Lexington Woman Vol 10 No 2

VOL 10, NO 2

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

Six Berry Farm

A Family Menagerie Cayce, Chapin, Lexington, Irmo, Lake Murray, West Columbia, & White Knoll

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in this issue...

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Williams cw@woman2womanonline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Samples Duncan Carol Ryall Tracey Lease Ashby Jones Tim Loonam, DVM Cindy Johnson Hima Dalal Lydia Ramsey

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lisa Ashworth woman2womanlisa@gmail.com

From the Editor

18 The Cycle of a Woman’s Life (And Body)

Events

22 Tongue-Tie Release Treatment

Landscaping Tips

25 Working Towards Weight Loss with Lexington Medical Center

2

3

Our Commitment to You What’s Happening in Lexington?

4 Spring Landscaping

Professional 5

The Day That Changes Everything

6

Jean Perrin Derrick - Firmly Rooted in South Carolina

9

A Happy Home

Business & Web Directory 29 Contact our Advertisers

8

Let’s Talk

11 The Etiquette of Sympathy

Feature 12

Six Berry Farms - A Family Menagerie

Pets

15 Don’t Be ‘Bugged’ By Your Pets

Health & Wellness

PHOTOGRAPHY

Clark Berry Photography Timeless Expressions Photography K Blackwell Photography JMB Photography

14

INFORMATION

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Woman 2 Woman Media, LLC (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2014

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

1

From The Editor

This is our 10th volume which means it is Lexington Woman’s 10th Year Anniversary.

We will be having a very special anniversary issue later this year, and we need your help selecting which stories to feature. We will be taking submissions for your favorite story of everything we have run in the past 9 years. If you would like to send us a story or suggest someone who you think should be featured in Lexington Woman Magazine’s Anniversary Issue, please feel free to email me personally at loriduncan86@ gmail.com.

This publication is truly meant to simplify your life! It is our desire to bring to Lexington a “Best of the Best” right from the mouths of real women. Each of the businesses within these pages have made a personal commitment to you, “The Lexington Woman,” to conduct themselves in a way that would make you want to personally refer them, their products, services, or talents to your mother, sister, grandmother, best friend, or any other person in need of their expertise.

Celebrate, Motivate,

In our articles on individual Lexington women, we want to real women; to take a closer look at some of the women who are providing you with quality services and products.

and Educate

We will continue to bring to you services, products, and professionals who are dependable, customer-service-oriented businesses. Making Lexington Woman your premiere resource guide to assist you with the demands of everyday life is our goal.

We appreciate the support of our readers as well as our clients, and we would ask that you let our advertisers know you are simplifying your life with Lexington Woman!

We always want to hear your feedback, please email us or write to us about your own personal experience with our advertisers.

We look forward to finding new ways to make Lexington Woman more comprehensive and useful for you. If you would like to nominate a local business person for a featured article please email me at loriduncan86@gmail.

Sit back, and enjoy your complimentary copy of Lexington Woman.

God Bless and See you next time!

Your friend, If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

- Mary Engelbreit

Lori Samples Duncan 2

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Events Events

Happening

WHAT’S IN LEXINGTON? MARCH A Taste of Lake Murray Thursday, March 24, 2016 6:30 p.m.

Doubletree By Hilton

A Taste of Lake Murray is the sole fundraiser for the annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration on Lake Murray. This event was created to help raise the funds to produce this annual celebration, which includes a Boat Parade and several firework shows. This year we will be featuring Local Cuisines, Food Trucks, and Entertainment by The Mark Roberts Band.

This is a casual dress attire event. Tickets are on sale now for $60. Ticket includes entry into the event, food, beer, wine and specialty drinks. Go online or call (803)-781-5940 to purchase tickets. www.lakemurraycountry.com

EdVenture Spring Carnival Saturday, March 26 - 27, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

EdVenture Children’s Museum

Hop down the bunny trail to EdVenture Children’s Museum for an eggstra-special Spring Carnival on Saturday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and March 27 from 12:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Snap a picture with the Easter Bunny, participate in a BIG Easter egg hunt in the museum, jump like the Easter Bunny in a moon bounce, and enjoy face painting, art activities, snow cones, popcorn and carnival games! It will be a day of fun and learning for the entire family. Free with museum membership or admission. www.edventure.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL Bark to the Park Saturday, April 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Finlay Park

Bark to the Park is a fundraising event where all proceeds go to Pawmetto Lifeline to directly benefit homeless pets in the Midlands. Registration includes a t-shirt and entry to the after-party, and pet activities following the walk. Registration runs 9-10 a.m.; 1.5-mile walk starts at 10:30 a.m. www.barktothepark.com

Empower Run Saturday, April 16, 2016 8:00 a.m.

Irmo, SC

The ActsMetro Empower Run is an annual US Track & Field certified 5k and 10k run/walk held in Irmo, SC. The 10k starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8:15 a.m. Details will be announced online as they are finalized. Check out the course and register at their website. www.actsmetro.org/empower-run

Raw Truth Wellness Morning Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Saluda Shoals Park

Join us for the 5th annual Raw Truth Wellness Morning. This year’s theme is, “The Roots of Great Health” which zeroes in on the five avenues you can use – food, exercise, environment, protection, and mental attitude – to improve the overall quality of your life. www.liveagainonline.com

Kids Day of Lexington Saturday, April 30, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Virginia Hylton Park

Kid’s Day of Lexington is intended for the education of families on issues of health, safety and environmental awareness. The beneficiaries of this event are the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter and the Dickerson Center for Children. The mission of Kid’s Day of Lexington is to “create a better community by educating and caring for families with love, honesty and laughter”. April 30th, 2016 will mark the 16th anniversary of Kid’s Day! Come join us (and thousands more) for more learning, laughing, eating, entertainment, togetherness and a whole bunch of fun! www.lexingtonkidsday.com

MAY Pickin & Piggin’ Saturday, May 7, 2016 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saluda Shoals Park

Come to the world class barbeque cook-off & music celebration at Saluda Shoals Park! Savor the flavor of award winning “Q” from South Carolina’s best barbeque cookers while enjoying great live music from local bands! Barbeque tasting is from 11:00 a.m. til it runs out and music from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person/advance; $12 day of the event and $5 children 12 & under. www.icrc.net/pickin-piggin

March 19, 2016

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Landscaping Tips from S&S Landscape Service Lexington Woman’s Preferred Landscape Experts!

Spring is almost upon us and many of you are digging into the garage to find those yard tools that haven’t been touched since last growing season. If you’re wondering which spring yard jobs need to be tackled first, here are some tips from S&S Landscape Services for the early spring months.

Woody plants - Before your woody plants break their winter dormancy and as they begin to bud out, continue to prune tree and shrub branches that are winter damaged, diseased, weak, or dead.

Grass - If you have a warm season grass like Bermuda or Centipede, (If you’re not sure, look at your yard. Is it still mostly brown? If yes, you have a warm season grass) resist the urge to fertilize now. Wait until later this spring. For now, just remove winter debris and leaves to improve your lawns curb appeal. Its also time to trim your Monkey grass(Liriope) and Mondo grass. Trim them to 10cm! Finally, it may also be time to dethatch and/or aerate your lawn. If you’re not sure if this is necessary or don’t know how to do it, call us!

Flowers - Don’t forget to deadhead! Deadheading is the removal of flowers that have already bloomed. Specifically, deadhead Daffodils but don’t cut the leaves. They need their leaves to recharge the bulbs for next year. Deadhead those Pansies as they will bloom longer and better if you do.

Fertilizers - Fertilize established trees and shrubs with 10-10-10 or a high nitrogen fertilizer except for Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Camellias.

Fertilize Azaleas with a super phosphate like 0-20-0 to encourage blooming early in the season.

Always, if you’re unsure about tackling your yard work, or would just rather not, call S&S Landscaping at (803) 514 - 8275 for a free estimate.

Landscape

Services

4

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

The Day that Changes

Everything

As a senior advisor, I have seen many placement situations, some good, some challenging and some very sad. I have assisted those needing placement quickly after a fall, bad diagnosis or death of a spouse. Their plans may now be out the window or either there were no plans at all. Thinking and hoping that Medicare will be the answer to their medical needs is not wise or correct in most situations.

A crisis is not the best time to decide where you will spend the next part of your life. Even before a stressful event, many say, “I’m not ready.” Some think they will not have to make a plan or someone else will make it for them. Most don’t want to live with their children, but would like to be close to them. It appears that circumstances work best when the potential resident is part of the planning. When he/she becomes part of the decision making process, he/she will most likely be happier, as they express their most important wants and needs, and get them met.

Some seniors want to stay in their homes.

Many times the house may be their enemy and not their friend. Some may stay isolated in a home with many hazards, such as stairs, rugs, and maintenance issues. Medication management may be an issue, as well. Home alone, they will not eat as much as if they were eating with friends. Certainly, even if they have close neighbors and relatives, staying active is a challenge. Quality of life is an important consideration for those living at home.

A good planner looks at several comunities as well as home placement. They look at the rates, the amenities, the staff, resident satisfaction, etc. Many look at CCRCs- Continuing Care Retirement Communities- all levels of care are included in the community. This would include: independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled care and rehab. A CCRC would prevent multiple moves, as their health needs increase. Many accept Medicare in the skilled/rehab areas.

Families may want to get information and rates of several home care agencies.

There are medical and nonmedical home care agencies. Some families have had success with independent care givers, who may be less expensive. Words of caution here- have a background check, ask for several references and check them.

These are big decisions to let someone else make, even a loved one. It may be good to keep a file, look at websites, and ask friends and medical professionals to give recommendations for agencies as well as communities. Why take a chance?

Don’t’ have regrets about not planning sooner. Don’t wait to have the day that changes everything. Get informed. Start planning!

Cindy Johnson, MA, CSA Director of Marketing and Sales, The Columbia Presbyterian Community

Shannon plays for guests at the bar after a Sundaywww.lexingtonwomanonline.com tasting

5

Professional

By Carol A Ryall Photos By Jo Marie Brown Photography

Jean Perrin Derrick

FIRMLY ROOTED IN SOUTH C AROLINA

Attorney Jean Perrin Derrick is a true Southerner - a ninth generation South Carolinian who will tell you she lives her life by “Southern Values and Traditions”.

While her practice is in downtown Lexington, she and her husband, Ray, live between Irmo and Ballentine on land which was once part of Ray’s grandfather’s farm. They have one son, Trent Lowman Derrick. Following the Derrick family tradition of having one of a child’s names being Latin, Trent means “Rushing River” in Latin.

Both his middle and last name will be familiar to most in the Ballentine area. A graduate of the College of Charleston, he is an Investment Adviser in Charleston.

Fullwood and Perrin in Lexington and practiced there until 1985 when the partnership was dissolved. She has been in solo practice ever since.

Jean Derrick grew up in Greenville, SC where her father was involved in the textile industry.

She attended Furman University, graduating in

When Jean is not in her office or the courtroom, you will frequently find her “riding to the hounds”. She is the First Flight Field Master for the Belle Meade Hunt in Thomson, Georgia.

I love working in Lexington.

1974 and went on to the University Of South Carolina Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 1977. Ms. Derrick said she was drawn to law because she “didn’t want to be a teacher and I like to argue!”

While still in law school, she was fortunate enough to work for attorney Kermit King. She praised her mentor as being, “a very intelligent, interesting man. He can be very persuasive and forceful. He allowed me to be involved in several high profile cases while I was there. I learned so much and got to meet many of the prominent lawyers and lawmakers of the time in his office. It was an incomparable addition to my education.”

She started her law practice as an associate in Kermit King’s Columbia law office. In 1980 she joined the partnership of Rogers, Duncan,

6

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

She stated that her practice includes a lot of personal injury and family law cases, among others. Her clients range from individuals whose back-country Lexington homes are so isolated that their language still carries Elizabethan overtones to high-powered Washington lobbyists and everyone in between.

Andrews Road at Ashland Methodist Church.)

They donated the building to the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation and are renovating the building within that organization’s guidelines.

“Danny Cannon, our contractor, has done a marvelous job on it and we are almost finished,” Ms. Derrick commented. “When complete, it will be available for rent as a truly unique office space in a very convenient location.” She invited anyone interested to stop by and see what they have done.

“I love working in Lexington,” she continued.

“I can walk almost everywhere I need to go; there’s almost no crime; the people are friendly, courteous and considerate- typical Southerners.

It’s just a great place.”

If you or your family has need of an attorney, give Jean Perrin Derrick’s office a call today at (803) 359-6189.

Traditionally they would be hunting foxes, but she said that nowadays they most frequently pursue coyotes.” The land at Belle Meade is beautiful and we have permission to ride over almost 35,000 acres. Following a pack in full cry through fields and forests, jumping coops and fences on a big, beautiful horse is a tremendous change of pace from a law office,” she observed.

History being another one of her passions, another project which has kept her busy is the 1790 Coogler-Meetze two story log cabin which she and co-owner Bill Gorski have moved behind their office at 205 W. Main Street in Lexington. (It was previously on St.

Real Women

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Landscape Services 8

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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Real Women

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Professional

A Happy Home

By Tracey Lease Photo By Jo Marie Brown Photography

Lisa Price has been caring for the “Greatest Generation” for quite a few years. She took on the responsibility for the care of her grandparents for over 12 years. Then her husband’s family faced the same challenges of finding the right care solutions for his parents. “During this time, I became very aware of the struggles many families face when trying to find the best care options for their loved ones. Being able to care for my Grandparents was an honor and a privilege; and a natural extension of my love for them…I understand first-hand the kinds of concerns that many families face. I feel a connection to people and I want to take my experience and use it to help families who are doing the very best they can.” irstLight HomeCare of Columbia helps to do just that.

Many families in this generation are caring for their own children as well as having to care for their parents.

This can be a stressful situation. Lisa’s company, FirstLight HomeCare, is here to take some of that stress away from family members.

In looking over FirstLight HomeCare’s webpage, www.Columbia.

Firstlighthomecare.com, I saw many benefits listed. Of course, you can hire a health care professional through them. I was surprised by things I hadn’t thought of before, such as a companion – someone who can visit, cook, run errands, do light housekeeping, or take care of mail and scheduling appointments.

These are all little things that can be done to assist a senior, a young person recovering from a hospital stay or even a new mother that just needs a little help!

According to Lisa, one of the things that distinguishes her agency from others is their Culture of Care Promise. This means that, “At FirstLight HomeCare, the genuine health and well-being of others is our greatest concern. We vow to provide first-class personal service for our clients so that they may enjoy warmth, independence and relaxed comfort in their own home or any setting.” She also mentioned several other distinguishing factors: Client Care Access, ClientFirst, 7 Touch Points, and Client Satisfaction Surveys. She lists the latter as important because, “[We like] to gather feedback from clients and families to learn where we are

successful and where we need to improve.”

Lisa and her husband, Chris, have a successful 30 year marriage, and three children – Taylor, Courtney and Will – to attest to that. She graduated from USC with a BS in Economics and they now reside in Lexington. Since Lisa is the owner of FirstLight HomeCare, her business does demand a lot of her time, but her family means everything to her and she loves to spend time with them, especially on the lake.

to only consider companies that are licensed through DHEC. All of Lisa’s caregivers are her employees (not contractors) and are bonded.

They go through extensive training, drug testing, and SLED background checks before they are hired.

Lisa’s favorite quote is from Carl W. Buechner: “They may forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.” She

says, “We know your first priority when choosing a home care provider is finding someone you can trust and rely on… someone who will care for your loved one as you would, and as we would our own.

We’ve been where you are, and this is one of the main reasons we chose to be in this business.” Thank you, Lisa and staff, for being there and giving us peace of mind when we will need it most.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE. EXCEPTIONAL CARE.

Volunteering is important to Lisa; she has participated in various activities including The Lexington Race Against Hunger which supports LICS, the Palmetto Health Breast Cancer Walk, and the Alzheimer’s Walk. She also mentioned that for more than 10 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels – what an amazing way to spend time giving back!

Now she is helping to give back to her community. FirstLight’s motto is “Home care is not a career, it’s a calling.” The process of getting care for your loved one can be taken care of pretty quickly – usually within 48 hours. Lisa sets up a time to meet with a prospective client, and together they formulate a Client Service Plan. She does have advice for those who are searching for a home care agency. “I would tell a prospective client to include their loved one in the decision process.

Evaluate what is important to them.

Keep in mind that the goal is to keep them safe and independent in their own home.” She also warns

Let our family help your family.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

The Etiquette of Sympathy

What to do When Someone You Know Suffers a Loss

by Lydia Ramsey

O

n a beautiful spring day I was driving home after welcoming my first grandchild into the world. Little Samuel Carroll Niles was whole and healthy, and life was good – almost. My husband had suffered a serious fall in October and was unable to accompany me. He seemed to be recovering, but I was still concerned about him.

I was nearly home when my cell phone rang.

The call was from a friend who had stopped by to visit Hank and became alarmed when there was no response. I drove into my driveway with the lights of the EMS truck flashing in my rear view mirror. I lost my warm, wonderful, gentle husband. Within a three-week period, I became a grandmother and a widow.

As I attempted to get back to life “as normal,” I found that grief had its own timetable. When I was able to write again, I decided that I needed to address this issue that confronts everyone at some point, personally and professionally. It is often difficult to know what to say or do when a death occurs. I want to share what I have learned that may help when someone you know—a client, a colleague, a coworker or a friend—loses a loved one.

It is important to do something. Many of us are so uncomfortable with death that we don’t do anything at all—afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.

Attend the funeral or the memorial service if you can.Your presence offers inestimable support.

Even if you can’t speak directly to the family members, you can sign the book that they will look at over and over again and they will know you cared enough to be there.

Write a note as soon as you can. Personal notes of condolence are a source of great comfort—more than you can imagine. I was moved by the ways people expressed their sympathy.

There were those who simply spoke of their sincere sorrow for my loss.There were those who described what Hank had meant to them personally. Others wrote about the character and personality of the special person I had lost. I was grateful for each and every one.

Commercial sympathy cards are equally cherished. It was clear to me that the commercial cards I received had been carefully chosen. Each one came with an additional sentence or two written by the sender. Be sure you take the time to add a short personal note. Send flowers unless the family specifies otherwise. Send them to the family, the funeral home, the church or the gravesite. Flowers add warmth and are visual reminders of the support of friends. Flowers and personal gifts continued to arrive weeks later to confirm that neither my pain nor I had been forgotten.

Take food and other items for daily living to the house.The last thing the grieving family can think about is grocery shopping and meal preparation.

A thoughtful neighbor called mAe and said, “I am going to the grocery store. What do you need?”

My response was a baffled, “I have no idea.”This kind, generous person filled her car with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to paper towels and toilet tissue. She even included pet food for the four-legged members of the family.

Make a contribution to the charities indicated by the family. Honor the wishes of the deceased. Give to the causes they chose unless the obituary states that contributions should be made to the donor’s favorite charity. If you missed the funeral notice and don’t have that information, call the funeral home.They will have a record.

Be specific when you offer to help. Most people say, “If there is anything you need, call.” While their intentions were genuine, I didn’t always know what I could ask certain people to do. When our assistant rector uttered those words, my face must have flashed back a message that said, “Like what?” because he immediately followed with a verbal list of all things I could call on him or other church members to do. One neighbor offered to walk the dog. Another pro-

Lydia Ramsey claimed to be handy with household repairs if anything broke down or stopped working. Someone else volunteered to pick up family members from the airport. Once people were clear on what they could do, I knew where to turn without hesitation for what I needed.

Make a note of the date of the death. Honor the anniversary with a note or a phone call that says you haven’t forgotten.

Any gesture you make is comforting. A simple word, a hug, a phone call, a card or an offer to run an errand are just a few ways to express your sympathy.

Keep in mind that great authors, poets and thinkers have written for centuries about grief and loss, searching for just the right words to console themselves or someone else. When all is said and done, there are no words. Sometimes the best you can offer are the words, “I’m sorry.”

I hope that what I have learned first hand will help you to reach out with confidence and ease the next time someone close to you suffers a loss.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of Manners That Sell – Adding The Polish That Builds Profits. For more information about her programs, products and services, visit her web site www.mannersthatsell.com. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

11

Let’s Talk

Six Berry Farm

By Tracey Lease Photos By Clark Berry Photography

A Family Menagerie

Horses, goats and chickens, oh, my! When I was assigned this article for Becki, I thought it was going to be a sweet article about a professional photography business that is run by a husband and wife team, and they live on a little farm in Gilbert. But it is so much more!

I have had the pleasure of getting to know – and quite frankly, love – Becki and Clark Berry.

(I just might be a little jealous, but don’t let that get out!) My husband has been trying to convince me to move out to the country and start a farm. I honestly have no clue of how to do any of it. I can learn, sure, but the thought of that much responsibility is, quite frankly, intimidating. I am a busy woman with four kids.

Where would I find the time?

Becki Berry is a busy woman. She runs a photography business, Clark Berry Photography, with her husband. His name is Clark, but I bet you guessed that! She is also on a very tight schedule raising her four children, five horses,

several goats, chickens with their baby chicks, and of course, dogs. I believe she also mentioned something about a miniature horse/ unicorn? But, more about that later!

Becki, Clark, their children and all their “critters” own Six Berry Farm in Gilbert. It took a few years to finally settle on a place after having outgrown properties in both Lexington and Winnsboro. In Lexington, they had three dogs and boarded a horse nearby. Then in Winnsboro, they added a horse and chickens.

Then three more horses. And a mule. And more chickens. That’s when they decided they needed to get a house in the country with lots of acreage. They found the perfect place

in Gilbert. “I joke that when you find a house that will hold your family of six and property with enough fencing to hold all of your critters, you buy it. It immediately felt like home.” Becki and Clark’s children - Katie (19), Lindsey (17), Caroline (14), and Jonathan (12) – all help to run the farm. “All of the kids helped us decide which animals would be theirs to take care of. Lindsey works with and trains the horses, Caroline raises goats and chickens, and Jonathan helps with farm work and the chickens.

(We no longer have the mule.) Clark and I, of course, oversee it all and take care of things like fences, new pens, maintenance, getting hay, etc. It has been a wonderful change for us all and we love sharing our farm with others.”

Again, I must say that I am a little jealous!

Becki and Clark celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in February. As you can guess, they spend much of their family time with the farm, but they also have their photography business. “We strive to balance it all – family, work and the farm,” Becki says, “but sometimes, we need some help. That’s when we get the opportunity to ask the grandparents to take a child (or a horse!) to an event!”

“Clark Berry Photography has been in business for 15 years. For weddings, we offer two full time photographers that work independently from one another. For portraits, we offer experience in classic posing and lighting that will stand the test of time. We often say our sessions are “painless” because we strive to make our clients comfortable during the entire session and get images that they and their families will treasure.” She mentioned to me that

12

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Feature a dozen chicks for her Agricultural Science project! Wow!

most adults are slightly nervous initially when coming in to be photographed, and she and Clark strive to put those that are anxious back to ease. They also provide great headshots and corporate photography done on location to save time and money for business owners and employees.

Becki says, “We love creating one of a kind portrait sessions for our clients. It is so rewarding to deliver custom portraits for clients to enjoy in their homes and to have for future generations to enjoy. It really is an investment that only grows in value over time.”

Since I know next to nothing about photography, I asked Becki’s advice to make a “shoot” go smoothly. Her job is a photographer and digital artist, so she knows her stuff. She said to just “remember that we are working for you and our goal is to make you comfortable during the session and create images that you will love!”

Much of Clark Berry Photography’s work is seasonal, so Becki does recommend that if you are booking a wedding photographer, try to book 12 months in advance. For portrait and corporate work, she can fit you in their schedule with several weeks’ notice. Check out some of their work on Facebook and Instagram!

Speaking of fitting into their schedules, I asked Becki how she fits it all in. Does she have a flexible schedule? “It is flexible, in that we control when we fill [our photography] schedule.

In the busy times, that can be harder to juggle, but we always strive for a great balance.” The farm, at times, is unpredictable, I assume. In looking at the Facebook page, Six Berry Farm, as well as Instagram (sixberryfarm), there are new “critters” being born all over the place – and they are so stinkin’ cute! (Oops, jealousy popping out again – sorry!) Becki mentioned that at last count, they feed 102 animals – but maybe a few more since Lindsey just added

“If you have something special to offer someone that not everyone can give them, or if you help someone who has nothing to offer you in return, that’s how we can give back. I have also taught my children to always seek God’s will in everything. He is the one who makes everything possible.” Maybe His hand was on Becki’s whole family through the last several years – from moving three times to keeping the Clark Berry Photography business going, and now, something Becki just lights up about! “We love it when our photography business and our farm life collide! We now offer sessions on our farm - family sessions, spring portraits with baby goats and chicks and also sessions with our miniature horse/unicorn, Beau.” (See? I told you I would bring him back up!) My youngest daughter, Rachel, would be so jealous – she has always wanted a unicorn!

Maybe I will have to take her to the Midlands Farm Tour on May 21st to visit. Or better yet, I’ll make an appointment to take her out to Six Berry Farm so she can meet him in person!

Maybe I’ll enjoy the tour, too, and learn a little bit about farming.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Pets

Don’t Be ‘Bugged’

By Your Pets

By Tim Loonam DVM Photo By Clark Berry

W

hen we think of parasites affecting humans, images of children with swollen bellies living in filthy conditions in foreign countries come to mind.We’re blessed in the USA with clean water sources and safe food processing and handling in our food industry, which prevent most human parasite infections.

Our pets, however, are frequently not as discriminating on what they eat and where they drink water.

They’re also more susceptible to biting insects that can carry parasites and are more likely to come in contact with wild animals, a frequent reservoir of parasitic diseases. Zoonotic infections are diseases passed between humans and animals, and parasitic diseases still top that list.

I see hookworm, roundworm, and protozoan infections such as Giardia daily in my veterinary practice and all of these are potentially zoonotic.

Here are some recommendations to help protect your pet and you from parasites.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) are both groups of top physicians, veterinarians, and researchers who track zoonotic parasitic diseases. The CDC and CAPC strongly support pet ownership since pets provide many benefits to humans including comfort and companionship. Our pets require parasite prevention tailored to their individual needs and lifestyle with their owners. Does your pet hunt or travel with you? Does your pet roam outside in the woods and have contact with wild or stray animals? Do you board your pet or take them to a groomer? Also, your family’s health issues need to be considered. Some people are more susceptible to certain zoonotic and parasitic infections.

detected by finding parasite eggs or larva with a microscope. Also clients tell me their pet is 100% indoor-only or only goes outside on a leash. What they don’t realize is insects such as beetles and ‘palmetto bugs’ and even small lizards that get into our homes at night can be carriers of parasites for our pets.

Parasitic infections in your pets are easily preventable at minimal expense with help from your Lexington area veterinarian. All year long, every pet, whether kept indoors or outdoors should receive a broad spectrum parasite dewormer effective against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks. All puppies and kittens should receive intestinal parasite dewormer every two weeks until they begin their heartworm prevention, and pregnant and nursing dogs and cats need an appropriate dewormer until their litters are weaned.

In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle with your family and pets the CDC and the CAPC recommend: • Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw diets) and provide fresh, clean water.

• Cover your children’s sandboxes when not in use and protect garden areas from fecal contamination.

• Pick up feces immediately when ever walking a dog in a public area; remove feces from the backyard environment daily.

• Keep dogs and cats under control; do not allow roaming.

• Practice good personal hygiene when handling animal waste, particularly important for children and other individuals at increased risk.

• Spay or neuter all pets that are not intended for breeding.

For more information about parasites in your pets visit the CAPC’s website at www.capcvet. org. Pet owners’ concerns about human illness should be directed to their physicians. For additional information, refer to the CDC at www. cdc.gov/healthypets.

Include your veterinarian in risk assessment discussions with your doctor if you or a family member is at risk such as: • People undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (chemotherapy, organ transplant or autoimmune patients) • People with diabetes or advanced liver disease • Pregnant women, infants and young children, and the elderly • People with HIV infection Clients will frequently tell me they know their pets don’t have parasites because they never see anything in their pet’s stool. Many parasites such as Giardia are single-cell organisms and require a microscope for detection. Other ‘worms’ are rarely seen in the feces, and again, are only

Dr. Loonam at Grace Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Health & Wellness

THE CYCLE OF A

Woman’s LIFE (AND BODY)

By Tracey Lease / Photos By K Blackwell Photography

I am the first one to admit that I am not in the best shape. I am in my mid-forties, I walk three or four days a week and I generally think that if I need to, I can run if I am being chased by something. For about 54 seconds. Then, who knows?

Tina Wilkerson But, seriously folks, I had the most interesting and surprising interview with Tina Wilkerson from Elite Personal Training Studio in Irmo. I know, just like most of you, that I can’t just diet to lose weight and feel better. I also know that I can’t just exercise to lose weight and feel better.

But what Tina compelled me to consider is that I also can’t just lose weight to feel better. As she says, “You have to feel better to feel better.” And, now that I think about it that way, it does start to make sense.

Tina explained it to me, because I was a little confused. “Your body, mind and soul are connected. Your health is a dynamic thing – there are multiple factors that go into it. There is no formula to good health and well-being…it is never as simple as “calories in/calories out.”

I wanted to understand more about the approach that Tina takes with her clients, so I read her testimony on her website, www.elitepersonaltrainingstudio.com ; I wanted to know why she does what she 18

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

does. To paraphrase, 15 years ago, shortly after the birth of her daughter, she was plagued with headaches, back pain, low energy; what she calls a poor quality of “feel-good factor.” A clean bill of health from her doctor meant other factors had to be considered. Thus began a lifelong journey of learning how to be kind to her body, so it would be kind to her. She now has a variety of degrees and certifications, including: Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Weight Loss Specialist, and Living Well Coach and Trainer.

While Tina offers fitness programs for both men and women, she particularly enjoys working with women whom she knows will need more than just an exercise program. She loves to use her professional skills and her personal fitness journey to help women look, feel, and be better.

“I offer as much or as little of my experience and expertise as my clients want and need. I address the basics for proper

Real Women

body mechanics and appropriate exercise program design. I also address emotional readiness, behavior modification and thought patterns that dictate the ability of a client to reach their goals.”

Tina also emphasizes the real effect that other factors, such as quality of sleep, digestion, colon function, hormonal imbalances and stress will have on a client’s ability to feel, look, and be well. “I want to help people have whole-body health and wellness; to move better, feel better, age better. And exercise is just one of the many components to a high-quality “feelgood factor.” And, this is the part Tina is most excited about.

She told me she wants to get women out of the negative brain/body loop; “I’m depressed, so I don’t feel well and I don’t feel well, so I’m depressed”. Examples of this negative looping include hormonal/ emotional changes, chronic backaches or migraines. Tina puts it this way, “Your body hears everything your brain says; emotional pain often influences physical pain,

Health & Wellness and the other way around. Most women deal with several problems at the same time, so all things have to be considered.

A woman’s age, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, stress, inflammation in the gut, a sluggish colon or unstable blood sugar – these are all factors that affect how a woman will feel, and be, and move.

And these are not issues that exercise alone can improve. “ Tina’s mantra is to “Build a body that cooperates with the person you want to be.” She says, “If you want to be happy, you have to have a happy body; and if you want to have a happy body, you have to be happy. “ To help potential clients establish and reach these goals, she offers a free consultation that includes a postural and movement screening, appropriate goal-setting and behavioral and thought-modification exercises. She offers a 30-Day Personal Training Experience that allows potential clients to try her services for only $59. “My services are comprehensive and personalized, because not everyone’s body is the same; and not everyone’s brain is the same.”

One of Tina’s proud moments was being chosen as a guest speaker for the upcoming Annual Raw Truth Wellness

Morning on April 23, at Saluda Shoals State Park. This community event will focus on “The Roots of Great Health” and will feature speakers, vendors, and encouraging testimonials. Tina will speak about her personal journey and how she can help others identify and address the many factors that affect long-term health and wellness. “Our bodies were made to move, replenish and to repair; we have an amazing ability to heal and thrive. But as women, and especially as we age, we have to be really smart about how we manage ourselves…we have to take everything into consideration.”

Build a body that cooperates with the person you want to be.

With all of the knowledge that Tina wishes to share, she still remains humble. Her prayer as she interacts with other women is, “God, please let me give this woman the help she needs.” It was a pleasure to get to know Tina and I wish her the best of luck on April 23rd at the Raw Truth Wellness Morning.

Learn more about Tina’s services by calling 803-749-4279, or by visiting her website at www.elitepersonaltrainingstudio.com. To learn more about Tina’s participation with the The Raw Truth Wellness Morning, visit www.aliveagainonline.com.

Lindsey Dellinger – Certified Personal Trainer www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Health & Wellness

TongueTie Release Treatment Using Occupational Therapy along with Complementary Therapy to treat Tongue Tie

By Hima Dalal Hima Dalal works with patient recovering from tongue-tie release surgery to alleviate migraine headaches.

The image that comes to mind when one says “tongue-tied,” is that of someone stammering or at a loss for words.

However, in a medical sense, that is not the case at all. This medical diagnosis, also known as ankyloglossia, is fairly common, affecting 16% of babies in 2002 according to www.tonguetie.net, yet it is commonly overlooked. In children, the symptoms may be more obvious, but once matured, symptoms can present themselves inconspicuously in the form of secondary symptoms such as migraine headaches.

Tongue-tie occurs when the string of tissue underneath a baby’s tongue, which attaches the tongue to the foot of the mouth, is too short. This condition makes it extremely hard for babies to perform elementary functions such as feeding or sucking. As one could imagine, depriving a baby of these basic functions and needs can delay growth. While the condition is painful to the child, causing excessive crying and lack of sleep, it is also common for the mother to experience pain while breastfeeding. Since sucking is difficult for tongue-tie babies, feeding time is prolonged which causes stress on the nipple of the mother. In severe cases, tongue-tied babies become malnourished due to their inability to feed.

22

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

While it is a relatively common condition, many people are unaware that it can be treated. Hima Dalal, owner of Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center, works with patients of all ages who are currently suffering with tongue-tie or those who have residual symptoms from a previous tongue-tie. Hima is currently working with many patients whose cases are all related to tongue-tie issues, but yet unique.

The youngest tongue-tie patient at Vital Energy is William. He is only three months old. After receiving the frenectomy shortly after birth, William is doing much better than before the surgery. He has been doing much better with feeding since the release and his therapy at Vital Energy. Torticollis, stiffness in the neck due to overextension, is common in children like William who suffer from tongue-tie because they have problems breastfeeding. This leads to weak abdominal muscles which can cause major delays in normal milestones such as rolling from the back to the tummy and vice versa as well as poor head control.

While a frenectomy, a surgical procedure in which the frenulum is released, is needed to treat the condition, therapy is also necessary in order to achieve optimal results. In some cases, the tongue can revert back to the original tongue-tied state, which is why it is extremely important to continue treatment after the initial surgery. Myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, intra-oral therapy, and palate release are among many of the services offered at Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center that can help increase quality of life among DIAGRAM FROM MAYOCLINIC.ORG tongue-tie patients.

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HealthProfessional & Wellness While complications are more prevalent in babies, if left untreated, tongue-tie can continue to cause growth delays. Sofia, a 16-year-old patient at Vital Energy, has only been getting treatment for about a month but has felt a huge difference. Swallowing is much easier, and her tongue doesn’t feel as “stuck” as it had in the past.

Her stuttering has also improved significantly.

Occupational Therapist Hima Dalal works with 16 year-old patient on mouth and jaw stretching exercises to improve speech.

In another example, 33-year-old Abigail has suffered from migraines since age 9. She stated, “I didn’t know that there was a problem with my tongue because that’s all I’ve ever known.” Abigail also had tongue-tie release surgery last year and has been coming to Vital Energy for occupational therapy services for three months. “It hasn’t been an immediate change but over the past few months, my quality of life has increased dramatically since I started visiting Mrs. Hima”. According to the patient, the range of motion of her tongue was constricted before but has loosened up tremendously since the surgery and therapy regimen.

No matter your age or how long you might have lived with a symptom, there may be hope yet for relief at Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center. Common symptoms in adults where tongue-tie is the underlying cause are migraines, neck pain and stiffness, jaw pain, or stuttering. Mrs. Hima says, “It can never hurt to come for an initial evaluation to see if a past tongue-tie could be the underlying cause of your problems. Most times, these services are covered by major insurance companies and could be very affordable for the patient. Our staff at Vital Energy will check your benefits and do the best they can to ensure your treatment is covered.”

Hima Dalal works with infant patient on abdominal strengthening to allow improved feeding.

For more information on Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center, please visit www.vitalenergytherapy.com.

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Health & Wellness

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Health & Wellness

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Orbera in the Stomach

to finally lose weight.

Doctors place Orbera in the stomach through a simple, non-surgical, outpatient procedure completed under sedation. There is no incision and patients can go home the same day. In fact, the FDA-approved procedure only takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Orbera is a tool that will remain in place for six months. During that time, patients receive comprehensive education from clinicians and dietitians at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center about healthy eating, including information about nutritious foods, portion size and meal planning. They are monitored on a routine basis.

“About 60 percent of the United States population is a candidate for this procedure – because they need to lose between 25 and 60 pounds,” said Dr. Antonetti. “Our goal is to reach out to teach people about appropriate nutrition and prevent them from becoming morbidly obese.”

In addition to making patients feel full and causing weight loss, Orbera will condition patients to eat smaller meals and require less food. After six months, the balloon is removed.

By that time, patients have estab-

Dr. Marc Antonetti, MD, FACS, surgeon with the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center

lished healthy lifestyle choices to continue to lose weight and keep it off.

Losing weight is important for cardiovascular and overall health.

People who are overweight or obese often have health problems that increase the risk for hear t disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. In addition, excess weight may cause changes in your hear t that make it work harder to send blood to all the cells in your body.

Losing weight can lower your chances of developing heart disease by improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood flow.

There are many options available at Lexington Medical Center.

For more information about Orbera, visit SCObesity.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

25

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1001389.1

Tickets On Sale Now! APR. 13 – 17

COLONIAL LIFE ARENA 336315

Buy Tickets: ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 Lexington Medical Center Box Office at Colonial Life Arena

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Getting in shape for Spring!

• Spring is all about color, so take advantage of colorful fruits and vegetables.

• Rethink your workout.Take a break from the gym and use the warmer weather as motivation to exercise outside.You’ll also gain your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun!

• As further motivation for working out, buy a new workout wardrobe. Lose the sweat pants from winter, and show off the new body you’re working towards.

• Take time to clear your mind. Use the warmer weather for outdoors yoga or meditation.

• Use your lunch breaks to their fullest potential by walking around your workplace. Both slow and fast walks will increase weight loss.

Saturday, May 14, 2016 Friday Night Mile (May 13) • Half Marathon Race 5K Run & 5K Walk • Kids’ Fun Run

New Date, New Course and New Era • 44th annual event • RRCA Regional Championship event • Oldest, continuously conducted road race events in the Southeast

Register online at 30

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