JOY Magazine--Summer 2022 by JOY Magazine

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

PLUS:

Try a FRESH Fish Dish

Get Some Good Sleep

GO FISH! GREAT STOPS AROUND THE STATE

Dive into summer fun at our favorite lakes, rivers and streams

ISSUE 02 / 2022

JOY

Immediate Injury Treatment

 Baptist Health  Southern Orthopaedic

Surgeons

 ProImpact Physical

Therapy

The only control you really have when it comes to getting hurt is where to get treated. That’s why Baptist OrthoNow is here, staffed by board-certified physicians, skilled physical therapists and sports medicine specialists. With no appointment needed, extensive hours, and an all-in-one new state-of-the-art facility, we’ll get you back to being you—faster.

334.747.4030 BaptistOrthoNow.org

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OCTOBER 15

DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY

WE’RE MOVING TO breast cance r awareness month!

We’ve helped over 98,000 get screened one step at a time. Registration is open now. Help us

keep the momentum going!

5K Run/Walk&Kids Zone&Party

Joy to Life provides lifesaving mammograms and breast screenings in every county in our state.

Donate Fundraise Volunteer

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

FREE

BREAST & CERVICAL

SCREENINGS AND TREATMENT AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE WOMEN

DON’T DELAY.

DO IT FOR YOURSELF. DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY. FREE MAMMOGRAM AND PAP TESTS • Breast Cancer Screenings for 40-64 years old or any age with symptoms • Cervical Cancer Screenings for 21-64 year old

For a referral or more information go to: www.alabama.gov/bandc or scan the QR Code.

JOY

Hello everyone.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Summer is such a beautiful season, and this issue of JOY is full of summer delights!

As always, “The Dish” is loaded with Sidney Fry’s delicious recipes. The first recipe I’m going to try are the crab cakes. Let us hear from you on social media; tell us your favorites. We all want to sleep better! And it seems in this busy world of ours most of us have trouble relaxing and sleeping. In this issue, there are some great tips for a restful night’s sleep! Learn how to “prepare” yourself for pleasant dreams. What’s a summer without water? Alabama has a lot of “cool” places to visit. The “Water World” article will surprise you with the length of its list highlighting the many forms of water entertainment in our state. If you like fishing and art, just wait until you see Wes Epperson’s oneof-a-kind, hand-carved lures in this article. They are simply fabulous! And be sure to add listening to Joy to Life’s Podcasts at “Everything Joy to

EDITOR Joy Blondheim

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

I had never heard of 1818 Farms until our team was preparing for this issue. It sounds glorious, and the story behind the flowers is wonderful. You’re going to love this article and who knows, I may see you at one of the farm’s Bloom Stroll events.

PUBLISHER JTL Publishing

MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy

Life” to your summer to-do list. You will find them very entertaining— you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn and you will enjoy! Happy listening and let us know what you think!

OCTOBER 15

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative

DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY

COPY EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs Ray Blondheim

Have a safe wonderful summer. And as always, here’s to health, happiness, and Joy to Life!

WE’RE MOVING TO

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sidney Fry, MS, RD Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

breast cance r awareness month!

Joy Blondheim

Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Billy Pope, Erika Rowe Tracy, Jenny Stubbs, Charles Randall Yeager

We’ve helped over 98,000 get screened one step at a time. Registration opens in April. Help us

keep the momentum going!

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

SAVE Big Dreamz Creative 5K Run/Walk&Kids Zone&Party THE DATE

10. 1 5.22 IS MOVING

Joy to Life provides lifesaving mammograms and breast screenings in every county in our state.

TO OCTOBER! Donate

Fundraise

Volunteer

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW REGISTER AT

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Joy is published three times per year by JTL Publishing. © 2022 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.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

FEATURES

SUMMER

WATER WORLD

Cool spots to enjoy paddling, fishing, boating and more around Alabama.

PETAL PUSHING

Take a tour around 1818 Farms.

CONTENT 08 THE DISH

Simple Summer Seafood Recipes

26 EVERYDAY JOY

News & Happenings with the Joy to Life Foundation

32 IN BALANCE

Get Your Best Sleep Ever

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Simple

Summer Seafood Suppers Angling for some laidback and nutrition-packed dinners to enjoy this summer?

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

the dish

Fresh fish and shellfish are swimming with good-for-you nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your brain, your skin, your eyes and your immune system, so don’t keep strolling past the seafood counter. Instead, dive into a world of fresh, fast, flavor-packed dinners with these foolproof seafood recipes. This lineup is fun, fuss-free and even a little fancy (with a partypleasing pistachio-crusted salmon) and guaranteed not only to build confidence in your seafood smarts but also to please even the pickiest of eaters. ROAST WITH THE MOST. Roasting on a sheet pan helps cook fish more gently and evenly than pan searing and frying. It also helps avoid giant fall-aparts that often come when it’s time to turn a flaky fish or crab cake in a sauté pan. Added bonus: There’s minimal clean up with a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Quick Tip

for Cooking

ss -Free Fish

CREATE A TASTY COATING. A crisp coating (like the pistachio-crusted salmon and tortilla-coated tilapia recipes here) will not only help create texture and flavor on the outside of the fish (and keep that inside nice and moist), but it will also create a barrier that prevents fishy aromatics from lingering in your house all day. BUY A DIGITAL INSTANTREAD MEAT THERMOMETER. This is the single best way to avoid over- and under-cooking your fish. They are affordable and easy to find and can help guide that “cook until done” line in a recipe! While 145°F is “done,” some people like certain fish (like tuna or salmon) a bit more rare. The more you cook with a thermometer, the more familiar you will become with what temperature suits you.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

DON’T BE AFRAID OF A SKIN-ON FISH. Most of those heart-healthy fats are located in the skin! Cook fish with the skin on to help lock in moisture. Let rest a few minutes, and the skin should pull right off after cooking. Skin-on is actually better if you are grilling so the fish won’t stick to the grates. Still don’t like it? Ask the fishmonger behind the counter to remove the skin (and any pin bones). FISH AROUND IN THE FREEZER SECTION. That’s right—most frozen fish is frozen at sea, directly on the boat after the catch. In fact, most of the “fresh” fish you buy out of the case (unless you are at a fancy or oceanside seafood market) is previously frozen fish that has been thawed. Most frozen fish is more affordable, easier to store and usually the same (if not higher) quality. SEEK OUT YOUR FISHMONGER. Most local markets, supermarkets and seafood markets all have knowledgeable people (called fishmongers) who can help answer any questions you may have. They can also help filet and trim the fish.

Summer Corn and Crab Cakes with HeirloomTomato Relish You’ll love this summer-filled spin on the classic crab cake, mixed with the golden-sweet goodness of fresh Southern corn. Crab is a treat—best when prepared simply and allowed to shine on its own. Here, we highlight its delicate sweetness with juicy corn and fresh herbs. Crab cakes can easily dry out and fall apart in a sauté pan. Our solution? Roast them instead of frying. You’ll also cut out a great deal of oil (and mess) and keep the cakes extra tender and moist on the inside. A quick hit under the broiler gives them an extra crisp outer layer. The best trick? Refrigerating them ahead of time not only allows the cakes to firm up and the flavors to meld but also makes these medallions a make-ahead option for any night of the week. SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 1 cup fresh corn kernels 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest 3/4 cup whole wheat panko, lightly toasted 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked free of shells Fresh lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, combine first 11 ingredients (corn through pepper) in a

large bowl, stirring well to combine. Fold in crab, careful not to overmix. Using a ½ cup measure, gently shape mixture into 8 cakes. Place cakes evenly spaced onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover cakes and chill mixture in refrigerator at least 1 hour (alternately you can refrigerate the mixture in a bowl overnight and separate into cakes just before baking). Preheat oven to 425°. Bake 22 minutes. Remove from oven. Preheat broiler to high. Broil cakes 1-2 minutes or until tops are lightly browned and crisp. Serve with Heirloom Tomato Relish and lemon wedges. FISH TIP: Roasting on a sheet pan helps cook fish more gently and evenly than pan searing and frying. It also helps avoid giant fall-aparts that often come when it’s time to turn a flaky fish or crab cake in a sauté pan.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Heirloom

Tomato Relish

In a small bowl, combine one thinly sliced shallot, 1/4 teaspoon salt, one teaspoon sugar and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Top with 1/4 cup boiling water. Let shallot stand 15 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine shallots, 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels, one cup halved cherry heirloom tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil, one tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine. Serve over crab cakes.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Chipol e

Ranch Dressing

1/4 cup avocado or olive oil mayonnaise 1/4 cup whole Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons finely chopped canned chipotle in adobo sauce 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Crunchy Fish Taco Salad

with Creamy Chipol e Ranch

Fish tacos are an easy way to dip your toes into cooking seafood. There is, however, one important thing to remember when it comes to both fish and tacos: Texture is everything. A desired crunchy coating may get lost when you tuck it down into a warm tortilla and load it up in sauce. No one likes a soggy fish! Here, we take a tender piece of white fish, coat it in crushed tortilla chips, and roast it in an extra hot oven to keep that coating good and crisp. Skip the taco-tuck and perch these crunchy fillets atop a giant mountain of tasty taco fixings; then drizzle on zippy ranch dressing that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Taco-bout a simple, delicious dinner that’s seamless enough for a family Taco Tuesday night but elegant enough for a weekend dinner party. SERVES 4

TortillaCrusted Fish

1/2 (10-ounce) bag multigrain tortilla chips, plus additional crushed chips for serving 4 (6-ounce) tilapia (or other flaky white fish) fillets 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Juice of one lime 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water or milk 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

Taco Salad

1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage 2 cups vegetable slaw mix 3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional) 1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced Fresh cilantro 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS To prepare fish: Preheat oven

to 400°. Place chips in a sturdy zip top bag. Using a rolling pin (or bottle of wine!), crush chips until ground, but still crunchy. Pat fish dry, sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper and lime juice. Combine water, egg and cumin (if using), whisking with a fork until well combined. Dip each filet in egg mixture, turning to coat. Dredge in tortilla crumbs, making sure each piece is very well coated, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon. Gently place each fish fillet on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through (timing will vary depending on thickness of fish).

To prepare dressing: Combine

mayo, yogurt, chipotle, ranch seasoning and lime in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. To prepare salad: Combine

cabbage, slaw mix and romaine in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice; toss to coat. Add bell pepper, jalapeno slices and cilantro. Drizzle with half of chipotle ranch dressing; toss to coat. Top salad with prepared fish, avocado and additional cilantro. Drizzle with remaining chipotle ranch dressing and sprinkle with additional crushed chips, if desired.

FISH TIP: Most frozen fish is frozen at sea, directly on the boat after the catch. Most frozen fish is more affordable, easier to store and usually the same (if not higher) quality.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

with Zucchini Cap ese Salad

There are few things easier and more elegant to prepare than a whole side of salmon. Pistachios lend a buttery, nutty balance to the hardy fish, while Dijon and fresh lemon add a bright, refreshing punch. Salmon is not only easy to find and reasonably priced, but it’s also loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fats and stands up well to the bold flavors in this recipe. And roasting it with the skin on will lock in moisture and all those heart-healthy fats; the meat will slide right off when ready to serve. SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pistachios, divided 1 pound wild or sustainable skin-on salmon fillet Fresh lemon slices, for serving

Zucchini Cap ese Salad

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine oil, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt and 2 tablespoons pistachios in a mini food processor. Pulse 5-7 times, then process until smooth. If you don’t have a mini processor you can vigorously whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

Combine 2 cups zucchini noodles, one cup halved cherry tomatoes in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, one tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat. Top with 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil and 2 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls. Toss to coat.

Pat salmon dry. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread mustard mixture over salmon; top with remaining ½ cup pistachios. Using the back of a spoon, gently press pistachios into salmon. Bake at 375° 14-17 minutes (depending on size and thickness of salmon) or until desired degree of doneness. Serve with fresh lemon slices and Zucchini Caprese Salad. FISH TIP: A crisp crust creates a barrier that prevents fishy aromatics from lingering in your house all day.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

WATER COME SUMMERTIME IN ALABAMA, our thoughts often turn to water. We traverse its surfaces on boats where we capture cooling breezes, drop lines to tempt fish and jump wakes to catch some air. We hike through heat for the soul-restoring sight of waterfalls and to bask in the equally refreshing mist that these cascades create. We paddle down lazy rivers and into shady inlets to catch glimpses of the flora and fauna that also seek out water. And when the temperatures outside climb to uncomfortable heights, we jump right in, letting a leisurely swim and some associated splashing wash away the swelter. Alabama’s vast and diverse selection of water can be found taking many forms, but there’s a common current flowing through it all: Our rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds, pools, shorelines and swimmin’ spots are ready and able to meet your needs for all of the above activities. Spend some of your summer at these H20 havens around the state.

Plan some playtime among Alabama’s hydro power. 16

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

COOL STOPS

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Image by Charles Randall Yeager

Dismals Canyon

Desoto Falls

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Little River Falls

WONDER-FALLS

MARDIS MILLS FALLS pours tranquility over a wide rock face. This gem near Oneonta is hidden but still simple to access. The short hike to reach it, right off Mardis Mills Road, will leave you with plenty of energy for a dip in the calm pool it feeds. HIGH FALLS, just south of Lake Guntersville, is another wide wonder; it hurls over ledges in Town Creek that are several hundred feet across. Below it is a 25-foot natural stone bridge, its arch created by the relentless wear of rushing water. DESOTO FALLS Just a few miles south of Mentone, the Little River tumbles over a craggy rock outcrop creating DeSoto Falls, a 104-foot-tall cataract that, when at its zenith, produces a thunderous roar. A short stroll from the falls’ parking area takes you to an observation point. And you’ll find several smaller waterfalls in DeSoto State Park among its 25 miles of hiking trails. Look for Indian Falls, Lost Falls and Laurel Falls. The Boardwalk Trail is an easy trek to the lovely Azalea Cascade.

BEST FOR A DIP TURKEY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE in Pinson offers double the dipping fun. In addition to scenic splendor everywhere you look in the preserve’s 466 acres, there are two locations for a laidback cool down. At Turkey Creek Falls, sometimes called Mother Nature’s water slide, you can wade and swim and, if you’re brave, slide down the wet and mossy rocks. It’s a popular place, so if it’s too crowded, make your way to the Blue Hole. This deep, placid pool farther away from the falls is always inviting. CANEY CREEK FALLS In beautiful Bankhead National Forest, Caney Creek Falls and Upper Caney Creek Falls require a little effort to enjoy, but both are worth the work. Upper Caney Creek Falls drops into one of the state’s best swimming holes. Take the Caney Creek Falls Trail to reach it. Not far is a smaller, stair-step-style waterfall called Kinlock Falls on the edge of the Sipsey Wilderness. It’s also a beloved swimming spot and just off one of the main roads.

LITTLE RIVER FALLS Not far from DeSoto Falls, another wall of water is crashing and splashing over a precipice. Plummeting 45 feet, Little River Falls is the glittering showpiece of Little River Canyon an extensive gorge system (the largest east of the Mississippi). DISMALS CANYON is an 85-acre privately owned nature preserve that includes the namesake rocky gorge itself as well as several glittering cascades, like Rainbow Falls and Secret Falls. See both up close with a trek on the 1.5-mile loop trail that cuts across the canyon floor and winds along the bank of a pristine stream and through a shady, seemingly untouched forest.

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

GREAT GROUP FUN

BOAT LIFE

THE DIXIE SAILING CLUB AT LAKE MARTIN Sailing offers the ultimate serenity, and if you’re already into the sport, join the club of avid sailors on central Alabama’s Lake Martin by checking out membership in The Dixie Sailing Club. It annually holds multiple races and regattas and other special events, including a few that invite and include the public. Don’t know a jib from a boom but think you’d like to give sailing a spin? Try it out with DSC’s free Intro to Sailing class held each summer or sign up your kid for one of the club’s youth sailing camps. Members love sailing so much, they feel obligated to share it and create new sailing converts.

SIP-N-CYCLE PEDALBOAT Use your feet to power down the Alabama River with a cruise on the Sip-n-Cycle Pedalboat out of Montgomery. You’ll need your hands free to hold your cocktail. On this 20-passenger party boat, you and other boaters sit around a central bar and pedal away while sipping your beverage of choice and drinking in river scenery. You can join a scheduled mixer cruise or rent the boat for private events. JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Image courtesy of Dixie Sailing Club.

Lake Martin

Prediabetes Risk Test 1. How old are you?

Write your score in the boxes below

Younger than 40 years (0 points) 40–49 years (1 point) 50–59 years (2 points) 60 years or older (3 points)

2. Are you a man or a woman? Man (1 point)

Woman (0 points)

3. If you are a woman, have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? Yes (1 point)

No (0 points)

4. Do you have a mother, father, sister, or brother with diabetes? Yes (1 point)

No (0 points)

5. Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure? Yes (1 point)

No (0 points)

6. Are you physically active? Yes (0 points)

No (1 point)

7. What is your weight category?

Height

Weight (lbs.)

4'10"

119-142

143-190

191+

4'11"

124-147

148-197

198+

5'0"

128-152

153-203

204+

5'1"

132-157

158-210

211+

5'2"

136-163

164-217

218+

5'3"

141-168

169-224

225+

5'4"

145-173

174-231

232+

5'5"

150-179

180-239

240+

5'6"

155-185

186-246

247+

5'7"

159-190

191-254

255+

5'8"

164-196

197-261

262+

5'9"

169-202

203-269

270+

5'10"

174-208

209-277

278+

5'11"

179-214

215-285

286+

6'0"

184-220

221-293

294+

6'1"

189-226

227-301

302+

6'2"

194-232

233-310

311+

6'3"

200-239

240-318

319+

6'4"

205-245

246-327

328+

1 Point

2 Points

3 Points

You weigh less than the 1 Point column (0 points)

(See chart at right)

Adapted from Bang et al., Ann Intern Med 151:775-783, 2009. Original algorithm was validated without gestational diabetes as part of the model.

Total score: If you scored 5 or higher

You are at increased risk for having prediabetes and are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. However, only your doctor can tell for sure if you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor to see if additional testing is needed. If you are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander, you are at higher risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Also, if you are Asian American, you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes at a lower weight (about 15 pounds lower than weights in the 1 Point column). Talk to your doctor to see if you should have your blood sugar tested.

CS300699-A

You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes

Risk Test provided by the American Diabetes Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Find out how you can reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifestyle-program.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Cahaba River

PADDLE PLAY

CAHABA RIVER Our state’s longest free-flowing river, the Cahaba is a nature lover’s nirvana. Thanks to its biodiversity, the Cahaba River has been recognized as one of Alabama’s “Ten Natural Wonders” by the Alabama Environmental Council. Its real claim to conservation fame is a humble flower—the delicate white Cahaba lily, a threatened plant species found only along the banks of the Cahaba River and its tributaries. Some sections of the Cahaba feature a few small rapids and shoals, but it’s still an easy paddle.

SEPULGA RIVER Flanked by white limestone walls, the narrow, slow-flowing Sepulga River in Conecuh County is serene but brings a boost of excitement with the chance to find fossils on its sandy banks, including ancient shark teeth. A few small waterfalls, some cool, deep swimming holes and a couple of class I rapids add to this river’s appeal.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Image by Billy Pope.

MAJOR BONUS POINTS

Image by Jenny Stubbs

Sipsey Fork

THE SIPSEY FORK The Sipsey Fork that drains into the Black Warrior River is the state’s only designated National Wild and Scenic River and is best experienced via a canoe down the Upper Sipsey Fork near Double Springs. This section takes you through quiet woodland hills within the Bankhead National Forest. At some points, towering rock bluffs shoot straight up from banks; a few are over 100-feet-high. CYPRESS CREEK Cypress Creek’s gentle current and pale green waters make it a near-perfect float with minimal major paddling required. With cypress trees lining its banks and its soft, sandy bottom, this stretch of water flowing in Florence was made for relaxing and watching herons, counting turtles and maybe slipping into a short nap.

Coosa River

COOSA RIVER A paddle down Jordan Dam Tailwater portion of the Coosa River in Wetumpka promises some wildlife watching too but with a little more adventure thrown in. This seven-mile, dam-controlled stretch has clean waters that are cool but not too cold, and its rock-strewn bed and banks create numerous class II rapids and one class III that when combined, are just thrilling enough to satisfy more experienced paddlers and easy enough to show novice paddlers a great time without scaring them off the sport. TERRAPIN CREEK Streaming peacefully through Piedmont, Terrapin Creek is another tranquil paddle-trip river. There are a few easy rapids (just enough gurgle and roll to keep things interesting), but there’s plenty of flat water to traverse as well.

Terrapin Creek

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

FISHING FUN

Fly fishing for more abundant Alabama fish, like a variety of bass species, is plenty of fun too. East Alabama Fly Fishing is a guide service on the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers that provides this experience using drift boats.

A BIG ONE LAKE GUNTERSVILLE The 69,000-acre shimmering Lake Guntersville, created when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dammed the Tennessee River in the 1930s, is home to one of Alabama’s most popular state parks, as well as numerous fishing competitions thanks to the bounty beneath its surface. Fishing is a longtime favorite pastime in the area, with the lake known for its crappie and hefty — sometimes trophy-sized — largemouth bass. National tournaments have brought the sport’s biggest names to town in recent years, and even amateur anglers have a good shot at landing a fish with bragging rights attached. You can bait a hook and try your luck with one of several guide services on the lake that will provide the needed gear and show you the secret spots.

BLACK WARRIOR RIVER Near Jasper, there’s a short stretch of the Black Warrior River that promises some unique angling action for the fly-fisherman: the rare chance to find and fight rainbow trout in Alabama. Most of the state’s rivers and streams are too warm to support a population of this popular game fish. But the tail waters of the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior just below the Smith Lake hydroelectric dam have been continually stocked with small trout for over 30 years, and these waters below the dam remain a constant, frosty 70 degrees all year long, making them just right for trout. One sweet spot to catch them is just above the Birmingham Water Works Pump Station. Visit

the Riverside Fly Shop for all the gear you’ll require, plus a guide if you want one. LAKE EUFAULA also boasts big fish; the 45,000-acre lake has healthy populations of popular sport fish and has even been called “the Bass Capital of the World.” Fishermen of all ages and skill levels can return home with compelling fish tales after reeling in 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.

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Image by Big Dreamz Creative.

MUCH LOVE

In early May, Montgomery native and founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and the Whitetail Institute of North America Ray Scott Jr. passed away. He was 88. He was a legend in the fishing and outdoor sporting pursuits world, but came from humble roots, growing up in the Great Depression in the capital city’s Cottage Hill neighborhood. He served his country in the Army and graduated from Auburn University before embarking on his career. He was a tireless advocate for angling as a sport and a passionate promoter of conservation efforts and practices to ensure the great outdoors he so loved would remain in a state that future generations could enjoy. He was also a great supporter of and friend to The Joy to Life Foundation. In 2009, he hosted the Pink Lure Tour event, a fun-filled fishing tournament, whose proceeds went to benefit the Foundation and its work.

ALLURING LURES

(MADE IN ALABAMA)

It’s no exaggeration to say that Weston Epperson comes from a family of fishing fanatics, one that helped define the industry and whose members enjoy the sport as a pastime. His grandfather was the founder of B.A.S.S., Ray Scott. Epperson has been making lures since he was a kid, but until 2020, they were only for his personal use. When COVID hit, he began making more and more lures, many inspired by the lures he made with his grandad’s help, and his relaxing hobby became a business called WSE Lures, which is based from his home in Montgomery. His lures are functional bait designed to hook the big ones, but each is also a work of art, hand-carved from a block of wood, usually without a plan other than the picture in Epperson’s mind. “Every lure is truly the only one of its kind,” he said. “I could use molds or other methods to replicate a certain design, but I get satisfaction from the lengthy process of seeing a piece of wood turn into a fishing lure.” Find the fishing lure that catches your eye on his website, wselures.crd.co, or contact Epperson for a custom order. 25

JOYTOLIFE.ORG

everyday

Joy

NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

WALK OF LIFE 2022:

Walking Tall

The Foundation’s signature event, the Walk of Life, is moving to October!

The Joy to Life Foundation team decided it was time for us to come together to walk/run, celebrate and remember during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 15, we’re gonna go big and go PINK, making the 2022 WOL more fabulous and more fun than ever. It may be several months away, but registration is open now, so mark your calendar, set a reminder on your phone or put a note on the ‘fridge. And now is the time to be thinking about sponsorships and volunteering, too.

It’s also time to start forming teams. Forming a team for the WOL is a great way to build cooperation among your employees or colleagues. It’s a meaningful way for groups of family and friends to honor a loved one. And teams make a BIG impact when it comes to fundraising for the Foundation. We LOVE our teams, and we really love some of the creative and clever names they’ve come up with in the past. Check these out for inspiration and start brainstorming your team name now!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! 26

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Foundation Fave WOL Team Names:

SAVE THE DATE

GET TO

10.15.22

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW

TO GIVE IT ALL ADDS UP

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

Beauty & The Breast Bosom Buddies Happy Tatas Pink Panthers The Pink Ladies Too Inspired to Be Tired

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It’s now easier than ever to be a part of The Joy to Life Foundation’s crucial work. From now through May 31, on mywalgreens.com and through the Walgreens mobile app, you can donate your Walgreens cash rewards to JTL. It’s simple. On the app, go to Resources, Community List and choose “AL Southern” for Community Name. When you see Joy to Life, click and make your gift. On the website, just sign in and scroll down to the “Do good close to home” button to donate. It may not seem like much, but when small sums are put together, the Foundation can do amazing things.

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NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

GROWING TOGETHER

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Quarterly gardening events are hosted by Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Forge's gardening classes are for anyone who has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their loved ones and the healthcare professionals that serve them. Visit forgeon.org for upcoming events.

“THE NO. 1 WAY TO BEAT CANCER IS TO DETECT IT EARLY AND BE ABLE TO FIGHT IT ON YOUR HOME COURT.”

MORE NEWS. MORE LOVE. MORE PINK. MORE SUPPORT. MORE JOY.

This year, the organization has stepped up to stand with the Foundation again, recently donating $10,000 to JTL. Thanks to Coach Pearl and everyone with AUTLIVE for helping the Foundation continue its lifesaving work.

MAN Y THANKS!

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The Foundation is thrilled to continue its partnership with AUTLIVE Cancer, a nonprofit founded by Auburn University’s men’s basketball Coach Bruce Pearl. The AUTLIVE program supports cancer organizations and treatment centers across the state. In 2019, JTL was a signature charity supported by AUTLIVE, and Coach Pearl explained why. “To even go and get a mammogram or breast cancer screening can be expensive, so if we can assist in providing funds for women to go do that, then it’s a good thing,” he said.

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ACCURACY

HIGH

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

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NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

LISTEN UP! Did you know that in addition to our JOY magazine and website articles, the Joy to Life Foundation is also producing podcasts? We’ve got multiple episodes ready for your listening pleasure right now and have a full schedule of new episodes coming your way for the second half of this year. Check out the current list, find a few favorites, visit liveheregivehere.org and click on the “podcast” menu button and then tune in to be entertained and educated!

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE GENE MACHINE:

If you live in Alabama, you’ve probably seen The Gene Machine, that adorable pink bus that goes around and collects genetic information for ongoing research at Auburn University. What you may not know is who’s behind it, how that genetic info is collected and, most importantly, how it is used to save lives! In this episode, find out.

TRAINER TRIO -THE POWER OF MOVEMENT: In this episode, a trio of personal trainers (Ashley Jenkins, Clinton Adams and Ryan Callicott), Joy to Life Foundation co-founder Joy Blondheim and her husband Dickie cover a wide range of topics—from the almost unbelievable fitness fads Joy has tried over the years (does anyone remember ear stapling?) to how exercise is critical to rehabbing not just physically, but mentally after an injury.

MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO: While it doesn’t get talked about much, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Chappy’s Deli owner David Barranco knows this only too well. Being treated for a disease that typically only affects members of the female population brings with it a whole new perspective. The lessons he learned on his journey are lessons we all can benefit from and many come with some laughs!

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Gre at Ways to find us:

Visit liveheregivehere.org and click on the “podcast” menu button to tune in to all our episodes.

HOW I BECAME A BREAST CANCER PRE-VIVOR: Tina Hodge has been dealing with breast cancer for almost 30 years, just not as a cancer survivor. She has provided compassionate leadership to clinics in the central Alabama area (and continues to do so) and has helped guide countless women and men through their breast cancer journeys. When she was diagnosed with a genetic predisposition for cancer, Tina made the decision to undergo a series of surgeries to reduce her risk of developing the disease. She shares with us what led to that decision and how her late husband Boyd (along with many others) helped her make the decision to become a “pre-vivor” and supported her every step of the way.

PODCASTS. JOY MAGAZINE. SOCIAL MEDIA. Get news and information in a variety of formats. Find them all at joytolife.org.

A SHOWER CARD SAVED MY LIFE!: When Janet picked up a Joy to Life breast self-exam shower card during a visit from Ohio to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, she never imagined that it would be instrumental in saving her life! Having never been one to perform self-exams, Janet let the card sit for a while before heeding its message. Little did she know how the information on that card would change her dramatically.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER AT JOYTOLIFE.ORG TO GET JOY TO LIFE EVENTS, GOOD NEWS AND EVEN RECIPES DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX.

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Balance

GET YOU R BEST SLE E P E V E R We know getting the right amount (and right kind) of rest is essential to good health, but do you know how to get it? Tuck into these tips to find out. When we’ve slept well, we feel it. For most of us, a good night’s rest gives us the energy, concentration and balanced mood we need for a productive and peaceful day. But quality sleep does even more than we’re actually aware of. You may not know it, but loss of sleep can have detrimental effects on your skin, lead to weight gain, impair your immune system and heighten your risk for developing serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. While factors outside of your control can certainly affect your sleep, achieving your best sleep also depends a lot on your sleep environment and your pre-bedtime habits. The right ZZ’s require:

The Right Time

Most sleep experts agree: Your bed should be reserved for sleeping, not binge-watching TV or reading for hours. Try actually getting in bed very close to the time you plan to actually try falling asleep. And on that topic, if you’re wondering how many hours of sleep you should be shooting for, it varies, but a good rule of thumb is seven to nine hours each night.

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The Right Routine

Set and stick to a consistent bedtime. This helps manage your circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle your body moves through each day that regulates many of its essential functions. And the same goes for waking. Set your alarm for the same time each day. On weekends, you can choose to turn off the alarm and sleep in for a bit but try to stay within an hour or so of your regular wake-up time. Also, be careful with your caffeine intake later in the day. For some, a cup of coffee at bedtime is fine, but for others, even a little caffeine right after lunch can lead to a restless night. And remember the mental equivalent of caffeine – your phone – can also rob you of rest. Scrolling through social media or work emails while lying in bed can get your thoughts all amped up when they should be slowing in preparation for the shutdown of sleep. In the 30 minutes leading up to the time you want to fall asleep, quiet your mind and leave the day’s stresses behind. You’ll have to find the way that works for you, but try meditating, praying, taking a warm bath or reading (a real book).

The Right Light

Another reason to avoid the use of your phone or other tech devices right before you go to bed is related to their glow. The light emitted has been proven to have negative effects on sleep quality, making it more difficult to get to sleep and stay there. Once you are asleep, even tiny changes in light can mess with your rest, so keep a consistent dark by adding light-blocking liners to your curtains or using a sleep mask if needed.

The Right Temp

Pay attention to the temperature you’re most comfortable in when you’re all tucked in and try to maintain that. If you usually get too warm, recent advancements make keeping your cool easier than ever. Try cooling sheets made from breathable, moisturewicking fabrics or a mattress pad made with cooling gel that draws and dissipates body heat.

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The Right Sound (or Silence)

Noises that don’t wake you up can still interrupt your sleep. Use a fan, sound machine or app (many have a white noise setting if you’re not into waves crashing or rain falling) to cancel out other sounds. If you need absolute silence, opt for soft earplugs.

The Right Information

Tracking your sleep (or lack thereof) can help you better understand what’s causing your problems. Try monitoring how and how long you sleep using one of the many apps available. Nwote rhythms and patterns in a sleep journal too. Writing down your sleep experiences over time can help you identify issues and their root causes so you can find solutions.

And if your phone and/or tablet is in your bedroom, don’t forget to silence notifications so you’re not disrupted by a buzz or a ding in the middle of the night.

The Right Scents

Soothing aromas like lavender can induce relaxation in some people and help you wind down and get ready to go to sleep. Consider an essential oil diffuser or another scentdelivery method to pump some calm into your bedroom.

B U T W H AT ABOUT MY BED? The right mattress is key to good sleep, but “right” is a subjective concept when it comes to your bed. When searching for a mattress, take your time and test options out when you can. Many companies now offer no-risk 30- or even 60-day in-home trials.

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HEALTHY CHOICES FOR ALL Food insecurity is particularly high among • Low income households •Households with children, especially those with a single parent

•Women and men living alone •Black and Hispanic households

GET THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED FOOD RESOURCES IN ALABAMA

What is food insecurity? Food insecurity as a lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.

Your family may be experiencing food insecurity if •You are worried whether your food would run out before you got money to buy more.

•The food you bought just didn’t last and you didn’t have money to get more.

If you “sometimes” or “often” relate to these factors, your household is likely experiencing food insecurity. For assistance with food and other resources, dial 2-1-1 or check out these local resources. End Child Hunger in Alabama (ECHA) County Food Guide Project ECHA is ensuring that families throughout the state of Alabama are aware of food resources in their local county. GET MORE INFORMATION

Alabama WIC Program Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last six months, infants, and children under the age of five. GET MORE INFORMATION

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP’s purpose is to end hunger and improve nutrition by providing monthly benefits to help eligible low-income households. GET MORE INFORMATION

Break for a Plate Alabama Sit down and eat with us at Break for a Plate, where Alabama’s kids eat free—along with teens in our state—all summer while school is out. GET MORE INFORMATION

Alabama Child Nutrition Program Sponsors provide free meals to children and low-cost meals to adults. Use the map to find a site near you! GET MORE INFORMATION

Alabama Food Pantries Find local pantries, soup kitchens, food shelves, food banks, and other food help. GET MORE INFORMATION Double Up Food Bucks Every $1 spent at participating Alabama farmers markets on any SNAP-eligible food with your EBT Card, will be matched for more fruits and veggies! GET MORE INFORMATION

PETAL PUSHING

1818 Farms in the tiny north-Alabama town of Mooresville is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and while sales of its flowers are now a large focus, this three-acre, multi-faceted family owned and run farm is growing all kinds of good. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

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Skin & Serenity Savers Most of the bath and beauty products from 1818 Farms grew out of needs that owner Natasha McCrary had as she went about her daily chores. “If I have worked all day on the farm and want some pampering, I love the lavender goats milk bath tea,” she said. And she always turns to the shea cream for rough hands. Her favorite product? “I love our argan face serum; it is part of my daily regimen."

The 1818 Farms story is really a lamb’s tale.

During a petting zoo visit in 2011, Natasha McCrary’s young son formed a fast and friendly connection with some cuddly Babydoll Southdown sheep. He was hooked and wanted one of his own. Since the MCrarys had some family property, they granted his wish and bought Static, a friendly, fuzzy guy who’s still on the farm. The operation grew from there. They built a barn and put up fences. Next came chickens, then a garden for produce and finally a plot for growing cut flowers. But it was all part of a plan. Natasha and her husband have used the farm to teach their sheep-loving son and their two other children about hard work, business and sustainability. And they’ve cultivated a thriving company in the meantime. While the farm was selling its eggs and veggies at area farmers' markets, it also offered bouquets of bright, showy zinnias, vibrant gomphrena, smiley yellow sunflowers and pastel-hued lisianthus. Natasha noted the petals’ popularity, and in 2017, 1818 Farms transitioned from produce to flowers. There are still sheep and chickens on the farm, and they’ve been joined by other animals—mini pigs, a goat, cats and a dog—but they’re mostly friendly farm greeters, on hand for visitors to pet and love on. The sheep’s wool does make appearances in a few farm products, which also includes the other piece of 1818 Farms’ business: its booming bath and beauty product line offering soothing and scented shea cream, cuticle balm, bath soaks, soaps and more.

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Flower Power

1818 Farm’s Mooresville location enjoys almost year-round growing conditions, and that leads to more than 70 different varieties planted and harvested across the seasons, with approximately 11,000 flower plants in the ground at any given time. And its flower sales continue to flourish. They’re sold to individuals across a good part of north central Alabama who order and get home deliveries of bouquets arranged with Natasha’s artful eye; some folks even chose a flower subscription and get a delivery once a month from May through October. The farm also sells its flowers wholesale, and they’re used to embellish all kinds of events. And a sky-blue vintage Ford pickup serves as 1818 Farms’ flower truck that travels weekly to nearby Huntsville, Athens, Madison and Decatur to sell blossoms from its bed. Even though some may see fresh cut flowers as a luxury, the demand for the farm’s bouquet subscriptions has increased in the last year. McCrary explained why. “The beauty of flowers goes beyond the visual and the aesthetic; for me, it is about the emotions they evoke,” she said. Others share this sentiment, as evidenced by a touching story from a subscription delivery last year. “Our lady made the delivery, and the woman at the house came out and told her, ‘I can’t tell you how much this means. My husband ordered this bouquet subscription for me when he found out he was terminal,’” McCrary said. “It started after he died. After he was gone, for six months, his wife was delivered a bouquet from him. That tells you the power of flowers to convey love.”

McCrary also sees power in preservation; it’s why many of the farm’s flowers are dried, and why she’s put her passion and energy into the farm’s Seed-to-Vase effort. The initiative preserves the seeds of hardy heirloom varieties to ensure they carry on. She shares this passion through farm workshops and the farm’s Bloom Stroll events, where she takes small groups around the farm to teach them the value of seed saving, how to grow their own flowers as well as the basics of flower arranging and drying. “We’re really expanding the Seed-to-Vase, and selling more and more of our dried bouquets, which I love,” McCrary said. The farm also recently introduced a new product, hand-poured botanical wax sachets. “These tie in all aspects of the farm. We use the sheep’s wool for the hangar; our dried flowers are there; the folks who make our bath products produce the wax, which has a wonderful scent,” McCrary said. “It’s really one product that tells our whole story. And they’ve been a big hit.”

GET GROWING Natasha McCrary offered these tips for growing your own “cut and come again” flowers to fill your home. 1 You can do it! 2 Start with things that are easy, like zinnias and cosmos and perhaps some pretty filler. Basil is a great simple plant to grow that is lovely in arrangements, and you can cook with it too! 3

McCrary finds her farm life rewarding, but the most fulfilling elements are the relationships she’s formed due to her work. “The people the farm has brought into my life are so special,” she said. “I think about things before the farm and after, and I now have so many meaningful relationships. Maybe someone who came to a workshop or a stroll, our employees, the vet who helps me with the lambs. There are just so many people who mean a great deal to me that I never would have met without the farm.”

Get good seeds. I love the heirloom seeds from rareseeds.com. They are very affordable, and hearty.

BLO M STRO LLS 1818 Farms will be offering its Bloom Stroll events throughout the rest of this year.

Clockwise from top left: A wool-filled suet feeder. A bountiful bouquet of pretty pinks.Zinnias in bloom at the farm. 1818 Farms Shea Creme. A selection of 1818 Farms products. McCrary gathering an arrangement in the field.

Visit 1818farms.com for dates and more details.

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Don’t Delay! COVID-19 has changed many things—the need to have Do it for Yourself! regular cancer screenings isn’t one of them. Do it for your Family! Call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment today! LEARN MORE ABOUT CANCER SCREENING DURING COVID-19. Visit our website at: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer

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AMERICA’ S BEST MAMMOGRAM IMAGING CENTERS RIGHT HERE IN THE RIVER REGION. Montgomery Breast Center and Baptist Breast Health Center have once again been named a 2022 Best Mammogram Imaging Center in America by the Women’s Choice Award, a trusted referral source and a coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best healthcare based on robust criteria that includes clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditations. Where you choose to have your mammogram makes a critical difference in detecting breast cancer at the earliest stages.

Schedule your next mammogram close to home at one of America’s Best Mammogram Imaging Centers.

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