JOY Magazine--Spring 2024

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Excellence in Women’s Healthcare

Our skilled providers offer individualized, compassionate care for women in all stages of life, delivering the latest advancements to our patients. When you choose OBGYN Partners, we give you the best healthcare possible with access to Baptist Health’s expansive resources, in a location that is convenient for you.

Welcoming Drs. Jasmine Johnson and Justin Lewis as the newest providers to our practice, now accepting new patients.

In Montgomery at Baptist Medical Center South, Morrow Tower, Suite 806 and 2455 Bell Road.

Jasmine Johnson, DO

Victor Pena, MD

Henry G. Johnson, MD

Summer Bass, CRNP

Julian E. McIntyre, MD

Justin Lewis, MD

Cheryl Zimmerman, MD

Rolling Out Life-Saving Cancer Screenings

PROVIDING MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY TO RURAL AREAS

Montgomery Cancer Center and Baptist Health are unveiling JOY , a state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit to bring enhanced breast cancer screening technology to underserved communities in central Alabama. The 24-foot, state-of-the-art unit, staffed with Montgomery Cancer Center professionals, will increase healthcare accessibility and education for residents in 12 counties. The JOY team will manage treatment plans in a caring environment that extends beyond the initial screening period, offering comfort and assistance throughout the treatment management process.

While the JOY mobile unit will concentrate on breast cancer screenings, a second mobile unit of Baptist Health’s Driving Hope Initiative will provide general cancer screenings and education in the future.

Learn more at MONTGOMERYCANCERCENTER.COM/DRIVING-HOPE

Hello, everyone.

Maintaining good mental health is essential for leading a fulfilling and productive life. In our Spring issue, we present numerous strategies for cultivating a healthy mindset as we navigate the complexities of today's world. One of the standout features in this issue is an insightful article by Kym Klass on the critical topic of teen suicide prevention. While this subject is challenging and sensitive, it is important for us to equip ourselves with knowledge and understanding to address this deeply concerning issue.

In our "Real Life" section, we spotlight Javacia Harris Bowser, a former teacher who transitioned to a successful freelance writing career. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2020. Javacia's resilience, fueled by her passion for writing and walking, is evidence of the power of maintaining a positive mental outlook. Her story is inspiring, and we are honored to feature her in JOY.

I have long been a fan of interval training. In the "Forward Motion" section, you'll discover why it’s so popular. It's beneficial for cardiovascular health, enhances workout efficacy and contributes to overall physical strength, particularly as we age. Best of all, interval training burns more calories!

Mushrooms are the rage now! There are so many varieties. They’re low in calories and delicious too! Sidney Fry presents delightful recipes featuring mushrooms in this issue, and I can’t wait to try her mushroom and walnut grit cakes.

This Spring edition offers a wealth of engaging articles, ranging from discussions on "doom scrolling" to a compelling feature on the Alabama Coastal Foundation. Spring symbolizes a fresh start, a new beginning and a rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit, and I assure you that there is something “new” for everyone to glean from this issue.

Finally, Jennifer Kornegay, our managing editor, and Erika Tracy, our art director, have authored, designed and released a book highlighting Southern Makers. Learn more about Southern Makers and their delightful new book in our Great Goods section. We at Joy to Life are extremely proud of Jennifer and Erika and deeply appreciate their being part of our team.

Wishing you health, happiness and joy to life!

Joy

Mushrooms are having a moment. Learn why and how to incorporate more of them into your diet with these satisfying and wholesome dishes.

MUSHROOMS Mighty

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

Multiple varieties of mushrooms are now joining the familiar white button and portobellos on supermarket shelves and at local farmer’s markets. There are meaty shiitakes, sweet-and-nutty beech mushrooms, delicate oyster mushrooms, earthy maitakes, morels, chanterelle, lion’s mane and more. They’re a little mysterious and packed with umami, a fifth taste (alongside sweet, savory, sour and bitter) that means “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese. While difficult to describe, it’s known to deliver deep, complex flavors that bring balance to dishes.

The best part about mushrooms? They’re super good for you: low in calories and filled with fiber, protein and a world of antioxidants, including selenium and B vitamins. They’re a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid that helps prevent cellular damage, and a review of 17 cancer studies found that eating just two small mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45 percent.

Since they’re readily available, good and so good for you, make room for ‘shrooms in your meal plan with these recipes. Each works well with a variety of mushrooms, so feel free to mix and match your favorites!

Tarts take a bit more time than other recipes, but the result is always well worth the effort. This one features a creamy egg custard filled with meaty mushrooms, tender Swiss chard and pungent Gruyere cheese. It works well served any time of day. And while it stands alone beautifully, try pairing it with a crisp arugula salad.

Mushroom & Swiss Chard Tart

Mushroom & Swiss Chard Tart

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS:

WHOLE WHEAT OLIVE OIL CRUST

3/4 cup (6 ounces) whole wheat flour

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup water

TART FILLING

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, woody stalks removed and discarded.

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup thinly sliced Swiss chard (ribs included)

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese, softened

2 ounces aged Gruyere cheese, shredded

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare crust, weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next three ingredients in a food processor; pulse until dough is crumbly. Sprinkle dough into a 9-inch tart pan or pie plate coated with cooking spray. Press dough into an even layer in bottom and up sides of pan.

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes.

While crust bakes, prepare filling. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots to pan; cook 2-3 minutes or until shallots begin to brown. Coarsely chop mushroom caps. Add mushrooms to pan; saute 10 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and begin to release their liquid. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and Swiss chard to pan. Cook 3-4 minutes or until chard is wilted. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, neufchatel, Gruyere, salt and thyme in a bowl; stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour egg filling over mushrooms. Bake at 350° 25 minutes or until filling is set. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, if desired.

Grits are a Southern staple and delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  This humble ingredient makes a wonderful medium for expressing other ingredients, especially mushrooms.

By simply adding a touch of butter, a little cheese and an egg, grits bake up beautifully into tender cakes, perfect for topping with an earthy and flavorful walnut-mushroom sauce.

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare grits, combine broth, milk and salt in a medium saucepan over medium high heat; bring to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat; simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently, until grits are thickened and tender. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter and cheese.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9X9inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Add egg to grits, stirring well to combine. Pour grits into prepared baking pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until grits are set.

Preheat broiler to high; broil grits 1-2 minutes or until golden. Cool.

To prepare topping, heat a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots; cook 5-6 minutes. Add mushrooms and 1 ounce prosciutto, cook 5 minutes. Add butter, wine, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook 15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed and mushrooms are tender. Stir in walnuts and thyme. Cook 5 minutes.

Cut grits into 9 squares. Top with mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with remaining ounce of prosciutto. Drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar, if desired.

Mushroom & Walnut Grit Cakes

SERVES 6

INGEDIENTS:

GRITS

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup 2% low fat milk

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup stone-ground grits

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

MUSHROOM

WALNUT TOPPING

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 finely chopped shallot

1 pound gourmet blend mushrooms (sometimes called chef’s mix), finely chopped

2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced and divided

1 tablespoon butter

1/3 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Meet Sidney

Sidney Fry is a two-time James-Beard-Award-winning food and nutrition writer who loves creating simple, healthy recipes and thoughtful, actionable content for the hungry consumer. A healthy living proactivist, Sidney is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and mama of three based in Birmingham, Alabama.

This is the ultimate stick-toyour-ribs kind of soup. Wild rice thickens and adds a boost of fiber to make it a fillingbut-not-heavy cold weather meal. The parmesan rinds add a nuttiness. And a drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end brings justright acidity to brighten this cozy soup and elevate all of the earthy flavors.

Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup

SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup chopped red onion

3/4 cup finely chopped carrot

3/4 cup finely chopped celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound sliced baby bella or cremini mushrooms

1 cup dry wild rice blend

1 tablespoon tamari or lower-sodium soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup water

1 (1-ounce) piece parmesan rind

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook 10 minutes. Add rice, tamari, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes or until rice is toasted. Stir in broth and parmesan cheese rind. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 50-55 minutes or until rice is very tender.

Place 2 cups soup in blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed soup to pan; stir. Stir in vinegar and 1/2 cup cheese.

Ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.

Welcome JAMI SUTTON

After 20-plus years working in the beauty industry, Jami Sutton recognized the need for increased breast cancer awareness as she watched many of her clients over the years receive a breast cancer diagnosis. One of her efforts to raise awareness was founding “Cuts for a Cure,” an event that helped raise money annually for JTL.

Jami loved working with the team at JTL so much, she joined our team first as a volunteer for the Walk of Life and now works as our Volunteer Coordinator. When she is not juggling multiple JTL tasks, she loves spending time with her husband, Kevin, and family, singing karaoke with friends, and she has a passion for cooking and all things culinary and looks forward to traveling to faraway lands.

JTL NEEDS YOU!

In a world where kindness and compassion are more important than ever, organizations like the Joy to Life Foundation shine brightly as beacons of hope and support for those in need. If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful difference in your community, volunteering with JTL is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity you don’t want to miss.

At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is a commitment to providing essential breast cancer screenings, education and support services to underserved women and men in Alabama. Through their tireless efforts, the Foundation team works to ensure that all Alabamians have access to the care they need to detect and treat breast cancer early,

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

ultimately saving lives and spreading hope throughout the community.

Volunteering with JTL offers the opportunity to be part of something truly special. Whether you’re assisting with fundraising events, spreading awareness through community outreach initiatives, or providing support to individuals and families affected by breast cancer, every volunteer plays a vital role in helping the Foundation achieve its mission.

One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer with JTL is the opportunity to directly impact the lives of those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. By volunteering your time and talents, you can make

a tangible difference, offering hope, support, and a shoulder to lean on during difficult times.

Furthermore, volunteering with JTL offers countless opportunities for both personal fulfillment and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to give back or a student eager to gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, volunteering with JTL offers skills development, networking and more.

There’s a place for you at the Joy to Life Foundation. So why wait? Join us today and help bring “joy to life” to women and families in need!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Ready to share in Joy to Life's mission?

Sign up as a volunteer at joytolife.org.

There's room alongside our staff to bring joy as a volunteer everyday at Joy to Life.

another way to get to know us

TUNE IN: SIMPLY SOUTHERN TV

A crew from Simply Southern TV spent some time filming at our annual Walk of Life and also interviewed founders Joy and Dickie Blondheim about all things Joy to Life, but especially about how we have been providing a variety of breast screenings for the medically underserved throughout Alabama for more than 20 years! If you missed it (or just want to watch it again), you can view it on our website. Visit joytoli fe.org, scroll down, and click on the image for Simply Southern TV in our BLOG section.

NEW EPISODES MADE WITH !

LISTEN UP! LISTEN UP!

In November of 2023, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lizzie Norman, the Mobile Mammography Coordinator at Montgomery Cancer Center, and Kadie Agnew, Director of Marketing and Communications at Baptist Health, to talk about their “Driving Hope” program, which features a state-of-the-art Mobile Mammography Unit named “JOY” that Baptist had just unveiled. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive a 24-foot cab-over truck around and provide life-saving breast screenings, then this is the podcast for you! “JOY” has since made numerous trips in the central Alabama area and, as you’ll hear, a second mobile unit will be joining her in the Driving Hope program!

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

DRIVING HOPE WITH KADIE & LIZZIE:

JOHN MOORER

For years, John Moorer felt like there was something off with his health. He sought the counsel of multiple doctors, but none of them provided a diagnosis. They didn’t seem to think that there was anything he should be worried about. They were wrong. We got the chance to sit down with John and hear his remarkable story—a story that points to the importance of being proactive when it comes to your wellbeing. If there is one thing John has learned on his journey, it’s trust yourself and never stop seeking answers when you have questions about your health.

SEE YOU AT RIVERWALK STADIUM!

The Joy to Life Foundation is back at the ball field! We’re teaming up once again with the Montgomery Biscuits to have some fun and raise breast cancer awareness. Make plans to join us at Riverwalk Stadium this season so you can head out on the field to test your aim with Pink Can Cornhole, race to fill up a pink can with Trash Dash or decipher Joy to Life license plate messages with Tag, You’re Pink on the jumbotron.

A CONVERSATION WITH JAVACIA HARRIS BOWSER

You’re young. Just starting a new, uncertain career. A global pandemic is raging. And you’re diagnosed with breast cancer. What do you do? If you’re type -A, go-getter, freelance writer extraordinaire Javacia Harris Bowser, you stay calm and carry on. But you also recognize and soak up the support of a loving husband and the small ways good friends can make big impressions.

Tell us about your cancer diagnosis and treatment and current status.

On January 24, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage II invasive lobular carcinoma. For treatment, I had a lumpectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 36 rounds of radiation. The cancer was ER and PR positive, so I am currently taking Tamoxifen. I am currently NED (no evidence of disease).

What was your first thought when you heard the diagnosis? To be honest, I wasn’t scared or even sad. I am VERY type A, so I instantly just wanted a game plan. I wanted to know what I had to do next. But I was worried about how the diagnosis would affect my ability to work. In fact, the first question I asked the doctor who diagnosed me was, “Can I still work? “ I had just left my job as a teacher in May of 2019 to be a full-time freelance writer. So, I needed to continue to work through my treatment. Fortunately, I was able to do so.

Through the treatment process (and after), what did you want and need from your friends and family?  I went through treatment during the pandemic, so friends and family couldn’t visit me. Instead, they showed love with small gifts—blankets for the cold chemo room, ginger chews and peppermint tea for nausea, graphic tees with inspirational messages, journals and adult coloring books. My husband was my rock. Because of the pandemic, it was just the two of us. He had to handle caregiving all by himself and he was amazing.

What forms of help and support really stood out? My cousin, who’s my best friend and like a sister, not only sent me gifts but also did little things that kept me from feeling alone despite the isolation that the pandemic mandated. She’d text me while I was in the chemo chair. She constantly sent me funny memes. Best of all, she didn’t treat me like a sick person. She gave me a sense of normalcy that I needed.

I was also blown away by the love and support from the women of See Jane Write, the community for women writers that I organize. Because of them, there was a small gift on my doorstep every single day during treatment, so I always knew someone was thinking of me. One member even had a T-shirt made that read #SeeJavaciaBeatCancer.

What are some things friends and family should NOT say or do? Don’t tell your friend who’s just been diagnosed that your aunt or grandmother died from breast cancer. That’s not what she needs to hear right now. If you know someone alive and thriving after a diagnosis, tell her about that person instead. Don’t silence her with “Good Vibes Only” toxic positivity. If she needs to cry or vent, let her. Don’t tell her about some special diet you read about that you think

HEAR

FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR Real Life SECTION

she should try during chemo. Chances are, rice and apple sauce will be the only things she can keep down. As my treatment progressed, I couldn’t even stomach the scent of meat. So, this is definitely not the time to tell her to try keto!

What one thing that you’ve done and/ or are doing for yourself has most helped you cope? Walking and writing got me through treatment. In 2020, I walked for at least 30 minutes every single day, even the day of my lumpectomy and even after chemo infusions. My oncologist believed that the walking helped my body tolerate and bounce back from chemo as well as it did. But honestly, I walked because it helped with my mental wellness. When you’re being poked and prodded by doctors constantly, you start to detach from your body. Walking helped me feel more grounded and more like myself. And I’ll tell anyone willing to listen that I wrote my way through breast cancer. Not only was my work a good distraction, but I journaled constantly, sometimes when I was sitting in the chemo chair. But what helped me even more was when I started journaling out loud—when I started sharing my story on social media, on blogs and in essays for both print and digital publications. Seeing my story’s positive impact on others helped me find a purpose for my pain.

What advice would you give others on how to approach and help their loved one going through cancer treatment? Just be present. Check on your loved one often, but remember that it's okay to talk to her about things other than cancer. Sometimes you won’t know what to say. And you’ll probably say something you shouldn’t. But that’s better than saying nothing at all. Your loved one needs you now more than ever. So be there.

“ ” I INSTANTLY JUST WANTED A GAME PLAN.

SHARE HOPE

C AST O

The wealth of natural beauty and natural resources residing where Alabama’s land meets the sea deserve our attention and protection.

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

conserving our

Coastal Alabama includes some of the state’s most stunning landscapes and is home to some of its most valuable natural treasures. Promoting, improving and protecting them is the purpose driving the Alabama Coastal Foundation, a Mobile-based nonprofit founded in 1993. Executive director Mark Berte shares the motivation behind the foundation’s beginnings and how it is accomplishing its mission today.

Why was ACF founded?

There was no organization at the time looking at issues and opportunities of Alabama’s coastal environment the way we wanted to and the way we now do. We focus on finding common ground amid many different groups and are able to bridge some divides. We work with leaders and policy makers at all levels of government, with other nonprofits and with the private sector, both small businesses and large corporations. And the work we do is important because the natural beauty of these areas—the beaches, the marshes, the maritime forest—is unmatched. We’re so blessed to have it all in Alabama. Plus, the massive amount of tourism dollars the coast generates benefit the entire state.

Explain the methods ACF uses in its work.

Our motto is: cooperation, education and participation. So, we work to raise awareness about issues based on accurate science and create a culture of inclusive environmental stewardship. And we work with everyone who does good and wants to do good for our coastal environment. That’s the cooperation part. We have multiple programs and events that teach kids and adults about the coastal environment. That’s the education component. But I think we really shine in that last element: participation. It’s great to be aware and to understand, but we also want to encourage people to put that into action and provide meaningful opportunities for them to do that. We have an excellent staff to lead this charge, but 90 percent of our work is done by volunteers.

Image by Big Dreamz

Creative.

ACF is based in Mobile, but your efforts are not limited to the coast. Why?

We became a statewide organization in 2012 because the things happening all over the state make their way down the rivers and watershed to our coasts. We know that folks all over Alabama vacation down here, so we wanted to ensure we were getting our education message to them so they’ll understand the right way to enjoy the coast— picking up trash, respecting sand dunes and more—and why caring about it will keep it viable for their kids and grandkids.

Pedal Power

On May 4, 7, 9 and 11, ACF is offering its annual Good Life Ride, a guided bike ride through the Gulf State Park that gets folks moving outside and breathing in lungsful of fresh salt-tinged air. The event also supports all of AFC’s efforts with a focus on its Coastal Alabama Livable Communities Coalition.

Alabama Coastal Foundation programs:

oyster-shell recycling program

Our oyster-shell recycling program, started in 2015, has been a tremendous success. We started by working with restaurants, explaining why they should save their empty oyster shells and give them to ACF instead of throwing them out or paying someone to take them to a landfill. Once we have them, they sit out in the sun for six months to cure and kill off anything living. Then, we put them back in Alabama waters to help create the reef structure new baby oysters need to attach to. So, we’re building new oyster reefs, which means more oysters, but these reefs also protect the shoreline from erosion and provide great habitat for fish, crabs and more. I encourage anyone who is down here or comes down to the coast to find the participating restaurants on our website and support them.

Executive director Mark Berte shares a few of ACF's on-going programs to protect Alabama's coast and its inhabitants.

Pitch In to Protect 90 percent of the work the Alabama Coastal Foundation does is done by volunteers.

Osprey platform program

The osprey platform program is one of my favorites. We work with area Boy Scouts who build the high platforms these birds need for nesting. We put them in areas where their native habitat has been affected by storms or development. We have a live video camera on one of them, which streams video of the babies hatching and the parents tending to them. It’s really fun to watch and a great way to get the public engaged in all we do. You really have to be careful, though. Watching can suck you in, and before you know it, you’ve spent a lot of time glued to the osprey cam.

share the beach program

May 1, sea-turtle nesting season starts in Alabama, so it’s a good time to call out our Share the Beach program. These amazing creatures have been around for millions of years, and they are officially protected, so our program provides practical ways that beachgoers can ensure they’re part of that protection. We sell special flashlights that allow you to see on the beach without confusing turtle hatchlings. We stress common-sense things like filling in any holes you dug in the sand, and keeping all lights low and pointed down on the beach at night. That’s good for people too; you can see more stars!

Waverly

GET ON DOWN

Make a day trip to Waverly, a tiny Alabama town that’s big on fun, food and cool finds.

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

Images by Vega Foster.

Images by Nicolette Cox/Wild Honey Photography.

THERE ARE SMALL TOWNS, THERE ARE LITTLE TOWNS, AND THEN THERE ARE TINY TOWNS.

With a population of just over 180 residents (and not a single streetlight), Waverly, Alabama, fits in the last category. And like most hamlets of diminutive size, this quaint spot tucked between Auburn and Alexander City does not bemoan its small stature; it’s quite proud of it.

In fact, in 2001, when a new, four-lane Highway 280 bypassed Waverly altogether, replacing the original thoroughfare that ran straight through downtown, the community was thrilled. So thrilled that they felt like dancing in the street (that street being the old 280, of course), and each year since, this tiny town has held a big event to celebrate the demise of the former 280: The Old 280 Boogie. Now each year holds two 280 Boogies. One in spring and one in fall. The original spring event has been recognized as one of the top music festivals in the South and is worth a visit on its own, but there’s much more to Waverly’s appeal.

Fans of music, maker culture, good design and all-around-cool things will find something to love amid the row of tin-topped buildings that house Standard Deluxe. It’s home of the 280 Boogie (and multiple other music-centric events year-round) but also a design and silkscreen print shop that produces soughtafter T-shirts (with fun, funky designs) and hand-printed posters, including those promoting 280 Boogie band lineups, and other printed products for some of the country’s hippest musicians and brands. Stop in to peruse its work; one room is practically wall-papered with colorful posters. SEE & DO

STANDARD DELUXE:

SEE & DO

ERA:

Self-described as selling “CherryPicked Vintage” items, this flea market/antique store/repository of childhood mementos is a treat. Retro housewares, furniture and costume jewelry fill the store. Second-hand jackets and dresses beg for a second chance at being stylish. Shelves of mod, fifties-era glass barware face lamps, frames and other décor. Take the time to really dig around to get the most out of your adventure.

FIG & WASP:

Browse antiques, art and thoughtful gifts at this mother-daughter-run shop in the town’s old grocery store on main street. Old-world antiques from France and England carefully collected by Meredith Frye and her mom Scout Nance anchor the space. But intricate Huriz Rugs imported from Turkey, Meredith’s paintings and Scout’s simple but elegant pottery modeled after the European Farmhouse style are also available. The mix of vintage and modern is a just-right shopping experience.

GET DOWN

OLD 280 BOOGIE

Waverly is worth a visit any time, but a spring Saturday is practically perfect, and if you can score tickets to this year’s Old 280 Boogie April 19-20, that’s the completely perfect time to go. At the annual outdoor music and arts festival, multiple concerts play out on a small, ground-level stage under the cover of a weathered woodshed and the wide branches of an ancient live oak. Thousands pack the area around Standard Deluxe, reclining in lawn chairs, sprawling out on blankets set on the grass and dancing to the tunes when the sounds of the bands start; the musical styles range from Southern rock, Americana, indie-folk, blue grass and some that are a delightful mish mash of genres. Other offerings include a variety of food vendors and area artists showing their wares. Whether you go for the music, go for the art, go for the fresh air or go to hang out, just make sure you grab your boogie shoes and head over to Waverly this month.

Images courtesy of Standard Deluxe.

EAT & DRINK WILD FLOUR BAKERY

Cap off your afternoon with a visit to Waverly on a sweet note with pop-in at this little bakery that’s turning out big flavors in the form of flaky pastries and other decadent desserts. Set inside Standard Deluxe, the confection and coffee shop features a rotating menu that often includes Basque-style cheesecake, fresh breads, chocolate chip scones and fruit-filled turnovers. We love the rich chocolate gateau paired with a steaming cappuccino.

Images

WAVERLY LOCAL

Grab a green bar stool or a patio seat at this new(ish) restaurant housed in a century-old, repurposed garage, and bite into bacon-wrapped Wickles Pickles okra and Lower Alabama drunken chicken. The Local is serious about living up to the second half of its name with its commitment to sourcing from local farms and producers, like Hornsby Farms and John Emerald Distillery.

Image

EARTHLY INSPIRATION

Jewelry designer Barbara Birdsong believes strongly enough in the power of inspiration to wait on it, slowing her process down to work in harmony with a constant but natural flow of ideas. The result? Simple but stunning necklaces, earrings and bracelets that allow the innate beauty of each gemstone and metal used to shine while also reflecting her love of Mother Nature. “I feel a deep connection to the earth and choose materials that I can trace back to their original landscapes,” she said. “My hope is that my jewelry is more than what you see; that it weaves a story that carries the essence of a specific place and time. My dream is that the person who wears my jewelry feels a connection to nature too.”

barbarabirdsong.com

Photography by Ashley Kickliter

Product images by Vega Foster.

EGG-CEPTIONAL NATURAL ART

Ashely Stahl has been making art since she was a kid but seeing a pile of eggshells in her compost bin as possible blank canvases led to her current creative endeavors. The commercial designer is constantly bombarded with inspiration— colors, shapes and patterns—that find her way into her egg art. The shells themselves are muses. “Eggshells, while fragile, are exceedingly strong, structurally beautiful and yet modestly simple and a universal symbol of life.” Stahl hopes others are as captivated by the shells’ dual nature as she is and that this fosters a kinship with her pieces. “The personal connections that come from sharing my art are so meaningful and joyful,” she said. But she’ll keep creating no matter what. “Art is my release, a place to relax, experiment with ideas and challenge myself. It’s exciting and therapeutic!”

@ashley_stahl_art

MEET YOUR MAKERS

Southern Makers, the group that produced marketplace events to celebrate Alabama’s making spirit by showcasing hundreds of its makers, is back. It’s shining a spotlight on creatives, artists, artisans, craftspeople, doers, dreamers and makers of all kinds again, this time in a book. “Southern Makers,” published in January, is a hardcover volume filled with meaningful maker stories and illustrated with gorgeous photography. Featured makers encompass every meaning of the word—painters, woodworkers, weavers, chefs, embroiders, farmers, potters, jewelers, candle makers, cookie bakers, leather workers, metal smiths and more. The list includes artists Butch Anthony and Andrew Lee, chefs Chris Hastings and Kelsey Barnard Clark, luxurious linens makers Red Land Cotton, the family of furniture makers at Wood Studio, glass blower Cal Breed and many others. The inspiration for the coffee-table book comes from the makers themselves; they are the heart and soul of this endeavor. They’re accomplished, curious, innovative, original, authentic and passionate. On every page, “Southern Makers” seeks to connect readers with the deep and dynamic talents of Alabama makers, enticing them to learn more about each maker’s motivations, materials and methods, thus establishing an appreciation for the product made as well as the maker.

southernmakersrevival.com

Photography by Erika Traccy.

GOOD 'OLE SUMMER CAMP

There are skills to be learned at the Alabama Folk School, which is housed amid Camp McDowell’s 1,140 acres in Northwest Alabama. While the summer camp is for kids, people of all ages participate in the Folk School’s workshops on canning, quilting, fiddle playing, pottery throwing and more. Yet the immersion in both personal and collective creativity the Folk School offers is worth even more, according to director Caitlin Lollar. “Our passion for cultural preservation extends beyond the crafts and musical traditions themselves to the sense of connection and community formed when we gather to make things together,” she says. The Folk School has been official since 2017, but there’s been learning and laughter swirling around the grounds since the 1940s, when the property first began hosting gatherings of those looking to engage in rest, fellowship and the opportunity to reconnect with some of the traditions in art, music and making that underpin our state’s cultural heritage. And in passing these crafts and ways along, the Folk School’s workshops are helping preserve them for future generations. Lollar encourages anyone interested to consider spending some time at the Folk School. “We hope you’ll join us for a class, but also for the conversations, the respite, and the deep satisfaction of connecting to your innate creativity,” she said.

Photography by Jenna Shea Mobley.

PREVENTING TEEN SUICIDE

BY KYM KLASS

With the number of teen suicides on the rise in the United States in recent years, new approaches to prevention are providing positive results.

According the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Rates of youth suicide deaths were rising before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began. Then, researchers identified 5,568 U.S. youth (age 5 to 24) who died by suicide during the first 10 months of the pandemic, which was higher than the expected number of deaths had the pandemic not occurred.

Creating hope through action is a preventative and active measure aimed at reducing the number of suicides among adolescents. It’s asking the hard questions. Being present. Listening to concerns, and not stereotyping a teenager’s situation as a normal problem instead of something to be more mindful of.

And as the country has seen an increase in teen suicides in recent years, creating hope is more important than ever. “If we think of the adolescent population, Covid was a hard thing for the teens and children,” said Dr. Griffin Gibson, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Baptist Health Behavioral Care Partners. “And since Covid happened, there was a significant increase in mental health (issues) for teens.”

“When we think about mental health in general,

and associate it with suicide, the two illnesses most associated with it are depression and substance misuse,” Gibson said. “Those are the most evidencebased root causes regardless of age. Suicide has always been there—has always been either the second or third leading cause of death, and emerging evidence shows new causes, including the aftermath from Covid precautions and problematic social media usage.”

Problematic social media, he explained, can be defined as individuals who experience addiction-like symptoms as a result of their social media use. Social media itself, he said, isn’t the cause of suicidal behavior.

Rates of youth suicide deaths were rising before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Then, researchers identified 5,568 U.S. youth (age 5 to 24) who died by suicide during the first 10 months of the pandemic.

Research shows that those who spend more time on social media and less time in personal interactions with others have an increased risk of feeling anxious and depressed, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).

FINDINGS SUGGEST THAT TALKING ABOUT SUICIDAL IDEATIONS MAY REDUCE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND LEAD TO IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES.

STATE YOUR CONCERNS DIRECTLY IF YOU SUSPECT A TEEN’S MOOD IS DEPRESSED AND SEEMINGLY HOPELESS. YOU CAN HELP.

- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)

“Covid hurt a lot,” Gibson said. “There was a lack of support with Covid. For those 12–18-year-olds, peer relationships are important. Teens are usually at home or at school, and losing one of our environments suddenly, for a lot of kids that was a difficult time. Covid kind of exacerbated a lot of what has already been there.”

It shouldn’t be surprising to learn that signs of mental health conditions often emerge during the developmental stage of teenage years. About half of all people who experience a mental health condition in their lifetime begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 14, but other teens and their family members often do not notice them until several years later, according to NAMI.

Asked what parents and others can watch for in teens, Gibson said that a lot of times, it’s just asking someone about mental illness, and then having an honest dialogue about whether they’ve ever had thoughts of suicide. “As parents, we want the best for our children,” he said. “A lot of times, it’s that dangerous assumption that everything is ok. That’s one thing we often hear from parents, that they had no idea,” he said.

Suicide is preventable, Gibson said, adding that the No. 1 way to help prevent deaths is limiting firearms. While firearm suicide rates are increasing among adults (ages 18-plus), the growth seen among children (ages 0-17) is far higher, according to Brady, one of America’s oldest gun violence prevention groups. Over the past decade, the firearm suicide rate among children in the United States increased by 57 percent.

Gun suicides continue to climb and reach all-time highs. In 2022, there were over 26,000 people who died by gun suicide, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. That’s a 1.6 percent increase from a previous record in 2021. Gun suicides historically make up the majority of gun deaths.

“Suicide is generally an impulsive decision,” Gibson said. “If we can prevent you from having access, you’re more than likely to talk to someone about your struggles.”

Most teens are relieved when someone starts a conversation, said Teena McGuinness, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She also serves on NAMI Alabama’s state board of directors.

“Findings suggest that talking about suicidal ideations may reduce suicidal thoughts and lead to improved mental health outcomes,” she said. “State your concerns directly if you suspect a teen’s mood is depressed and seemingly hopeless.”

Parents in general must trust their gut. If a child doesn’t seem as active, or they are struggling with enjoying their social life, if they seem more withdrawn, or if there are mood changes, pay attention and start a conversation. “We notice the changes if we have that relationship,” Gibson said of teens and parents. “We can think everything is going right, but maybe (teens) aren’t feeling it.”

“Most people want help,” Gibson continued. “Create hope through action. Be the one to take the extra step. If you feel something is off, take them to a pediatrician. Take them to the ER at 3 a.m. If we’re working on communicating, that’s a way to help.”

BE SUSPICIOUS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

To protect mental health, NAMI recommends parents monitor teens’ social media use and:

• Encourage teens to remember that what people post may not be honest or real presentations of their experiences or lives

• Limit time on social media

• Encourage them to leave or unfollow a profile/ page/site if it makes them feel bad/worse.

Research shows that those who spend more time on social media and less time in personal interactions with others have an increased risk of feeling anxious and depressed.

BURST

WANT TO SPICE UP YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE?

TRY INTERVAL TRAINING TO BUILD MUSCLE, BURN CALORIES AND INCREASE ENDURANCE.

BREAK

GO FAST. SLOW DOWN. REST. REPEAT.

This is the basic pace of interval training, a form of exercise that uses the changes your body undergoes during intervals of high intensity movement and then moments of recovery to ramp up your workout results. There are multiple methods and interval training regimens, but let’s start with the basics.

WHATIS IT ?

Interval training is a fitness routine in which you alternate between different levels of activity, moving through a short period of high-intensity activity followed by lower intensity, easier activity or complete rest.

EXAMPLE:

You may do a burst of 50 jumping jacks as quickly as you can and then simply walk in place for a few minutes before repeating the process. Or you might add 30 seconds of fast jogging in between two minutes of walking for a total of 30 minutes.

IS IT FOR ME?

No matter your current fitness level, you should consider interval training. To ensure safety, follow the same guidelines advised for any new physical activity: Check with your doctor if you have any concerns or a chronic health condition, and start slowly with a routine designed for beginners. You can pick up the pace as you get used to it.

G O F A S T . S L O W D O W N . R E S T . R E P E A T .

Interval training takes full advantage of your body’s energy systems: the aerobic and the anaerobic. When you’re in the burst, you’re using your anaerobic system, which metabolizes energy in your muscles, which creates lactic acid, which in turn depletes your oxygen. During the time of recovery and rest, as you breathe in oxygen that gets delivered to your heart, your aerobic system kicks in and begins to turn stored carbohydrates into energy.

BETTER ENDURANCE.

Interval training actually increases the efficiency and effectiveness of your cardiovascular system, giving you the ability to work out longer and harder with less fatigue. The more you do it, the better and stronger you get, and the cycle keeps going. This affects more than your weight and shape. Better heart health decreases your risk for heart disease and other issues like diabetes.

WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

INTERVAL TRAINING HAS SEVERAL PROVEN POSITIVES:

BIGGER BURN.

Thanks to the high-intensity periods, interval training can burn some serious calories. But it also puts your body in a state to burn more calories than it normally would in the hours after your workout is done.

TECH ON: Having watches and timers close at hand makes tracking even easier.

WORKING SMARTER, NOT HARDER. Interval training packs more fitness into a shorter time, meaning you can spend less time completing it compared to a standard workout.

MORE FUN.

There is a wide range of interval training routines out there, and they all give your workout variety, meaning you’re less likely to get bored.

DOOM

BAD NEW S B INGING = SCRO L LING

Just because you’ve never heard of “doom scrolling” doesn’t mean you’ve not fallen victim to this new danger.

“Misery loves company.” There’s real truth in that phrase. And a troubling phenomenon is proving it. According to a recent study in the Journal of Health Communications, doom scrolling has become a problem plaguing about seven out of 10 Americans, translating into millions of people.

Not sure what it is? Doom scrolling is when you (often mindlessly) binge on bad news, scrolling through one negative story or topic after another on digital news sites and social media. Most of us try to stay abreast of current events, particularly things that can affect us, our business or career and our families. But there’s a line between knowing what’s happening in the world and letting yourself sink into a session where you consume more and more bad news—from short updates to detailed dives into topics like natural disasters, wars, disease and corruption.

While recent studies show men and younger people are more likely to get caught in this trap—as are people with OCD— anyone can find themselves tumbling down the doom-andgloom rabbit hole and then get stuck there. The more you read (or watch), the worse you feel, and you stay online hoping to lift your spirits, but you only continue to find and see the bad news, even in the face of upbeat or positive stories, which are out there. Then, doom scrolling can progress; looking for the bad becomes a cycle that sucks you in.

THE DANGERS OF DOOM SCROLLING

Doom scrolling is not just a waste of time. It can be disastrous for mental health. When you fill your mind with content focused on tragedy and crisis, it can negatively impact your emotions and affect your mental state.

It may fuel existing fears, allowing them to balloon into unhealthy phobias.

It can deepen divides with family members and friends.

It can send thoughts spinning, and this in turn can disrupt sleep, making you feel more tired than usual and leading you to avoid or put off hobbies or social interactions you enjoy.

You may lose your appetite.

You may more often turn to alcohol or other substances for relief.

It can increase anxiety and bring on or exacerbate depression.

Silence social media notifications, so bad news doesn’t find you.

STOP THE SAD SCROLL

If you’ve spent more than a few minutes checking up on the state of affairs in the world, and especially if you’ve spent hours at any one time, you’re possibly descending into a doom scroll. Here are some tips to help you cut back and eventually, stop.

Limit your time online and especially on social media, which tends to amplify bad news.

Silence social media notifications, so bad news doesn’t find you.

When you catch yourself reading about bad news, stop and take stock of your feelings in that moment. If you feel sad, anxious, uncertain, stressed or angry, take that as a cue to take a break before consuming more news.

When any news makes you fearful, be intentional about finding reasons to flip that feeling around. Are your thoughts realistic or overblown? Are there practical solutions to the problems the news is presenting? Does the news really affect or relate to you personally?

Keep a daily gratitude list; this helps you focus on the good, which can balance the bad.

Unplug and get out in the real world. Take time to go outside. Exercise. See friends and family. Read real books and shop in actuals stores.

GOOD ACTUALLY

Seek out positive stories. They are actually everywhere if you look for them. We’re fans of these social media accounts that focus on spotlighting the positive things happening all over the world and one that just spreads the love.

Care for your heart.

For the times that matter most.

Every moment in life matters. Especially during a cardiac event. Which is why it’s so important that expert care is close by. At Baptist Health, we have state-of-the-art technology and experienced heart specialists to treat you faster and help you recover sooner. Because when it comes to matters of the heart, time is everything.