pandemic, Nourish was also holding quarterly fundraising dinners. The often-alfresco events featured local celeb chefs using local seasonal ingredients (including a lot of delights harvested from Hornsby Farms) in delicious ways. “We hope we can start those again soon, when it is safe to do so,” Beth says.

The food boxes are delivered directly to the families by volunteers, medical students enrolled in the Auburn campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).

And while families come and go off the Nourish list as needs and situations change, these volunteers often get to know the families well enough to become an extra benefit. “We’re not just helping feed these families. Our volunteers form relationships with them, which sometimes allows them to help with other issues,” Beth says. “We really try to invest in the families and their whole health.”

Currently, Nourish is providing healthy foods to 11 families, and over the last four years, the aid Nourish provides totals many thousands of pounds of food and no small amount of optimism. Beth is both humble and hopeful when she talks about the difference Nourish makes. “Hunger is a big problem, and we’re not even a drop in the bucket,” she says, “but we do have a big impact on the families we’re helping.”

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HOW TO HELP:

INSIDE THE BOX

Nourish, AL wants to grow. It wants to do more for the families it serves now and expand to serve more families.

But it needs its own nourishment to do it. So how can you helps sustain and expand the organization’s good work?

Here are a few fertile ideas.

DONATE. Find out how at nourishal.com.

DINE TOGETHER. When Nourish is able to restart its farm dinners, snag tickets. Superstar Southern chefs like Auburn’s own David Bancroft are often doing the cooking, making them can’t miss events.

“Healthy nutrition, including fresh fruits and vegetables, not only is essential for the health of a child, but it greatly impacts adult health as well. Including fresh fruits and veggies in the diet is key to cognitive and physical development and allows children to reach their full potential in all domains of life.”

- DR. KATIE WOLTER

DECORATE WITH BLOOMS. Buy Nourish Blooms and fill your home or office with color and beauty.

BUY HORNSBY FARMS PRODUCTS (So yummy) Support Hornsby Farms by purchasing its products. Look for the satsuma jelly with a Nourish label that Beth makes specifically for Nourish. Find it at local shops and hornsbyfarms.com.

CONNECT + DOUBLE TAP Follow Nourish, AL on social media, and make sure to like, comment on and share posts. Beth says the engagement really helps spread awareness.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Nourish, AL addresses the hunger needs of families in Lee County and the surrounding area. Through her work, Dr. Wolter identifies families who could most benefit from weekly doses of nutritious fruit and vegetables, and they are added to the Nourish list to receive a food basket each Friday, a basket Beth at Hornsby Farms has taken great care to fill with a balanced mix of food.

Left: Dr. Katie Wolter used her passion for cut flowers to serve as a funding source for Nourish, AL. Bottom: The Nourish Blooms team sells cut flowers at local markets.

“HUNGER IS A BIG PROBLEM, AND WE’RE NOT EVEN A DROP IN THE BUCKET, BUT WE DO HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON THE FAMILIES WE’RE HELPING.” - BETH HORNSBY

One way Nourish, AL raises money is through the sale of cut flowers called Nourish Blooms. “Katie loves flowers and wanted to have a hands-on approach for getting funds, so when we realized there was no one selling hand-cut, locally grown flowers in the area, we thought it was a great fit,” Beth says.

Katie started growing flowers – colorful zinnias, Queen Anne’s Lace, sunflowers, anemones, ranunculus, snapdragons, zinnias and more – in a section of her backyard and has taken multiple workshops to learn more about what grows well in the region and what sells well. Now, Beth is also growing flowers on a half-acre at Hornsby Farms with plans to expand.

She explained why the flowers work. “It’s a tangible way to put Nourish in front of folks and raise awareness among people who might not just donate money.”

Nourish Blooms are sold at farmers markets, and several local restaurants and coffee shops purchase them to decorate their tables.

Follow along @nourishblooms on Instagram or visit nourishal.com.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

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great

goods

PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS WE LOVE

SHOP FRESH, LOCAL & A LEGACY For almost 75 years, the Montgomery Curb Market has been offering area residents a diverse array of locally grown and made foods in the same location on the edge of downtown. Today, it’s the oldest continually operating curb or farmers market in Alabama. The secret to its longevity is simple: It gives customers a one-stop shop for the freshest and highest quality locally and regionally grown produce as well as baked goods, bedding plants, cut flowers, canned and preserved goods, farm-fresh eggs, butchered meats, plus handmade crafts from 12 to 30 different vendors on any given day. A recent offering — two local chefs providing take-home meals — ramps up the market’s appeal.

But Curb Market enthusiasts find a lot more than homegrown tomatoes and decadent layer cakes at the historic spot. For decades it’s been a gathering place, offering a real sense of community while preserving a legacy, inviting new generations to carry on the tradition of coming down to Madison Avenue and picking up fruits and veggies or finding the perfect (or perfectly imperfect!) pumpkin in the fall.

Watch the Curb Market's social media (Instagram: @montgomery_curb_market; Long-time customers and vendors of the Curb Market are part of its charm. New vendors and advocates like Preston Williams and Phillip Carter (shown right) are working to make it even more shopper-friendly.

Facebook: @montgomerycurbmarket) for details on special events. And visit the Curb Market year-round every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5:30am - 2pm.

IMAGES BY JONATHON KOHN/SERQUEST.

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Image by Erika Tracy

OUR AMAZING STATE The recently published book “An Amazing Alabama” showcases our great state, spotlighting some of its most popular places as well as its hidden gems, all through the lens of author and retired United Methodist

“An Amazing Alabama” is available in select spots around the state and can be ordered through Amazon.com.

minister, Dr. Karl K. Stegall.

Part personal travelogue and part trivia book, “An Amazing Alabama” invites readers to travel the byways and backroads of the state to discover the aspects — natural beauty, great diversity, rich history and much more — that make it so amazing. On this journey, Stegall shares stories, lesserknown facts and interesting tidbits from his deep well of knowledge, putting emphasis on the state’s most valuable resource, its people.

For Stegall, a lifelong sports fan (who is currently the President of the Central Alabama Sports Commission), this focus includes many of Alabama’s legendary sports figures. This book makes a special effort to find and highlight the origin stories and notable accomplishments of greats in University of Alabama and Auburn University football lore, Alabama-born Olympians and hall-of-fame record-setters, as well as national treasures with Alabama roots like Hank Aaron.

He also delivers interesting information about the state’s iconic political figures and the cultural contributions of other Alabama natives, including musicians, artists and more. In each chapter, Stegall’s thoughts are accompanied by beautiful color photography; most of the images were captured by his wife and travel companion, Brenda.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Images courtesy of Chirpwood.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

During the pandemic, Moody pivoted again, riding

About seven years ago, retired teacher Scott C.

the wave of “paint by number” kits popularity but

Moody was looking for a creative outlet, and the

elevating the concept with Chirpwood’s “Paint by

lover of all things wood decided to start making

Shadows” kits. They include a greyscale image of

hand-crafted frames from oak and other woods in

licensed art printed on a canvas, paint and brushes,

his garage in Opelika. His company Chirpwood was

plus detailed instructions suitable for beginners,

born. But the custom work proved time intensive,

allowing every customer to unleash their creativity

and Moody realized he needed to venture outside

while also getting guidance. Chirpwood just

the frame's four sides to find a more successful and

launched a "Paint Your Pet by Shadows" kit too.

sustainable business model.

And the purchase of a frame or paint kit doesn’t just benefit the Chirpwood business; Moody also uses

The first addition to his traditional frame offerings

his company to support a program in Africa called

was the innovative TwoStick frame. Two sleek

Bridge2Rwanda that’s helping educate resident

rails handmade from Alabama oak and pine subtly

students and create a talent pipeline that will allow

outline the top and bottom of a photo or print,

them to tackle the issues Rwanda is facing.

allowing customers to elegantly and easily (and affordably) hang their art but also putting the focus

Find Chirpwood products at The Local Market,

on the work itself. The TwoStick system is now

The Maker and Merchant in Auburn and online

patented.

at chirpwood.com.

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ON THE MOVE

INFORMATION ON THE LINE Look for the “Dial to Discover” signs scattered around Sloss Furnace and pick up the phone to get an earful of pre-recorded information that will enhance your experience.

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E

FE

T L H E HEA

T

SLOSS FURNACES IS A MUSEUM UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN THE STATE. IT’S A HOT BED OF IMPORTANT HISTORY WITH MASSIVE MONUMENTS TO THE INDUSTRY THAT HELPED BUILD BIRMINGHAM.

BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ Sitting right in the middle of Birmingham, Sloss Furnaces is the only early 20th century foundry being preserved in the United States. Its labyrinth of pipes and tubes and its smokestacks reaching high into the air are a tangible tribute to Birmingham’s—and our country’s—industrial roots. It all began in 1880, when Colonel James Withers Sloss founded the company whose furnaces blasted super-hot air—up to 3,600 degrees—to transform the area’s readily available iron ore, coke and limestone into iron.

By World War I, the company Sloss had reorganized into, Sloss-Sheffield, was one of the 41

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

largest producers of pig iron in the world. Demand for iron rose higher in the 1940s to supply the war effort, and Sloss, along with other Birmingham iron and steel makers, answered producing more and creating more jobs for Birmingham workers.

By 1970, Sloss Furnaces had ceased operations, and the site is now a City of Birmingham museum and a National Historic Landmark, first welcoming visitors in 1983. While none of the original complex still exists, the site now consists of two 400-ton furnaces and 40 other buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1902 and houses the eight steam-driven

“Even our civil rights history is c o n n e c t e d t o o u r i n d u s t r i a l h i s t o r y, which is connected to economic h i s t o r y. I t h i n k i t p r o v e s y o u c a n ’ t p u t history in little boxes.”

“blowing-engines” used to provide air for combustion in the furnaces.

These engines are significant pieces of the site’s collection as they are representative of the power that drove America’s role in the greater industrial revolution.

GOOD TO KNOW Ty offered a pro tip to get the most from a Sloss visit.

“Plan on staying longer than you think you might. It is not just an old, abandoned factory to walk through,” he said. “Once inside, most people get fascinated with not just the history but the beauty and majesty of the site. It’s really jaw-dropping what you are standing among and looking at.”

Ty Malugani, Education Coordinator/ Historian at Sloss, explained what makes the Sloss site so unique. “It’s the only one like it in the country,” he said.

“The museum itself is in the furnaces; you can stand next to an 80-foot-tall furnace and imagine what the work was like. You just don’t see anything of this scale anymore, so standing where it actually happened really helps people understand the gravity of this industry and the impact of its history.”

Visitors can walk among, under and through steam-powered boilers, blower engines, a water tower, the dark tunnel where workers fed the furnaces, and more. The structures, tools and machines at Sloss offer a glimpse into yesterday’s iron-making techniques and provide an up-close-and-personal experience with this key component of Alabama’s past.

Malugani went on to stress why this history matters. “The history of Sloss and of the entire industry it represents is the history of the city,” he said. “Iron

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was why Birmingham was created and created where it was. It was the backbone of its early economy.”

He points again to the powerful message echoing from the massive machinery that surrounds you while at Sloss. “It shows the strength of the men who labored here, who did this really hard work to make a better life for their families and open opportunities for their kids,” he said.

Sloss is still an important part of the community, hosting events as well as metal arts exhibitions and workshops that allow artists and students to use smaller furnaces and their imaginations to create an array of metal items.

Today, Sloss hosts 100,000 to 120,000 visitors each year, not including special events held at the site. Malugani hopes each guest enjoys their stay and leaves with a deeper understanding of Birmingham’s backstory and its multi-layered connections. “This place is the foundation that everything else was built on top of; everything in the city stems from iron and steel but particularly iron,” he said. “Even our civil rights history is connected to our industrial history, which is connected to economic history. I think it proves you can’t put history in little boxes.”

Check out unique art events, concerts, night tour schedules and more at SLOSSFURNACE.COM

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

TRU T YOUR G T

Confused by all the info and hype surrounding probiotics and their purported benefits?

Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons.

BY KYM KLASS

If you’re interested in improving your personal health and striving to prevent a variety of health issues, you’ve no doubt heard of probiotics. If you’re still wondering just what they really are and what they can (and can’t) do, use this guide to learn why they are beneficial, what potential side effects they can cause and more.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

THE GOOD STUFF:

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements and beauty products.

Top Probiotic Benefits

• Help balance the friendly bacteria in your digestive system • Improve some mental health conditions

Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many are actually helpful, and according to Healthline, probiotics can help balance these friendly bacteria in your digestive system. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells or produce vitamins. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as, or similar to, microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies. (Source: National Institutes of Health)

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• May reduce the severity of eczema in children and infants • May help boost your immune system • May help you lose weight and belly fat (Source: healthline.com)

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TUMMY TROUBLES

Due to their work to balance the environment in the gut, there is some evidence that probiotics aid in the treatment or prevention of digestive and other health issues like: • Diarrhea

• Recurrence of bladder cancer

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Infection of the digestive tract caused by clostridium difficile

• Ulcerative colitis

• Pouchitis (a possible side effect of surgery that removes the colon)

• Crohn’s disease • Vaginal infections • H. pylori (the cause of ulcers)

(Source: Harvard Health Publishing,

• Urinary tract infections

Harvard Medical School)

INTAKE: ON YOUR PLATE OR IN A PILL?

You can buy probiotic supplements, but you can also ingest probiotics by adding certain foods to your diet, like these healthy probiotic-rich foods: • Yogurt

• Traditional buttermilk

• Kefir (a fermented milk drink)

• Miso (a Japanese seasoning)

• Sauerkraut

• Kombucha (a fermented black or green tea drink)

• Tempeh (a fermented soybean product)

Foods that interfere with probiotics:

• Kimchi

• Natto (fermented soybean product)

• Pickles

(Source: healthline.com)

• Carbonated drinks

• Gluten-rich foods

• Processed foods

• Refined oils

• GMO products

• Dairy foods

• Red meat

• Tap water (Source: Menolabs)

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

It’s not just digestive conditions that probiotics seem to positively affect. Other ailments probiotics may treat and prevent include heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, allergies and asthma, plus anxiety and depression.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population, but side effects can occur, with the most common being a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst, according to healthline. com, which adds the following to the potential side effect list: • Amines in probiotic foods may trigger headaches.

• Some strains can increase histamine levels.

• They can increase infection risk for some.

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Baptist Health has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers for the second consecutive year. In fact, we ranked #25 among all employers statewide. At

Baptist, we’re dedicated not only to the quality healthcare we provide to our patients but to creating a workplace environment that is second to none.

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