COMPLIMENTARY
Vol 3. Issue 6
NEW HAMPSHIRE
WO ME N MAGAZINE
Celebrating Inspiring Women of New Hampshire
A BEAUTIFUL YOU:
A STORY OF COMPASSION AND COURAGE (pg. 6)
Intentionality During the Winter Season (pg. 4)
Inside: Renew MediSpa Regenerative Medicine Techniques
Page 14 Page 12. NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
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NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
Intentionality During the Winter Season Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine Intentionality. It’s a word we hear and see often, perhaps on a morning talk show or on an inspirational quote on social media. It may be a hot topic right now, but we shouldn’t take it lightly. Per its meaning, intentionality means to do things purposefully. And, there’s a season right around the corner where many of us can benefit with some intentional planning. Winter can be hard for many of us who can’t always get outside and enjoy sunshine and mild air. With ice, snow, and freezing temperatures - coupled with limited daylight - it’s easy to get swept up in the never-ending blah of the season. But, what if we could set our intentions for this upcoming season before it starts? When you look outside, you see the squirrels burying their acorns and goodies for the preparation of the cold weather ahead, the birds taking flight to warmer climates, and wild animals preparing for hibernation. What if we took time before the snow starts to fly to prepare ourselves for the winter ahead of us? Here are a few ideas for intentionally planning the winter season. 1.Talk with Your Doctor Make sure you are up to date on your wellness appointments and screenings before the season starts. And, if you are prone to Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD), talk to your doctor to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep yourself healthy over the winter season. For more information about SAD, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s website at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder. 2. Lighting - We can look at daylight dwindling during the winter season in two ways, either we dread every second of it or we embrace it. Let’s hunker down in our homes with lighting changes made especially for the long(er) winter nights. Look at the color of your light bulbs. Bluish-hued bulbs that mimic daylight can be harsh at night. Try some warm white bulbs to create a cozier atmosphere. Add some additional table lamps or decor lighting instead of increasing the brightness of overhead lighting. Keep the twinkle lights and battery-operated tealight season long after the holidays by keeping extra strings hanging and tiny lights internationally placed on window sills and around fireplaces to give a magical feel to a cold night. 3.Create a Winter Ritual Come up with a special ritual saved especially for the winter season. Perhaps you have a cozy reading chair you can move to a place especially for winter that has better lighting during the colder months. Maybe there is a special winter scent you can incorporate into your surroundings through a specific bed linen spray or fresh bundles of winter
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herbs like peppermint or sage you only use during these times. What about a special sunset walk you can take once or twice a week when you are bundled up in your favorite scarf and puffy jacket? Grab a journal and write about the way your surroundings look during this season. Don’t forget snow and ice grips for your shoes or boots! 4. Soothing the Soul with Hydration - It’s easy to know when you’re thirsty during the hot summer months, but recognizing your hydration level during wintertime can be tough. Use or purchase a water bottle that helps you track your water intake during the season. Another way to embrace the season is to look into different teas to curl up with and watch a movie or read a favorite book. There are so many featuring caffeinated and non-caffeinated blends. Types of winter teas can include flavors like refreshing peppermint and chamomile. You could also look at expanding your tastes to flavors like ginger and cinnamon spice. Note: Talk to your doctor about allergies or drug interactions before trying unfamiliar teas and blends. 5. Set Up a Social Calendar Before Winter Starts - While considering all Covid-19 safety protocols to keep everyone safe, pre-planning some fun events for the season is a nice way to keep positive during the darker months. Make some plans with friends and family and mark them down in a calendar you can see and access easily. Hey, why not put some
glitter or stickers around the date! Have fun with it and give yourself and family something to look forward to. 6. Practice Healthy Living for Mind and Body - It’s easy to sit in a chair all day and rummage through social media when the snow is falling and there’s nowhere to go. That’s a recipe for negative thinking! Come up with a plan (pre-storm) that will keep your body and mind moving in a positive direction for however long you’re inside. Gather some information and videos for winter-specific yoga, get a family-sized puzzle or board game you can pull out especially for that winter storm day, or discover some special homemade recipes you can have on hand and ready to make to warm all the tummies in your home. Let’s prepare for the winter season and make it a time for opportunity. By practicing being intentional, we can not only survive the winter season, but thrive in it.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
Special Section
A BEAUTIFUL YOU: A STORY OF COMPASSION AND COURAGE ALTERNATIVE HAIR EXPERT HELPS CANCER SURVIVOR FEEL LIKE HERSELF DURING TREATMENT
Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine When Jodi Collorone was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in March 2019, she knew the road ahead of her would be physically and emotionally exhausting. “I found a lump back in early 2019 and went to my primary care physician,” she said. “She did an exam and was alarmed, so things went quickly. That March, it was confirmed. I met with the oncologist who was dead set on a year’s worth of chemothera-
py. Then, I’d have the first surgery, six and a half weeks of radiation, then another surgery as well.” Collorone had an understanding of what the process could be like. She counts herself lucky to have had a bit of time to research and plan before her treatment journey began. One obstacle she knew she’d find most challenging was knowing she’d be losing her hair from chemotherapy-induced hair loss. “Losing my hair was one of my biggest concerns and there was nothing I could do about
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it,” she said. “Your hair is a huge part of your identity and how you present yourself.” Collorone explained that usually after one or two chemotherapy treatments is when hair typically begins to fall out. With this knowledge, she did decide to cut her hair before her treatments began. “Definitely when it came to cut my hair [...], it made me angry and a little depressed for a while,” she said. “You feel like you’ve lost some control.” For so many women going through chemotherapy treatments, it’s incredibly important for them to feel like themselves, she explained. “You’re at your most vulnerable. You don’t recognize yourself,” she said. That’s why finding Julie Pruett, owner of A Beautiful You in Londonderry, was a critical piece to her breast cancer fight. As a hair alternative expert, Pruett has guided many women through the hair loss journey by providing education, high quality hair pieces, and coloring and styling options to help women feel like themselves during such a vulnerable time. “She’s an angel, truly,” Collorone’s mother said. Pruett, who has been a hair stylist for over twenty five years, explained she trained at Parker Serenity Wigs when she was living in Austin, Texas in 2014. As experts in the hair alternative industry, Pruett received quality education and instruction and brought that knowledge to New Hampshire and New England when she moved back. “I wanted to create a place that is welcoming and makes people feel beautiful and feel like themselves. It’s so important that everyone feels special because everyone is special and has value.”
“I was so nervous because I didn’t know what to expect [when meeting Julie for the first time],” Collorone said with a crack of emotion in her voice. “As soon as I met Julie face to face, she’s got the biggest smile, she makes you feel so comfortable and safe. She has this beautiful room separated from the salon that was kept private. We talked about what I had in mind tried different styles - what you can and can’t do.” The atmosphere at the salon has been created with intention, Pruett explained. And, when you enter the front door, positive energy abounds. Pops of purples and hints of sparkle bring a sense of fun and delight while printed canvases with inspirational affirmations lift up and encourage. “The atmosphere is intentionally a warm and inviting place,” she said. “I want someone to come in and feel safe and not vulnerable. We have a one-on-one area [for private consultations].” Clients also notice furniture and accent pieces that feel luxurious and let a client know they are there to be taken care of. “It’s purple with a hint of sparkle just like Julie,” Collorone said. When asked what the process was like for Collorone, she explained she never felt rushed. “It’s an experience with Julie,” she explained. “I get emotional talking about it. She just made sure I was going to leave happy and confident and it didn’t matter how long it took. She makes it feel like it’s just you and her.” “Education is the biggest Continued on Page 8
Jodi Collorone (left) and Julie Pruett (right), owner of A Beautiful You in Londonderry. NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
Courtesy photos provided to New Hampshire Women Magazine Continued from Page 6
part,” Pruett explained. “The biggest thing I do is a lot of listening. Then I narrow down what they need. I was trained by very well-seasoned people. We choose colors and choose styles. I don’t ever consider myself a salesperson. My job is to educate people and give them the options to make the most informed decisions.” “From my experience, ninety eight percent of [people seeking hair alternatives] just want to feel like themselves,” Pruett said. “They just want to pass a mirror and feel normal. Most women who go another way another color - they are usually back because they pass a mirror and catch a glimpse and are like ‘who is this person?’” “A co-worker asked me if I won best hair in high school,” Collorone laughed. “I felt like a million bucks. You think ‘is it going to look natural?’ I wanted to invest and make sure and you don’t want whispers many people had no idea it was a hair piece unless I told them.” In terms of maintenance, Pruett explains with a high-grade synthetic hair piece, there is no maintenance. Human hair pieces do react to the elements and can easily be retouched. Regarding purchases, most women buy two wigs, some have between two and twenty. The average is two or three. There are many reasons for women to invest in hair pieces. For some, it’s thinning hair due to aging,
so gracefully alopecia, auto-immune disorders, you’re such a even injuries to the shoulders and warrior.” back. For others, some simply For Collorone, want a change. “We will see more she has been of that [in the years to come],” in complete explains Pruett. “Fifty percent remission for a of women either have a full hair year now. “It’s piece, extension, or top extension,” explains Pruett. “That jumps one of those where you to ninety percent in Hollywood. look back and Everyone is wearing something.” you just do When talking with Pruett, her it. You don’t future goals are simple. “Help one think about it, person at a time, the future will you just do it.” build [the business] into what it Her advice to should be. I’d like to see my busiothers going ness keep growing and helping through a simas many people as I can. I want ilar situation: to keep the intimacy. I don’t want “Make sure anything to get too commercial.” [you] surround When asked how it feels to hear yourself with a client like Jodi Collorone speak a solid group so highly of her, she said she is of family humbled. “When I first met Jodi, I members and immediately knew she was a very friends that are going to be there special person and strong and because you are at your most she’s the type of gal that never let her illness define her and let it rob vulnerable.” She emphasizes to try and mentally prepare yourself her of her spirit. Jodi, you should and remember it’s a temporary be so proud and seeing you fight
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| Inspiring Women
circumstance. For more information about A Beautiful You, or to schedule a private consultation, visit the website at www.abeautifulyoubyjulie.com.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
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Special Section
EDUCATION Socio-Emotional Learning: The Key To Supporting Students’ Mental Health By Samantha Wingate, Director of Admissions and Advancement After a difficult, intense year coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for mental well-being is especially critical—and certainly among the youngest members of our society. As educators, we play an important role in ensuring that the mental health of our students is preserved and cared for. From our students in our early childhood education program to our advanced learners in Grade 8, a common thread unites them all with its ability to promote a healthy mental state: an emphasis on socio-emotional learning. What Is Socio-Emotional Learning? Socio-emotional learning is the educational focus that allows children and adults alike to: •Effectively communicate with their peers •Understand and manage their own emotions •Feel and act empathetically for others Altogether, these skills enable us to nav-
igate social situations with confidence, as well as build and maintain meaningful, fulfilling relationships. For younger students, socio-emotional development is crucial for helping them make the most of their time in the classroom, supporting both their academic and personal growth throughout their educational journey. The Mental Impact of COVID-19 Socio-emotional education heavily relies on the ability for students to engage with their peers in social settings, work alongside them on collaborative projects, and experience the rewards of developing strong relationships in-person—abilities that were not easily available during the shift to remote learning. Without the benefit of building interpersonal relationships in person and practicing their social skills beyond a virtual setting, many students have suffered a gap in their socio-emotional development as a side effect of the pandemic. During the return to in-person classes, this gap might manifest in students as a lack of self-confidence, a shyness or wariness in social settings, or
Samantha Wingate Director of Admissions and Advancement
a struggle to engage with or relate to their classmates. Providing Students with A Fresh Start At World Academy, we’re fully committed to supporting our students with valuable opportunities to build their confidence, practice their social skills, and jump right back into in-person classroom sessions with ease. Our newfound partnership with the Nashua Pediatric Therapy Center will also give our children, students, and families access to critical mental health support whenever they need it most. To learn more about this partnership or our K-8 Programs, give us a call at 603-888-1982 or email us at info@ worldacademynh.com.
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NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine
NHWM | Spotlight
BREAKING THE CONCRETE FLOOR AN INTERVIEW WITH BETH MURCH, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER AT RESCON BASEMENT SOLUTIONS
Families facing the loss of precious heirlooms from floods, business owners devastated by mold and the destruction of supplies - these are just some of the situations Beth Murch, senior project manager at Rescon Basement Solutions fights to remedy when she designs and implements systems to create dry, usable, and healthy basement spaces. “I once worked with an older woman whose son called in for [her],” Murch explained. “I went to [the residence] and
she was in the basement waiting for me. She had been visibly crying. I said, ‘don’t worry, I can help.’ She then pointed to some cardboard boxes and said she had lost a son at a very early age and those were all his photos and belongings in the boxes. I choked on my words and retracted what I said. I explained that even though I can’t fix the pain she is dealing with right now, I can make sure that this never happens to her again.” Murch may have fallen into the industry by
chance years ago after working as a real estate appraiser, but looking back now, can see it’s what she’s here to do. As one of the most senior members of the Rescon Basement Solutions management team, Murch is responsible for not only designing a solution, but also overseeing the construction team. “I’m responsible for meeting with homeowners, with pre-set appointments, to review their specific basement issues and their specific needs. Once I have an understanding of their issue, I come up with a viable solution to their problems. At times, that may not even mean working with Rescon Basement Solutions,” she said. Once a solution is designed, Murch remains available during the execution of the solution. “The first morning of the install, I require a walkthrough with myself, the client, and the foreman. This [keeps] everyone on the same page prior to the work being performed. I make myself available to all crew members and clients for anything that may arise throughout the project,” she said. “For the homeowners, this includes post install.” My favorite part of
Beth Murch, Senior Project Manager at Rescon Basement Solutions 12 / VOL 3 ISSUE 6 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
the job is knowing I am able to help someone with, literally, the foundation of their home. It feels amazing when you’re able to take someone’s stress away. I show up and half the time they think their issue is so bad, it’s beyond repair. I love being able to say, ‘I can fix it!’ and I literally watch the nerves leave the homeowner’s face. That is the best feeling.” Working in a historically male-dominated industry hasn’t been easy for Murch and, in some ways, has motivated her to ‘break the concrete floor’ for women in the industry. Hearing comments like, ‘I don’t know why you think you can do this, you’re a girl’, so early in her career, it became a strong force to be the best she could and prove them wrong. “I set my bar low early on thinking, ‘hey, I can do better than the worst guy’, but it didn’t take me long to become successful. I think between the support of colleagues and encourageContinued on Page 13
ment from homeowners and a drive to do well, I was able to be where I am today.” Murch admits she does still get a comment here or there. “I still get the clients from time to time [who] say, ‘oh a woman, I expected a man’, [but it’s] usually followed up with a ‘good for you’. Just last week, I called to confirm an appointment. When I said I would be there right on time, the gentleman said, ‘tell the guy I’m out back’. I laughed and said, ‘I am the guy!’” Although the Covid-19 pandemic hurt many industries, Murch said she’s had
a strong uptick in business. “The basement was suddenly the home office, classroom, escape from the upstairs home office and classroom,” she laughed. “This dark, wet, dingy space now became vast real estate in many homes. Many people who dealt with nuisance water or musty smells needed a dry, usable space. We helped many homeowners this last year and a half, expand their home and help them adapt to a new way of life.” When asked what advice Murch has for women interested in the industry, she doesn’t want them to
be intimidated. “There are many opportunities for all genders in the construction field,” she said. “The days of catcalling are long over. The pay is great, even at an entry level position. Advances in your career are readily available. I think we have an advantage being a bit more compassionate to people’s needs. You also have the ability to set your own schedule.” For more information about Rescon Basement Solutions and career opportunities, visit resconsolutions.com.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TECHNIQUES TO CLOSE THE ORGASM GAP Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.
Chances are you’ve seen plenty of ads and commercials over the years addressing erectile dysfunction in men- those Viagra ads, or the Cialis bathtub commercials for example. From that time back in 1999 when Pfizer hired former US Senator and then presidential candidate Bob Dole to talk about erectile dysfunction(ED) in advertisements and public speaking engagements, the “little blue pill” became a household term, and ads prompted men to seek medical advice and obtain a prescription from their doctors. The good news is that for many men the stigma and embarrassment of talking to their doctor about ED declined. Unfortunately for women who experience difficulty achieving orgasm there has been a lack of equal attention to exploring solutions or even discussing the topic openly. To begin
with, there is no “female Viagra” and thus no major pharmaceutical company throwing funds into the ring. Laurie Mintz, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Florida, has been quoted as saying “There’s an overvaluing of male sexual pleasure and a devaluing of female sexual pleasure” and this imbalance is contributing to what researchers call the Orgasm Gap. So what is it and what can we do about it? There have been quite a number of studies which have pointed out a significant difference in the frequency of orgasm during sexual encounters in men versus women. A 2017 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that straight women reaching orgasm 65% of the time and straight men reaching orgasm 95% of the time. Other studies have documented the orgasm gap in women of all sexual orientations, at all age ranges, and even among newlywed couples. In addition to being pleasurable, the female orgasm has many health benefits. It can boost mood, enhance sleep, strengthen the immune system, and even help you feel more connected to your partner. Women who are able to achieve orgasm report greater satisfaction in their relationships. Traditionally, a woman reporting difficulty achieving
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orgasm would be told to seek a sex therapist and/ or couples counseling. No doubt this can be very helpful for some, but there has been some interesting research which suggests that there may be anatomic reasons why some women have it easier than others, and this is leading to new ideas about treatment modalities which could be helpful. Differences in blood flow, nerve sensitivity in the clitoral region, and thickness of the urethrovaginal space have all been identified as possible contributing factors. At Renew MediSpa, we are launching a clinical study to examine the effect of two well-known regenerative procedures on female orgasm. 1. Platelet rich plasma injection- a procedure where a concentration of platelets (which are full of potentially helpful growth factors) is derived from a simple on-site blood draw and then injected into the region after adequate numbing has been achieved. You may have heard it called “O shot”. This procedure was first introduced around 2011. Studies on its effectiveness have varied, likely due to a lack of standardization of the procedure and failure to deliver an adequate number of platelets. 2. Low Intensity shock wave therapy- a painless, noninvasive procedure with documented effectiveness in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. The female version of this
procedure has been called “Femi Wave” and has been anecdotally reported to enhance sensation, blood flow and ease of orgasm for women. A recent study also showed it to be beneficial, and without side effects, for a population of women with unexplained vaginal region pain- “Vulvodynia”. Both of these treatments are considered to be very safe, and we have been offering them since 2015. The Renew study will examine two groups: FemiWave Only vs FemiWave + a PRP injection with documentation of the platelet dose delivered. Participants can select either treatment arm, and will be surveyed via standardized study questionnaires regarding their experiences post procedure. The treatment phase involves a total of 6 MediSpa visits, one every 7 to 10 days, and follow up surveys at 3, 6 and 12 months. Evening and Saturday appointments are available. Adult women of any sexual orientation who are interested in improving or enhancing orgasm, sexually active and not pregnant are welcome to request more information and apply for participation in the study by emailing lisa@renewmedispa.com. Participants receive a 50% discount off their treatments in exchange for their participation in study surveys, which are reported by “patient number” rather than name to maintain strict confidentiality.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 6
L I F E ’ S TOO SHORT TO FAKE ORGASMS Age related and pregnancy related changes can impact a woman’s sexual function. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help restore these vital tissues, improving blood flow, sensation, lubrication and yes, even orgasms! Renew MediSpa has been offering treatments for sexual wellness since 2015 and we are passionate about Women’s Wellness. • Non invasive • 20 minute sessions • Comfortable and Pain Free • No Drugs, No Needles • Improves blood flow and sensation
Applications now being accepted for our 6 week Clinical Study – SAVE 50% if you participate in this exciting opportunity to contribute to women’s sexual health research!
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RenewMediSpa.com | 603-894-0070 16 / VOL 3 ISSUE 6 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE