Inclusion Counts!

Medina County board of developmental disabilities

Working together today to grow a more inclusive tomorrow!

From the time a person is born with a developmental disability until the end of their life, the MCBDD is here to help them through life’s challenges. We help people by providing services, resources and opportunities to be involved, valued and included in the community.

Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins

by Chris Pickens

This recipe can be plain banana muffins by leaving out the walnuts and chocolate chips, though you will be glad, if not delighted to leave them in, I am certain of it!

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed

• 3 tablespoons water

• 4 ripened bananas, mashed

• 1/4 cup oil

• 1/2 cup date syrup or cane sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 1/4 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• handful of chopped walnuts

• handful of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix flaxseed and water. Add bananas, oil, cane or date syrup (depending on which one you prefer), vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. After they are mixed together, gently fold in walnuts and chocolate chips. Pour batter equally into 12-muffin tin. Bake. Check at 35 minutes and every 5 minutes after that until they are golden brown on top. If date syrup was used, for a more accurate test for doneness, insert knife into a muffin, and when it comes out clean, muffins are done! Let cool and enjoy!

Note: The flaxseed and water act as an egg replacement. If you use date syrup, the batter will appear brown even before baking.

Chris Pickens, a vegan since 2016, is a certified holistic nutrition coach, a health and wellness coach, a holistic health practitioner, and a holistic health coach. To learn more about Pickens, go to https://bit.ly/3FqhEId Email her at momof4chris@gmail.com, with “The Joy of Medina Attn: Chris” in the subject line.

Relationship Red Flags

by Kelly Bailey

We have all been there. Maybe it was a friend. Maybe it was a love interest. But most of us have been involved in a less-than-ideal relationship at some point.

I try to refrain from using the word “toxic” because I think most troubled relationships occur between good people who simply are not a great match (see special note at the end). While it can be hard while in a bad relationship to recognize what is happening, there are potential red flags to watch for, listed here from the more minor to the more important ones.

6. The relationship is “off and on.” This often occurs after the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship is over, in both friend and romantic relationships.The push-pull feeling may be exciting, but inconsistent behavior in a relationship is harmful.

5. The more time you spend with them, the less safe you feel. As a relationship deepens there should be growing mutual respect, intimacy and comfort. Emotional safety is critical to healthy relationships.

4. You feel “off.” This is difficult because it is usually a vague feeling that you cannot explain rationally to another person. You simply feel that something is “not quite right” about a person or situation.

3. They move quickly. They want to know everything about you right away, and they may divulge too much information about themselves. In intimate relationships, the word “love” may arise quickly.

2. You assign qualities they have not yet proven. Examples would be: this person appears successful in business, so they must be great at managing money, or everyone seems to like this person so they must be nice/trustworthy.

1. I saved this for last because it might be the most important one: You enter into and/or stay in the relationship knowing it is wrong.

Realize that red flags are usually more about you than them.

What is causing you to be attracted to something that is not working? Or to someone who does not value you?

Unpack those child wounds. If you are seeking attention, validation, excitement, or love, give those things to yourself first!

Are you seeking someone to fill your emotional gaps?

Special note: Abuse is never OK and is never your fault. There are people in this world that put on a false facade to target and manipulate others. If a person uses abusive or manipulative methods to gain control over you, that is toxic, and is never OK. Recognize the behavior and do whatever you can to escape.

HEALTH: HEALTHY TRAILS Safety: The Bike

by Robert Soroky

Much like pilots do a preflight inspection of their aircraft before taking to the skies, it is important to do a quick bike inspection before taking to the trails.

Here are a few things to check each time:

• Tire pressure: Make sure tires are inflated to the manufactures’ recommended pressures (indicated on the side of each tire). This should be done at least once a week as air naturally leaks from the tubes inside the tires over time. Riding on tires with low pressure creates more road resistance and increases the likelihood of pinch flats.

• Brakes: Test brakes before each ride. When the brake handle is pulled back on, the handle position should be roughly parallel to the handlebar grip when the brake pads make contact with the wheel rim (or rotor on disk brake bikes). If the handle is all the way back to the grip, the brakes will not perform at their optimal level. It is time for a brake adjustment.

• Drivetrain: This includes the chain and the front and rear gear sprockets. Keep the chain cleaned and lubricated, and the gear sprockets free of any dirt and debris, as this will help reduce wear and tear of these parts and ensure smooth operation. This should be done every few months.

• Shifters: Much like brakes, shifters can fall out of adjustment over the course of time. If there is a lot of clicking when riding, or it seems like the chain is not sitting on the gears properly, the shifters and derailleurs might be out of alignment. It is time for a shifter adjustment.

• Overall “tightness”: Check the wheels, handlebar, seat, and crankarm (what the pedals are attached to) to make sure they are all tight and secure.

Finally, pack tools. The tool kit should include things like tire levers, patch kit, tire pump, and a multi-tool. With those items along for the ride, it will be easier to be up and running when unexpected mishaps occur.

This may all seem like a lot, but safety is paramount. Get in the habit of taking care of your bike, and it will take care of you, allowing for years of cycling enjoyment.

A certified personal trainer and certified holistic nutrition coach, Kelly Bailey owns and operates Kelly Bailey Wellness. Find her blog, visit the Food Freedom page, and contact her at https://www.kellybailey.fit/ Learn more about Bailey at https://bit.ly/3B9HkGm Following any recommendations are solely at your discretion and responsibility. Consult your medical professional prior to undertaking any suggested diet, lifestyle or exercise change or routine.

Robert Soroky is a lifelong cyclist who regularly participates in long-distance charity rides and is the manager of the Century Cycles Medina location. To learn more about Soroky, go to https://bit.ly/3Vof7DX Contact Soroky at robert@ centurycycles.com to suggest column topics, for further information or to chat about bikes.