Her
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Local • Vibrant • You!
Heal
Self-diagnosing on the Internet
Thyself
Getting finances
back in order
happiness The secret to
right kind of pressure Massage 101
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Her impressions
10 interesting facts about the environment Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
More people than ever are aware that certain behaviors can be detrimental to environmental health. You may understand the basics about overflowing landfills, waste washing up on beaches or global climate change, but you may not be aware of the specifics regarding these issues and others. The following are some enlightening facts about the environment, courtesy of EarthEcho International and Solar Energy World.
4
Seventy-eight percent of marine mammals are threatened by accidental deaths, such as getting caught in fishing nets.
1
Recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
2
Around 25,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper.
3
Approximately five million tons of oil produced in the world each year ends up in the ocean.
5
On average, one supermarket goes through 60 million paper bags each year. Scores of plastic bags are used as well.
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Rainforests are being cut down at a rate of 100 acres per minute.
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The United States is the No. 1 trashproducing country in the world.
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Ford Motor Company has said that 75 percent of every vehicle is recyclable.
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If the entire world lived like the average American, we’d need five planets to provide enough resources.
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A glass bottle can take 4,000 years to decompose. Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 3
from the editor To all you vibrant women, The start of the new year is a time when a lot of us focus on self-improvement. How can we start off 2016 on the right foot? One profitable resolution is to pay off all those credit card bills, especially if we overspent during the holidays. Writer Eva Apelqvist shares advice from financial experts on dealing with debt. Another good goal is to take good care of our health. If we’re looking to save money, we might be tempted to selfdiagnose our health concerns instead of going to the doctor. Writer Jocelyn Syrstad asked physicians to assess Internet websites that offer medical advice. One feel-good way to improve our health is to get a massage. Apelqvist touches on the different types and health benefits of massage — including stress release after the hectic holiday season. (I’m booking a massage for myself right now to get rid of all those aches and to relax blissfully.) Come on, get happy in this new year. An Eau Claire company has published a couple of books that detail a mindful approach to achieving a better state of mind, writer Debra Hagen-Foley says. Whatever your resolutions, may you succeed and live your life well in 2016. Happy New Year!
Blythe Wachter Her Impressions editor
Editor – Blythe Wachter blythe.wachter@ecpc.com
Don’t put the key to happiness in someone else’s pocket. ~Author Unknown
Advertising Sales Director Kathy Hayden kathy.hayden@ecpc.com 715.833.7420 Magazine Coordinator Catie Carlson catie.carlson@ecpc.com 715-830-5823 Design & Layout – Angela Rediess Her Impressions is published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram. Copyright 2016 Eau Claire Press Company. All rights reserved. Next issue: June 2016 See it online @ leadertelegram.com/magazines Cover art from 123rf.com
4 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions
contents happiness p.8 Local • Vibrant • You!
The secret to
14 Heal Thyself
p.
More people are self-diagnosing medical problems, but doctors warn it is in their best interest to seek professional help
Getting finances
back in order 30 Her Food&Drink
p.
24
p.
32 Childcare Directory
p.
right kind of
38
p.
pressure Massage 101
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 5
How to
maintain mental focus
Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
The technological advancements made in the 21st century have undoubtedly made life easier in many ways, but this golden age of gadgets has not come without some negative side effects. Thanks to the near-constant availability of the Internet and devices like smartphones and tablets, many men and women find it difficult to maintain their focus throughout the day. But while such distractions are never too far away, there are some ways to stay focused and productive.
Get more exercise. Studies
have shown that exercise and improved mental focus are linked. In a 2013 analysis of 19 studies involving more than 500 children, teenagers and young adults, researchers found that exercise sessions between 10 and 40 minutes immediately boosted concentration and mental focus. That improvement might be a result of exercise increasing blood flow to the brain. Men and women who find themselves struggling to focus at work after lunchtime may benefit from incorporating some exercise, whether it’s a brief walk or a more strenuous workout, into their midday routines.
Perform breathing exercises. Nervousness
is an oft-overlooked cause of loss of focus. When nervous, breath can become shallow and restricted, which can have a negative impact on the flow of oxygen to your brain, making it more difficult to concentrate. Professional athletes have long espoused to the virtues of breathing exercises as a means to calming their nerves, and professionals can follow suit. Some simple breathing exercises can help busy professionals multitask
more effectively by helping them concentrate on the tasks at hand and overcome the distraction of having so much to do at one time.
Stay hydrated.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration caused loss of focus and a sense of fatigue among women. While the loss of focus was considered insubstantial and the study only examined women, remaining hydrated throughout the day may make it easier to focus on work and other tasks throughout the day.
Get adequate sleep. One of the best ways
to improve focus during the day is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. Sleep deprivation produces a host of negative consequences, not the least of which is its impact on cognitive functioning. Research has shown that sleep deprivation compromises alertness and concentration, making it more difficult to focus at work and tackle tasks that require deep analysis and thought. In addition, a survey from the National Sleep Foundation found that sleepdeprived men and women are less likely to exercise and eat healthy diets, each of which can boost mental acuity.
Focusing in today’s atmosphere of constant distractions can be difficult, but men and women can overcome diversions by employing a handful of successful strategies aimed at improving concentration. 6 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
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ental health is not simply a case of being “well” or “ill.” Just M because a person doesn’t have a mental illness does not necessarily mean he or she is in good mental health. Stress at
work, crisis, or other life troubles can affect our mental wellness, which can in turn affect other aspects of our overall health. The National Library of Medicine identifies mental illnesses as real disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many causes of mental disorders. Your genes and family history may play a role. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, may also matter. Biological factors can also be part of the cause. Mental disorders are common, but treatments are available. All of us should be mindful of our mental wellness, just as we are mindful of our cholesterol, blood pressure, and other gauges of physical health. Here are some suggestions from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for a mental checkup you can apply to yourself.
Concentration –Poor
Tension/Anxiety –If you
Balance – Is your work and home life in a healthy balance? Between your children and your spouse? Perfect balance in life is likely not possible, but should be strived for.
Tuning In –Are you experiencing
concentration is a hallmark of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it can also be a symptom of depression or anxiety and should not be overlooked.
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find yourself unable to take mental breaks during the day to relax and be worry free for a few moments, your stress could be reaching a dangerous level.
emotions and you don’t know why, such as getting angry or crying for no reason? It’s not uncommon to be so busy that you don’t have a chance to process what is happening to you Mood – Have you been noticing emotionally. In a case like this, take a significant mood swings (high or moment to write in a journal or talk low)? Are you crying more than usual? with a friend. Feelings of depression that last for two weeks or more? There is a possibility Avoidance – Do you find you you could be dealing with clinical take extreme measures to avoid being depression. alone? If so, you may be trying to avoid something emotionally. If so, take a Energy – Fatigue can be a sign of moment to go to a quiet place where depression, anxiety and other mental you can be alone and explore how you illnesses, but it can also be a symptom feel. Write down your thoughts and of many physical illnesses. If you feelings. are unusually fatigued, contact your doctor right away. Eating Habits – If you find your appetite has changed, that you Sleep – If your sleep isn’t restful, it are eating too much or too little, it can can be a sign that something is troubling be a signal that something isn’t right. you emotionally. It could be that something is causing you stress, or it could be a more serious issue afflicting you. 795601 1-23-16
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Article provided by Nicole Rubenzer, Director, United Way Community Health Initiative.
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Her impressions 7
happiness The secret to
By Debra Hagen-Foley
Are you happy? Would you like to be happier? If so, you are not alone. Happiness is a popular — and prosperous — topic for writers. A search on Amazon. com finds more than 15,000 volumes related to happiness. Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project” spent more than two years on the New York Times best-seller list, has sold more than 1.5 million copies and has been published in more than 30 languages. The book chronicles the year Rubin spent actively working to increase her happiness.
in mindfulness — the practice of achieving a state of alert, focused relaxation and awareness of thoughts and sensations without judgment.
Two books published by PESI Publishing & Media, an educational company in Eau Claire, also offer wisdom for those seeking happiness. Donald Altman’s “101 Mindful Ways to Build Resilience: Cultivating Calm, Clarity, Optimism and Happiness Each Day” and Jonah Paquette’s “Real Happiness” both are rooted
“We’ve been fortunate to see some strong sales with these books, but more importantly, it fuels our passion and mission of connecting knowledge with need, and how the messages within each book provide tools for people to have a better life,” Jackson says.
Publishing is one arm of PESI, which primarily provides continuing education training seminars for mental health, rehabilitation and nursing professionals, explains Linda Jackson, publisher for PESI Publishing & Media.
Cont. on pg 10
8 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
Two books published by an Eau Claire company point to mindfulness to achieve a better state of mind
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 9
Cont. from pg 8
Cure for discontent What do you need to be happy? A new job? A new car? Losing 20 pounds? Research indicates these events can lead to short-term happiness but greater dissatisfaction overall, with the recognition that reaching this goal did not lead to the expected level of happiness. These forms of external happiness are temporary. Real happiness is internal. No one can make someone else happy if that person chooses not to be, agrees Nancy Hagen, a resident of Eleva. “People will argue that (they are unhappy) because of circumstances or someone else’s behavior. It is up to us to choose what we think, believe and feel.” You can be happier where you are and with what you have by making the choice to be happy and developing simple practices shown to increase happiness. According to Altman, an Oregon resident, psychotherapist, former Buddhist monk and adjunct faculty member of the Interpersonal Neurobiology program at Portland State University, “everything you need for your happiness is with you right now.”
Search for Happiness: Donald Altman’s “101 Mindful Ways to Build Resilience” and Jonah Paquette’s “Real Happiness” are available at pesipublishing.com.
“That’s not a revolutionary idea, but it’s one that could shift your life. It’s empowering to think that (you could be happier) if you could appreciate all the little things that abound in your life right now,” he said.
Focus on here and now A Buddhist health study conducted by Northern Arizona University found mindfulness improves mental and physical health. Psychotherapists successfully have treated a range of problems by incorporating mindfulness, including depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety and obsessivecompulsive disorder. Research also has demonstrated physical health benefits of mindfulness. It can help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep and alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Altman suggests those searching for happiness should “slow down the pace and pause from time to time.” Brain research affirms the importance of stopping to smell the roses. “In fact, the physical structure of your brain gets wired up depending on what you pay attention to and the thoughts you have. So, you can focus on what’s missing in your life and complain about it, or you can pay attention to what you have and be thankful. Which do you choose?” In “Mindful Ways,” he advises, “Where and how you use your awareness in this next minute determines the very quality of your life — your ability to live joyfully, to accept the present conditions of the precious life you have, and to bounce back from life’s most challenging obstacles.” Cont. on pg 12
10 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
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Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 11
Cont. from pg 10
G.L.A.D. becomes happiness Practicing gratitude is another happiness strategy Altman shared in an interview. “Research shows that gratitude actually decreases negativity and clinical depression. One way to find happiness is to be grateful for the small and ordinary things that populate your life,” Altman said. “I use the acronym G.L.A.D. as a way to focus on the positives throughout the day.” To become happier, include these reflections in your daily practice: ‘G’ stands for something you are grateful for, such as a comfortable chair in a warm room on a winter day or loving family and friends. ‘L’ stands for something you learned today about yourself or someone else or a new skill.
science. True happiness is a practiced state of mind, a skill no different from any other. It comes from practicing a set of specific skills and principles: gratitude, optimism, connection, kindness, self-compassion, forgiveness and mindfulness.” Like many of us, Lisa O’Keefe has experienced significant setbacks and negative events. But the Eau Claire woman has developed practices to maintain happines. “I breathe, do yoga, meditate and do small kindnesses for myself and others until the tough times pass. There will always be the ebb and flow of difficulty and ease in life. Knowing this, and knowing how to care for myself and loved ones during ALL times, is what always feels good to me,” she says. As Altman explains in “Mindful Ways,” “We all want happiness, but
‘A’ stands for an accomplishment, such as an act of self-care or taking a step toward a long-term goal. ‘D’ stands for something of delight that you noticed today and that made you smile, laugh or feel joyful. Altman suggests sharing G.L.A.D. stories with others and asking them to share their reflections with you. Regular reflection on the positives in our lives, although they may seem small and ordinary, increases our happiness. Wouldn’t you rather spend your time sharing positive experiences with others than listening to complaints and tragic news?
Power within us Paquette, a California licensed clinical psychologist and “Real Happiness” author, communicates a similar message: “My writing and research focuses on seven principles for lasting happiness, backed by
12 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
after getting our basic needs met, what we really want is the opportunity to find joy, fulfillment, and meaning, as well as to be loved, respected, and appreciated. ”These are the things that create happiness and buffer us against life’s difficulties. When we experience happiness, we are naturally bolstered by a deep reservoir of strength, support, and resilience.” Searching for happiness? The power to be happier is within you. Cultivating happiness, practicing mindfulness and refocusing our attention to a more affirmative view consistently will increase happiness now and increase the ability to cope with stressors in the future. Hagen-Foley, a Chippewa Falls native, is a freelance writer and the dean of academic excellence and institutional effectiveness at MidState Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids.
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Are You…. Exercising at least 3-times per week? Using proper balance between strength training and cardiovascular type exercises? Choosing exercises that you need and struggle with as well as those you enjoy and excel at? Pushing your limits? Are you working hard enough? Desired results never come easy, and they don’t come at all without consistency and intensity. Excellent, super intense and challenging workouts do little for you, if only done sporadically. Just as, showing up and going through the motions half-heartedly, however consistent you may be, will not get you much in the way of results. If you are not checking all of the boxes shown above, you need a change with your fitness regimen. Contact Ryan at pinehurstfitness.com or 715-514-2958 to set up a FREE fitness assessment. It’s time to get on the right path to fitness by investing in your health now, rather than paying the price later. 796145 1-23-16
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Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 13
Heal Thyself
Doctors weigh in on selfdiagnosing via the Internet The Internet has made life much more convenient for people seeking answers. Not sure where to get your car tuned up? A quick search of the Net will turn up reviews of auto service centers. Wonder what kind of bird is hanging around your backyard? Typing its characteristics into a search engine will give you possible answers. Need a new pair of dress pants for work but don’t have time to go to the mall? Online shopping can solve that problem.
By Jocelyn Syrstad
But what about when you have questions about your health? Is typing your symptoms into a search engine beneficial, or should you simply make an appointment to see a doctor? Sure, there are great websites that provide good information — CDC.com, webmd.com, familydoctor.org and mayoclinic. com, to name a few local physicians recommend. But the majority of doctors still believe it is in a patient’s best interest to schedule an appointment to see a doctor and be properly diagnosed and treated. 14 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
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Cont. on pg 16
Pamper Yourself
@ the Library
{
• Indulge in the luxury of being read to with an audiobook. • Unleash your creative self with arts and crafts books and DVDs to inspire you. • Jazz up your exercise routine with fitness DVDs.
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Are your New Year’s resolutions stressing you out? Pamper yourself with a visit to your local public library,where you can discover ways to relieve stress and find joy with books, DVDs, CDs, and more!
• Find delicious new recipes that will help you nourish your 2016 resolutions. • Enjoy binge-watching your favorite guilty pleasure on DVD.
When the weather outside is frightful, pamper yourself with an online visit to Wisconsin’s Digital Library http://dbooks.wplc.info. There, you’ll find a wide selection of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks with no need to leave your cozy house. And there are no late fees since the books are returned automatically when they are due! Ask your librarian for tips on how to start.
Books are just the
{
Article & photo provided by Indianhead Federated Library System.
• Plan a winter getaway or dream about traveling from your recliner with a wide assortment of travel books. • Brighten your day with music—you’ll find many of your favorites in the CD collection.
If you are looking to combat cabin fever affordably, local libraries have a variety of programs for all ages including book clubs, movie nights, lectures and more. Your library’s website will have a calendar of upcoming events. Treat yourself by using your library card today. 795608 1-23-16
Beginning 795606 1-23-16
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 15
“
The Internet is not a good substitute for a physician
“
— Dr. Joan Hamblin
Cont. from pg 14
“I think the biggest issue (with self-diagnosing) is that when you search the Internet by symptoms, you can easily get led down the wrong path and end up thinking you have something that you don’t,” said Dr. Steve Immerman, a general and thoracic surgeon at Evergreen Surgical in Eau Claire. “A patient can spend valuable time and resources attempting self-treatment for something that they don’t have, while not treating something potentially important.” Dr. Nathaniel Stepp, who practices family medicine at the Marshfield Clinic Lake Hallie Center, acknowledged the education the Internet provides for various conditions can be helpful. The biggest issue for doctors is self-diagnosing on the Internet is a “barrier to care,” Stepp said. Selfdiagnosing makes the doctor’s job more difficult when patients expect
a certain diagnosis and believe they know what treatment they need based on their research. “The Internet has expanded our own ability to diagnose disease, put up-todate information at our fingertips and allows doctors to really balance care needed and care wanted,” Stepp said. “Unfortunately, it has changed the way we do appointments as well. People come in with a preconceived notion of what they need, and if they don’t get exactly that, they feel they wasted their time, their money and didn’t get anything from (the appointment),” he said. “The best example (I see) is antibiotics for bronchitis and sinus infections. There are rare times you need to take antibiotics for a sinus or upper respiratory issue, but many people believe the notion that they went to the doctor, they paid the doctor, so they ‘deserve’ antibiotics.”
Many doctors also find patients who attempt to self-diagnose before visiting a medical provider might convince themselves their condition is more serious than it actually is. For example, a patient who is fatigued — a common symptom of many medical conditions — may decide she is pregnant or has hyperthyroidism when in reality she suffers from a cold or mild virus. This false diagnosis can lead to sleepless nights, worry and even cyberchondria — the fear one suffers regarding a disease learned about on the Internet. Patients can avoid these issues by talking to their doctors before trying to diagnose themselves on websites. “The Internet is not a good substitute for a physician,” said Dr. Joan Hamblin, program director of UW Health-Eau Claire Family Medicine Clinic. “You can certainly gather more information about your disease or medicine after being diagnosed by a Cont. on pg 18
16 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
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In addition to making resolutions and plans, the New Year ushers in chilly temperatures in much of the country. A heating system that is working well is essential to the comfort and health of homeowners.If you haven’t done so, it’s a good idea to have the heating system inspected to ensure everything is working smoothly. While this is best handled prior to winter’s arrival, in the midst of the holiday hustle, it can be easy to forget about home maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association says that half of all home-heating fires in the U.S. occur in December, January and February. Failure to clean equipment, primarily creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment and chimneys, is a leading cause of home-heating fires. While the majority of homeowners are safe, it cannot hurt to inspect and clean the elements involved in most home furnaces and other equipment. Not only will this help prevent possible fires or help pinpoint possible problem areas that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, this maintenance can help produce cleaner indoor air. In addition to routinely replacing the air filter on the furnace, it is commonly recommended to have the air ducts and venting throughout the home cleaned. Although there is no proven evidence that trapped dust and other debris in air ducts can pose a risk to personal health, many people prefer to keep the ductwork clear in the event particles may be hazardous or contribute to asthma or other breathing difficulties. This cleaning can be done once a year or every couple of years, depending on personal preference. The EPA does recommend duct cleaning if any of these factors are present: • There is substantial visible mold growth present. • Ducts are infested with vermin. • Dust or debris are literally clogging the ducts. • You can see dust or debris blowing into the home through supply registers (vents) in the home.
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There are many companies today that will service furnaces and heating systems and provide duct cleaning. As with any business, their reliability and honesty will have to be checked by the homeowner. When seeking a company to clean the ducts in your home, first ask friends and family members for referrals. Also, utilize customer review Web sites such as Yelp.com or simply conduct a Web search for the company to learn of its reputation. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or see if the business is registered with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Research has not demonstrated the effectiveness of any chemical additives or sealants placed in or on ducts for the prevention of bacteria growth or inhibition of dust formation. It is adviseable to steer clear of companies that try to push additional services or chemical applications that actually may hinder health more than dust. An untrained person can actually damage the ducts or heating and cooling system. That is why it is important to do your research. A properly done job should include cleaning all of the components of the system, including coils and condenser parts of the HVAC system itself. The job should take between 3 and 8 hours and will range in cost from $450 to $1,000, according to EPA estimates. The “blow and go” specials advertised for $100 are likely a waste of money and may inadvertently cause damage or dislodge dust inappropriately. The NADCA says the most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ “source removal” methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home. Although there are no proven health benefits, air duct cleaning can help improve indoor air quality and may help an HVAC system operate more efficiently. For service on your HVAC system, contact Wiersgalla Company at 715-839-0707.
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
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Her impressions 17
“I think the importance of seeing a medical expert depends on the
Cont. from pg 16
physician. It can help to better understand complex medical issues and enable you to have a better-informed dialogue with your doctor.” Although some doctors feel self-diagnosis hinders their ability to properly treat a patient, other practitioners aren’t bothered by people looking up their symptoms online before making an appointment. Dr. John Wilkinson, a family practice physician with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said he doesn’t think self-diagnosing is an issue that needs to be solved. “I see folks all the time who have symptoms that they go onto the Web to check out,” Wilkinson said. “You’re more likely to get worried than reassured when doing so, but we were able to get worried about symptoms before the Internet. I don’t think
18 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
the Internet necessarily makes us more or less worried. “For me, I let patients say what’s on their mind based on what their research told them. I think that helps them sleep at night, me explaining why it is or is not a certain diagnosis they came up with and walking them through those reasons. I don’t think the Internet has affected my job in a negative way.” Despite how doctors feel about patients self-diagnosing, the Internet isn’t going away any time soon, and most physicians understand they can’t prevent patients from researching symptoms. But people need to use common sense in deciding the seriousness of their problem and err on the side of caution, Immerman said.
— Immerman
particular health problem that is being investigated”
“If you Google ‘knee pain,’ you will get all sorts of information that may or may not apply to your situation. You’d be better off with an examination, but the negative consequences of you misdiagnosing your problem would rarely be life-threatening. And if you Google ‘breast lump,’ and decide that it is just a cyst, you could be misdiagnosing breast cancer that needs immediate biopsy, and the consequences of misdiagnosis can be significant. “Patients should not replace a physician for the Internet for anything that can be potentially lifethreatening or serious,” he said. Syrstad is a freelance writer based out of the Twin Cities.
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“I think the importance of seeing a medical expert depends on the particular health problem that is being investigated,” he said. “If you Google ‘how to remove a splinter,’ you get some helpful advice that will make a doctor’s visit unnecessary.
Article provided by Highland Fitness.
This time of year family and friends around us are making changes in life to better themselves. We read and hear through the media about starting new diets or exercise plans to lose weight as our New Year’s resolution. As the New Year begins, we want to start the year off with a clean beginning. But how does one choose the right diet, the right gym, keep consistent, and get results?
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Losing weight is simply two things: 1. understanding the calories going in and calories going out 2. where the mindset is. Calories going in would be the nutrition side of losing weight, knowing what has fewer and quality calories, but keeps you fueled throughout the day. Calories going out would be the workout portion of losing weight. Building muscle helps the body burn more calories and lose fat. The other half that we don’t realize is the mindset portion of losing weight: where your mind is focused is where your weight loss journey will go. Personal daily coaching of your weight loss plan will keep you focused on your individual goal, with encouragement to change your lifestyle to a healthier path. Having all your tools in one place makes completing a project much easier and less stressful in this busy world. Being a full service gym makes Highland Fitness stand out from other health facilities in the Eau Claire area. Highland Fitness provides a weight loss plan that gives you the proper nutrition guidelines to fuel your body and aid in weight loss. There are three convenient locations, two with 24 hour access to allow you to get in your daily movement wherever it fits into your schedule. Highland Fitness provides personal coaching to keep you consistent, motivated and accountable to obtain your goals. Highland Fitness memberships provide group fitness classes such as yoga, body pump and spin; allowing you to workout with others while following the instructor in calorie burning moves. Personal training at Highland Fitness gives the option of working oneon-one or in small groups with a trainer for a full body workout that is never the same as the day before. The friendly and comfortable atmosphere with a wide range of ages and different physical levels makes working out fun and makes it easy to keep a healthy lifestyle at Highland Fitness. 795941 1-23-16
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 19
exploring
depression Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
Nearly everyone has dealt with a life-changing event that brings about feelings of sadness. But some people struggle to enjoy normally happy situations. When these feelings do not go away on their own, they may indicate the presence of depression. Major depression is one of the world’s most common mental disorders. The World Health Organization offers that major depression also carries the heaviest burden of disability among mental and behavioral disorders. People often do not realize they’re suffering from a depressive episode, and as a result, many never seek or receive the care they need. According to “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” major depression is characterized by depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms. These may include problems with self-image, sleep, energy, ability to function, and changes in appetite. The National Institute of Mental Health says that, as of 2013, an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Depression is far-reaching and more common than one may imagine. Oftentimes, however, people delay seeking treatment because of embarrassment or the stigma that surrounds a mental illness diagnosis. The NIMH indicates that women are 70 percent more likely than men to experience depression during the course of their lifetimes, largely due to hormones. Elevated rates of depression among women also may be due to the fact that they tend to be more vocal and proactive in seeking help. According to Gail Lovallo, LCSW, owner of Peaceful Living Counseling Services, LLC, depression can be linked to any number of factors. Depression may result from a particularly traumatic episode in one’s life and often accompanies posttraumatic stress disorder. Individuals can become depressed when diagnosed with a disease. Women may experience post-partum depression after childbirth. A considerable percentage of people experience depression when seasons 20 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
change, and that could be caused by the reduction of exposure to natural sunlight when fall gives way to winter. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is often more common the farther north one lives. Depression can affect one’s home and work life. In the journal Depression and Anxiety, a study analyzed depression statistics from the Canadian National Population Health Survey and found that major depression doubled a person’s chance of becoming divorced or separated. Others may face job loss thanks to lack of productivity or missed days. While depression is common, it also is highly treatable. Various therapies exist to mitigate symptoms and restore people to more well-rounded lifestyles. Counseling and medication are two of the more common treatments for depression. According to Psych Central, the Internet’s largest and oldest independent mental health social network, 60 to 70 percent of depressed patients who are given an antidepressant recover from their depression in three to six weeks, provided that the medication dosage is correct and the patient continues to take the medicine as directed. Depression can be a devastating illness that seemingly comes out of the blue. However, it’s important for people to realize that depression is common and treatment methods are quite effective. Consult with a primary care doctor or a mental health professional if you believe you are experiencing depression.
Her impressions
More than a Cosmetic Issue Article provided by Chippewa Valley Vein Center.
Are you tired of aches and pains in your legs after a long day? Or sick of the swelling in your ankles and calves after being on your feet for too long? Then it might be time to do something about those varicose veins. A lot of people think of varicose veins mostly as a cosmetic issue, but in reality varicose veins are a real medical condition which can cause significant symptoms. These symptoms can be severe enough to not only affect your ability to do your job but also impair your activities of daily life. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. In your legs, veins function to bring blood from your muscles and tissues back to your heart. Veins are only supposed to move blood in an upward direction, and they accomplish this with a system of valves. When these valves malfunction or fail, blood can flow backwards down the leg. This is known as reflux. Over time, this reflux of blood weakens veins causing them to enlarge and elongate which leads to the formation of varicose veins. Varicose veins are one of the most common medical conditions in women. They occur in up to 40% of women, and affect 50% of individuals over age 50. Risk factors for developing varicose veins include increasing age, family history, female gender, multiple pregnancies, and previous episodes of blood clots in veins. Some women develop varicose veins as early as their teens, and many report significant worsening of their varicose veins with pregnancy. Varicose veins can cause a number of symptoms in the legs including pain, soreness, numbness, tingling, itching, night cramps, and even restless leg symptoms. The appearance of varicose veins can also lead to social embarrassment and prevent people from participating in activities they enjoy. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications such as blood clots, which form due to stagnant flow in varicose veins. When blood clots in varicose veins extend into deep veins, this is called a deep venous thrombosis or DVT. If such a clot dislodges, it can migrate to the lungs and cause a potentially life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Bleeding from
varicose veins can also occur after a minor trauma or even spontaneously. Over the long term, varicose veins can result in permanent darkening and hardening of the skin starting in the feet and ankles and moving up the calves. Chronic damage to tissues in the legs by varicose veins can even lead to the formation of venous stasis ulcers. These ulcers can be very disabling and difficult to treat. In the past, varicose veins were treated by surgical stripping. If you know anyone who underwent that operation, then you probably heard that it was extremely painful, required general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Recovery usually took weeks to months. Fortunately, new less invasive technologies have been developed to treat varicose veins. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) uses laser energy to close varicose veins from the inside. The procedure takes only about 45 minutes and is performed right in the clinic with local anesthetic. Normal activities can be resumed almost immediately, and most patients return to work the very next day. In addition to being safer and less painful than surgical stripping, studies have shown EVLT to also be much more successful. Most, if not all, insurance companies cover EVLT for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins.
medical condition which can cause significant symptoms and lead to serious complications. With EVLT, varicose veins can be treated in a safe and effective manner with only minimal discomfort. Spring is a time for renewal, so if you are tired of achy, swollen legs from those unsightly varicose veins, it may be time to take action.
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varicose veins:
In conclusion, varicose veins are much more than just a cosmetic issue. They are a real
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Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 21
career opportunities in health & wellness Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
Health and wellness has grown increasingly popular over the last several decades as more and more people have adopted lifestyles designed to improve their immediate and long-term health. Not surprisingly, career opportunities in healthcare and health and wellness are on the rise, and the following are a handful of careers men and women interested in health and wellness may want to consider.
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Health educator: The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2012 and 2022, the job outlook, which projects the percent change in employment, for health educators and community workers was 21 percent, nearly twice the average growth rate for all occupations during the same period. Health educators perform a host of tasks, including teaching and promoting various wellness practices. Health educators may also develop strategies and campaigns to promote wellness. Massage therapist: Massage therapists help people recover from injury and relieve stress, but they also might be used to improve circulation and increase relaxation, both of which can contribute to their patients’ longterm health. The BLS projects the job outlook for massage therapists between 2012 and 2022 to be 23 percent, indicating that there figures to be an array of opportunities available to men and women interested in pursuing massage therapy. Such people should know that massage therapists typically must complete a substantial amount of postsecondary education before they can earn their license or certification. Nutritionist: Men and women with an interest in food and nutrition may want to consider a career as a nutritionist. Dietitians and nutritionists often fall under the same career umbrella, and the BLS reports the job outlook for both careers between 2012 and 2022 is 21 percent. Dietitians and nutritionists often serve as advisors to people or organizations looking to embrace or encourage healthy lifestyles, and both may work in hospitals, nursing homes, cafeterias, and clinics. Occupational therapists: Occupational therapists employ everyday activities to treat patients dealing with injury, disability or illness. Occupational therapists may help their patients relearn how to feed and dress themselves, while some might work exclusively with stroke patients who have lost their ability to perform certain tasks as a result of their strokes. The BLS reports the job outlook for occupational therapists, who earned a median annual wage of roughly $75,000, between 2012 and 2022 is 29 percent.
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Her impressions
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Studies Find Direct
Radon in Homes to
Lung Cancer Article provided by Aldrige On-site Service.
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Evidence Linking
(2005) Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miners who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Former Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”
Radon Level
If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*...
The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**...
WHAT TO DO: Stop smoking and...
20 pCi/L 10 pCi/L 8 pCi/L 4 pCi/L 2 pCi/L 1.3 pCi/L 0.4 pCi/L
About 260 people could get lung cancer About 150 people could get lung cancer About 120 people could get lung cancer About 62 people could get lung cancer About 32 people could get lung cancer About 20 people could get lung cancer About 3 people could get lung cancer
250 times the risk of drowning 200 times the risk of dying in a home fire 30 times the risk of dying in a fall 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash 6 times the risk of dying from poison (Average indoor radon level) (Average outdoor radon level)
Fix your home Fix your home Fix your home Fix your home Consider fixing between 2 & 4 pCi/L (Reducing radon levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower. * Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). ** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports. Article source: http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/citizensguide.pdf
753177 9-14-14
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 23
Getting finances
back in order By Eva Apelqvist
When the first post-holiday credit card bill lands in the mailbox, it may not seem that bad. You might have to tighten your belt a little, but you’ve been meaning to anyway. Right? Then a few more arrive. You check your bank account balance. It seems a tad low, doesn’t it? Do you have enough? Should you worry? Then … a $3,000-plus credit card bill you forgot all about arrives. Ouch! How did that happen? How could a few Christmas presents amount to that much money?
You’re not alone. Jodi Wolf, vice president of Northwestern Bank in Eau Claire, said she encounters a lot of people suffering from credit-card overspending this time of year. And according to the Wisconsin Bankers Association, the average U.S. household owes more than $15,000 in credit card debt — a number that does not include mortgages or student loans.
suggested the same first step when tackling difficult credit card debt: Eliminate the card with the highest interest first.
Knowing others have the same problem might be comforting, but it doesn’t solve your financial dilemma: monthly bills that exceed your monthly income.
It’s also important to stay on top of your minimum payments, Willer advised. “Don’t fall behind. It can have a snowball effect.”
Local experts offer tips on what to do in this budget-busting situation.
He recommended considering a debt consolidation loan. If you qualify, it means you get a new loan to pay off all credit card debts. While you still have a debt and interest to pay, the loan gives the benefit of one single payment per month instead of many.
Prioritize Payments Wolf and Mark H. Willer, chief lending officer with WestConsin Credit Union in Menomonie,
24 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions
Experts offer advice on paying off credit card debt You and your loan officer decide on a time period in which you will pay off the loan. If you can secure the loan with a vehicle or home equity, interest rates may be more favorable.
Beware of Offers Sometimes credit card offers arrive in the mail after the holidays promising 0 percent interest on the balance transferred from other credit cards, Willer said. While transferring your credit card balances to one card may indeed be a good thing, he warned to ask a lot of questions before signing up for the new card. For example, how long does the 0 percent interest last? Is there an annual fee? How high will the interest be after the initial time period? What are the late fees? Even though credit cards can get people in trouble, Willer maintains a positive attitude toward them. They can be used to build good credit. “I don’t want to send a negative message about using credit cards,” he said. “But use them wisely.”
“Don’t accept every offer that shows up in your mailbox,” he added. “You don’t want to get it just because they are nice enough to send you one.”
Seek Counseling An important part of paying off debt is discipline, Willer said. You might need to eliminate some of your cards after doing an inventory and comparing the pros and cons of each one. “Work with your creditors before things get out of control,” he said. If you fall too far behind, he advised, talk to somebody who can help you get your finances in order. WestConsin Credit Union works proactively with its members and communicates a wise use of debt, he added. Banks also will advise people who have gotten too deep into debt. Northwestern Bank is willing to review people’s credit and offer suggestions, Wolf said.
Willer recommended starting the new year with a budget. That way, you are less likely to have the same problem of paying back too large a debt in the beginning of next year.
Determining Ratings Those who have labored under heavy credit card payments know the good feeling when they finally pay off the debt. One important reason to pay off credit card debt is your credit score. How credit scores are calculated is a tightly guarded secret, Willer said, but it is based on factors such as your payment history, how much you owe and what kind of credit you have used in the past. Having a large credit card debt can negatively influence your chances of getting a loan in the future — or another credit card for that matter. Apelqvist is a freelance writer based in Spooner.
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Her impressions 25
Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
For those who want to give yoga a try, it helps to be familiar with some of the basic poses one can expect to encounter at the gym or yoga studio. While few can master the following poses on their first day, beginners should know that if they commit to regularly practicing yoga, these poses will get easier over time.
Common yoga poses
The popularity of yoga has grown considerably in recent years. Though yoga may trace its origins to ancient India, nowadays this popular approach to balancing the mind and body is practiced all over the world.
Chair pose: This is a bended position pose in which the knees are bent over the ankles. Arms are up, and the torso forms a right angle over the thighs. Beginners can experiment with moving the feet closer together for a more advanced pose. Do not extend the knees over the toes and rest on the heels.
Mountain pose: Mountain pose is
Child’s pose: This is a pose for rest and stretching. Get in a kneeling position with toes touching and hips and knees spread apart. Extend the arms overhead on the floor and lower the forehead to the ground.
Tree pose: Tree pose is an introduction to balance poses. You stand on one foot as the other lays nestled against the thigh on the standing leg.
Downward-facing dog: This
is an inversion that opens up the entire body and can stretch the spine and the back of the legs. The back should be straight and the tailbone should be pulled away so your body forms a “V� shape.
Forward fold: When performing In downward-facing dog, the key is to have a straight back and elongate the spine.
a forward fold, you are bending over from the waist. Having a straight spine is more important than having straight legs.
perhaps the most basic of all the poses and also one that is quite important, as it aligns the spine with the rest of the body and grounds you. Lift your thighs and lengthen through the waist, drawing in the navel. This serves as the basis for other poses.
Warrior one: This pose places a
leg forward into a right angle in which the knee is over the arch of the foot. The back leg is extended into a 45-degree angle behind the body. Arms are raised above the head. Both hips should be facing forward.
Warrior two: Warrior two is similar to warrior one, but the arms are stretched in opposite directions parallel to the floor. Turn the head and look out over your arm in the direction you are facing.
Various poses may be covered in beginner yoga classes, and beginners unfamiliar with certain poses can simply pause and observe their fellow classmates if they are unsure of certain poses. Always begin slowly and breathe when working through these poses; consult with a yoga instructor to help develop proper form.
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Her impressions
simple techniques to help you relax Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
Finding ways to relax can improve life at home and at the office. While it’s not often easy to find time to slow down, especially for those men and women juggling the responsibilities of career and family, the following are some simple techniques that don’t take much time but can have a positive impact on your day.
Take some time out from multitasking. The ability to multitask is a cherished commodity for parents and working professionals alike, but men and women can benefit from periodic breaks from their everyday juggling acts. Something as simple as focusing on a single task for 30 minutes at a time, as opposed to checking emails while preparing dinner or working on a project while answering a client’s phone call, can help lower stress levels and have a lasting and calming effect on your nerves.
Practice yoga. Yoga is another activity that can help men and women relax. Yoga involves a series of poses that helps stretch the muscles and aid their recovery from everyday aches and pains, including those that often result from stressful experiences or days at the office.
Make time to meditate every day. Studies have shown that meditation can affect the circuitry in the brain, positioning it to more adequately respond to illness and stressful situations. Meditation has the added benefit of being a relaxing exercise, as meditation encourages people to sit with their feet on the floor with both eyes closed in a relaxing setting that is free of external distractions. Walk away from your desk and couch. It’s well documented that spending too much time sitting at a desk can have a negative impact on your health. In addition to elevating a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, sitting at a desk all day long has been linked to repetitive stress injuries, obesity and back pain, each of which can contribute to stressful living conditions that make it difficult to relax. Men and women should spend at least five minutes each hour walking, whether they are getting up from their desk at work or getting off the couch at home. Doing so takes little time, but it can help to relieve stress at work and at home and improve your overall health.
Where did the term “stress” come from? Born in 1907, Hungarian physician Hans Selye is credited with coining the medical term “stress” in 1936. While studying medicine at the German Medical School in Prague, Selye, at the ripe old age of 17, observed that patients suffering from various diseases had a tendency to exhibit identical signs and symptoms. According to the American Institute of Stress, Selye tested animals with various physical and emotional stimuli, noting that, regardless of the stimuli, the animals all exhibited the same pathologic changes, namely enlargement of the adrenals, shrinkage of lymphoid tissue and ulcerations of the stomach. Selye would go on to discover General Adaptation Syndrome, which he described as the body’s response to the demands placed on it. That syndrome noted how stressful situations induced involuntary hormonal responses that contributed to a host of negative side effects, including high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, that are still associated with stress today.
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According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Each year, nearly five million Americans are treated for skin cancer, with most cases being nonmelanoma skin cancer, typically diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. But skin cancer is not the only condition that can affect the skin. From rosacea to eczema to acne to psoriasis, the skin can be affected by numerous conditions, many of which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Keeping skin healthy requires effort, and there are many things men and women can do to protect their skin and reduce their risk for various conditions.
treat skin with care Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
Schedule routine visits to a dermatologist. Dermatologists can treat and help prevent disorders of the skin, and men and women should make annual visits to their dermatologist to ensure their skin is healthy. Dermatologists can diagnose if a mark or a blemish is something benign or serious and provide information on various courses of treatment. As with any specialist, dermatologists may be well versed on new and innovative care. If anything on your skin seems suspect, visit a dermatologist right away. Protect yourself from the sun. The single best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Not only can a lifetime of sun exposure cause wrinkles and age spots, it can lead to cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it every two hours or more often. Make sunscreen a part of your daily regimen, applying it
as you would moisturizer or antiperspirant. Quit the habit. The Mayo Clinic says smoking narrows tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Smoking also can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin, which promotes elasticity. Be gentle to the skin. Use mild cleansers and limit showers and baths to warm water. Moisturize dry skin if it is problematic. Pat skin dry after washing and do not tug or rub skin excessively. Inspect skin regularly. Routinely check your skin for any changes and share any concerns with your doctor. Schedule annual skin checks as part of yearly physical examinations.
Taking these steps can help you maintain healthy skin and prevent ailments in the years to come.
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Her impressions
Q&A
Beautiful Winter Skin
Article provided by Merrick Plastic Surgery.
Our skin constantly changes. Not only does it age but it also must endure the climate changes of every season. Winter is upon us now and the cold has left my skin feeling dry and aged . What’s a girl to do – how can my skin look beautiful and healthy when it’s zero degrees outside? Who better to ask than a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. J. Clinton Merrick, and a Certified Skin Specialist with 20 years of medical skincare experience, Deb Markham.
Deb Markham: Each day our skin loses approximately a pint of water through evaporation. Normal, healthy skin is 20-30% water. When humidity drops, dry air pulls moisture from the skin. When skin’s water content drops below 10%, it brings on the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface. With less water and lipids to lubricate the skin, it no longer exfoliates properly and leaves us with the ‘winter itch’ and crying for hydration! Q: What’s the solution?
Deb Markham: Exfoliate, Hydrate and HydroPlus Treatments! Exfoliate: Regular use of a mild exfoliant (e.i. Alpha Hydroxy) will encourage proper shedding of dead skin cells and improve skin health. Hydrate: Dry winter skin is best treated with a moisturizer that is rich in humectants
and emollients. An example of a humectant is Hyaluronic Acid – it attracts water to the skin from the environment to keep skin moist and hydrated. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is Hyaluronic Acid dissolved in water with vitamin B5 as an emollient. Use it alone or apply as a base for your daily moisturizer. HydroPlus Treatment: Exfoliation + Infusion + Serums = Superior skin health (call my office for more information)! Q: Do I need to wear sunscreen in the winter?
Dr. J. Clinton Merrick: Yes!!! Don’t be fooled by the temperature. In the winter you get the harmful UVA rays from the sun but also get those same harmful rays reflecting back at you from the snow on the ground. UVA rays cause wrinkles and skin cancer so wearing sunscreen on exposed skin, including the lips, is a must all year long.
Q: What if I am having acne flare-ups in the winter? My acne medicine is drying my skin out even more!
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Q: Why does my skin feel so dry in the winter?
Deb Markham: It is more important than any other time of the year to receive monthly or bimonthly customized treatments. The best treatment for dry acne prone winter skin is a Customized Acne Facial Treatment with LED light! The LED light offers benefits to reduce acne and inflammation, detoxify, and rebuild lost collagen in the skin!
Q: Dr. Merrick, with all your training & expertise as a Plastic Surgeon, what is the single most important thing one can do to appear more beautiful?
Dr. J. Clinton Merrick: Smile. No matter the season, everyone looks more beautiful when they smile.
Dr. J. Clinton Merrick & Deb Markham are both accepting new clients at Merrick Plastic Surgery, 659 W. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire, 715-563-1588. 753177 9-14-14
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tea traditions around the world Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
One of the oldest beverages known to mankind, tea in its various forms is enjoyed across the globe. Believed to have originated in China, tea has been consumed for millennia. Some attribute its discovery and invention to Chinese emperor and herbalist Shennong in 2732 BCE. Legend says that the emperor liked his drinking water boiled so it would be free of pathogens. One day, on a trip to a distant region, a leaf from a wild tea bush fell unnoticed into the boiled water presented to the emperor. The emperor found the flavor refreshing, and tea was born. Today, tea is consumed for pleasure and to ease sore throats and other ailments and has even been used as a medicine. It also has been ingrained in traditions and customs from around the world, with the beverage varying in significance from country to country.
30 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
China
The Chinese emphasize the flavor and preparation of tea. The Chinese Tea Ceremony brings about peace, tranquility, enjoyment, and truth. The art of making tea is called “Cha do,” and the Chinese take tea seriously. The Emily Post Institute says tea is heavily incorporated into all aspects of Chinese life. Tea is served with the same care for service that is applied when serving wine in other countries.
Britain
Tea is often associated with England, and the British fervor for tea helped spread it to the New World. While tea only arrived in England in the 1600s, the country embraced it, making “afternoon tea” a popular tradition. The traditional tea hour was between 4 and 5 p.m., when tea was served as a light refreshment between lunch and dinner. There also are specific ways to prepare and serve English tea, such as pre-warming the teapot and preferential use of loose tea or larger tea bags in a teapot instead of singleuse teabags in a cup.
Her impressions
Russia
Many Russians also love tea. Tea was once considered an upper-class product, but it is now enjoyed by Russians of various means. Zavarka, a very strong tea that can be enjoyed for several rounds, is very popular in Russia.
India
The Emily Post Institute offers that India is one of the world’s largest tea suppliers, and the population consumes more tea than any other country in the world. Chai is the national drink, and hosts often serve a spicy milk-tea to guests.
Japan
The Japanese have their own tea ceremonies, also called “The Way of the Tea.” A ceremonial preparation of “matcha,” which is a powdered green tea, is as much about performance art as it is about the tea itself. The tea is served to a small group of people in popular teahouses.
Tea has won the world over with its appeal and versatility, earning its reputation as one of the world’s most popular social beverages. 795942 1-23-16
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715-552-9696 • circleoffriendselc.org
796114 1-23-16
• Individual access codes for parents • BB4C 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Site • Reasonable rates • Child care assistance accepted
715-835-9207 old preschool Enrollment 3 year and 4K partner for 2016-17 with ECASD school year starting Jan.
• Offering a Christian environment. • Developing a love of learning, imagination and creativity. • Wrap-around care available.
• State licensed for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years • Open 6:00 am-6:00 pm • Christian/pre-K curriculum • An EC4T partner • Large outdoor playground • Summer School Age program • Located off Birch Street • Small class sizes • Highly qualified teachers
www.redeemereauclaire.com • www.shepherdsfoldec.com
32 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
796317 1-23-16
Redeemer Early Learning Programs Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 Fall St., Eau Claire, WI 54703
796418 1-23-16
Child Care Directory 795811 1-23-16
819 S Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona www.altoonafamilyccc.com
Open 5 Days a Week
796132 1-23-16
3 5-Star National Accreditation 3 Licensed, Professional Teachers 3 Play-Based Learning 3 Enrichment Programs 3 EC4T Partner for 4K 3 Summer School-Age Program 3 Nutrition & Exercise Emphasis 3 Serving 6 Weeks to 12 Years 3 Faith-Based Philosophy
715-835-1234
3221 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire (in the Gold’s Gym building) www.DaysGoneByEL.com Email: home@DaysGoneByEL.com
795996 1-23-16
5AM-MIDNIGHT
We are a full-service organization • Large outdoor play area • Educational programming • 4 weeks-11 years accepted • Referral bonuses • Online security system so parents can view their children
Enrolling for the 2016-2017 School Year with immediate confirmation
• Christian learning environment with classes for children 2½-5 years, including pre-kindergarten. • Small classes with experienced teachers. • Rooms and activities designed for preschool work and play! • See classes in action. Call for a tour! St. John’s Lutheran Church • 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-834-9571 • stjohns-ec.org/grow/preschool
Noah’s Ark Preschool Trinity Lutheran Church
1314 E Lexington Blvd, Eau Claire noahsark@trinity-ec.org www.trinity-ec.org
2016-2017 School Year For registration call
715-832-6601
Programs Available 3-4 year olds:
T-Th AM 9:00-11:30 AM T-Th PM 12:45-3:15 PM
4-5 year olds:
M-W-F AM 9:00-11:30 AM M-W-F PM 12:45-3:15 PM
Increase your earnings and help children eat right! The Child & Adult Care Food Program reimburses licensed and certified inhome caregivers for serving nutritious food to the children in their care. The program is funded by the USDA and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Western Dairyland is an approved sponsor in Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon and Washburn counties, and the Ho-Chunk Nation. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
For more information or to enroll, call 1-800-782-1880 or 715-836-7511, ext. 1185 795307 1-23-16
www.ChildCareFoodProgram.org 796004 1-23-16
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 33
Child Care Directory Linda’s Day Care
4-year-old Early Learning Program
BB4C Partner Locations
• Quality Early Learning Environments • Play-based curriculum with a focus on building social and emotional skills • District bus transportation provided • DPI Certified Teachers • A Community Collaborative Partnership
Certified. Immediate Openings. 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Near Longfellow School
715-839-7827
Building Bridges 4 Children
Register Now!
CESA 11 Head Start 2820 E. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls 715-723-1211 Rhymes-N-Rainbows 5051 171st St., Chippewa Falls 715-723-8000 YMCA Early Learning Community 630 Miller St., Chippewa Falls 715-723-5135 Kids USA Learning Center Building Bridges 4 Children (BB4C) is 656 Lakeland Dr., Chippewa Falls 715-726-1507 public education for any child who is 4 Monkey Business Early Educational Center by September 1, 2016 and lives in the 1300 Lowater Rd., Chippewa Falls 715-723-7444 Chippewa Falls School District. Registration MACS-St. Charles for the 2016-17 school year begins 429 W. Spruce St., Chippewa Falls 715-723-2161 February 1, 2016. Call 715-726-2414 Circle of Friends Early Learning Center or one of our partner locations for more 1750 Hallie Rd., Chippewa Falls 715-552-9696 information. 123 Look@Me Early Learning Center 2964 Co. F, Eau Claire 715-874-4779
796000 1-23-16
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District 795815 1-23-16
Other RANCH No Summer Day CARE: Care Is Like It!
'ŽŽĚ ŶƵƚƌŝƟŽŶ ĂīĞĐƚƐ Ă ĐŚŝůĚ͛Ɛ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ Ă ůŝĨĞƟŵĞ͘
ĂƵ ůĂŝƌĞ ŝƚLJͲ ŽƵŶƚLJ
• All-Day Summer Care on a ϳϭϱͲϴϯϵͲϱϬϱϭ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ Pregnant? Working Ranch Have a child • Kids 7 - 12 years under age 5? • June through August WIC can help your • 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Mon. - Fri. food dollars go further. • More Fun and Less Cost Than Most Day Cares • Enjoy Horses, Fishing, Games, Crafts, Call Today! Sports, Field Trips, Bible Stories 715-839-5051 and More!
rinity
REGISTER NOW! Space is Limited
Many working families qualify!
www.eauclairewi. gov/wic
S5300 State Road 37 • Eau Claire • 715-835-4530 • www.trinity-ec.com 796054_1-23-16
34 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
796154 1-23-16
“This is the funnest day care in the world”
Child Care Directory it r i p Lutheran Preschool
S
500 Main Street • Eau Claire
RAINBOW WORLD
Now registering for three- and four-year-old classes – Fall 2016
PROGRAM FEATURES:
Contact us for a FREE referral and a customized list of local child care providers. Our staff makes child care work by supporting child care professionals, connecting parents with their services, and collecting child care data that impacts our communities.
CAMP TWOMUCH-FUN
Now registering for 2½-year-old classes – Fall 2016
• Family Friendly • Nurturing • Play Based • Low Adult-to-Child Ratio • Hands-On Activities • Developmentally Appropriate
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, February 7, 2016 9:45-10:45 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Call 1-800-782-1880 or 715-831-1700
www.ChildCareReferral.org Funded in part by the WI Department of Children & Families and the Supporting Families Together Association to serve Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix and Trempealeau counties, including the Ho-Chunk Nation.
796388_1-23-16 796002 1-23-16
Faith Christian Pre-Kindergarten & Preschool 733 Woodward Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Celebrating 40 years of providing Preschool Christian Education
3-Year-Old Preschool
At St. Mark Preschool we provide a Christ-centered education, assisting parents in nurturing the whole child. We provide hands-on experiences and interaction with activities and materials. Open to children who are at least 4 years old by September 1 of the year they are enrolling.
Tuesday/Thursday
Pre-Kindergarten All children must be potty trained.
To register, stop in or call the church office at 715-723-7754. Check us out online at faithlutherancf.org
3307 State Street, Eau Claire, WI Chippewa Falls, WI 796129 1-23-16
715-834-5782 www.stmark-wels.org
796073 1-23-16
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Mornings
Mon./Wed./Fri.
• Mrs. Connie Anason, Teacher • Mr. Peter Micheel, Principal connie@smwels.org
peter@smwels.org
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 35
Child Care Directory
Choosing a child care provider is a big decision. Our committed early childhood professionals provide a stimulating, nurturing and learning-based experience for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Call today to schedule a private tour and see what makes us different.
Child Development Center
www.RegisCatholicSchools.com
418 N. Dewey Street Eau Claire
(715) 830-2275
Child Development
2114 Fenwick Avenue Eau Claire
(715) 830-2274
796122 1-23-16
795999 1-23-16
Rachel’s Place Early Learning Center
Full Day & Part Time Child Care EC4T Partner Hope Lutheran Preschool Half Day Christian Preschool
715-832-2998
2226 Eddy Ln. • Eau Claire
36 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
796067 1-23-16
www.rachelsplaceelc.com
Her impressions
Child Care Directory AGE ChILd dEvELOpMEnT CEnTEr
SChOOL AGEd ChILd CArE
Our Center Includes: Y family membership Swimming lessons for ages 3 and up Outdoor playgrounds Preschool curriculum Gym time and gym activities AM and PM EC4T sessions Secure building Consistent Staff
On Site Locations: Flynn, Immaculate Conception (AM), Locust Lane, Manz, Meadowview, Montessori, Northwoods, Putnam, Robbins, Sam Davey, St. James, St. Mary’s Offered at Y with Bus Transportation: Immaculate Conception (PM), Lakeshore, Longfellow, Elk Mound (PM), Sherman
Ages 4 weeks - 5 years
(Before & After School)
Open from 6:30am until school starts and when school releases until 6:00pm.
Eau Claire YMCA | 700 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-836-8460 | www.eauclaireymca.org 796310 1-23-16
FEBRUARY 1ST Enrollment Will Begin for September Classes Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow What Is It? Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow is an early learning program offered to all four-year-olds in the Eau Claire Area School District. The EC4T program is free* to ECASD residents.
* There is no charge for EC4T, however fees may apply for families participating in extended services beyond the EC4T program day.
Babes In Toyland Childcare Center 715-830-9432 Beautiful Minds Child Care 715-834-4360 Chapel Heights Preschool 715-832-2333 Children’s House Montessori School, Inc. 715-835-7861 Color My World Childcare & Preschool Inc. 715-835-2060 Days Gone By Early Learning 715-835-1234
Eau Claire Area School District-Head Start 715-852-3630 From the Roots Early Learning Center 715-514-4881 Genesis Child Development Center 715-830-2275 Hand In Hand: A Place for All Children 715-833-7744 The Kiddie Patch Early Learning Center 715-833-9464
KinderCare Learning Center 715-832-8099 The Learning Tree Child Care Center 715-834-5439 Little Bloomers LLC 715-839-1050 Little Minds Matter — Monsters 2 Munchkins Early Learning Center 715-835-8801 Mayo CHS Child Development Center 715-838-3524 Rachel’s Place Early Learning Center 715-832-1414 x2200
Redeemer Early Learning Programs 715-835-5528 Regis Child Development Center 715-830-2274 UW-Eau Claire Children’s Nature Academy 715-836-2178 Western Dairyland Truax Head Start & Family Literacy Head Start 715-985-2391, ext. 1253 YMCA Child Development Center 715-836-8460
795196 1-23-16
How Do I Register? If by September 1, 2016, your child will be 4 years old, an EC4T application must be completed. Applications are available at www.ecasd.us, click Schools, Early Learning, Program Options and Eau Claire 4 Tomorrow.
For information regarding EC4T, contact the Eau Claire Area School District Early Learning Office at 715-852-3608.
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 37
right kind of
Massage not only feels good, but it offers health benefits
pressure By Eva Apelqvist
38 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
“I wish I’d done this sooner.” That’s a comment Kari Tatu, owner of DaVinci Therapeutic Massage in Eau Claire, hears frequently from clients after their first massage.
We all know that feeling of wanting to do something we know is pleasurable, but then we hesitate to spend time and money on — gasp — ourselves! But Tatu said, “Massage therapy is not just a feel-good thing.” Getting a massage regularly provides more than 25 proven health benefits, she said, including relieving stress, lessening muscle tension, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure and aiding sleep. You don’t neglect to get an oil change for your vehicle when it needs one, Tatu said. An oil change costs money, but you know it will lengthen your car’s life so you do it. “And you can trade your car in, but you can’t trade in your body,” she said. In light of the many health benefits associated with massage, she thinks the question should not be “Can I afford it?” but “Can I afford not to go?”
finding a therapist When getting a massage, make sure the therapist is state-licensed, advised Cheryl Lindstrom, a massage therapist at In Style Salon in Eau Claire. Don’t be afraid to shop around and try different therapists, Lindstrom said. “Find someone you’re comfortable with. You don’t have to stay with somebody who is not a good fit for you.” Another consideration is the cleanliness of both the therapist and the facility, Tatu said. One resource when looking for a therapist is online reviews, she said. (Volume One readers have voted DaVinci Therapeutic Massage as No. 1 in the Eau Claire area for four years in a row.) Cont. on pg 40
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 39
you need to drink to restore the water in your body, Hahn said. Tatu, who noted massage increases blood circulation, recommended drinking four to five glasses of water after a massage.
choosing a massage Massage comes in different forms, including these types:
Swedish massage: Promotes relaxation. Lindstrom calls Swedish massage a “lullaby for your body,” with its long, gliding, smooth strokes. This is what most people ask for, especially new clients, Hahn said. Cont. from pg 39
getting a massage
It’s what you’re comfortable with. The massage is about you, not about the massage therapist,” Lindstrom said.
Often the first question therapists are asked is if the client has to take off all clothes for the massage.
“Speak up” about your concerns, she stressed, whether it’s being ticklish or wanting more work done on a foot.
Massage therapists are sensitive to clients’ needs, said Shannon Hahn, a massage therapist at My Friends Place Spa Salon in Eau Claire.
Lindstrom also brought up body image. Massage therapists are professionals. They see all kinds of bodies, and they don’t judge. Their goal is to help you feel good, she said.
“It depends on their comfort level,” she said. “You will always be covered, and if you’re not comfortable (naked), you can always leave your bra and underwear on.” Tatu said her clients tend to relax immediately when they come into the candlelit room and lie down on the heated massage table under a blanket and a sheet. “The only area (of the body) that’s ever exposed is the area we’re working on,” she said. Clients often ask Lindstrom what she prefers. “It’s not about what I prefer. 40 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
“And don’t be afraid to fall asleep,” she added. “We pat ourselves on the back when that happens.” Therapists also leave up to clients whether they want music, aromas and chatting during the massage. Aromas and essential oils are used sparingly at My Friends Place because some people are allergic or don’t tolerate different smells well, owner Pam Craker said. Drinking water is important before and after a massage. Muscles get dehydrated during the massage, and
Her impressions
Deep tissue work: Provides deeper pressure. It helps release tension and knots in your muscles, Lindstrom said. Tatu uses it to help realign clients’ posture, among other things.
Myofascial release: Provides relaxation and pain relief. This massage offers the additional benefit of releasing tension in the fascia — connective tissues that surround muscles, bones, nerves and organs — due to injury or inflammation. It can help increase range of motion, Lindstrom said.
Lymphatic drainage: Gentle massage to encourage natural drainage of the lymph, a fluid that helps keep body tissues healthy. Lindstrom suggested this massage for the tail end of a case of flu, for the onset of a cold or for swelling in the legs or other body parts.
Cont. on pg 42
Pediatric DentistryA Few Facts A pediatric dentist has two to three additional years of specialized training beyond their four years of dental school and four years of undergraduate studies. Pediatric dentists use appropriate communication styles to examine and care for a child’s oral health needs throughout all stages of childhood. Treatment modalities and recommendations for the growing child and baby teeth are not the same as those for adults and adult teeth. Pediatric dentists are trained in specialized treatment methods and techniques to best serve children.
First Dental Visit Recommended by Age 1: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all recommend a child see a dentist by their first birthday. The thought of such an early visit is surprising to many parents. However, we
know that Early Childhood Cavities can have a detrimental impact on baby teeth and overall health. Prevention through appropriate diet, oral hygiene regimens and appropriate fluoride use as well as early detection of dental problems is the goal. Early dental visits also allow dental professionals the opportunity to assess thumb, finger and pacifier habits, teething milestones and facial growth and development.
Dental care for children: A lifetime of healthy oral practices begins with good diet choices and establishing a dental home. Both are important in promoting a lifetime of healthy habits. Cavities and aggressive bacteria related to dental disease can be found in children of all ages. Frequent consumption of highly acidic beverage such as juice, flavored milk, energy drinks, sports drinks and soda can be destructive to any age teeth.
Your dentist can give you detailed home care recommendations specific to your child’s age, but here are some
General Tips for Homecare: Anything, other than water, which is sipped on throughout the day or night, will cause tooth decay.
Limit juice to 6 oz. per day. (AAP and AAPD), from a cup and as part of a meal or snack. This is recommended for overall health and dental health.
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Pediatric Dentists
Limit, or do not purchase for the home, soda and high energy sports drinks. Limit sticky snacks such as fruit snacks, candies, brownies and cookies. Brush teeth 2x/day for 2min. Do not skip brushing before bed at night. Children age 8 and under need supervision, likely assistance, with brushing and flossing, because they may not have the dexterity to do an adequate job alone. Floss the teeth once they are touching. Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride has been vastly researched and studied and is essential to fighting tooth decay. Your dentist can properly dose fluoride within well-established limits of safety. Chew gum with Xylitol as the first ingredient.
Learn more at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website for parents: www.mychildrensteeth.org and at www.sim4kids.com Article provided by Smiles in Motion — Pediatric Dentistry.
796271 1-23-15
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 41
Cont. from pg 40
Ashiatsu: Japanese form of deep-tissue massage. This does not, Tatu emphasized, involve the massage therapist “walking” on the client’s back, as some people believe. The therapist does use her feet on the client’s back while holding onto a ceiling bar. This way, the therapist can use more power in her strokes and cover a larger area with each stroke.
Pregnancy massage: Helps with different kinds of aches and pains during pregnancy. It has been said to ease labor pains. Hot stone massage: Eases muscle stiffness and tension. Heated stones are placed on key points of the body or used to massage certain areas. With warm stones, you can get deeper into the muscle, Craker said. It also helps lengthen muscles and makes the massage more relaxing.
42 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
when to avoid massages You probably don’t need a reason to have a massage — it is beneficial anytime. But it can be especially helpful when you have fun but stressful events in your life, such as weddings or graduations, Craker said.
Praise for
DaVinci
But sometimes, it is better to wait. “Never come in when you have a fever,” Lindstrom said, “or when you’re intoxicated.” Intoxication desensitizes people, so you may not be able to give the therapist reliable feedback. Craker also discouraged getting a massage when you have a hangover. Avoid massages right after starting on antibiotics, which need a few days to “take hold,” Hahn said. In addition, don’t get a massage when you’re taking blood thinners until you get the go-ahead from your doctor. There is some debate about whether to get a massage when undergoing cancer treatment. But Tatu noted the Mayo clinic says massage might ease negative effects of chemotherapy. When dealing with medical issues, Tatu emphasized getting approval from your doctor before getting a massage.
what it costs The cost of a massage ranges from $35 an hour to $75 an hour or more, depending on the kind of massage, the therapist and your needs. The therapists in this article see few or no clients whose massage is covered by insurance. Apelqvist is a freelance writer based in Spooner.
Being massage therapists themselves, of course the team at DaVinci Therapeutic Massage is going to tell you why massage is so beneficial and why everyone should be getting one on a regular basis….but they figured it would be better heard through the words of their clients and all the excellent testimonials people are writing about them. Whether you are simply looking for basic benefits from therapeutic massage, such as decreased pain, stress management, better sleep, increased flexibility or looking to enhance your post-operative rehabilitation or even lessen your rehab time after an injury then DaVinci is your place! Voted #1 in the Chippewa Valley four years running there’s a reason so many people in the area are turning to the talented therapists at DaVinci to help with their health care issues and why so many are making therapeutic massage a regular part of their health care regimen. As a medical professional, I always do my homework when seeking out care for myself and my family. The staff at DaVinci is by far the best in the industry. I was amazed at the skill, knowledge and professionalism of the entire staff. I have suffered from jaw, neck and back pain most of my adult life and bounced from one “so-so” massage to another. My experience with them has been almost life changing! I FINALLY found someone who listens, understands and is a MASTER in their field — everything customized to my needs. They are true miracle workers! I trust them so much that I have recently brought my teenage daughter who suffers from migraines to see them. We will be forever clients of DaVinci Therapeutic Massage. ~Mary Schneider Rosen
Having learned of DaVinci earlier this year from a friend, my wife and I finally made an appointment for the two of us in Sept of 2015 (I should have listened and gone months ago!). We attended individual massage therapy sessions. I was greeted in a pleasant and professional manner and I entered a very clean and calm wellappointed space, with mild aromas and soothing soft music immediately putting me at ease. The therapist proceeded to provide me with the most relaxing and invigorating massage I have ever had; during the treatment she found sore spots and helped me
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Cont. from pg 42
in areas I didn’t even realize were sore and not working well. I left feeling as if I was floating. That night I slept better than I had in months and felt all the stress and muscle pain I had been accumulating entirely dissipated. I have been attending regular sessions since. Kari and her fellow staff of therapists listen--each session is regularly tailored to my specific needs at that time, if I’m in pain somewhere or finding my back or neck stiff and sore. She then concentrates on the different areas with different techniques as needed. An hour goes by very quickly. With increasing flexibility and better function of my musculoskeletal system I have been able to be more active and exercise with less pain. I look forward to the next visit. My wife has also greatly enjoyed the benefits of regular massage therapy sessions, and enjoys them just as much as I do! For acute muscle overuse, injury, or rehab, for stress reduction, or to just feel better, we both would highly recommend the excellent massage and treatment services at DaVinci. We continue to be thankful for the outstanding staff and services provided by the DaVinci Massage team-- thank you Kari! ~Dr. Robert D Wynkoop, M.D.
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Article provided by Kari L. Tatu LMT, NCBTMB DaVinci Therapeutic Massage. 796313 1-23-16
Her impressions 43
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Laser Body Contouring, too Good to be True? Article provided by Physicians Weight Loss.
LipoGenics is a revolutionary new method for eliminating unwanted fat stores from the body. Unlike traditional liposuction techniques, which require the use of small incisions and other invasive procedures, LipoGenics is a noninvasive, pain free, low level laser that reduces fat without surgery. LipoGenics is a completely non-invasive, pain-free method for stimulating the body’s metabolic process. The laser allows the adipose cells (fat cells) to open, then fatty acids, water, and Glycerol are released from the cell which is then taken naturally to the clients’ liver where it will be burned. Immediate inch loss can be seen after just one 15 minute treatment. As long as you adhere to the recommended guidelines and eat a well-balanced diet, the results of LipoGenics are permanent. In order to achieve the best results, it is recommended that clients receive three treatments per week. Nine treatments are recommended for a waist line, but more may be required to achieve the desired result. Clients will need to participate in 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise after each treatment to ensure the natural byproducts are excreted by the body. Patients may choose to repeat the LipoGenics procedures on more than one target area or after periods of over-indulgence. There is no limit to the number of LipoGenics procedures you can have per year. If you are looking for a pain-free way to take off the last of your stubborn fat stores, look into LipoGenics. Free Consultations are available, and they last about 15 minutes. Call 715-830-9355 to set up an appointment. You can also like LipoGenics at Physicians Weight Loss Centers Eau Claire WI on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all upcoming deals. 795525 1-23-16
44 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions
What’s too loud?
Earbuds enable music lovers to enjoy their favorite tunes uninterrupted and without distracting others around them. People often use earbuds while commuting to work, at the gym and even at home. But according to hearing aid manufacturer Beltone, noise-induced hearing loss can occur by using earbuds at a high volume for extended periods of time. Earbuds can put audio signals close to the inner ear, which is the equivalent of boosting it by nine decibels. Even moderately high volume can cause hearing loss.
It’s important to keep the volume low and to take frequent breaks when using earbuds. Keep earbud volume below 60 percent and wear them for no more than 60 minutes per day. Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
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A person’s mind can play a large role in how quickly he or she is able to lose weight. Exercise and diet alone may not be enough, and positive thinking can provide the extra boost some people need. A Harvard study found that mind over matter may extend to weight loss as well. The study followed 84 cleaning women, half of whom were told that their physically demanding jobs met the requirements for exercise as set by the Surgeon General, while the other half weren’t given any information about their activity level and calorie burn. After a month’s time, researchers discovered that the group of women who were told that their work activity was good for them reduced their body fat, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index. These participants had not changed anything else about their daily exercise and eating habits. The other group of women who were given no positive reinforcement did not lose any weight.
Article provided by Choices Mediation.
WHAT IS FAMILY AND DIVORCE MEDIATION?
Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
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Mind Power
Over the past decade, married couples are increasingly using professional family & divorce mediators to assist them in negotiating and drafting their separation agreements. Professional mediators are trained in divorce law and mediation. Mediators do not legally represent a party, nor do they takes sides in the negotiation. Typically, both parties and the mediator meet for several sessions to work out the details of the divorce. Mediators often advise both parties to separately bring the mediated agreement or specific questions about their legal rights to their own attorney for legal advice and consultation. Likewise, unresolved emotional issues may surface and this is normal. However, the mediation sessions are not used for therapy. Parties are encouraged to consult with their own therapist when needed. Mediation offers a number of advantages over traditional litigation. It is less expensive, less adversarial, much faster, and the parties themselves negotiate the final agreement. Mediation is completely voluntary. Wisconsin laws protect the confidentiality of the conversations in mediation, except in the case of child abuse or suspected imminent danger to one or both parties. Divorce ends a marriage but families are forever!
MEDIATION IS REPLACING COURT BATTLES AND BROKEN FAMILIES ARE DOING BETTER AS A RESULT!!!
Mediation… • • • • • • • •
4210 Southtowne Dr. Eau Claire, WI 715-514-3548 - www.sakuraskinspa.com
796233_1-23-16
Less expensive than litigation or arbitration. You are making decisions together as parents. No agreement is final until you approve it. It gives you a safe place to air your differences. It is confidential. It puts the decision making power in your hands instead of a third party’s hands. It is much quicker than litigation. The mediator is a neutral party assisting you in designing your life after divorce.
CHOICES MEDIATION FOR FAMILIES AND DIVORCE is a locally owned and operated mediation service on State Road 40 between Colfax and Elk Mound. Connie Falkner, B.S.W., Certified Mediator can be reached at (715)556-5965.
753177 9-14-14
Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
Her impressions 45
Relationships can bring out the best in people, especially when couples share similar interests and goals. But even the most solid relationships can be put to the test by those bumps in the road that everyone faces from time to time. Just as men and women must work to build strong physiques in the gym, they also must put forth effort to strengthen their relationships. People who aspire to strengthen communication with their partners and improve conflict resolution can benefit from a number of strategies.
Don’t expect a mind reader.
Do not wait for your partner to spell out how he or she is feeling, or you may never get to the root of a given issue. You must start the conversation before real change can begin. Find a time when you are both rested, well fed and not distracted by any other responsibilities. Allow your partner to express his or her feelings, and then explain your needs as well.
Curtail criticism and blaming. According to experts at The Family & Marriage Counseling DirectoryŽ, criticizing is the adult version of crying. It’s a method of relieving stress and showing distress. But inflicting pain on others will not get them to bend to your wishes.
Keep outside interests a priority. Your spouse, boyfriend
or girlfriend cannot provide for all of your needs. Expecting him or her to fill every role can lead to tension. Having outside friends, interests and a social network is a healthy idea. Just try to find a balance between that world and the world inside your home.
Spend quality time together.
As relationships evolve and jobs, children and other influences are mixed in, it can be challenging to find the time to spend with each other and no one else. Make this a priority, as
46 Leader-Telegram Winter 2016
how to improve relationships
Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
The HelpGuide.com team, a group of seasoned mental health professionals and writers, says time spent together is critical for your relationship. Without quality time your ability to communicate may begin to erode.
Laugh whenever possible. Try
Consider professional help.
Focus on being caring. Do nice things for your partner without requiring anything in return. Remember what your partner likes and begin doing those things again.
Seeking the advice of a counselor, whether a licensed social worker or physiologist, is not a sign of weakness. It just means you are willing to do whatever you need to foster a strong relationship. A therapist may suggest strategies you never thought of, which can be useful for growing closer and/ or resolving problems.
Her impressions
to put a positive spin on anything. Jokes and laughter (not snarkiness) can diffuse tense situations. Look to laughter as a way to bond with your partner.
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Leader-Telegram Winter 2016 Her impressions 47
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