Mom to Mom, NWI -- February 2017 by Mom to Mom, NWI

February 2017 | Volume 6 | Issue 2

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Prenatal/Family Care Program GROWING FAMILIES FROM CONCEPTION TO AGE TWO

Through a collaborating team of obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians & prenatal/family care programs, the professionals at NorthShore are able to help guide women through routine or high risk pregnancies and provide education and resources through baby’s second year. Services

Prenatal/Family Care Free pregnancy testing Non-stress tests Breast pump assistance Lactation consultation/stations Pack-N-Play assistance Perinatal Loss Program Car seat inspection & installation Locations to Serve You:

Support Education Home Visits Classes Resources Events

Classes & Events

Breastfeeding classes Daddy & Grandparent classes CPR & Baby Basics classes Family care classes Mommy’s Day Out Celebration 3rdTrimester Baby Shower Play groups & story time Holiday celebrations Baby’s 1st Birthday Celebration

For Appointments or More Information Call 3564 Scottsdale St., Portage Toll free: (888) 459-2349 6450 US Highway 6, Portage 2490 Central Ave., Lake Station www.northshorehealth.org 6091 Broadway, Merrillville 6920 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond 407 W. Indiana Ave, Chesterton 3099 Central Ave., Lake Station (Dental Only)

letter from the editor

mom to mom health dental health month 6 keep cj strong 20

mom to mom feature spring getaway 12 an escape from reality 16 mysk angela bruszewski 22

ask the doctor

tips to improve heart health

mom to mom eats

made with love

12 PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Debra Krieg-Lewis

Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC PO Box 1261 Valparaiso, IN 46384 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Becca Timpe Malmquist Photography Printing The Papers 206 S Main St, Milford, IN 46542

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ty of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. ÂŠ2017 Mom to Mom NWI LLC

live & love

Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it always seems to go by the slowest. I don’t know if it’s because cabin fever has set in and springtime is within reach, but for some reason February just feels like it will never end. Fortunately for us, Valentine’s Day is smack in the middle of the month, giving us all a reminder to live and love. In this issue of Mom to Mom, NWI you will find articles that do just that. Our resident medical expert, Dr. Sandee Clark, gives us tips on how to improve our heart health, while a local pediatric dentist gives us tips on how to take care and love our teeth for National Children’s Dental Month. In this months “Mom You Should Know”, we feature a local mom born with a hole in her heart and congenital heart disease. We’ll learn about the trials and tribulations she’s overcome during her lifetime. By sharing her story, our hope is to raise awareness to National Heart Health Month and Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. When it comes to focusing on the “love” portion of our live and love mantra for February, our food guru Mindy Gear shares with us some recipes made with love, and puts together the perfect Valentine’s Day meal you can make at home – complete with a delicious dessert! And if you and your love are looking for a little romantic getaway we have you covered. Our own Nichole Odijk shares her recent trip to a beautiful tropical island. With all the stories about living and loving life to the fullest, flipping through the pages of this February issue will surely help this slow-moving month move a little faster. I hope you all take some time this month to remember to live and love. Take Care,

Stephanie

mom to mom health

dental health month Nichole Odijk DeMario Becca Timpe

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, five times more common than asthma, four times more common than early childhood obesity and 20 times more common than diabetes, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Karr, whose pediatric dental practices are in Dyer and Crown Point, Ind., says February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month is a wonderful opportunity to not only share tips on good oral hygiene habits, but also showcase preventative measures families can incorporate into their lifestyles. “We’re pretty big on prevention education in our office because that’s where it starts,” Dr. Karr says. “…it’s not about telling my patient’s parents how to live their lives, but things they can consider when making choices for their children’s overall health.”

WHEN TO GO

A child should be seen by a dentist, preferably a pediatric dentist, by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. If that time has already passed, Dr. Karr says make it happen as soon as possible. She says a pediatric dentist and their staff can help ease the anxiety of the experience because they’ve been trained to care for children specifically. She says starting regular trips to the dentist early on can create a lifetime of habits. Furthermore, she adds, in the case of an oral emergency of any kind, a home dentist is already established.

BABY TEETH

Baby teeth should be seen as just as important as adult teeth. Baby teeth are a placeholder for adult teeth. Proper management of baby teeth can lead to fewer issues with adult teeth. They also aid in proper speech development and chewing.

DIET

In her more than 15 years of practice, Dr. Karr says one consistent issue she sees in her patients is poor diet. She says diets laden with too much sugar, too many simple carbohydrates (for instance pretzels and crackers) and overall frequent snacking. She suggests parents give their children milk and water only. What it’s served in can also be a help or a hindrance. Bottles and breastfeeding directly before a nap or bedtime can leave liquid on a child’s teeth. Sippy cups and cups should be relegated to meal times and the kitchen to avoid the same issue. Too much juice and fruit snacks, even organic she says, are sneaky sugar culprits. “We need to get back to eating three meals a day at the table with fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses as snacks,” she says.

SEALANTS

Dr. Karr recommends sealants for patients deemed high risk. She conducts a risk analysis during the first visit. Higher risk patients may include a child who has had one or more cavity prior to the age of 5 or one with deep grooves in their molars.

DAYCARE PROVIDERS

She suggests care providers require a fresh fruit, vegetable or cheese for snack time. The peer to peer influence can be powerful. “When your child sees another child eating healthy they’re more open to the idea. ‘Johnny’s my best friend and he eats broccoli every day. Maybe I’ll try it,’” Dr. Karr says.

GENERAL BRUSHING & FLOSSING

She adds, “…you can have a great diet, but if you’re not a good brusher it doesn’t help.” Brushing should occur two to three times a day for a minimum of two minutes, including the tongue. Don’t forget to floss at night. Children should floss wherever two teeth meet or butt up against each other. The AAPD strongly recommends pediatric dental health care not be taken lightly. Students miss more than 51 million hours of school per year because of dental problems and related conditions. Dental pain can distract students, cause their schoolwork to suffer or even lead to school absences. To learn more about your child’s dental health, schedule an appointment with your preferred dental health provider. For more information visit the AAPD’s public site, mychildrensteeth.org. - mtm

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mom to mom feature

SPRING GETAWAY Nichole Odijk DeMario Nick DeMario | Follow on Instagram @n_dem_ic

By the middle of winter, my tolerance for the subzero temperatures, freezing rain, ice, snow and the overall dreariness has reached epic proportions. That’s usually when I fire off an SOS to my travel agent ready to book my next getaway. With Spring Breaks right around the corner, now’s the time to schedule your time in the sun. As I started making my list of possible destinations, the Dominican Republic was at the top of my mind. I wanted to find out for certain if the stigmas were true. I had heard it was a cheap destination in all aspects of the word. I wasn’t sold this was a fact. I dove head first into my research, pouring over site after site, review after review. These rumors were dead wrong. Just like in many

instances, you get what you pay for. With passport in hand, the Dominican has a wide variety of options from rental homes to all-inclusives that are all fabulous in their own right. You just have to know what you want and what’s important to you. Do you need a pristine beach and calm waters? Do you crave a variety of fine dining options and bottomless umbrella drinks? Activities to keep the whole family moving? Need a getaway for two? Knowing your top priorities, where you won’t budge and what you can do without will help narrow your search exponentially. I settled on Excellence Punta Cana, an adults-only all-inclusive, that’s sure to give any couple a

seemingly endless dose of rest and relaxation. While the water was choppier than some parts of the island, the beach was impeccable with no other resorts nearby. As far as the eye could see were endless rows of palm trees. Walking down the beach, small inlets offered up a variety of beachside shops. Shopkeepers were eager to sell their wares and a little haggling ensures you were get the best deal. The resort itself was stunning. The lavish lobby adorned with stone pathways and tile served as the center point. The main restaurants and several bars were built up around that space along with the nightly entertainment stage. With nine restaurants and ten bars, one would be hard pressed to

get bored with the dining and libation offerings. It boasted added amenities from a spa, gym, shops, disco, casino, outdoor tennis and basketball courts and an open-air sports bar with billiards. We were on a mission to relax that week. We spent the majority of our time poolside and beachside soaking in the ample sun. Even if it rained, the rainfall lasted all of a few minutes and the sunshine was soon to follow. Excellence had one of the largest pools Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen. It went nearly end to end of the 464-suite resort. The beach was heaven with ample lawn chairs, beach beds and huts for a break from the sun. We met several couples that left the resort almost

daily for one excursion after the other. We opted to walk the beach and property that had plenty to see from waterfalls, ponds as well wildlife that lived on the property including iguanas, parrots, flamingos, Muscovy ducks, storks and wild turkeys. In my research of the island, I learned its capital Santo Domingo was the oldest established city in the Americas. I wanted to experience the culture, history and architecture. The walking tour was a two-hour bus ride from our resort, but was well worth the time. Points of interest included: Columbus Lighthouse, Diego Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (son of Christopher Columbus) palace and its surrounding fortified walls; Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, which is said to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus; among other spaces. It was an exhaustingly long day of travel, but a unique piece of history I had to see for my own eyes. After a week of overindulgence, we scheduled a hydrotherapy massage. We had heard it would be a shock to our system. I was intrigued. With swimsuits on, we were led by a sweet woman into a large room with cathedral ceilings with a massive hot tub as the focal point. She

led us to a shower where we were to rinse off from there we spent ten minutes in a steam room after we slathered ourselves in a salt scrub. It was then another shower, ten more minutes in a sauna and then the “rustic” shower, which required us to reach up and pull a rope that would dump an ice-cold bucket of water onto us. It was invigorating. The session ended with ample time in the hot tub and a massage with essential oils. My senses were heightened. My body and mind felt refreshed. It wasn’t until our last full day when the bittersweet feeling set in. I was ready to go back to the comforts of home, but not ready to leave paradise behind. The Dominican Republic lived up to its full potential, eliminating any naysayers. With each island my husband and I visit, my love for the sand and surf grows. Each island has its own allure. Do yourself and your family a favor and uncover how spectacular a week on island time can be. - mtm

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mom to mom feature

An Escape from reality Nichole Odijk DeMario Nina Decker

There’s a new form of entertainment growing in popularity a world over and it’s made its way to Northwest Indiana – escape rooms. Participants are immersed in a physical adventure game where they’re given a series of clues, hints and other elements to help solve puzzles and ultimately “escape” the room. Those looking for an exhilarating, unique and fun night out will find the local escape room offerings a real treat. It’s best done in a group (local rooms accommodate up to 8 people) as a date night, group outing for children over 13 or even a special occasion (theme birthday party heaven). For one hour, you’re immersed in the task at hand, with 60 minutes on the clock, your blood is pumping, your mind is trying to connect the dots and if you’re competitive, you don’t want this “room” to get the best of you nor the clock to run out before you’ve escaped. My first escape room experience and coincidentally the first escape room in the area was with Escape Room NWI in Schererville, Ind. My husband and I joined another couple to celebrate a friend’s birthday. We opted for “The Faberge Heist,” which is one of two current room options. This location is in production for a third. You’re thrust into the role of a thief out to claim loot you feel is rightfully yours, but before you can collect the treasures, you must solve several mental tests to lead you from one clue to the next. A few weeks later, we tried our hand at the newest escape room on the scene, Espionage Escape Rooms in Valparaiso, Ind. during their grand opening. This time we came with a larger group and our prompt – “The Wild Bunch Gang Escape Room.” As a group of detectives set in the late 19th century, we hear Butch Cassidy and his gang of fellow hooligans are about to rob yet another train. We have to determine which train is set to be robbed and foil their plan. The Porter County location will soon be adding an Egyptian theme room to their location as well. We learned early on you have to work together, share the clues out loud or you’re going to go nowhere fast. Small victories abound as you solve one puzzle or opened a lock that led to the next clue. You may say,

what if we’re stumped? Are we locked in this room? Upon request, hints are given to give you a little nudge in the right direction. And no, no one is really locked in the room. The fire marshal would have a field day with that one. But the thing is, you don’t want to leave. You want to be the one to find the code to the padlock, to fill the blanks in on the riddle, to uncover a useful tidbit in a drawer. In a society where our screens and devices dominate our life, it’s a welcome reprieve. No cell phones, no technology. Just you and a group with a common goal. It felt good to be up and out, doing something different. My suggestion – make a night of it. Book your time slot in advance. They fill up fast! Go to a local eatery beforehand. Our group opted for Tomato Bar in Schererville, Ind. (also located in Valparaiso) our first go around. We got to enjoy their hand-crafted pizzas while we anxiously awaited our appointment. The anticipation was part of the fun. The second time around, we chose some late-night appetizers where we had the chance to laugh at the mistakes we made and reflect on another great experience. As these locations expand, new rooms are created and I’m certain more escape rooms pop up, I’ll be keeping a watchful eye for the next chance to make a new memory. It’s one I won’t soon forget. - mtm

IF YOU GO: Escape Rooms NWI 830 Cedar Parkway Schererville, IN 46375 219.595.9197 escaperoomnwi.com

Espionage Escape Rooms 103 E. Morthland Drive Unit 1 Valparaiso, IN 46383 219.476.7699 espionageescapevalpo.com

Locked In NWI Escape Room 213 N. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 219.512.5165 lockedinnwi.com

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursd 1

Eat Up Wine Downtown Va 5:00pm-10:

Winterfest at Indiana Dunes 8:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:30pm

A Night of Lo Laughter at th County Expo Starts at 6:0

National Send a Card to a Friend Day

The Fab Four The Ultimate Tribute Star Plaza Theatre Starts at 8:00pm

Dunes Dinner Club Dunes Learning Center 5:30pm-8:00pm

26 Portage Annual Fishing & Outdoor Show at Portage HS Fieldhouse 9:00am-6:00pm

28 National Tooth Fairy Day

day

Friday 2

e Down alparaiso :00pm

ove and he Porter o Center 00pm

Saturday 3

First Friday Art Walk Uptown Arts District in Michigan City 5:00pm-8:00pm

Winter Wine Event The Lighthouse Restaurant, Cedar Lake 2:00pm-5:00pm

10 Dance & Romance at the Auditorium at Bethel Church in Crown Point Starts at 6:15pm

17 Rick Springfield at Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center Starts at 9:00pm

Coloring Contest Results! Our first coloring contest of the year went off with a bang!! We received dozens of entries from kids across the region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making our choice of choosing a winner that much tougher! In the end, our panel of kid judges choose the following four winners:

11 Fetching Market at Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond 10:00am-6:00pm

Mackenzie

Hobart, IN | 4-years-old

Olivia

Valpo, IN | 8-years-old

Shelf Ice Brewfest at the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City 1:00pm-4:00pm

25 2017 NWI Comic-Con Halls of St George in Schererville 11:00am-6:00pm

Amir

Michigan City, IN 10-years-old

Cody

Portage, IN | 6-years-old

Thank you to all who submitted art work! We will have more coloring contests as the year goes on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stay tuned!!!

mom to mom health

keep cj strong Nichole Odijk DeMario Provided

Like many children, three-year-old CJ Moreno of Whiting, Ind. was susceptible to ear infections and was “guaranteed” to get at least one a year. In August 2016 when he started to show all of the telltale signs, his mother Tabitha Gilliam didn’t think much of it, scheduled a doctor’s appointment and he was prescribed antibiotics. Moreno’s ear continued to worsen, becoming increasingly inflamed and a lump appeared. His doctor insisted it was a severe ear infection and advised he continue his antibiotics – Gilliam’s gut told her otherwise. After nearly begging for additional tests, a CT scan was ordered. Within a half hour of the test, the phone rang. Within the hour, Gilliam and CJ’s father Carlos were in the car en route to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for what they thought was a severe ear infection that started to cause damage to the bone. Instead, they received news that would turn their world upside down. Their son had cancer. CJ had a six-centimeter size tumor behind his ear that was pushing on his brain. What seemed overnight, Gil-

liam says CJ stopped walking, lost his appetite and was in severe pain. Additional tests confirmed he had additional tumors on his spine and hip. They were told his chance of survival was 10-percent. Doctors wanted to started chemotherapy and radiation right away. Again, Gilliam’s maternal instinct kicked in. She and Carlos agreed they wanted to be certain CJ was at the best hospital possible for his diagnosis. That led them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. “We can’t take away the cancer, but we can fight like there’s no tomorrow…always go with your gut and your instincts. We weren’t necessarily looking for a different diagnosis, we just weren’t comfortable. We have to be our children’s voices, to fight for them because they can’t fight for themselves,” Gilliam says. At St. Jude, they learned CJ did not have a bone cancer as originally thought, but a rare blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML subtype M7). He will need a bone marrow transplant to survive. He has undergone chemotherapy. Late last month, doctors deter-

mined his tumors have shrunk and there isn’t any sign of disease. They are awaiting an update on his bone marrow. Gilliam says their focus is to get his cancer into remission in order for him to survive with the transplant. Gilliam says she feels CJ’s feisty personality has served him well. “He’s always been very happy. Happy thoughts create happy things,” she says. “…CJ is the type of kid no one forgets. He’s always smiling, very talkative, walking, running, very active. You can’t slow him down. He’ll be getting his chemo treatment and playing soccer at the same time.” Since last October, CJ’s parents haven’t left his side putting their entire lives on hold. Here at home, their extended families, friends and community-at-large have rallied behind the family. Several fundraisers have been held as well as bone marrow testing drives in the hopes of finding CJ a potentially life-saving match, but also to raise awareness. To date, more than 350 individuals have been tested. CJ’s grandmother Laura Gilliam says she has been in awe of the support they’ve received. “It touches my heart. Nothing in this world can ever repay the kindness. A lot of supporters don’t know CJ and they’re reaching out…we’re all pulling together,” Laura says. Gilliam says her purpose in life has been forever al-

tered. “We want people to become more aware and to come together…I feel like it’s my job as his mother to shed light. I want to cure cancer,” she says. To any parent feeling lost while their child is ill Gilliam’s words of advice, “When you feel you’re helpless, you’re not. We have to maximize the things we can do. They may seem small, but they’re not. Do your research, don’t just Google something from a crazy site. Talk to doctors. Read medical journals. Do everything you can do. You have to.” To follow his story visit his Facebook page, “Keep CJ Strong.” Here’s how you can help: Spaghetti Dinner Benefit February 11 from 5 pm to 9 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond Monetary donations may be made at Peoples Bank, “Help Me Beat Cancer” or gofundme.com/keepcjstrong. Visit bethematch.org to request a bone marrow testing kit. For benefit ticket information or further information regarding becoming a bone marrow donor contact Laura Gilliam at 219.381.0243. - mtm

mom you should know

Angela Bruszewski Nichole Odijk DeMario Provided

One in every three deaths in the United States in 2013 were from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases according to American Heart Association’s 2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. That shocking statistic is one all too familiar for 34-yearold mother of soon to be two daughters Angela Bruszewski. Bruszewski was born with an atrial septal defect (a hole in the heart), congenital heart disease, which included pulmonary atresia where her pulmonary valve formed but never opened among other complications. February 7th to February 14th is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. She was less than 36 hours old when she had her first heart surgery. By the age of two she had had four open

heart surgeries. Bruszewski of Crown Point, Ind. says her condition is a “fluke,” one that can’t be attributed to genetics. Her family has no family history of any heart conditions. For years she spent her life under strict doctor’s orders to limit her physical activity, even advising her she couldn’t take long walks. It was a common belief at the time that any rigorous activity could do more harm than good. Perspectives have changed over time and soon Bruszewski began incorporating more exercise into her routine under the supervision of new doctors. By age 30, Bruszewski was considering starting a family. The battery of tests began to ensure her heart was healthy enough. Much to her dismay, she discovered ad-

ditional issues had developed. She went under the knife for her fifth open heart surgery in March 2013, praying she’d come out of it and be on the path to motherhood. “It was really nerve wracking. It was stressful because I had to be on medical leave from work for two months,” Bruszewski says. “…I had to push for my second opinion. I know my body. I pushed for additional tests, which is why they found what they did. I wanted to be healthy, to be there to raise my children.” She adds she found solace in the bible verses her mother and aunt would send to her to keep her spirits positive. She leaned on the support from friends and family. She turned to them regularly when she felt down about the need to be on medication, having to do regular blood

tests and being in cardiac rehab. She kept her eye on the prize. A clean bill of health meant a green light to have a baby. One year later her dream came to fruition. Her pregnancy was closely monitored and she ended up giving birth to her daughter two months premature due to severe preeclampsia. Now in the middle of second pregnancy with a “strong-willed” toddler in tow, she says her experience this go-around has been very positive. She’s been able to keep up her high intensity workouts with a heart monitor. Although she remains on medication, her blood pressure has stabilized. Her start to life has shaped the way she parents. She says she focuses on setting a strong example for her daughter by eating healthy and making sure she does

the same. Their family exercise includes dancing around their living room. Bruszewski says, “After my last surgery it was an awakening call that I needed to change my lifestyle a bit and be more conscious of what I’m putting in my body and to take care of myself. I also learned to not care so much about the little things and not take anything for granted…[People need to] be aware. You can look perfectly fine and healthy and there may be something wrong. Be aware that everyone is facing different problems you may not know.” - mtm

What’s more February is American Heart Month. American Heart Association’s Northwest Indiana Heart Gala Chairperson Kirk Cordill says heart disease is the number one health issue individuals face in their lifetime, surpassing cancer. Cordill and his wife Wendy became involved in the organization due to their personal connection to the cause. Each of their fathers have undergone heart procedures. Since attending last year’s gala for the first time they’ve held fundraisers at their BMW dealership in Schererville, Ind. and the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill. raising more than $20,000. They’re hoping to continue to ensure the gala remains one of the premiere events in Northwest Indiana, but also incorporate global influences. If you’d like to support the cause, the gala offers various different opportunities including individual tickets, table sponsorships and auction. The event will take place on March 18 at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Ind. Details may be found at heart.org. Cordill suggests regardless of whether you’re a gala attendee or supporter you need to access your risk for heart disease, “The person that should care the most about you is you.” The American Heart Association created the My Life Check® to educate the public on how best to live with Life’s Simple 7: manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, get active, eat better, lose weight and stop smoking. With all medical decisions, please consult your primary care physician for further direction.

mindy’s menu

Made with love Mindy Gear

“People who love to eat are always the best people” – Julia Child.

I love feeding people who LOVE to eat. Dinner parties or lunches with friends let you catch up or have lively conversation. Maybe it is just hanging out with your family having dinner or baking cookies. All of these things involve food. I enjoy putting together a special dinner for our family on Valentine’s Day. Our weekdays are so hectic, there aren’t any extra minutes to enjoy a nice dinner out. However, I don’t want our busy schedules to take over a special day. It doesn’t

have to be extravagant or time-consuming food, a simple meal is incredibly enjoyable with the ones you love. This month I have been enjoying a turkey sausage potato soup that is easy to toss in the crockpot and leave. Also some delicious stuffed shells or meatballs that you can make ahead of time to enjoy on a special night. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we can’t forget the chocolate.

Potato Turkey Sausage Soup

Ingredients • 1 package turkey sausage links (5 pieces) or 1# Italian sausage

This soup is delicious. I use turkey sausage instead of regular to “lighten” it up. Once you see the heavy cream, you may not feel like it is incredibly healthy. However, it is one cup over several servings of soup. I like to add some additional spices to give it a little zip. If I end up using Italian pork sausage, I buy the zesty and omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne. We also prefer ours with white beans. Those can also be omitted. Give it a try!

• 4 medium sized potatoes, scrubbed and diced • 1 small onion, chopped • 32 ounces chicken stock (low-sodium, preferred) • 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained, optional • Pinch red pepper flakes, optional • Pinch cayenne, optional • 1 cup heavy cream • ½ bunch kale, rinsed and chopped

Directions Cook sausage links in skillet, then chop. Put back into skillet with chopped onions and potatoes. Stir around for a few minutes then place into crockpot. Add beans (if using) and spices. Stir and cover with 32 ounces chicken stock. If liquid does not cover mixture, add a little water. Turn on low for 4-6 hours. About 30-45 minutes before serving, pour 1 cup cream into crockpot and add kale. Cook until kale wilts and soup heats through.

Individual Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Now, this recipe is straight from the Ghiradelli website. It is perfection in a little chocolate cake, with a gooey center. Their website is www.ghiradelli. com and I want to make everything in the recipe section! These cakes were very easy to make. Ingredients • 6 ounces – 60% cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars • ¼ cup heavy cream • 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tbsp) • 2 eggs • 2 egg yolks • 1/3 cup sugar • ½ tsp vanilla • ¼ cup CAKE flour

Directions Grease/spray six – 4 oz. ramekins or custard cups. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In double boiler or microwave safe bowl, melt 2 ounces chopped chocolate and cream. Refrigerate for 2 hours and then form into 6 balls; refrigerate until needed. Cake: Melt 4 ounces of chocolate and butter in double boiler or microwave; whisking gently to blend. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile mix eggs, yolks, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer for 5 minutes until mixture is thick and light. Fold in chocolate mixture and flour into egg mixture until just combined. Spoon cake batter into ramekins. Place 1 chocolate ball in the middle of each ramekin. Bake 15 minutes or until cake is firm to the touch. Let it sit out of the oven for about 5 minutes. Run a small sharp knife around to loosen cake. Place plate on top, invert and remove ramekin. Garnish with whipped cream and berries.

Spicy Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells I like making stuffed shells. It is an easy meal that can be made ahead of time. The filling recipe makes enough for about half the box of shells. So feel free to double if you want more to freeze or are feeding a lot of people. A whole package of jumbo shells contains about 35. Once you stuff them, freeze half and you will have another fuss free dinner for later! Cover with your favorite sauce or try making a homemade one. PASTA Ingredients • 1 box jumbo shells or manicotti cooked according to package • 26 oz favorite sauce Filling Ingredients • 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional) • 16 oz. ricotta cheese • 4 cups fresh or 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (if frozen, thaw and drain) • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese • ½ tsp each, salt and pepper • 1 egg • 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions Mix above together and stuff shells. Don’t forget to add sausage to filling or sauce, depending on where you want that particular flavor. Oil a 9x13 baking dish (may need additional baking dishes if you are using larger recipe). Pour 1/3 sauce in bottom of pan and arrange filled shells in pan. Pour remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to use (within 24 hours). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly (may need additional time if they have been refrigerated); remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes.

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Homemade Meatballs Ingredients • 4 lbs. ground beef • 3 cups bread crumbs • 4 eggs, beaten • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper • ½ tsp celery salt • ½ tsp nutmeg • ½ tsp garlic • ½ tsp oregano • ½ cup milk

Don’t feel like stuffing shells? Spaghetti and meatballs is always a big hit! These can be baked in a pan then placed in a crockpot covered in sauce. They will be ready to eat when you are. Meatballs also make great sandwiches. Directions Mix all ingredients and shape into approximately 2” balls. Place on baking sheet with edges. Bake 30 minutes at 350. Simmer in sauce or divide and freeze.

Homemade Pasta Homemade pasta is the best easiest thing to make. Throw a few ingredients in your food processor, roll it out and you have dinner! If you have a pasta roller, use it according to directions. I like to use the thicker fettucine cutting option for our noodles. We also will toss a handful of spinach in for a little color. Ingredients • 1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour • ½ tsp salt • 1 egg • Handful or two of spinach, optional

Directions Place ingredients in food processor and blend until dough forms. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to get it all to come together. Place of floured surface and knead a few times. Let rest about 10 minutes. Either roll with rolling pin or use pasta press. Gradually roll it thinner until it is desired thickness. Place in pasta cutter or use pizza roller or knife to slice into noodles. When little hands are helping, I like to cut the dough into smaller pieces to make handling easier. Cook in boiling water about 5-7 minutes. Drain and cover with favorite sauce.

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mom to mom: ask the doc

Tips to improve heart healtH Dr. Sandee Clark

Heart disease and stroke claim the lives of 17.3 million people each year. We all have heard we need to exercise more, stop smoking and eat better but how and where do we start? Let’s break it down a bit shall we. Smoking Kicking the smoking habit can be very stressful to do. The CDC has some recommendations for quitting the habit once and for all. • Don’t smoke any cigarettes. • Write down why you want to quit • Know that it will take commitment and effort to quit smoking • Get help if you want it • Remember the good news! Even cutting down how much you smoke each day is damaging to your lungs, blood vessels and cells so it’s better to not smoke any cigarettes at all! Smokers have a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that smokers are two to four times more at risk of a stroke among other serious health issues.

GOOD NEWS Once you give up smoking all together the risk of heart attack reduces and after just one year your heart disease risk is cut in half! Now that’s something to look forward too. Exercise The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise every day. You need to get your heart pumping so it can push blood effectively through your body which helps your cells get the necessary oxygen it needs. What can you do in 30 minutes? • Don’t stand idle. While you are waiting until the microwave dings or the water boils, do squats and pushups on the floor or against the wall, or simply march in place. It may sound silly and the kids might laugh, but you’ll have the last laugh when you’re toned and trim. • Shun labor-saving devices. Chop vegetables manually rather than with a food processor; use a manual instead of an electric can opener; beat eggs and cream with a whisk, not an electric mixer; wash and dry dishes by hand.

• Who needs a Stairmaster when you have the real thing? Schedule chores to maximize the number of times you go up and down the stairs. Do dishes downstairs, then make beds upstairs, then head back downstairs to tackle the bathroom, and go back upstairs again to dust. Carry dirty clothes to the laundry; don’t use the chute. All that climbing boosts your cardiovascular fitness and strengthens your leg muscles. • Can the dumbbells. You don’t need dumbbells to work out with weights; raising and lowering food cans while reorganizing your pantry or cabinets will strengthen your arm and back muscles. • Put on some energizing music and dance to the beat while you work. It will help you sweep faster and scrub harder. Remember to keep your abdominal muscles tight and knees flexed to take the strain off your back. • Make shopping an exercise opportunity. When selecting groceries, stretch for that elusive package on the top shelf rather than grabbing what’s closest. Unpacking the car and putting away groceries is a lifting-and-stretching session in itself. And if you can walk to the store and carry your purchases home – even better. If not, try parking farther from the store to get in some extra exercise. Eating Right Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. You don’t need to be a chef to create nutritious, hearthealthy meals your family will love. Learn what to look for at the grocery store, restaurants, your workplace and any eating occasion. Here are the Top 5 Heart Healthy foods to include in your diet. Brown rice High in fiber and easy to digest. Gluten-free. Stuff in veggies and bake! Brown rice is rich in selenium which is beneficial for a healthy heart. Consumption of whole grains such as brown rice helps reduce the blockage of arteries due to plaque buildup. This protective action is contributory in the reducing the risk of cardiac disor-

ders such as high hypertension and vascular diseases. Spinach Lowers cholesterol and is high in Iron. Eat Raw for more nutrients. Try it in a smoothie. Popeye knew firsthand the value of eating spinach. Hands down, spinach is the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom. Its rich, dark color comes from the multiple phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals (especially folate and iron) that also fight disease, protect against heart disease, and preserve your eyesight. Sweet Potato Good source of Vitamin C and high in fiber. Roast for more sweetness. Boil for mashed potatoes. The deep orange color is more than just different than white potatoes; it’s one of the indications of beta-carotene presence. The vitamin A per serving even rivals that of green leafy vegetables providing 769% of the daily value per serving. In fact, the only food that has more vitamin A is three ounces of beef liver!

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Walnuts High in Omega-3’s, high in protein. Try walnut oil for dressings. Try it in pesto. Walnuts are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and a good source of protein. Nuts have a reputation for being a high-calorie and high-fat food. However, they are dense in nutrients and provide heart-healthy fats. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in walnuts increase satisfaction and fullness, which makes them a great snack compared to simple carbohydrate foods like chips or crackers. Salmon Lowers blood pressure, low in carbs. Enhance with lemon. Bake in parchment paper for a tender bite. This cold-water fish is a great source of protein and is also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association advises eating salmon and other omega-3 rich foods twice a week for benefits that go beyond heart health. Americans love salmon because it is so versatile, easy to cook, and tastes great. - mtm

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