Women's Inc. - 07/2016 by Log Cabin Democrat

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. J U LY 2 0 1 6

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE FAULKNER COUNTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWEST FARM FAMILY

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WINC.

CONTENTS

J U LY 2 016 WOM EN ’ S IN C .

Publisher Jeff Hartley Editor Lori Quinn

Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Detra Clark Marisa Hicks Colleen Holt Nancy Jackson Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Jenny Strange Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham

DOWN ON THE FARM

SOS Tiny Farm in Springhill a family affair

‘STAYING ALIVE’

An advocate for a healthy lifestyle

30 pocket gardens

Cropping up at the Village at Hendrix

happy feet

Shoe shopping at The Sporty Runner

Advertising Coordinator Molly May Advertising Sales Executives Sarah Allen Tara Mallett Lisa Licht Advertising Artists Jay Prince Lauren Morgenstern Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments? Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: loriquinn@conwaycorp.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 • www.womensinc.net

food

The taste of easy

imatter

Tyaris Warren is a step ahead

columns 21. health

38. book review

35. arts

40. spiritual

Fit bodies, sharp brains and ‘Baby Boomers’ by David Smith

July calendar of events by Jennie Strange

Medicine and What Matters in the End Susan O’Keefe review

A Good Shepherd by Andrea Lennon WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

cover stor y

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‘south of sane’

Down here on the farm SOS Tiny Farm in Springhill is a family affair By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Ever wished you could access locally grown produce on a regular basis? Want to make sure it is certified organic? Look no further; SOS Tiny Farm is up and running and can provide both! The farm is located in Springhill, just off of Highway 65. While the farm’s total acreage is 16, currently around two to three acres are under cultivation. SOS Tiny Farm is largely a family affair, run by Austin Yockey, President/Co-Farm Manager; Katy Lydon, Co-Farm Manager; Hannah Dorsey, Vice President/Social Media Head; Russell Dorsey, Treasurer; Beth Yockey, Flower Garden Coordinator; and Robert Yockey, CTO “Chief Tractor Operator.” Austin devised the name, which affectionately stands for “South Of Sane,” one evening over dinner with the family. “I thought it was catchy and adequately described my crazy decision to move back down south from New York City to start a farm with my family. In a nutshell, the farm is our family’s retirement plan of sorts. It’s what my parents want to be doing (homesteading and such). I view it as a place that will always be there for the family, and we’ve planned out the farm to be just that, with a fusion of permaculture and seasonal growing spaces,” says Austin.

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“My philosophy is that I always want to have a piece of land I can fall back on to grow food and feed myself regardless of where I end up in life.” — Austin Yockey

Planting the Seeds

The farm work began in September 2015, and they began selling produce in summer 2016. “Right now, we’re just planning on growing from March to November each year, but once we get our planned greenhouse and high tunnels built, we may be able to grow year round,” says Austin. Currently, SOS Tiny Farm offers the following: • Tomatoes, including cherry, classic slicers, and a variety of heirlooms • Peppers, including sweet bell peppers, 8 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

banana peppers, melrose sweet peppers, jalapeños, lombok chiles, and poblanos • Squash in a number of different summer varieties • Sweet corn, okra, eggplant, and green beans, each in differing varieties • Kale, chard, broccoli, basil, and thyme The farm provides most types of seasonal produce. Adds Austin, “We’ll have even more next year and in years to come with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, figs and pecans coming on.

We’ve also got chickens, bees and soon enough goats, so more and more stuff is getting added all the time.”

Growing the Plants

SOS Tiny Farm operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)/Farmshare program basis. “Just like the farm, I want those interested in joining to treat it like an investment,” says Austin. Patrons pay $300 for 12 weeks of produce with a goal of a $25 valued basket each week. “For those who

Russ and Hannah Dorsey with the newest family farmer, baby Jackson.

joined this first year, we explained that new farms are unpredictable, so returns can vary. So, for this year the risk was greater.” However, if the farm does well, so do those who subscribed to the CSA concept, as their wares could be valued above their investment. “As we get processes down, our package will become more predictable with slightly less return. That being said, those in the CSA always receive the best products before anything else goes to market. We also want members of the CSA to feel like co-owners of the farm,” says Austin. SOS Tiny Farm incorporates member feedback on which varieties to grow. They also encourage recipe sharing, visiting the farm with friends and family, and learning more about growing food within their membership. “We’re really trying to build a community of people in the Conway area who are passionate about food and beverage and who are interested in growing it in a way that’s good for them and their environment. The more people get involved the faster things get moving in the right direction.” SOS Tiny Farm plans to grow its CSA with each new season. They currently have 10 members with a goal of reaching 20 members with the coming fall season. They also hope to sell through Conway Locally Grown’s online marketplace.

Enjoying the Harvest

For now, Austin and family will continue working the farmland. “Our seasonal

produce like tomatoes, greens, peppers and such are the short-term investments that depend heavily on us taking care of the soil.” This means managing what is grown where and allowing it rest time. “Our berries and trees are the long-term investments that should pay dividends down the road and continue to deliver returns. My philosophy is that I always want to have a piece of land I can fall back on to grow food and feed myself regardless of where I end up in life,” he says. SOS Tiny Farm is involved with the Faulkner County Urban Farm Project. Austin will serve as their Arkansas Garden Corps service member in the upcoming year. “They’ve started an urban farm behind the Faulkner County Library that I’ll be helping run along with coordinating/teaching garden education classes,” he says. As for future plans for the Tiny Farm, Austin says, “We really want to ‘grow’ at a sustainable pace to ensure we never sacrifice the quality of our produce or the service we provide by getting too big too quickly. We also want to really encourage other people to start growing their own food and learning how to feed themselves with whatever space they have to grow. Hopefully, we’ll be doing some garden education classes in the future.” SOS Tiny Farm can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Interested readers can also visit www.sostinyfarm.com. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 9

feature story

‘Staying Alive’ Reigning Miss Central Arkansas an advocate for healthy lifestyle By Colleen Holt Photos by Brandy Strain and submitted An interest in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation that invaded a Conway 10th-graders consciousness has become a lifelong commitment by a lovely young woman to help others live happy and healthy lives. Caitlyn Cook has developed a program called “Staying Alive: Be Red Cross Ready.” The program promotes all services the Red Cross offers while emphasizing Hands-Only CPR, a procedure that bystanders can provide 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

for someone having a cardiac emergency until professional responders arrive. The reigning Miss Central Arkansas 2016, Caitlyn has used Hands-Only CPR as her platform in the Miss Arkansas pageant program. Caitlyn has been able to bring her message to a myriad number of people in the past eight years. During June, she took “Staying Alive” on the road to the State Capitol, talking to Gov. Asa Hutchinson for CPR Week. “The benefits to my community and state through my platform ‘Staying Alive: Be Red Cross Ready’ are long lasting and far reaching, as I

C aitlyn Cook

am using my advocacy of the American Red Cross and Hands-Only CPR to impact the well being of countless citizens on a local, state, and national level,” says Caitlyn. Since beginning the program, Caitlyn has come up with several ways to disseminate her message, including raising more than $12,000 at Zumbathons and Red Cross telethons; spotlighting Hands-Only CPR to more than 3,000 people through Zumba Fitness; inspiring businesses to create safe working environments by joining the “Ready Rating” program; advocating Hands-Only CPR Kiosks; and educating preschoolers through senior citizens about emergency preparedness. A particularly exciting part of the program has been teaching Hands-Only CPR to more than 2,000 Arkansas students. These classes help to implement Act 1016, which requires all students to complete an introductory class to a form of CPR in order to graduate. “I welcomed the opportunity through my participation in the Miss America Scholarship Program to align WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 11

myself with another organization dedicated to saving lives — Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” she added. Her work with the network has included visits to Arkansas Children’s Hospital; a six-year advocacy of CMNH’s Miracle Ball and raising $15,000 for ACH; supporting Central Arkansas’ IHOP National Pancake Day for eight years to raise more than $25,000; and supporting the CMNH Wal-Mart Talent show for 10 years and raising $7,000. The title of Caitlyn’s program comes from the early days of her interest in CPR. “Whether you’re a brother, or whether you’re a mother, you’re staying alive..ah..ha..ha..staying alive,” sang the Red Cross volunteer while I frantically performed my first attempt at CPR as a scared 10th grader in an elective First Responder course,” Caitlyn recently wrote. “As the volunteer shared CPR life-saving stories, I thought of my grandfather who had heart issues. My fears gradually subsided and were replaced by a desire to be equipped to save my grandfather or anyone else in an emergency. Surprisingly I surpassed the expectations of the class and embarked on what is today an eight-year journey as an advocate of the American Red Cross.” Caitlyn has trained in emergency preparedness through electives of Emergency Medical

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Technician, Med Pro, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Health Science Technology. She says all of these “enabled me to work with the Red Cross. My alignment involved serving refreshments to Conway High School faculty/student blood donors and obtaining Adult/ Child/Infant CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid certifications.” At the University of Central Arkansas, she was an official American Red Cross volunteer. “I volunteered in each area of service as a freshman in college. Time spent in these electives solidified my passion and confirmed my ‘fit’ within the health and safety area of the Red Cross. These experiences led to the development of my program ‘Staying Alive: Be Red Cross Ready’.” Caitlyn also has a background in marketing, which gives her a good grasp on ways to promote her program. She says she is “now equipping individuals … to find their fit within this non-profit and learn HandsOnly CPR. I am also personally benefitting by discovering a career pathway using my marketing degree. My ultimate vision is a lifetime commitment through a leadership position in an organization empowering individuals to equip themselves through preparedness to face the challenges that tomorrow may bring.”

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feature story

John Pickett stands at the gate to his vegetable garden in The Village at Hendrix

grows garden?

P O C KET G A R D ENS

what

in your

By Colleen Holt Photos by Brandy Strain

It’s not the size of the garden that matters, it’s what you make of the space you have. And at least three gardeners who live in the Village at Hendrix College have made the most of their quaint, cozy garden spots — yielding everything from vegetables to herbs. John Pickett

John Pickett has taken a 5’x15’ plot of his backyard and turned it into a very productive vegetable garden. John said his garden is what is called an intensive planted garden, which allows him to grow more food in a smaller area. Featured in the garden are two raised beds that are adjacent to one another with a walking path between. The beds are filled with a mix of compost and topsoil. Currently growing in the garden are tomatoes, bush squash, bush cucumber, bush zucchini, pole beans, bush beans and okra. “I’m the veggie man of the neighborhood,” he laughs. Apparently the little garden produces plenty of food, because John is able to share the bountiful harvest. The yard has a little irrigation system, which helps with watering, and the garden is fertilized regularly. “It’s easy to pull weeds,” John said. “The garden attracts lots of pedestrian traffic. People stop and comment on it.” John also has a soil test performed every year to check on the nutrient levels — “it usually needs nitrogen.” When the spring and summer plants cease production in the heat, John will pull them out and replace them with vegetables that do well in cooler weather. This will most likely happen during September, he said. His fall garden will include green beans, broccoli, and tender greens (or turnip greens). The only vegetable John grew in past years that he doesn’t have now is an asparagus patch. John and his wife, Betty, moved into the Village in September 2015. They have lived in Conway since 1972. John said he has had a garden since the 1960s. Between the two raised garden beds stands a Pickett family heirloom — an old wrought-iron gate that was on a fence at John’s grandfather’s home in Milford, Texas. The gate is four feet tall and includes a brass plaque with the name Dr. N.J. Pickett, John’s fraternal grandfather. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 15

Gloria Cheshier

Gloria Cheshier has a lovely whimsy garden. Historically known as a Potager, this is a tried-and-true way to grow vegetables, flowers and herbs all together in a colorful way. Gloria’s garden hardscape was designed by Ward Lile and includes raised beds in a 16x20 area accessible through the back alley. Gloria and her husband, Joe Forrester, moved into the Village in July 2014, and the builder was asked to leave

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enough brick to construct the sidewalks. Three pallets of bricks were left, giving her plenty for the sidewalks, the brick garden beds and a brick pathway around the beds. This is the first year for the area to be planted. “I have an infant garden. It’s been coming together little by little,” she said. Gloria’s garden features “a little bit of everything,” including lemon verbena (“It smells heavenly”), oregano, lemon balm, mint, basil, dill, sage, cilantro and thyme. On the side of her

house, Gloria has planted peppermint and spearmint. She has also included an area for perennial flowers, such as day lilies and an historic specimen of iris first planted at a farm in Bella Vista in the 1700s. Joe also has a spot in the yard for Brussels sprouts, zucchini, squash and green beans. Throughout the garden, you will see special “treasures” collected over Gloria’s lifetime, such as: • Sedum planted in a concrete planter that came from her mother’s 1913 home in Little Rock. Other flowers include red vinca, day lilies, bee balm, coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, zinnia, marigolds and hyacinth.

• Her great-grandfather’s 1903 plow from his farm in Garland County has “traveled with” Gloria for years, and it is now in the raised bed for her herbs. • A brass bed was transformed and attached to two of the raised beds for a fence. • An old lemonade stand was turned into Gloria’s potting shed. • A concrete rooster from Lancaster County, Pa., stands watch in the garden. • Joe has made mesh hometown signs that list the addresses and cities of all the places they have lived over 39 years of marriage, and he has also made bird houses from old license plates.

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Melanie Siegel

Melanie Siegel’s garden surrounds her home, “so the lot is relatively small. However, it’s all plants and no grass, so it’s a decent amount of gardening space.” She said the garden has five parts: the front yard which faces south, each long, narrow side that flanks the house, then the actual backyard plus a different area around the mailbox both face north. They all have different sun exposure and amount of slope so I have to treat them differently. They even get different weeds!” Melanie said that in its current form, the garden is a Xeriscape. “There are many perennials (I only like to plant things once!) … Shrubs are the frame work of the garden because they’re pretty big after five seasons. Adding to the framework are a few trees: notably, a cherry tree and a Japanese Snowbell tree, which I just love because it’s unique,” she said. Perhaps her favorite tree is a peach tree, “which gives us loads of sweet peaches each summer.” The ground cover includes a variety of sedum, ajuga, jasmine, and ice plant. Lavender, mint, oregano, tarragon, basil, dill, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are present in the herb area of her garden. Melanie hasn’t always loved gardening, but it has always been a part of her life. “I hated gardening until I was about 40 (I am 54 now), but I knew it was in my blood. My mom and her mom are/were avid gardeners. I’ll never forget the feeling of planting those first tiny plants in our former backyard.” Day lilies given to Melanie by a former boyfriend of her mother from some 20 years ago are featured in her current garden. “He created a special variety of day lily and named them ‘Mary Russell’ after Mom. They surround the peach tree in my back yard and have big, beautiful, bananayellow blooms. The other special plant is a hydrangea that came from Mom’s house. She has a huge row of hydrangeas that are older than I am. Now one of their ‘children’ is large and in charge on the east side of my house in what I call the ‘secret garden’ — no one can really see it but (my husband) Bill, me, and my next door neighbor,” Melanie said. Overall, the garden makes Melanie happy. “When the sun is warm and high on the back yard, the aroma of the lavender and tarragon is intoxicating. Picking soft, fuzzy, aromatic peaches by the dozens in late June is genuinely amazing. I love sharing rosy baskets of them with neighbors, family, and friends. The glossy, fat bumble bees going from plant to plant are beautiful and important and a joy to observe. A little toad showed up in the garden by the mailbox, I hope more are to follow. Probably my favorite of my favorite things is that the garden is next to a pedestrian path. People walk by and enjoy it. It makes me happy to make them happy. Corny, but true.” 18 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

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physician profile

conway ob/gyn

Dr. Lauren Nolen joins Conway OB/GYN By Leah Ashby Photo by Brandy Strain Conway Obstetrics & Gynecology welcomes Dr. Lauren Nolen to its practice. She will begin treating patients on July 18th at the College Avenue location. Dr. Nolen is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency there in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her mother a nurse and father a physician, Dr. Nolen’s interest in medicine started at a young age. Her interest in women’s health piqued during medical school. She was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology because it is uniquely different from any other specialty. She especially loves the day to day variation from clinic to the operating room to deliveries. Dr. Nolen considers women to be the greatest patients and looks forward to creating long-term relationships with her new patients at Conway OB/GYN. “I said I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what originally drew me to medicine, but I never wavered from my desire to pursue medicine as a career. There are so many things about medicine, and in particular, obstetrics and gynecology that I love. The meaningful way in which I get to connect with others and help patients is so special. Being able to treat illnesses that affect women is a great part of medicine, but having the ability to impact women’s lives

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by prevention of some of those conditions is even more important to me. The variation from day to day keeps things interesting, and there is nothing I love more than bringing a new life into the world! I feel like God has a plan for me, and I am so thankful it involves practicing obstetrics and gynecology here in Conway.” Dr. Nolen said. Raised in Perryville, Dr. Nolen graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas in 2008. She is a member of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Arkansas Medical Society. While at UAMS, Dr. Nolen was awarded the Barton Scholarship for a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the AOA Honor Medical Society. Dr. Nolen and her husband, Chase Bender, have been married for five years. Both graduates of the University of Central Arkansas, they look forward to “coming home” to Conway. Dr. Nolen spends her free time with family and friends and also enjoys summers on the lake, working out and reading. “I feel so fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity to start my practice in Conway. Conway is a growing town but still has the small town feel and charm that I love. I don’t think I could ask for more supportive partners and staff as I have been given in Conway OB/GYN. From the time I first met them, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

health

Fit bodies, sharp brains and ‘Baby Boomers’ By David Smith

It’s official. I am now a senior citizen. A true baby boomer, I turned 65 on the 3rd of this month and was treated to an appropriate amount of good-natured ribbing by family, work staff, and friends. The “Honk to Wish David a Happy 65th Birthday” sign on Dave Ward Drive was a real hit – I’m surprised we didn’t get a call from the City of Conway reminding us of our noise ordinance! Because there are over 7,000 of us joining the senior citizen class every day, we are having quite an impact on the health care system and the economy as it relates to Social Security and Medicare. Not surprisingly, most of us are concerned about health and economic issues, and most see ourselves working past the traditional retirement age, at least part-time. Personally, I’m not ready to retire because I’m passionate about what I do. Interacting with people on a daily basis helps keep me active, both physically and mentally. Recently I had a routine insurance physical and was a little bit surprised by a couple of lab values that were only slightly out of range. My personal physician (who happens to be my older brother) pointed out that, while I’ve always been really healthy, there were some things that need immediate attention before they became real issues. Specifically, he said it was time to hit the aerobic exercise trail and start to make better food choices. I always did hate it when he was right. So, lets talk about some benefits of exercise and proper nutrition. Most experts agree that 30 minutes of exercise 3 or 4 days per week with one or two

strength training sessions mixed in is a good exercise goal. Add a balanced diet that is low in fat and sodium and high in fiber and you have a recipe for a healthy lifestyle. In fact, consistently eating well and exercising will improve overall health and can potentially extend your lifespan. These principles apply across all age groups, including us “boomers.” I’m always poking fun at our staff pharmacist, Blake Johnson, who seems to be eating all the time. Fact is, he truly does eat multiple times a day. You’d think he would be overweight, but he is actually in very good shape. How can that be? By eating healthy small snacks and meals throughout the day, blood sugar levels stay more consistent, metabolism stays up, and energy levels are higher. He also runs three or four miles just about every morning. That explains why his weight has gone from around 225 pounds to 165 pounds. But, did you know the benefits of a healthy diet and regular aerobic exercise go way beyond weight loss, muscle tone and reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer? Dr John Ratey, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist, states that exercise is “the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning.” I would wager that most of us baby boomers worry more about our mental abilities than our physical abilities as we age. Personally, I can deal with getting older as long as my mind stays sharp, so I have a new commitment to “toning up” my mind. According to an online U.S. News article, when we exercise for 30 minutes we relieve tension by increasing more of the “soothing” brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and

norepinephrine. A 2010 study from the University of California in San Francisco suggested that exercise might actually work on a cellular level to reverse the toll that stress takes on the aging process. The researchers found that women who exercised vigorously for an average of 45 minutes over a three-day period had cells that showed fewer signs of aging compared to women who were stressed and inactive. Elissa Epel, associate professor of psychiatry at UCSF, says that working out also keeps us from dwelling on the stressors in our lives by “altering the blood flow to those areas in the brain involved in triggering us to revisit these stressful thoughts again and again.” Although I don’t have enough room to elaborate on them, here are some other positive mental benefits from exercise. It lifts depression (in some cases as well as traditional antidepressants), improves learning, builds self-esteem, and improves body image. Even mild activity like a leisurely walk can help keep your brain fit and active, fending off memory loss. Last but certainly not least, the Alzheimer’s Research Center touts exercise as one of the best weapons against the disease. So get an okay from your doctor, then lace up those sneakers and get moving. Just maybe we can outsmart this whole getting older process! David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been a pharmacist in Conway for over 41 years. He loves spending time with family and is NO1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

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men’s health

C ONWAY R E G IONAL

Men: Don’t wait until something happens By John Patton

In an attempt to take control of his medical condition, a man from Marshall visited Dr. Brian Blair at his practice location at Mayflower Medical Clinic. Encouraged by Dr. Blair, the man in his 40s has begun losing weight and is changing his lifestyle. Over a few months his A1C and cholesterol levels have begun dropping. While not currently in danger, the Marshall man was worried about the future, Dr. Blair said. “He is being far-sighted,” said Blair. “He doesn’t want to Dr. Dr. Brian Blair have some real problems at 60.” The patient from Marshall is one of the exceptions when it comes to men’s health. Many men his age want to stay as far away from a doctor’s office as possible. “Their families need to encourage men to be more aware of preventable health problems,” said Dr. Blair. “Women are twice as likely to participate in wellness checks.” The average lifespan of women is 82.5 years while men die earlier at 76.2, he said. Whether it is cost, lack of awareness or just being uncomfortable in a doctor’s office, men tend to wait until something happens. Unfortunately something can be a heart attack, cancer, stroke, diabetes or pulmonary disease. One barrier has diminished slightly over the past few years. Since the adoption of insurance reforms, Dr. Blair has noticed more men in their 20s and 30s coming in for wellness checks. “Unless they are on their parents’ insurance plans, many young men typically cannot afford insurance at the jobs they are working,” he said. “Or they just don’t see the need to visit a doctor.” A typical wellness check with a doctor will include blood tests for elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, a blood pressure check, a medical history update, and an overall physical. “A good head to toe exam is needed, including the heart and lungs,” said Dr. Blair, adding “Those early cholesterol and blood sugar checks and lifestyle changes are important to helping prevent a heart attack when you turn 50.” Establishing a primary care doctor also helps men know when they should have routine cancer screenings and other health evaluations as they age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart problems are the number one cause of death in men, followed by cancer and unintentional injuries. Stroke and pulmonary disease are also high among men’s health risks. Given that many health conditions can be man22 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

General Wellness Guidelines for Men of All Ages Wellness Checks with Doctors

Age 20 to 40, every three years Age 40 to 50, every two years Age 50 and older, yearly Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing and checks of the heart and lungs are part of typical visits.

Weight---BMI Scale

25 or lower on the BMI scale is best; how well the clothes fit is a good indicator.

Cholesterol, Blood Sugar Blood Pressure Checks

General Readings: Overall cholesterol under 200 Blood sugar A1C: under 5 Blood Pressure: Under 140/80

Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)

50: All men should have a colonoscopy after age 50. Men in higher risk groups may need earlier testing.

Skin Cancer

Warning signs: skin abnormalities that increase in size and symmetry (upward growth) Add sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) every 15 minutes while outdoors (mowing, working, playing sports, etc.)

Testicular Cancer

18-35: About half of all testicular cancer occurs in men ages 18-35. Symptoms can include a lump or pain in the testicles. Self checks are recommended.

Prostate Exams

40: Men in high risk groups, such as African Americans, should begin prostate exams after age 40; other men after age 50.

aged or even prevented, Dr. Blair encourages men to change their lifestyle at an early age. Following these general wellness guidelines helps: • Don’t smoke. Anyone who smokes or uses other tobacco products should ask their doctor for help to quit smoking. It’s also important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution and exposure to chemicals (such as in the workplace). • Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium. • Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds — and keeping them off — can lower the risk of heart disease as well as various types of cancer. • Get moving. Include physical activity as part of a daily routine. Exercise can help control weight and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It may also lower the risk of certain types of cancer. It is important to find an activity that is enjoyable such as playing sports, walking or running, bicycling or other activities that make the heart and respiratory system work and burn calories. • Limit alcohol. Drink only in moderation. That means up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger and one drink a day for men older than age 65. The risk of various types of cancer, such as liver cancer, appears to increase with the amount of alcohol consumed and the length of time someone

has been drinking regularly. Too much alcohol can also raise blood pressure. • Manage stress. If someone feels constantly on edge or under assault, their lifestyle habits may suffer — and so might their immune system. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways. Exercise helps with stress management. “Anyone who comes in to see me for anxiety and depression; I ask them if they are exercising regularly,” said Dr. Blair. • Sleep. He also advises to give the body seven to eight hours of sleep per day. The following chart provides general wellness tips for men, based on their ages. Men with a family history of a particular disease may need earlier screening and testing as determined by their doctors Understanding health risks is one thing. Taking action to reduce risks is another. Start with healthy lifestyle choices — eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking and getting recommended health screenings. Brian Blair, MD, is a Family Practice doctor with more than 15 years of experience treating patients at clinics in Marshall and Mayflower. He has spent the past year and a half practicing medicine alongside Blair Greenwood, MD, and Angela Foster, APRN, at Mayflower Medical Clinic, a clinic in the Conway Regional Primary Care Network. For assistance in finding a family doctor, visit www.conwayregional. org/FindDoctor

fashion

Going to Market By Renee Notto

You always hear retailers talk about “going to market”. Many of you ask what exactly is market? I’m sure you picture it as a shoppers paradise. Without a tax permit it would be like winning a golden ticket to the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory but only getting to look at the Chocolate River yet not allowed to dive in. As you walk into Dallas Market Center you are greeted by a security guard. No access unless you have a pass. To become a buyer, a company must “have a retail store front. “You have to meet certain criteria” to prove that you are a store including a picture of your store, your website, receipts, etc. Conserve your energy and stroll through the atrium, there will be a lot of walking involved. Look up from the atrium with its seemingly endless view, the building appears to go on forever. Filling more then five million square feet Dallas Market Center may look like a Texas-sized mall but it is so much more. Founded in

1957, DMC is home to two thousand permanent and five hundred thousand temporary showrooms. This retailers paradise is the worlds most complete wholesale merchandise resource, offering retailers across the globe access to consumer products including home interiors, clothing, jewelry, gifts, floral supplies, and gourmet food. The majority of buyers are representatives of small boutiques, but buyers from larger department stores shop DMC as well. While shopping buyers can check an items tag to see price and minimum number of any one item that can be purchased in an order. When an order is placed it will ship from the warehouse anywhere between one to eight weeks after ordered. Therefore it is crucial for buyers to plan accordingly. To have everything they need for the holidays, buyers need to place their orders around June. Due to the immense number of stores, it is important to come prepared when you go to market. Being a buyer you have to know your target market,

their style and what their price point is. You obviously have to do your research before you go because you don’t want to go in blindly. If you ever have the opportunity to obtain a courtesy pass to Dallas Market Center grab the golden ticket.

Renee Notto, owner of French Lily, has worked retail her entire life. She managed The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters an Gymboree. Before opening French Lily, she was office manager for Notto Chiropractic Health until she realized a desk job was not a good fit for her.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 23

treating orthopaedic injuries

L- R standing: Glenn McClendon, DPM; Jay Howell, MD; Tom Roberts, MD; Ben Dodge, MD. Seated: Scott Smith, MD; Tod Ghormley, MD; Robert McCarron, MD; and Grant Bennett, MD.

Conway Orthopaedic Clinic gets you back in the game By Ancil Lea Submitted photos When my youngest daughter dislocated her foot from her ankle while jumping on the trampoline one fall afternoon, we hurried to the ER at Conway Regional to get her cared for and see what to do. She was around 6 years old at the time, and we were definitely much younger too â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we were panicked parents! When something traumatic happens, especially to one of your loved ones, great angst sets in and we started looking for answers quickly! In a very short period of time they had her down for emergency surgery with Dr. Robert McCarron of Conway Orthopaedic Clinic. 24 WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INC. / JULY 2016

He treated us with gentleness, kindness and gave us a thorough understanding of what was about to happen to our baby girl to fix this bad situation. The surgery went well, and Kendra was on crutches for 6 week post surgery. Time has flown by and now she will be a junior at Conway Christian High School where she is one of the starters for Conway Christian Varsity Basketball team and an All-State soccer player, just to name a few of her activities. Things worked out so very well! We are thankful! Conway Orthopaedic Clinic has been around for over 27 years, treating patients from Conway and the surrounding areas with orthopaedic and sports

related injuries. The founding physician was Dr. McCarron. The practice has since grown with the addition of 8 physicians and has changed locations to accommo-

date the growth. Besides McCarron, the physicians are: Dr. Tom Roberts, Dr. Ben Dodge, Dr. Tod Ghormley, Dr. Scott Smith, Dr. Jay Howell, Dr. Grant Bennett

C o n w a y Or t h o p a e d i c C l i n i c and Dr. Glenn McClendon With the coming changes in Conway of a new hospital and healthcare Dr. Head in general in the central Arkansas area, Conway Orthopaedic is growing and expanding as well with the addition of staff and services to best serve their patients. They have undergone a rebranding effort and a new look as Conway Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center. COSMC is focused on being the ‘center of care’ for their patients. In August, Dr. Jimmy Head will join COSMC. He was born and raised in Heber Springs, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to my home state this summer to join the staff at Conway Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center”, say Dr. Head. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Central Arkansas. He then received his doctorate of medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he was awarded scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. From there he completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Oklahoma, followed by a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Florida. In addition to his training in general orthopaedics, his specialized training in foot and ankle and trauma surgery will allow him to bring valuable skills to serve the community. Dr. Head is a board eligible orthopaedic surgeon, a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a member of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. Dr. Head and his wife, Amanda are expecting their first child in August, as well. In addition to

things about the care they get from them, too!” COSMC will also be adding a PA in October. “We have a great team and it’s growing,” says administrator Todd Greer.

Continued focus

COSMC will continue to focus on and grow their ‘Sports Medicine’ emphasis. They remain the team physicians at the collegiate level in providing care for the UCA Bears athletic programs, and also provide care for Hendrix and CBC athletic programs. “We look forward to not only serving the needs of the collegiate athlete, but high school, and all athletes, whether young or older. We want to provide the athlete with the best treatment and care in order to get them back in the game in the shortest and safest amount of time,” says Dr. Grant Bennett

After hours clinic

spending time with his family, he also enjoys sports, hunting, fishing, and serving in his church. Dr. Head and his wife look forward to raising their family in Conway, and are excited to call this community their home. As an added service for treatment and convenience for patients COSMC has added a new, state of the art MRI, say administrator Todd Greer. The MRI is already installed and is certified and working. “We want to treat the whole patient, we are focused patient centered care. With the addition of MRI and Physical Therapy we can achieve and level of care that allows our patients to be the “center” of care, says Greer. Another area that is being added at Conway Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center is their partnership with D1 physical therapy services. D1’s on-site rehabilitative, physical therapy

bridges the gap between rehab and continued athletic activity, ensuring a safe and optimal return. D1’s fully-functional outpatient physical therapy clinic specialize in athletic injuries in a professional, motivating and sports-oriented environment. “We want to get you back in the game, healthy and ready for sports or life,” says Greer. In gearing up for an expanded role in two local hospitals now, COSMC is expanding their staff, as well. Currently COSMC employs around 50 people. “Besides having great physicians, our caring staff is the key to our success, providing a personal, caring environment for our patients. They also have Tiffany Epperson, APN and Sarah Guillory, APN seeing and taking care of their patients. “Our patients can’t say enough good

COSMC provides an after hours clinic for sports related and orthopaedic injuries, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:00 - 8:00 pm at their office on Club Lane. In the fall they provide a Saturday morning clinic. While Conway and central Arkansas area continues to grow rapidly, it’s great to see a medical practice growing to keep pace and plan for the future of taking care of it’s patients and providing the care they’ve come to expect over the past 27 years. With addition of Dr. Head, additional staff, new MRI and Physical therapy services, Conway Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center is ready to continue providing patient centered care. You can find out more about their clinic and services and follow them on social media by going to their website, at www. ConwayOrtho.com Ancil Lea is a writer, author, and communication consultant. He does communication and marketing consulting for healthcare providers.

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heart health

Discover the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Arkansas Heart Hospital is a comprehensive outpatient center designed for the treatment of non-healing or difficult wounds. We provide state-of-the-art treatment and feature the largest individual patient hyperbaric chambers available. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive and painless medical treatment 26 WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INC. / JULY 2016

using a total body chamber. The atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled to promote the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural healing process by pumping extra oxygen into the chamber. Increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows blood vessels to grow. Patients may refer themselves to the Wound Care Center or be referred by a physi-

cian. All patients receive a thorough diagnostic examination by a staff of highly trained physicians and nurses. A comprehensive treatment plan is then developed and is communicated to the patient and their referring physician. Services provided at our Wound Care Center include not only hyperbaric treatment, but also debridement, medications, dressings and individualized support services.

arkansas heart hospital

•State of the Art Clinic – largest monoplace hyperbaric chambers •Prompt physician/nurse evaluation •Comprehensive medical screening, including vascular •Close physician supervision and highly trained medical staff •Emergent referral for acute vascular interventions •Active physician to physician communication •Free, designated parking for our wound care patients located within a short walking distance of the Wound Care Center. Our caring staff will come outside and help you get into and out of our Wound Care Center if needed

Katelin Whiddon, APN at Arkansas Heart Hospital states, “There is a great correlation between the peripheral vascular disease and non-healing wounds. We are blessed to be able to work hand in hand with brilliant Arkansas Heart Hospital cardiologists to provide the necessary cardiac and vascular care for our patients.”. The Wound Center is now open at Arkansas Heart Hospital on Dave Ward Drive in Conway. For more information call 501-2057910 or go to www.arheart.com/services/wound-care-center/

Dr. Vijay Raja in photo. Dr. Raja is an interventional cardiologist who enjoys caring for patients with all forms of heart disease, but also has a passion for treating patients with refractory symptoms and those needing acute interventions. He was born in New Jersey but has been transplanted to Texas since age 11. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and then completed his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He moved back to Texas to complete his post-graduate training at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is currently board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. He is trained to treat all forms of cardiac or peripheral artery blockages as well as evaluate and treat a variety of structural heart diseases.

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real estate

Faulkner County Residential Real Estate Update

We have been very fortunate that mortgage interest rates have remained low this year and are still bouncing around the past 30 year historical lows. Year over year Faulkner Country Residential sales are flat this year as compared to last year’s sales in total. Home sales under $100K are down 10% this year and homes over $300K are up 15% this year as compared to last year’s sales. The reason homes under $100K are down this year is the lack of inventory. Home sales between $100K and $300K are basically the same. We are now entering into a slight seasonal slowdown. We are seeing an increase in home sales for both Vilonia and Mayflower which were down last year. Home sales in Conway and Greenbrier at the aggregate level are flat year over year. In some of the more rural area of Faulkner County which includes Enola, Mt. Vernon, Guy, and Damascus homes sales are down double digit from last year. In addition we are seeing foreclosure homes increase by 10% this year which is also the same for trend the nation. We are hearing foreclosures are starting to rise nationally, I am not expecting much change in this presidential election year, however based on the results of the elections and the huge federal deficit, it is likely we may have a slight correction in 2017.

On The National Level (Do You Know):

• Seventy-one percent of non-homeowners repaying their student loans on time believe their debt is stymieing their ability to purchase a home, and slightly over half of all borrowers say

28 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

they expect to be delayed from buying by more than five years. • USDA Rural Development loans just celebrated their 25th anniversary of their Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. Rural Development loans have specific eligibility and income limits and can be used in all areas that have under a population of 25,000. To check specific locations or eligibility requirements go to the following web site and follow their instruction or give us a call to assist. http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do • First-time buyers made up 32 percent of all home buyers, down from 33 percent last year. Sixty-seven percent of buyers 35 years and younger were first-time buyers, followed by buyers 36 to 50 years at 26 percent. • The typical buyer was 44 years old and has a median household income of $86,100. At 35 percent, buyers 35 years and younger continue to be the largest generational group of home buyers with a median of 30 years old. Home buyers between the ages of 36 and 50 were reported to have the highest household incomes among any other generation at $104,700, followed by buyers between 51 and 60 that had an income at $100,200. • Sixty-seven percent of recent buyers were married couples, 15 percent were single females, nine percent were single males, and seven percent were unmarried couples. The highest percentage of single female home buyers was found in the 51 to 60 age group. • Sixty-three percent of all buyers had children living at home. Seventeen percent of buyers between 36 and 50 years had three or more chil-

dren under the age of 18 residing in the home. • Thirteen percent of home buyers purchased a multi-generational home to take care of aging parents, for cost savings, and because children over the age of 18 are moving back. The two largest generations of home buyers who purchased a multi-generational home were ages 51 to 60 years and 70 to 90 years, both with 16 percent of buyers. • The 36 to 50 age group showed to be the most racially diverse group of home buyers in 2015. Twenty-five percent of this group of home buyers identified as Hispanic/Latino, black/African American, or Asian/Pacific Islander. • The most common reasons for recently purchasing a home differed between the generations. Among buyers 35 and younger and between 36 and 50, the main reason for purchasing was the desire to own a home of their own, similar to last year. Looking at the 51 to 60 age category, there was a change in the reason for purchasing from a job related relocation (16 percent) in 2014, to the desire to own a home of their own (20 percent) in 2015. Buyers who were 61 to 69 primarily purchased for retirement (20 percent), and buyers between 70 The Tobey Team is one of Faulkner County’s leading, knowledgeable and top producers. We are full time agents with the knowledge, dedication, customer focus, and commitment to all aspects of your Real Estate needs. Call us today with your real estate questions 501-358-0023 Data sources include National Association of Realtors data and personal input.

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ny Men’s Sauco Ride 9 $120

HAPPY FEET shopping

“It is very important to get fitted in the correct shoes for your arch type and gait. Being in the correct shoes can help prevent injuries such as foot and ankle pain.” —Linda Starr, owner of The Sporty Runner in downtown Conway. Let the staff at The Sporty Runner help get you in the right pair of shoes today.

Men’s Brooks Ghost $120

Women’s Asics Gel Nimbus $160

30 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2016

A l l s h o e s a v a i l a b l e a t T h e Sp o r t y R u n n e r Men’s New Balance Zante $100

Women’s Brooks Glycerin $150

Women’s Saucony Ride 9 $120

Men’s Asics Gel Nimbus $160

Women’s Newton Motion $175

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 31

real estate

Seller’s Guide

Top 5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Selling Your Home

Selling a house can be an intimidating process. Here are five top tips to help you through the process. Start with choosing the right Realtor. This may require interviewing several agents, but it is important to select someone that you can trust, has experience and you get along with. Your agent will help you determine the right price for the house. Remember that the market sets the value and while your house is special to you, that emotional value cannot be translated to market price. Once you are ready to list your home it is important to declutter the house and depersonalize. You want the potential buyers to be able visualize themselves in the house and not focus on your things. Lastly, stage the house for showing. Use decor and furniture to highlight the features of the home and help the buyers appreciate the space. Follow these top five tips and you’ll find selling your home easier, quicker and more beneficial.

Seller’s Guide

Top 5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Selling Your Home