SPRING 2020
JOY BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
GR W for it SPRING IS HERE
HOW TO BE HEALTHIER & HAPPIER RIGHT NOW
JOY
Hello everyone. Our wonderful Joy magazine
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
publishing team (Jennifer Kornegay, Erika Tracy, Nancy Fields) has been
PUBLISHER
extremely passionate about this Photography by Big Dreamz Creative
magazine, and you can see the hard work in every issue. In good times and bad, these smart and talented women have produced a magazine that I am extremely proud of, and I am very happy that you, our readers, enjoy every issue. Jennifer, Erika and Nancy will continue to work with the same spirit and dedication that I have respected and admired for years. Their tireless efforts have produced a wonderful, creative and interesting magazine that is also always a magnificent visual delight. Usually, my column gives you a preview of what you will read in each issue. Because of the great uncertainty that we are all dealing with during this difficult time, instead, I wanted to share a beautiful untitled poem that my good friend Maxine sent to me. Be kind! Stay safe! And as always, here’s to health, happiness and Joy to Life!
Joy Blondheim Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation
JTL Publishing EDITOR Joy Blondheim MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested,and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorance, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.” - Kitty O’Merara
ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION exploreMedia 334.578.7810
AD CREATIVE AND SALES Heather Cooper, Shelby Shubird, Christina Bennett and Kristina Boddie COPY EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Kimberley Carter Spivey, Melissa Tate Witt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Billy Pope, COVER CREATIVE Nancy Fields/Big Dreamz Creative COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Nancy Fields/Big Dreamz Creative
Joy is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. © 2020 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 NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
ON THE COVER: Amanda Curran, local WSFA weather anchor, and a supporter of the annual Walk of Life. Hair by Amy Vaughn, Elegance Salon.
FEATURES
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CONTENT 14 THE DISH
How to Be a Better Cook
20 ON THE MOVE
Park Profile: Lakepoint State Park
34 TO LIFE
Be Happy Every Day
36 REAL LIFE
A Discussion with Heather Parrish
38 EVERYDAY JOY
Cancer Survivorship
26 FIT FOR KIDS
40 GREAT GOODS
30 WHOLE LIVING
44 SKIN DEEP
Tech & Internet Safety It’s Grow Time
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Products & Gear
The Skinny on Sun Safety
THRILL OF THE
HUNT Looking to add a little adventure to your shopping? Visit some area antique stores, estate sales and vintage shows to get in on the excitement that comes with the hunt. Hunting for treasures from days gone by is more exciting than the humdrum routine of other shopping experiences. You never know what you might find, but whatever you discover, it has a unique history and its own special story. For some, antiquing is a hobby; it can be as simple as searching for some interesting home décor or a beloved collectible. For others, it’s a passion that has less to do with possessing an object and more to do with finding it. No matter which camp you fall into, Alabama has plenty of places where walking among spaces and shelves is like walking back in time. They range from barely standing shacks filled with jumbles of dusty, musty, rusty “junk” to elegant buildings and homes boasting more orderly displays of fine china and rare furnishings. A favorite spot for some of the finer things right here at home is Montgomery Antiques & Interiors, and Joy magazine asked Andrew Thrasher, General Manager of Montgomery Antiques & Interiors, his take on what makes antiquing so much fun.
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FROM A PRO: WHAT’S MY QUARRY? JTL mag: What makes antique shopping exciting and different from shopping in other types of stores?
Many serious antiquers enter a store or show and make a beeline for one specific section or booth. These are the collectors, and they’re after another find to add to their inventory. If you’re interested in
AT: Antique shopping is exciting because of the
uniqueness of the items that you will find. In most cases, the pieces you find in antique stores will be one-of-a-kind items that you will not find anywhere else. They also have a unique kind of character that is just not in most new items.
starting your own collection, there are endless choices, but think about things you enjoy learning about or have a personal connection with. Maybe you have your grandfather’s
What makes collecting a certain type or category of antique item fun?
fountain pen and would like to find more
This really depends on the person. There are multiple types of antique and/or vintage accessories or styles of furniture that people are drawn to. When you find something you like and want to collect, then antique shops afford you the chance to find similar items with their own unique look and story to add to your collection.
old books. While your personal aesthetic
What are your tips when it comes to “hunting” in antique stores and markets?
The biggest tip I can give is to just take your time and truly take everything in. In most cases, it can be overwhelming in antique stores and markets with the amount of treasures to look through. Slowing down and truly examining each and every piece is the best way to ensure you do not overlook and/or miss that special treasure you really want.
Aside from your store, do you have any favorite spots to hunt?
I mostly visit private sales and auctions, but I would also highly recommend antiques shows. Shows generally bring in smaller shops from different areas of the state and country, like the Camellia Antiques & Interiors Show at the Renaissance Convention Center, that we hosted in March. If you missed it this year, I’d highly recommend making plans to attend the 2021 event.
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
like it. Avid readers often get hooked on and emotions will influence your decision, remember to take space into consideration too. Small items are often easier to store and display, things like salt and pepper shakers, a certain kind of teacup, perfume bottles, coins, pocket watches, barware and silver sugar spoons. Sometimes, collections can end up being quite valuable, but don’t let the investment part of the collecting equation outweigh the fun.
Thoughts from Consummate Collectors BY TOMMY AND NANCY FIELDS
You do need patience. You can’t proceed too quickly. One fast glance is never enough to take in all that a spot may have to offer, especially if it’s not displayed in an orderly fashion. A lot of the time, you have to step in, take a slow look around and possibly move something else out of the way to find the needle in a sometimes junk-filled haystack. Of course, knowing what you’re looking for can help sharpen your focus and tune out distractions. That’s where having a plan—or at least an idea of what you’d like to take home with you—can really come in handy. The mystery of what lies around the next corner (or in the next display case or in the next cluttered booth) is almost addictive. Especially when, like us, you’ve happened up on a trove of items that are on your “gotta find it” list in what you thought would be a very unlikely place. This brings up another bit of advice: Stay open minded, especially if the space you’re hunting in is new to you. Every vendor is different and spaces are, more often than not, an eclectic mix of items that probably have no connection to each other at all. Even places you have visited before can change as new vendors replace older ones, or established vendors update
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
F I E L D (S) NOTES:
We have been collectors for years and as such, we’re always on the hunt for treasures to add to our troves, be they classic cameras, vintage pottery or whimsical, decorative Jim Beam decanters. But the allure lies not just in acquiring another trophy. It’s also about locating it. It’s like stalking your quarry through the woods or the jungle, only to see it appear in front of you when you least expect it. The best part? You don’t need a weapon, and camouflage isn’t necessary to maintain the element of surprise.
their inventory. Case in point: There are several stores that we frequent that have been fountains of finds time and time again. The key is to give them time to restock, all the while keeping an eye on their social media posts for signs that it’s time to head back in. As exciting as this all may sound, for us, the whole process is extremely relaxing. Deliberately slowing your pace and taking the time to look things over forces you to take things down a notch or two. Uncovering interesting items from a different time period that you may not be familiar with can turn into a fun “What the heck is this thing?” game. (And trust me, the correct answer isn’t always the most obvious.) It’s also a chance to learn something new. So, put on your walking shoes and happy hunting!
Located in the Pepper Tree Shopping Center 8129 Vaughn Road, Montgomery AL 36116
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Call to make an appointment: 334-272-8116 bella-montgomery.com BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE bellamontgomery_
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T RY YO U R LUCK
Hunting Tips
Many antique shops and shows mark items with information including their approximate age. Feel free to ask questions about any piece’s construction, period history and personal backstory. Staff at any reputable store should be happy to share everything they know about where a piece came from and how old it is – or even what it is when you come upon truly odd items. And don’t be afraid to haggle some on the price. As long as you’re courteous, most stores have no problem with you asking if the number on the tag is “their best price.” Different periods and styles go in and out of fashion, and what catches your eye really depends on your personal tastes. But remember this: Antique furniture is often far higher quality than similar pieces made today, and a good, sturdy sideboard, china cabinet, table or other solid wood item can last generations and can be incorporated into many types of décor.
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the dish
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Terrific
Be a B
Cook TIPS
r e t et
Turn these helpful tips into habits that will sharpen your kitchen skills.
Cooking most of your meals is healthier – for both your household budget’s bottom line and your waistline – but if you’ve had bad results in the past or you’re intimidated by cooking, chances are, you’re less likely to use your kitchen for its true purpose. Yet, if you spend a little time mastering the basics, you’ll find the process more palatable and the results more delicious too. Check out these 10 tips that will make you a better cook. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
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1 Shop Smart
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Menu planning for the week and making a grocery list to execute your menu saves you money and time by keeping you from running back to the store for one or two things every other day. When you buy only what you need for specific meals and snacks, you’ll leave the store each week with a lower number on your receipt. It also means when you get ready to cook, you’ll definitely have
Arm Yourself Right Use the right tools for the job. When a recipe or method calls for a certain size or type (material) of pot, pan or other container, there’s probably a good reason.
everything you need.
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5
Be Prepared
Once you’re in the kitchen, read your recipe completely before you start cooking. Then, it’s time to adhere to the “mise en place” “mise en technique. The phrase is French place” for “everything in its place” and refers to the cooking practice of having all your pots, pans and tools out and ready to go and having all needed ingredients chopped, measured and on-hand before you start the actual mixing/cooking process. It makes things much
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Stay Sharp The best way to give yourself a really nasty cut is by using a dull knife. Hone your knives after every few uses on a sharpening block or rod. Don’t wash them in the dishwasher (a fast track to dullsville). And don’t store them loose in a drawer where their edges will get nicked. Store them in a sheath or in a knife block.
Be Precise When cooking meats, especially whole chickens, pork loins, beef roasts and other large cuts, use a meat thermometer. They’re not expensive and help ensure you never under- or overcook your meat.
easier and far more efficient.
Don’t Skimp on Seasonings
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This one’s pretty simple: Unseasoned food is bland. To amp up flavor, don’t forget to use salt and pepper, but don’t stop there. There is a wide, wonderful world of exciting herbs and spices that add depth and layers of complexity to a dish without adding additional sodium, calories or fat.
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7
Take a Break
When meat is done cooking, always let it rest at least five minutes and up to 15, depending on its size. This allows juices to settle back into the tissue and keep the meat moist.
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Have a fine time.
Go Easy
When sautéing meat or veggies on your stove top, resist the urge to constantly stir or flip items over. The food needs to have contact with the heat of the pan to sear and cook properly. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan with too much of anything. Your meat or veggies will steam instead of saute, and you won’t achieve the desired texture.
Think Ahead
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Make after dinner easy by cleaning up as you go. When done prepping, put ingredient containers back where they go. When done with a bowl or utensil, set it in the sink. Keep your trash open or nearby and throw items away after use. And wipe up spills with a dish towel as they happen.
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10 Give It a Try Never serve a meal you’ve not tasted. When a dish is done, have a quick bite to see if it needs more salt, a dash of pepper or if anything is off.
Practice Makes Better Nobody’s perfect, right? But the more you cook the better (and more confident) you’ll become. In the beginning, follow recipes and directions. As you gain experience, you’ll learn which instructions and ingredients you can ignore or modify and how to identify shortcuts.
BEY ND PINK
Awareness
Early detection is the key to surviving. We provide breast exams at all Primary Care locations. Call 334-514-3688 to schedule your Mammogram today!
ffering Now O grams mmo 3D Ma
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www.ivycreekhealth.com
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
ingredients matter HOW TO EAT CLEAN
+
Try these clean eating tips to help minimize your toxic load. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly fed to livestock to promote growth and reduce disease in farms that house many animals in a confined area. These antibiotic residues appear in meat, and repeated consumption of these meats can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans. ook for antibiotic-free meat L (and inquire if it is not clearly labeled).
Hormones
Growth hormones are used to hasten the growth of animals beyond their normal pace. This hastens the time frame between when an animal is born and when they are sold at market. This equates to quicker profits. Exposure to an abundance of hormones is related to early onset puberty and increased risk of cancers. The European Union has banned hormone use in cattle. Dairy cows are given recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), which increases milk production. Consumption of dairy products from these cows can elevate blood levels of insulin-like growth factor that is associated
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
with prostate, colon and breast cancer in adults and bone cancer in children. Canada and the European Union have banned rBGH use in dairy cows. Look for hormone-free/rBGHfree milk and dairy products.
Grain vs. Grass-fed
Grain is the common feed for conventionally raised animals. Grain has greater caloric density than grass and, hence, speeds up the weight gain of the animal and shortens the time until slaughter. Unfortunately, cows and lambs are not accustomed to a grain diet. Grass-fed or pasture-raised beef and lamb represent the animal’s natural diet and provide meat that is leaner and more nutrient dense. Greater nutrient density has been measured in vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linolenic acid in grass-fed versus conventionally raised meats. Pasture-raised hens produce eggs with greater omega-3 fats and vitamin E.
Pesticides
Pesticides are commonly used in conventional farming to kill bugs and insects. Unfortunately, they include a variety of chemicals that concentrate in the edible produce and soil. Their exposure is linked to health problems including neurological damage. The Environmental Working Group or EWG produces a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticide in Produce to help consumers determine which foods are the most contaminated and are ideally consumed in organic form. It also rates the Clean 15, which are the sources of produce with the least contamination and offer less toxic exposure when eaten conventionally. Visit ewg.org for updates.
BY DR. JOANNA DOLGOFF
Choose pasture-raised or grassfed protein sources instead of grain-fed.
Should I buy organic?
While you are on the hunt for hormone-free, antibiotic-free and pesticide-free food, it can be helpful for you to know how the USDA defines 100 percent organic food. Organic food is defined as food produced without using synthetic pesticides, petroleum or sewage sludge based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. With that in mind, 100 percent organic does imply a food is free of antibiotics, hormones and pesticides. It does not imply that an animal has been grass-fed. Labels may make singular claims such as a milk carton saying “rBGH free.” 18
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
ON THE MOVE
R O P F K IL R A
E
P e ar k t a t S
epoin t Lak P
Don’t miss out on the abundance of outdoor fun and other pleasures waiting for you at Lakepoint State Park.
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A
OUTSIDE
AL
labama’s state parks offer visitors a treasure trove of activities and experiences, and Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula is no exception. Fronting the glass-surfaced waters of Lake Eufaula,
this state park takes full advantage of the 45,000-acre liquid asset and its healthy populations of popular sport fish. But you don’t have to be into fishing to enjoy a
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day or weekend at Lakepoint. Read on to see what all this park provides.
Park
Reel In the Fun Thanks to a large quantity of big bass routinely pulled from Lake Eufaula, it’s often called “the Bass Capital of the World.” Anglers of all ages and skill levels leave with compelling fish tales after landing trophy-sized bass (both largemouth and spotted) as well as black crappie and catfish, including massive channel catfish. The park’s well-equipped marina will make any fishing trip a breeze. You can rent a boat, get gas for your own vessel, buy bait and stock up on snacks. You can also grab your fishing license (required), so don’t forget.
On the Hunt
R K PR O PA F
If you like hide and seek, you’ll love geocaching, an outdoor adventure
Lakepo in ILE
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tate Park
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
activity that keeps gaining new fans. People who participate leave notes and items in a container or “cache” at certain locations that are then found by others using the GPS on their phone or other GPS-enabled device. Once you find a cache, you log it, maybe trade something for the items you find and report your find to other geocachers online. State parks are full of caches to discover. Learn more at geocaching.com.
Photography courtesy of Billy Pope.
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PAR FI P RO L E L
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Walk It Off Hiking around the lake is another
DO YOU?
worthy pursuit at Lakepoint. Four trails traverse the shores and surrounding woodlands, allowing the chance to spot some of the area’s abundant wildlife, like whitetail deer, a variety of birds including great blue heron and osprey and maybe even an alligator sunning on the lake’s banks. Each trail is about a mile long and most are peaceful, gentle strolls.
Love is almost always in the fresh air at Lakepoint State Park. It’s become a sought-after spot for destination weddings, and the staff have all the resources and expertise to make your special day even better. Boasting outdoor areas with scenic lake views, upscale indoor spaces and all the accommodations and amenities needed to host almost any size wedding party, Lakepoint State Park is a natural fit for the exchanging of “I do’s.”
Award-Winning Accommodations
Last year, Lakepoint State Park earned a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.com. It was one of 18 Alabama state parks to receive the designation. To achieve this honor, a place must have maintained an overall rating of four out of five stars within a set number of reviews and have been listed on the TripAdvisor website for at least one year.
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tate Park
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Dip, Serve & Dine There’s also a swimming pool, a playground, tennis courts and three different onsite restaurants.
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Stay Want to extend your visit? Lakepoint has multiple accommodation options to choose from, ranging from camping spots to cabins, cottages (with waterfront porches) and spacious, comfy guestrooms in Lakepoint Lodge and Convention Center.
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Out & About
Right outside Lakepoint State Park’s borders, there’s more to explore. Wander through more of Mother Nature’s beauty at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, an 11,184-acre mix of habitats supporting almost 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals and many species of amphibians, reptiles and fish.
manmade splendor. One of the most well preserved cities in the South, Eufaula boasts more than 700 historically significant buildings and houses (20 on the
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(eufaulapilgrimage.com) has shared this heritage each April by opening the doors to some of its loveliest antebellum and Victorian homes. Other activities (a ghost tour, art show, musical entertainment and more) ensure the Pilgrimage appeals to more than just history and architecture buffs.
Then head into town to see some
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annual Eufaula Pilgrimage
In any season: Two of the most impressive houses, Shorter Mansion and the Italianate-style Fendall Hall, are open for tours year round.
National Register of Historic Places), and for 48 years, the
Pitching In to Make An Even Better Park A six-person AmeriCorps team was stationed at Lakepoint State Park starting last November. The group of volunteers undertook a seven-week renovation project at the park that included the rebuilding of a retaining wall behind the park’s lodge, renovations to the day use bathrooms and replacing rotten decking in the cabin areas.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENNY JOHNSON
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AmeriCorps is a national volunteer program similar to the Peace Corps. Volunteers commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofit community organizations and public agencies to
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earn college credit and scholarships. Approximately, 75,000 Americans volunteer with the program each year. This is the first time an AmeriCorps team has worked in an Alabama state park. “We are thankful to AmeriCorps and to this team for the work they are doing at Lakepoint,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. “These young men and women are training to become leaders in their communities. We are honored to be able to play a role in that process.”
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
FIT FOR KIDS
Just like the rest of us, kids are heavily using the internet and social media. But with all the known dangers lurking on the web and in the digital social space, how can you keep your kids safe? BY KIMBERLEY CARTER SPIVEY
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Just like the rest of us, kids are heavily using the internet and social media. But with all the known dangers lurking on the web and in the digital social space, how can you keep your kids safe?
Kids and teens today regularly post, share, chat, tweet and the like all hours of the day. Social media is constantly running in the background and is accessible with a touch anywhere and at any time. They find it relatable, a way to form and maintain friendships, to communicate and share, and they explore their identities through the virtual world. But it’s not all fun and games. According to the British Psychological Society, approximately 90 percent of teenagers are on social media, and when the time devoted to social media is excessive, it can cause real problems. “The more time adolescents are engaged with social media outlets, the higher the risk there is for poor sleep, low selfesteem and increases in depression and anxiety. The more emotionally invested they are in one site, in particular, the more pressure and anxiety they may experience to be available and up-to-date at all times,” said Lara Jakobsons, Ph.D., a psychologist at NorthShore University Health System. Video gaming systems, smartphones and tablets are much more advanced, providing adolescents the opportunity to stay indoors and connect with their friends through the internet, as opposed to the playing and socializing that often happened outdoors and away from a screen only a decade or so ago. The days of kicking a ball in the street,
F
TECH & IN TERN ET
calling for a friend across the road to join them and riding bikes are disappearing. Research shows that children are now playing outside for an average of just a little more than four hours a week—that’s half the time of their parents’ generation. And most of this play happens in parks, with adults hovering nearby. While social media networking and the use of electronics undoubtedly plays a vital role in social connections and enhancing technical skills, its risks cannot be overlooked. There are multiple threats in the digital world:
explor atio n
cyberbullying, cyber predators, phishing scams, bigotry, racism and body shaming.
BY KIMBERLEY CARTER SPIVEY
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
As a parent, it’s your job to protect your children from all of them. But how? Use these tips to help your child or adolescent learn and maintain healthy and safe “screen time” habits.
Show Them You Care: Believe it or not, this approach is powerful. When you express your concerns, your child may become less resistant and less likely to rebel in regard to using the internet. Quite often, children and teenagers become defensive when they feel they’re being questioned and not trusted. Reassure your child that you’re not accusing them or even condemning their changed behavior, but that you have noticed the changes, and you’re concerned.
actions speak Spending family time unplugged together, like during meals or when in the car, sets helpful boundaries for the whole family.
Establish Rules and Boundaries:
Become Familiar with Computers:
Often, parents get angry and
You have the right to know
frightened when they see their
what your child is doing
child spending a substantial
online. Rather than thinking
amount of time on the internet.
it’s an invasion of your child’s
Your first reaction may lead to
privacy, consider it a proactive
taking all electronic devices
approach to keep them healthy
away as a form of punishment
and safe. You should become
or banning them from
familiar with the computer’s
being exposed to the virtual
web browsing history folders,
environment. However, taking
so you can, if needed, check
this abrupt approach could
where your child goes online.
potentially worsen the situation.
Ensure you have access to your
Instead, talk with your child
child’s social media accounts
and set clear boundaries
too. Another precaution is
and expectations for limited
to install parental software
internet use. Allow a limited
monitoring, a tool that prevents
amount of time to use the
your child or adolescent from
internet after they’ve finished
being able to access dangerous
their homework or chores. You
or inappropriate online content.
could limit their usage until the weekend or prohibit electronic devices being at the dinner table.
power up Have teens charge their devices in a common area each night to avoid use beyond appropriate hours.
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Raising a Couch Potato? There’s a long list of alarming issues that can arise from allowing kids access to the internet and social media, many of which can threaten their mental and emotional wellbeing. But there are serious physical health concerns, too. When kids are staring at screens all day, they’re not running around. They’re getting less exercise, which can lead to being overweight and the host of health issues this brings. Ensuring your kids are moving and getting the stimulation their growing bodies and muscles need is just another good reason to limit their screen time.
s ’ t I
w o r G e Tim
HOW TO GROW VEGETABLES AT HOME
Get going now on a backyard garden, and soon you’ll be covered up in DIY veggies.
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Produce from your local farmer’s market tastes better, is cheaper and you know (if you ask) exactly how it was grown (organic, all-natural, etc.). If that sounds good, why not go a step farther and grow your own? It’s easier than you might think. A backyard garden requires some time and attention, plus a bit of manual labor, but you will definitely reap more than you sow. Your harvest will yield the freshest and cheapest veggies you can get and will bring with it the satisfaction of accomplishment.
Get e d 1: Sta rtSTEP
Choose a size for your garden and what will go in it. Consider the size and eating habits of your family first. Then, which veggies do you like? Remember that some plants like tomatoes and squash will keep producing all summer long, while others like carrots will produce only once.
STEP 3:
Check your dirt.
STEP 2:
Choose a site.
The size garden you want will help you make this decision. You also need to consider light. In most cases, you’ll need full-sun exposure to get the biggest, healthiest crop. Also make sure your spot drains well (doesn’t stay too wet) and has a good amount of organic matter. You can add peat moss, compost or rich garden soil to your existing dirt to create good growing conditions. Water is another thing to consider. You’ll need to augment the hydration your garden gets from rain, so the closer to your water source, the better. Once you’ve picked the place, mark the edges of your plot with string or tree-marking spray paint.
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
There’s no reason to spend time and money fertilizing if you don’t know exactly what you need. A pH test will tell you if and what kind of fertilizer will benefit your garden. Most veggies prefer a soil ph of 6 to 6.5. Find ph test kits at gardening centers or online.
STEP 4:
Prepare the soil.
Till up the ground of your garden by hand or with a rented tiller (depending on the size of your garden) to about a foot down. Now is also the time to add in some compost or other organic matter like decaying leaves, but not too much. No more than 20 percent of the loosened soil should be compost. Work it in to the dirt you’ve dug up and then water thoroughly. Leave it for a few days before planting. If you’re planning a small garden, go with a raised bed. You can pack more into less space, and you can better control the soil quality.
Be Re a d y KNOW WHAT TO PLANT WHEN To ensure a continual harvest and a variety of veggies, follow this general planting guide for Central Alabama.
STEP 5.
Get it in the ground.
For larger, in-ground gardens, plant your veggies in rows, with space between each so you can easily walk to water them and to pick your produce. Space the rows about a foot and a half apart. When putting seeds or plants in the ground, follow the instructions on seed packets and plant tags for spacing and depth, and always water when done.
STEP 6.
Prevent weeds.
Once you’ve planted, add a thin layer of mulch between plants and rows to help keep out weeds. Some will grow anyway, so remember to check every three or four days and pull each weed out with its roots intact. Doing it often will keep weeding from becoming a task you dread.
G rowoy & En j
April & Early May: Plant seeds for beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers. Put tomato, pepper, eggplant, sweet potato and herb plants in the ground.
STEP 7.
Water and watch.
Follow the watering requirements for the different veggies you’ve chosen to plant and watch for signs of insect damage like holes in leaves. Effective treatments, including organic ones, are easy to find in gardening centers and online. And remember to keep weeding!
STEP 8.
Harvest and enjoy!
If all goes well, you may have more veggies than you and your family can eat, so share your bounty with friends and neighbors. It may encourage them to plant their own veggie patch.
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Through July: Pick a pumpkin to plant from seed as late as July.
Get in the Zone
Zone 8 plants, including fruit trees and shrubs, are tolerant of our area’s climate conditions.
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
BE HAPPY
Every Day
WE’RE NOT SO SURE THE SAME THING WORKS FOR EVERYBODY, BUT WE DO KNOW THERE ARE SOME STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCE TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS. H int: IT INVOLVES SOME STUFF YOU PROBABLY ENJOY ALREADY!
WAKE UP EARLY. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.” Get a jump start on your day! Waking early has been proven to decrease stress and helps give us a more optimistic, take-on-the-world attitude.
& SMILE be grateful
Studies have proven that smiling and laughing lift your mood as well as boost immunity—Plus, we all look better with a smile on our face! Remember to stop each day and find at least one reason to be grateful. You will be amazed how much this can change your attitude on just about anything. 34
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BY MELISSA TATE WITT
meditate
Learn
This may not be meditation at its finest, but could simply be quiet time alone to think, pray or reflect. Time spent in this state has been shown to ease stress, enable true focus and stimulate the creative juices. Sounds good, right?
SOMETHING.
Whether it’s a new skill at work or for personal enrichment, learning every day is vital to good health. It expands your mind, creates opportunities for new conversation, combats boredom and gives you something to look forward to! Turn on the TV, check out a podcast (many are free!), get online or read a new book.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
10 Things
HAPPY PEOPLE DO
every day
Ditch the processed foods by shopping the perimeter of your grocery store or picking up the staples at your local farmers market. Purchase organic as much as possible and keep any packaged goods’ ingredients to five or less.
DRINK WATER AT LEAST 64 OUNCES
Generally speaking, eight glasses of water a day is a good goal, and even more if you are outside or exercising.
EXTRA TIP: Drink one full glass as soon as you wake up to rehydrate and help flush toxins.
DON’T LOVE WATER? Add natural flavors such as CUCUMBERS OR LEMON, and never leave home without that (reusable) water bottle to keep it flowing on the go!
PLAN AHEAD: Best way to stay on track? Plan ahead. Schedule workouts, weekly meals and your to-do list (and commit to it!).
SLEEP WELL.
MOVE OFTEN.
Consistent, solid sleep is vital. Over the course of 7-9 hours, the brain goes through a “housecleaning” process. Deprive your body of this time, and it will leave you foggy and unfocused. Lack of sleep—or even too much sleep—is shown to be linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other issues.
Whether it’s a long, leisurely walk in the neighborhood or an intense weight routine in the gym, you gotta exercise regularly. Add in a few extra flights of stairs and a longer walk in from the parking lot for an added bonus!
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
LOAD UP ON VEGETABLES Vegetables should dominate every meal—even at breakfast! So amp up that morning smoothie or omelet with greens, peppers and carrots and ensure vegetables account for at least 50 percent of your plate all day long.
Photography by Big Dreamz Creative
FIRST-HAND ADVICE AND INSIGHT TO HELP CAREGIVERS COPE
A DISCUSSION WITH
HEATHER PARRISH During two back-to-back battles with cancer, Heather Parrish, proprietor of Montgomery’s Southern Art & Makers Collective gallery and shop, learned the limits of her own tenacity and how the simplest forms of help often matter the most.
PLEASE TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT? My journey to diagnosis was a lengthy one. It started when I was 31 years old. On August 31, 2006, I started running a fever that would last several weeks. From that point until December 28, I had multiple symptoms that kept me a regular at my general practitioner’s office. Severe fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and other symptoms were thought to be other maladies. However, due to my beloved general practitioner’s amazing medical detective skills, (thank you Dr. Scott Bell), it was discovered to be ovarian cancer. At that point (March 2007), I had surgery to remove the mass and my left ovary. Much to my oncology team’s disapproval, I choose not to undergo chemo after the surgery. Fast forward to December 2008: I found out that I needed to have a total hysterectomy. After the hysterectomy, I started having symptoms that I had before the hysterectomy. Once again my amazing medical detective, Dr. Scott Bell discovered that these symptoms were being caused by uterine cancer. At that point, in March 2009, I chose to undergo radiation and chemotherapy at the Montgomery Cancer Center under Dr. Stephen Davidson.
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o
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
real
HEAR FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR
Real Life
THROUGH THE TREATMENT PROCESS AND AFTER, WHAT DID YOU WANT AND N E E D F R O M Y O U R F R I E N D S A N D F A M I L Y ? Whew, this is tough to answer. By my nature, I am a nurturer. I love to help people but am not so great at receiving or asking for help. By the time I had reached radiation and chemo, I was so tired of being in pain. I wanted to shield my parents, friends and family from as much of the process as possible, because it was brutal. I was experiencing tremendous physical pain due to where the uterine cancer mass was located. It was sitting at the base of my spine on top of my sciatic nerve. Also due to the chemo meds, I started withdrawing because I just didn’t have emotional energy for conversations. I needed my people to let me ask for help when I wanted to and not insist that I do what they thought I should do.
WHAT FORMS OF HELP AND SUPPORT R E A L L Y S T O O D O U T ? A couple of my defining characteristics, in my opinion, are that I am tenacious and persistent. I have a fight in me. I typically am very independent. This attitude came in quite handy as I was battling cancer, but even I have my limits. One time during the chemo process, I was grocery shopping. (Yes, I insisted on doing my own grocery shopping.) I found myself not being able to unload the groceries due to exhaustion. So, I called a dear friend that I joke is my twin brother from another mother and asked if he would come unload my groceries for me. Without hesitation he came to my aide. It’s been more than 11 years, but I treasure that moment to this day.
WHAT ONE THING THAT YOU DID FOR YOURSELF MOST HELPED YOU COPE? Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, I considered myself a person of faith. I had a relationship with Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, we really got to know each other through my cancer journey. I spent a lot of time with just me and God.
“I
SECTION.
“I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU [C A R E GI V E R / L OV E D ONE] T O ALLOW THE CANCER FIGHTER T O E X P R E S S W H AT E V ER EMOTION THEY ARE FEELING IN T H E M O M E N T, W I T H O U T T R Y I N G T O F I X T HE SI T UAT ION.” And I would talk to Him. I would cling to promises from scripture. In the really horrible moments of despair, I would repeat to myself that “It won’t always be this way!”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS ON HOW TO HELP THEIR LOVED ONE GOING THROUGH CANCER TREATMENT? WOW! What a tricky, delicate position caregivers, family and friends are in. First, I would encourage you to allow the cancer fighter to express whatever emotion they are feeling in the moment, without trying to fix the situation. (So hard.) Second, respect their decisions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t agree. You can share your concerns, but ultimately, it is their fight and their choice. Third, get help. This will be one of the most challenging experiences you and your cancer fighter will go through. You will need emotional and possibly physical support. Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically will be the best gift you can give to your cancer fighter. Lastly, check your words. It is so hard to know what to say. Sometimes, people who haven’t gone through a cancer diagnosis will want to offer encouragement, but it isn’t necessarily what the cancer fighter needs to hear. If you want to express concern or any other emotion, there are wonderful tools that you can access to give you talking points that will be more beneficial to your cancer fighter.
S P E N T A L O T O F T I M E W I T H J U S T M E A N D G O D .” - H E A T H E R P A R R I S H
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
everyday
Joy
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP: MAKE PLANS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
f ind y o ur t r ib e
Surviving cancer is a major victory, but the fight doesn’t stop there. It’s key to create a cancer survivorship care plan to put in place after treatment is over. And today, it is more important than ever. The number of people who have had cancer has gone up greatly over the last 45 years in the United States. With this increase, having a care plan plays an even larger role than before. Patients tend to have less contact with their health care team. Therefore, treating life after cancer as a chronic disease and developing a plan to manage it is the best way to help the patient and caretakers continue to live well and receive the best quality health care. Survivors often experience a mix of emotions that include relief of treatment, uncertainty about the future, increased anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, and survivor’s guilt amongst other things. Once active treatment is over, patients may need help adjusting to a new normal
and caretakers can help them on that journey.
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAN?
• A survivorship care plan is a record of your cancer diagnosis and treatment history, as well as any checkups or follow-up tests you need in the future. • It may also list possible long-term effects of your treatments and ideas for staying healthy. • It should include your health-care providers’ contact information, and specific recommendations for on-going care. • It should include financial planning information and resources. • The plan should provide clear designation of provider responsibilities to include both oncology and nononcology in order to optimize care coordination, avoid unnecessary use of resources and ensure that care does not go unattended.
Check out joytolife.org for support and resources.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has a wealth of information and resources available to help cancer patients make their personal plan, but here are a few key considerations:
A SK YOURSELF : Have you spoken to your doctor about what to expect after your treatment is done? Do you have a record of your cancer treatment? Do you keep in contact with your healthcare team? Have you asked your doctor about any unanswered questions you may have? Do you have a support system? Are you aware of all available resources in your area? Do you think you are the healthiest you could be?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, talk to your provider about planning your on-going care.
• The plan should include a listing of cancer-related resources.
VISIT ALABAMAPUBLICHEALTH.GOV/CANCER TO LEARN MORE AND FIND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
FIND OUT MORE
great
goods
PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS WE LOVE
FROM EARTH TO ALLURE “Extremely rewarding” is how potter and founder of Birmingham-based Civil Stoneware Katherine Tucker describes the transformative quality of her work. Turning basic clay into something beautiful that’s also functional fuels her, and for inspiration, she simply looks around. “I find it everywhere. Really inspiration is like a muscle and when you work it, it begins to get easier and becomes very natural,” she said. A fascination with shells recently prompted her to dig deep into the mussels found along riverbanks in Alabama. She’s incorporating their shells into the glaze for a new line. While she relishes the act of creation pottery provides, she’s honored by the fact that others give her plates, bowls and more a place and a purpose in their homes. “I love making pieces that will live in other people’s homes and hopefully, be passed down to many future generations,” she said. Find Civil Stoneware at many retailers in Birmingham and beyond, or order online.
civilstoneware.com
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MADE LOCAL
FRUIT-FLAVORED LABORS It will soon be berry season in Alabama. First strawberries, then blueberries and blackberries will ripen, get picked and get devoured. You may think it just doesn’t get much better than a bunch of fresh berries, but it does. Pop the top on a jar of any of Hornsby Farms’ jams and jellies, and you’ll find a treat. Beth Hornsby, who owns and runs the Auburn farm with her husband Josh, uses the produce they grow (as well as some from other local farms) to make a range of jellies (and pickles too), but if that jar happens to be the Bramble variety, you’re on your way to pure berry bliss. This jam is slam-packed with a sweet-tart-tangy combo of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries that will wake up any plain old toast, embellish the best biscuit and is also mighty fine eaten on its own, by the spoonful. Grab a few jars now and get an early taste of summer.
hornsbyfarms.com
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
PALATE & PALETTE At the newly opened Wine & Design in Montgomery, both wine and artistic juices flow. Sip on a glass of vino with your gal pals and put brush to canvas to create a painting you’ll take home. No real talent? No problem. You’ll receive expert instruction (plus all the supplies needed) that makes it easy to paint a piece you’ll be proud of. Check online for class schedules and more information.
wineanddesign.com
STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE Thanks to Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs), today, it’s easy to get your fresh veggies straight from Alabama farms. As a CSA member in a farm, you can get a basket or bag-full of their
SEW WHAT?
harvest, usually every (or every other) week from spring into the fall. CSAs are beneficial
Montgomery needlework artist Mary Joanne Spotswood, who’s
to both farmers and those buying their
known as AnythingSews, isn’t creating your grandmother’s cross
produce. The farmers get new customers and
stitch. She’s thrown tradition to the wind, and her eclectic creations
get to know folks who appreciate the work they do and the food they grow. CSA members
render stunning natural scenes in colorful thread, and are often
get access to super-fresh food and the ability
inspired by the flora and fauna of the South, plants like wisteria
to find out exactly how that food was grown.
and kudzu. While studying art, and concentrating on painting and drawing, Spotswood felt led to branch out and began teaching
And they’re keeping money in the local
herself embroidery. “I really liked the repetitive nature of stitching,”
economy. Here are just a few of our favorite
she said. “The process of embroidering is very calming.” While
CSA farms and info on how you can get in on
she looks outdoors for inspiration, she often works on commission
the CSA action.
too, sewing special pieces for clients. “I love recreating wedding
RIVER REGION
bouquets with embroidery,” she said. Find and follow her work on
Naturally Rad, benaturallyrad.com
social media (Instagram, @anythingsews; Facebook, Embroidery by AnythingSews) or see and buy her work in person at Southern
AUBURN/OPELIKA AREA
Art and Makers Collective in Montgomery, where she also teaches
Hornsby Farms, hornsbyfarms.com
embroidery workshops.
TUSCALOOSA
etsy.com/shop/anythingsewsart
Snow’s Bend Farm, snowsbendfarm.com BIRMINGHAM AREA Stone Hollow Farmstead, stonehollowfarmstead.com
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When you head outdoors to enjoy the warming weather, don’t forget to take proper precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
START TODAY! See the Sun Safely
WE CAN DO BETTER
Did you know that it is as important to protect your peepers from sun damage as it is your skin? Extended exposure to the sun’s damaging rays has been linked to chronic eye diseases including cataract, growths on the eye, corneal sunburn and eyelid cancer, so keep those sunglasses handy and wear them when you’re in the sun!
Currently 14 percent of American men and 30 percent of American women regularly put on sunscreen before heading outside for more than an hour. That number needs to be higher!
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HOT NEWS: New Alabama law allows school students, both public and private, to apply sunscreen at school
We’ve all heard a lot about skin cancer in the last decade, and it’s easy to get “information overload” and forget how crucial sun protection is in the prevention of skin cancer. Remember these key facts:
without the need for special permission from a doctor or parent.
CHOOSING SUNSCREENLOOK FOR:
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States but is also one of the most preventable.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
All it takes is a smart sun exposure strategy combining sunscreen, shade and BROAD SPECTRUM Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
protective clothing to greatly reduce your chances of developing this deadly disease.
Wear protective clothing, a widebrim hat and sunglasses as extra layers of prevention.
SPF 30 OR HIGHER Indicates how well a sunscreen protects against sunburn and tanning.
Seek shade, especially during the peak time of 10 am - 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Protect children. If they’re under six
WATER RESISTANT Sunscreen can be water resistant from 40-80 minutes, but sunscreens are not water-proof or sweatproof and must be reapplied every two hours.
months old, they should avoid exposure completely.
Use extra caution near water, sand and snow as rays reflect off these surfaces.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet or vitamin supplement. Speak with your doctor if you think you’re not getting enough.
DON'T SKIP THIS STEP:
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. They not only cause skin cancer, they can lead to major skin damage and discoloration as well as deep wrinkles.
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ADEQUATE COVERAGE Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover their body.
And even if you’ve been good about putting on sunscreen all of your life, it’s still essential to regularly check yourself (and let a dermatologist check you) for moles or other marks that have grown or changed in color. Sun damage builds up over time, meaning early detection of skin cancer is important and can save your life.
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
PROS
* LOCA
S*
W
KNO TO
XPERT LE
Local experts in areas from health
Rosemary Ragsdale Treatment Coordinator
Andrew Thrash General Manager
Kingry Orthodontics
Montgomery Antiques & Interiors
Specialty: Rosemary aids Dr. Kingry in assessing patients
to home design.
and developing individualized treatment plans. She also
Get to know some
customizes flexible payment
local pros.
options to fit patients’ budgets
Specialty: Helping clients learn how to mix a fine antique piece of furniture into today’s contemporary design. It only takes one piece to add warmth and
so they can achieve the ideal
character to any space.
smile for their life.
Contact: MGMantiques.com
Contact: kingryorthodontics.com
Meagan Anderson Makeup Artist
Brooke Ainsworth, Medical Laser Technician
Bella
Aesthetica Montgomery Medspa
Specialty: Meagan has been a
Specialty: Botox and fillers for
makeup artist for 21 years. By
the cheeks, chin and laugh lines.
carefully listening to clients’
All laser procedures. From IPL
wants and needs, she’s able
and laser body sculpting to vaginal
to make them look and feel
rejuvenation, she covers it all.
beautiful.
Contact: aestheticamontgomery.com
Instagram: @bellamontgomery_
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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
