Rinklefreefall2016 16pg

LIVING

Time For You

LIVING HEALTHIER INSIDE & OUT VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Actual Restylane Lyft patient. Individual results may vary.

Get UpL Up yfted Give patients a subtle, natural-looking lift with Restylane® LyftÑone filler that treats both their midface and facial wrinkles and folds.1 With lasting results and trusted Restylane safety,1 it's just the kind of lift they're looking for.

Learn more at www.RestylaneLyft.com Are you an ASPIRE Galderma Rewards practice? Visit ASPIREhcp.com.

Reference: 1. Restylane Lyft. Instructions for Use. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.; 2015.

Important Safety Information Indications: Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is indicated for implantation into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis for the correction of moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, and for subcutaneous to supraperiosteal implantation for cheek augmentation and correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21.

Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used by people with severe allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria, or by people with serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment.

This product should not be used by people with bleeding disorders and should not be injected anywhere except just under the skin. Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used in people with a known allergy to lidocaine.

The most common adverse events after initial treatment include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, headache, tenderness, and itching. Use at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. In these instances, product use could delay healing or make skin problems worse.

This product should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction, or embolic phenomena.

Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is available only through a licensed practitioner.

Complete Instructions for Use are available at www.RestylaneLyft.com.

© 2015 Galderma Laboratories, L.P. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MP-RES-00099 08/15

Welcome to Rinklefree Living, the official magazine of Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers, a new concept in the fields of plastic surgery and dermatology. As this is our first issue, I would like to explain the reasons behind the creation of the Centers and the magazine.

VOL. 1 - ISSUE 1 Publisher Blue Water Media LLC President Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers Dr. Robert J. Skalicky Art Director Sherilyn Kulesh / Kulesh Design Group Director of Sales Blair Johnson

The field of plastic surgery has continued to explode with new procedures, new devices, and new concepts, all geared at creating the “ideal” body image for each patient. As a board certified plastic surgeon that has been in practice over 25 years, I’ve noticed that the field of aesthetic and plastic surgery has fallen short in providing patients with one of the most necessary ingredients in the plastic surgery recipe, namely, education. The media is flooded with countless advertisements for countless numbers of procedures and devices, all of which claim to be the “fountain of youth” needed to restore youthful appearance. The truth of the matter is that it becomes very deceptive whether a particular procedure really lives up to its claim or whether or not a particular procedure is indicated in each patients’ treatment goals.

Rinklefree Staff Dr. Michael Shafran - Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ivy DeRosa - Dermatologist Kaitlyn Nelson - Physician Assistant Michelle Petrillo - Nurse Injector Nicole Ciasullo - Nurse Injector Lisa Rogge - Patient Care Coordinator Alayna D’Angelo - Patient Care Coordinator Barbara Hagan – Aesthetician

In Rinklefree Living, my hope is to provide expertise, education, and, above all, honesty regarding aesthetic patient care options. Each Rinklefree Center will be designed to address all areas of cosmetic surgery and dermatology. Each Center will be staffed by the finest surgeons, dermatologists, physician assistants, nurses, aestheticians, and patient care coordinators. Each staff member has been selected based on training, ability, and patient care skills. I truly feel that this combination will elevate plastic surgical and dermatologic care to a new level where patients know they are being treated with the highest level of care in an environment that is characterized by honesty and trust. Welcome to our family.

All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of Blue Water Media LLC. This magazine purpose is for information & entertainment only.

It is NOT an attempt to solicit business.

Designed In the United States 2016

Dr. Robert J. Skalicky 4 • RINKLEFREE LIVING •

Director of Marketing Susanna Koppany

BLUE WATER MEDIA, LLC 4 Gulph Mill Road Somers Point, NJ 08244 (609) 788-0443 info.bluewatermedia@gmail.com

Meet Your Rinklefree Aesthetics Physicians

Dr. Robert Skalicky

Dr. Robert Skalicky is one of the most highly respected plastic surgeons in the area having been in practice in the Bucks County area for over 25 years.

Board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Skalicky completed his undergraduate training at Franklin and Marshall College and LaSalle University prior to receiving his medical training and degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He then completed his plastic surgery training at multiple institutions including Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Westchester County Medical Center, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where he served as Chief Resident in plastic surgery. He later completed an MBA degree at Drexel University graduating summa cum laude. He is the President and founder of Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers and President of Bucks County Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Skalicky’s practice encompasses all areas of plastic surgery, both cosmetic and reconstructive including breast surgery, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, cancer reconstruction, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, brazilian butt lift, and hair transplantation. He has received multiple “best plastic surgeon” awards throughout his career and, in 1999, performed the world’s 1st live internet breast reconstruction to over 500,000 viewers.

Dr. Skalicky is noted not only for his artistry and skill, but also for his compassion and honesty with patients. His practice philosophy prioritizes patient education, physician honesty, and technical expertise to assure patient satisfaction throughout all phases of their aesthetic journey.

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Meet Your Rinklefree Aesthetics Physicians

Dr. Michael Shafran

Dr. Michael Shafran is a New York native, who graduated magna cum laude from the prestigious Hofstra University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and was elected into the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-medical honor society. He continued his medical education and graduated with distinction from NYCOM in Old Westbury, New York, where he refined his surgical studies while performing his clerkships within the North Shore – LIJ health system.

He then went on to complete a General Surgery residency in New York City where he had the privilege of rotating through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as well as NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He served as Chief Resident in his final year, responsible for the administrative duties and education of 15 junior surgeons as well as 100 medical students.

detail, precision and technical skill, combined with his desire to help people reach their desired aesthetic goals has earned him the respect and admiration of both his peers and patients.

Dr. Shafran is also a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. During his years of specialized training he was mentored by some of the finest plastic surgeons in Pennsylvania, and was affiliated with such teaching institutions as: Hahnemann University Hospital, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, St Mary’s Medical Center, Forrest Health Medical Center and the Reading Health System. Dr. Shafran’s areas of focus during his training included: breast reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery, trauma and maxillofacial surgery, hand and microvascular surgery, as well as facial, breast, and body aesthetic and cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Shafran stands out as a young, energetic plastic surgeon, characterized by his warmth and compassion for his patient’s needs. Dr Shafran’s attention to • RINKLEFREE LIVING •

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Meet Your Rinklefree Aesthetics Physicians

Dr. Ivy DeRosa

Dr. Ivy DeRosa

recently established her dermatology practice with Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers after completing the Beaumont Health Dermatology residency program of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), where she proudly served as Chief Resident.

Dr. DeRosa was born and raised on the South Shore of Long Island, New York and graduated in the top 10% of her class at Hofstra University with a B.A. in Biology.

She then attended and graduated with honors from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine where she discovered her passion for dermatology.

While in residency Dr. DeRosa gained extensive experience with Mohs and cutaneous surgery, skin cancer detection, dermatopathology, laser therapy for vascular and pigmented lesions, laser skin resurfacing, photo-aging, cosmetic fillers, skin biopsy and excisions, full-spectrum treatment for acne, psoriasis, eczema, disorders of the hair and nails, and pediatric skin conditions.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and is on the clinical faculty for Michigan State University.

She has lectured and presented her research on Follicular Mucinosis and Cutaneous Blastomycosis and is published in the medical journal Cutis for Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis with various articles and case studies on the history, diagnosis and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Dr. DeRosa believes in educating her patients to ensure they feel knowledgeable and confident in the treatment plan they build together. Her outgoing personality and caring nature have quickly built a loyal patient following that she brings to the Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers’ dermatology division.

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Shaping the Future New style cohesive gel implants give women the long term look and feel they desire

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reast enhancement procedures remain in the top 3 cosmetic surgery procedures performed annually. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 300,000 procedures were performed in the US in 2013. But while breast enhancement procedures continue to steadily increase, the desired look of the breast is changing somewhat among many women.

Now, rather than desiring the “overdone”, “overfilled” look of the breast, many women are requesting more natural, “softer” appearing breast contours. In many cases, breast “enlargement” procedures are more aptly termed breast “replacement” procedures where women are merely requesting replenishment of

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capsule contracture, a condition where implants can become firmer over the years. Dr. Skalicky explains that the clinical studies performed have shown that there is a 61% lower capsule contracture rate using the new shaped breast implants when compared to the standard round gel implants.

breast tissue lost through pregnancy, weight loss, or the aging process.

In order to answer this desire, implant companies have redesigned their cohesive gel implants with more anatomical lines and contours. According to Dr. Robert Skalicky, Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and President of Rinklefree Aesthetic Centers in, “The new shaped breast implants mirror a woman’s natural breast contour resulting in a more natural, “tapered” slope to the breast.”

In addition to giving a more natural slope to the breast, the new implants are filled with a highly cohesive gel that resists the rippling that is sometimes seen with other implant types. “Implant wrinkling in primary breast augmentation patients has been shown to be less than 1% over a 7 year study performed by the implant companies,” states Dr. Skalicky.

In addition to the aesthetic advantages for patients, the new implants also have been shown to be extremely safe. The highly cohesive nature of the gel prevents any problems with gel migration should the implant ever get damaged. The gel actually “sticks” together and does not leave the shell of the implant. Other advantages of using the new shaped implants include a reduction in

Aside from the implant studies, however, the true question remains. How happy are women with the results of the new shaped breast implants? Surveys taken from women with the new style implants have shown a 96% satisfaction rate with the shape, feel, and overall look of the breast. According to Dr. Skalicky, “The new shaped implants add one more tool for the plastic surgeon to have in his toolbox to treat women that truly want a softer look to their breast and fear the overly full look of the other implant types. While a shaped implant may not be for every woman seeking breast enlargement, it truly offers an alternative for the woman that wants the most natural look and feel of the breast or wants to simply replace volume that has been lost.”

So how do you know if these new implants are right for you? Well, like all cosmetic procedures, the first step is to obtain a consultation with a plastic surgeon skilled in the new implant type and learn about the advantages and differences between a shaped implant and the standard round gel implant. This process often includes discussions of breast and body contour, existing anatomy, and reviews of pictures of patients that have had breast augmentation with contoured implants. “Every cosmetic surgery decision by a patient should start with education” explains Dr. Skalicky. I actually encourage my patients to have multiple consultations with me before proceeding with their breast surgery. This process not only allows me to fine tune their expectations and desires, but also allows me to make sure they fully understand the procedure, alternative treatments, and long term expected outcomes.”

While cosmetic procedure options may seem limitless these days, competent, honest caring plastic surgeons may be in shorter supply. Find a surgeon you can trust to educate and guide you and your future may just “shape up” right before your eyes!

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FITNESS

FIRE UP Your Fitness Routine

By Nancy O’Brien

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ring out your inner temptress and get in shape at the same time. We found the latest ways to spice up your gym routine, boost confidence, and keep you on your toes in the bedroom.

Looking for a change in your usual toning classes? The newest fitness trends are ones that work your tricky spots while giving you a leg up (literally) with your sex life. See which class below fits your personality for a sleek, sculpted body.

Pole Dancing If you always wanted to secretly whip around a pole you can now check it off your bucket list. A beginner pole dancing fitness class will teach you a simple choreographed routine broken up over a month.

You’ll learn not only a routine, but some basic pole-fitness moves, such as different kind of spins, dismounts to the floor, and walking variations. The class gives you an upper-body workout and is great cardio because it’s continual movement. Not to mention, you’ll earn some extra brownie points at home with your new moves before getting busy.

Zumba A hybrid class of salsa, merengue, and cumbia popped into the mainstream fitness scene and few years ago, but since then has quickly become one of the most effective and fun ways to lose weight for all ages and genders. Expect to get a full-body workout from top to bottom — every muscle is being worked. Switch up the usual dinner and drinks date night and rope your guy to this class instead.

Bikram Yoga Whatever your fitness goals, Bikram hot yoga helps you achieve them faster – by speeding up your natural body processes. Bikram hot yoga is based on a fundamental scientific principle: that heat accelerates chemical reactions. And since your body runs on biochemical reactions, speeding them up produces results faster. But that’s only part of the story. You also achieve results faster because Bikram hot yoga works more than just parts of your body.

Unlike other exercise programs, its systematic sequence of postures and breathing exercises works every muscle, every joint, every tendon of your body – and your glands and nervous system as well.

Warning newcomers, a certain level of flexibility is required to excel at these classes, but if you are one who has been exercising for some time, and want to spice up your regimen, this might just be for you!

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SMART LIPO TRIPLEX BODY CONTOURING When dieting and exercise just aren’t enough!

How many times are we plagued by areas of fullness or sagging skin in our bodies that just don’t respond to diet and exercise?

Whether it is due to genetics, weight shifts, childbirth, or aging, most of us have at least one area of our body that we wish we could just make disappear with one sweep of a magic wand. Well now that magic has arrived and the magic act is called Smart Lipo Triplex. This new advance, performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Shafran at The Rinklefree Center of Bucks County Plastic Surgery allows patients to reduce areas of unwanted fatty deposits, reduce cellulite, and shrink skin; a combination result absent in all other forms of contour treatments. According to Dr. Shafran, “The advantages of Smart Lipo Triplex is that it gives superior results over all other fat removal modalities, including hospital procedures, through a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed with local anesthesia in the office setting.

The procedure works by directing a laser beam into the areas of unwanted fatty tissue and literally melting the fat cells resulting in contour corrections. The new design of the laser can also create new collagen growth and contract or shrink the surface skin at the same time.”

Smart Lipo Triplex is comprised of three separate components that are used in body contouring. The first is the Smart Lipo component used to reduce areas of fullness on the abdomen, back, bra fat, arms, thighs, and chest (men). The second is Cellulaze, a component using a side-firing laser to treat areas of cellulite on the legs and thighs. And the third is Precision TX, the best treatment for neck fullness and loose skin.

The beauty of this new treatment is that it is an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia giving results as good or better than hospital based procedures but without the hospital and anesthesia costs. Dr. Shafran explains. “I see this procedure as the long awaited answer for fat reduction and skin tightening in the office. Many patients desire office based procedures but want results superior to the present array of noninvasive fat removal treatments done through heating or freezing of the fat. This technique, while still performed in an office, has 36 • RINKLEFREE LIVING •

definite results that patients can clearly see in the mirror. It seems to be the missing piece to the body contouring puzzle. In addition, patients benefit from the skin contraction that the laser affords that is completely absent from all other fat removal options.”

The procedure is relatively simple to perform. The area of excess fat or loose skin is injected with a local anesthetic. Then a thin laser fiber is passed under the skin to literally melt and destroy the fat cells while contracting the skin. A short term compression garment is then worn to enhance the result.

Along with contouring changes and skin contraction, perhaps one of the best uses for the Triplex laser is in cellulite reduction. Cellulite is caused by fibers attached to the undersurface of the skin causing dimpling and rippling present over time from skin slippage or weight gain. The sidefiring laser of the Cellulaze fiber actually melts the fibers that cause the dimpling in the skin. This in turn allows release of the skin so normal contours can return. This procedure is most commonly used on the front and back of the thighs where cellulite is most visible. “Until now, cellulite was basically untreatable. Now, with Cellulaze, women have an answer to smoothing out areas that are dimpled from cellulite,” says Dr. Shafran.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the process of body contouring procedures is navigating through the vast array of devices on the market, with new ones appearing monthly, all claiming to be the best at what they do. With so many differing treatment options being advertised in the media for fat reduction, how does a patient know which procedure is right for them? Dr. Shafran sums up this problem in one word: education. He explains that body contouring procedures fall into 3 categories: non-invasive (Liposonix, Sculpsure, etc.), minimally invasive (Smart Lipo Triplex), and anesthesia/hospital based (full tumescent liposuction). The most important thing for a patient to decide is what level result they will be

happy with. Too often, patients select the easy, non-invasive technique but want the minimally invasive or invasive result. It is extremely important for a patient to understand the expected result of a procedure without being “overpromised” a result because the practitioner only has one device. “I’m happy that I can offer all options to a patient so I am unaffected by biases based on economic gain.”

With the new Smart Lipo Triplex technology, maybe unwanted fat can finally be made to magically disappear and make beautiful body contours more than just an illusion!

Dr. Shafran’s Rinklefree Centers are based in Newtown and Doylestown with other locations opening soon. Consultations can be made by calling the Center at 215-702-8600. He offers a wide array of services including facial, breast and body cosmetic procedures, as well as less invasive dermal injectable treatments. Procedures are performed daily including Saturdays.

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Dysport is a prescription injection for temporary improvement in the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults less than 65 years of age.

Important Safety Information What is the most important information you should know about Dysport? Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. These effects can cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. Symptoms of botulism can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children and adults treated for muscle spasms, particularly in those patients who have underlying medical conditions that could make these symptoms more likely. The toxic effects have been reported at doses similar to those used to treat muscle spasms in the neck. Lower doses, in both approved and unapproved uses, have also caused toxic effects. This includes treatment of children and adults for muscle spasms. These effects could make it unsafe for you to drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Do not have Dysport treatment if you: are allergic to Dysport or any of its ingredients (see the end of the Medication Guide for a list of ingredients), are allergic to cow’s milk protein, had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc® or Botox®, or have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

The dose of Dysport is not the same as the dose of any other botulinum toxin product. The dose of Dysport cannot be compared to the dose of any other botulinum toxin product you may have used.

Dysport may not be right for you if: you have surgical changes to your face, very weak muscles in the treatment area, your face looks very different from side to side, the injection site is inflamed, you have droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds, deep facial scars, thick oily skin, or if your wrinkles can’t be smoothed by spreading them apart. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have: a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome), allergies to any botulinum toxin product or had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past, a breathing problem (such as asthma or emphysema), swallowing problems, bleeding problems, diabetes, or a slow heart beat or other problem with your heart rate or rhythm, plans to have surgery, had surgery on your face, weakness of your forehead muscles (such as trouble raising your eyebrows), drooping eyelids, or any other change in the way your face normally looks. Patients with a disease that affects muscles and nerves who are treated with typical doses of Dysport may have a higher risk of serious side effects, including severe swallowing and breathing problems.

Human Albumin This product contains albumin taken from human plasma. Steps taken during donor screening and product manufacturing processes make the risk of spreading viral diseases extremely rare. In theory, there is also an extremely rare risk of contracting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). No cases of spread of viral diseases or CJD have ever been reported for albumin.

Just Holly.

The overdone look just isn’t me. That’s why I fight frown lines with Dysport.

Women who want a natural look choose Dysport ®. It’s proven to help smooth the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines that get in your way. And when 97% of users say they’d do it again,* you can trust Dysport to deliver natural-looking results. Don’t surrender to a look that’s not you. Take charge of your frown lines by asking for Dysport by name.

Dysportusa.com/FightFrownLines Actual Dysport user. Results unretouched. Results may vary.

Don’t freeze me Dysport me

*Dysport Challenge. Data on file, Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

Allergic Reaction to Injecting in the Skin It is not known if an allergic reaction can be caused by injecting Dysport into the skin.

The safety of treating excessive sweating with Dysport is not known. Common Side Effects The most common side effects are nose and throat irritation, headache, injection site pain, injection site skin reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, sinus inflammation, and nausea.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal and other natural products. Using Dysport with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines while taking Dysport without talking to your doctor first. Especially tell your doctor if you: have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months, have received injections of botulinum toxin, such as Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB) or Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) in the past (be sure your doctor knows exactly which product you received), have recently received an antibiotic by injection, take muscle relaxants, take an allergy or cold medicine, or take a sleep medicine. Use in Specific Populations Dysport should not be used in children or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if Dysport is right for you.

Please see important product information on the next page. For more information, talk to your doctor or call Galderma at 1-855-425-8722.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

© 2015 Galderma Laboratories, L.P. The Dysport trademark is used under license. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. MP-DYS-00038 10/15

NUTRITION

FALL In Love With Vegetables...

By Erika Ringwald

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his is one of my favorite times of the year.

I love when the air turns crisp, the leaves change colors, and the smell in the air is unmistakable. At this point in my life, fall means apple picking, pumpkin patches, and football. My menu also changes. This is when I think about comfort foods. Although these foods may be different to everyone, they will always fill you up and make you feel good. For me a weekend of socializing with family and friends, playing outside with my boys, and hearing football on the TV, is what makes me feel good. And the one food that ties all that together is chili!

Chili is a hearty, one-pot dish that can cook on it’s own in the slow cooker or can be thrown together rather quickly. Most importantly, it always feeds a crowd! Chili is a very versatile food for my lifestyle during this season. I also love that it can be filled with vegetables that my kids might not otherwise jump at, and it’s nutrient dense without blowing the calories out of the water. If chili is a meat-and-kidney-bean-dish that does nothing more than cause you indigestion, give this one a try!

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed, 1/2 cup liquid reserved 2 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes

Vegetarian Fall Chili

If you want to add a little more love to this dish, serve it over some barley or quinoa.

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 cups sweet potato, peeled and diced 2 cups chopped onions 1 2/3 cups coarsely chopped red bell peppers 2 cups chopped zucchini 6 garlic cloves, chopped 2 Tbsp chili powder 2 tsp dried oregano 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1-1 ½ tsp cocoa chili blend (I use McCormicks)

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.

Add onions, bell peppers, zucchini and garlic; sauté until onions soften, about 10 minutes. Mix in chili powder, oregano, cumin, and cocoa chili blend; stir 2 minutes. Mix in beans, 1/2 cup reserved bean liquid, diced tomatoes and sweet potatoes. Bring chili to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until flavors blend and chili thickens, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

This chili dish packs a nutritional punch. In this dish you are getting vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6, for starters. There is a boatload of fiber going on here as well as phytochemicals that have many different antioxidant properties. Even the spices offer nutrition, not just taste.

My favorite garnishes are a little sprinkle of sharp cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Erika Ringwald is a Registered Dietitian with Erika Ringwald Nutrition. She focuses on bridging the gaps between nutrition information and making it work within your lifestyle. Erika can be reached at erika@ erikaringwaldnutrition.com.

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4. Avoid difficult people. You know who they are. If you take a minute to think about it, you can identify all the people in your life — bosses, coworkers, customers, friends, family, etc. — who make your life more difficult.

5. Unscheduled. Create more open periods of time in your life. It’s not necessary to schedule every minute of our lives. Learn to keep wide open blocks of time where we either work on our important tasks or batch process the smaller ones.

Rinklefree Your Life Editing your life, and changing certain habits, you can eliminate most (not all) sources of stress in your life.

1. Eliminate unnecessary commitments. We all have many commitments in our life, starting with work but also including commitments related to kids, our spouses, things to do at home, other family, civic, side work, religious, hobbies, online activities and more. Consider each of them, the amount of stress they provide, and the value you get out of them and take steps today to remove the ones that stress you out the most.

2. Disorganization. We’re all disorganized to some extent. Even if we’ve organized something, and created a great system for keeping it that way, things tend to move towards chaos over time. Take time to get things in your life organized, starting with your desk and move on to other areas.

3. Late. Being late always stresses us out. We have to rush to get ready, rush to get there, and stress out the whole time about looking bad and being late. Learn the habit of being early, and this stress disappears.

Make a conscious effort to start getting ready earlier, and to leave earlier.

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6. Slow down. Instead of rushing through life, learn to take things slow. Enjoy your food, enjoy the people around you, enjoy nature. This step alone can save tons of stress.

7. Exercise. This is common advice for stress relief, and that’s because it works … but it’s also a stress prevention method. Exercising helps relieve the stress buildup, it gives you some quiet time to contemplate and relax, and just as importantly, it makes you more fit.

8. Eat healthy. This goes hand-in-hand with exercise as a stress prevention method, of course. Become healthier and a major source of stress will disappear.

9. Relax throughout the day. It’s important to take mini-breaks during your work day. Stop what you’re doing, massage your shoulders and neck and head and hands and arms, get up and stretch, walk around, drink some water. Go outside and appreciate the fresh air and the beautiful sky.

10. Be grateful. This might not be as obvious as some of the others, but developing an attitude of gratitude (I sound like a preacher with that rhyme!) is a way of thinking positive, eliminating negative thinking from your life, and thereby reducing stress. Learn to be grateful for what you have, for the people in your life, and see it as a gift.

With this sort of outlook on life, stress will go down and happiness will go up. That’s a winning formula.

AESTHETIC

CENTERS

Time For You

A New and Exciting Plastic Surgery Experience designed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robert Skalicky

Facial Rejuvenation Body Contouring Breast Enlargement Rhinoplasty

Hair Transplantation (Neograft) Botox/Dysport SculpSure

Juvederm/Restylane Skin Care

4920 York Road Buckingham, PA 18912 (215) 794-9900 Bucks County Plastic Surgery Center 104 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA 18940 (215) 702-8600