St. Augustine Woman's Journal - Aug/Sep 2016

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Being Neighborly… Publisher of: The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal

Publisher/Editor Suzanne Egeln publisher@NEFLWomansJournals.com

Business Manager Anthony Egeln bizmgr@NEFLWomansJournals.com

Graphic Design Samantha Angeli samantha.angeli74@gmail.com

Photography Christine Cousart Christine@Cousartstudios.com

Email / Web info@neflwomansjournals.com www.NEFLWomansJournals.com P.O. Box 3655, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 Voice & Fax: 904-280-0788 U.S. Mail • Direct Drop Distributors • Subscription The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal is published bimonthly by Northeast Florida Woman’s Journals and is available free of charge, by display stands in approved private and public establishments and by authorized distributors only. Subscriptions are available.Trademark laws and U.S. copyright laws protect The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal. No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal is not responsible for (1) any editorial comment (other than its own), (2) typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or (3) any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employees, against any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper or its advertising copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgment in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate. The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. Representations by The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal™, Copyright 2009.

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Suzanne Egeln, Publisher

y favorite part of summer is enjoying a night out. By that I don’t mean going to a restaurant or a catching a movie. I mean a night “outside”, watching the fireflies, listening to the cicadas, enjoying roasted marshmallows on the fire, or watching the moonrise. There really are “no worries” until the mosquitoes arrive! My late father was always a member of the neighborhood watch. He sat on the front porch watching, as well as driving through the neighborhood looking for anything or anyone out of the ordinary. That made for a peaceful night’s rest as a child growing up. Mom was a “back” porch sitter. She loved the screen porch on the back of our

home. In my current neighborhood most of my neighbors are “front porch” sitters, although more accurately they are “front garage” sitters. Many parts of the country celebrate Neighborhood Night Out in August as a way to get out and meet the people who live in your neighborhood. Some people buy a house and live in it for years, but never make it a home! Turtle season continues on St. Johns County beaches until October 31st. Please help in being good stewards for these oftenabused creatures (see the sea turtle protection tips box). As always we invite you to enjoy the articles enclosed in these pages and to support our Contributors. We welcome your suggestions for new Contributors and recommendations for our Women In Profile feature. We are especially looking to add Contributors in the Home Improvement area: Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air, Roofing, Painting, Landscaping and other building contractors. Slainte! Suzanne Egeln

Find us on the web at: staugustinewomansjournal.com

Sea Turtle Protection Tips • Refrain from using fireworks and open fires. • Remove ruts and fill in holes left by vehicles and sand castle building. • Please remove all chairs, umbrellas, or canopies from the beach before dark. These items are subject to removal by County staff. • When using a flashlight on the beach, please use a flashlight filter. These free filters can be found at the Vilano walkover, the St. Johns County Pier, and at street ends in St. Augustine Beach. • Avoid entering sand dunes and conservation zones (15 feet seaward of the dune line). • Refrain from using balloons, as they can fall into the ocean and harm marine life. • Never approach sea turtles emerging from, or returning to the sea. Nesting sea turtles are vulnerable, timid, and can be easily frightened away. If an injured, sick, or deceased sea turtle is encountered, please call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 904.824.8304. Leave only your footprints, providing the turtles with a safe and clean habitat in which to nest and hatch.


In This Issue

st. augustine woman’s journal | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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16 32

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25 26 Health & Medicine

4 | After Breast Cancer Surgery 5 | Prevent Colon Cancer Now 6 | Innovative Non-Surgical Weight-Loss Procedure Now Offered at Flagler Hospital 7 | Flagler College Graduates Enjoy a Summer Birthcation in St. Augustine 9 | Going Beyond the Call of Duty 10 | The Art of Spider Vein Treatment: Sclerotherapy & Laser Therapy 12 | The Sting of Shingles 14 | Protect Your Feet from Skin Cancer 15 | Is Your Cardiologist Board Certified? 16 | The Hospitalist – Dedicated and Exceptional Inpatient Care from Admission through to Discharge 17 | New Relief for Vaginal Dryness! 18 | Living with osteoarthritis pain? Learn About A Low-Dose Treatment Option

Life Services

20 | Gayle Mattson Selected as President of Haven Hospice and VNA/HFK 21 | Senior Move Management Moving an Aging America 22 | Simply Susie. Let us clean, cook and run errands for you! It’s just a part of what we do!

Business & Finance

23 | Get More Out of Your Blog Posts!

Legal

25 | Durable POWER of Attorney, a “POWERFUL DOCUMENT

Travel

26 | Celebrate the Seasons at Sea!

Women in Profile

27 | Samantha English, Jessica Bowman Macy, Anna M. Smith, Denise Hagan, Julie Ickes, Erica Cuna and Pamela Barberi

Fashion & Beauty

37 | Missing My Dad! 38 | Types of Hair Styling 39 | A Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear!!!

Food & Entertainment

41 | Ichiban Buffet 42 | WFOY 43 | Treat Your Taste Buds at PJ’s Asia One Market

Back Cover

44 | Think Pink in October Motorcycle Ride and Event

Community

31 | Newest Art in Public Places Exhibit Opens at The St. Johns County Administration Building 32 | Graduation at St. Gerard Campus 33 | The Importance of Grandparents and Early Literacy! 34 | St. Francis House Needs Food for Their Pantry! 35 | The Faces of Affordable Housing 36 | The 8th Annual Caribbean Calypso Night Find us on the web at: staugustinewomansjournal.com


Health & Medicine

After Breast Cancer Surgery When properly fitted and body balance is restored a woman’s self-assurance is restored as well. She will stand straight and tall and be ready for life.

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998

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By: Susan Detar, CFm Owner, The Pink Door

fter mastectomy or lumpectomy, replacement of breast weight is very important for the health of the skeletal and muscular systems and the overall comfort of a woman’s body. With unequal chest wall balance, the body will adjust and realign itself to the unequal weight. This can lead to problems like shoulder drop and pain in the back and neck. A common misconception is that women who have had both breasts removed don’t need to replace the missing chest wall weight. Not so. A woman’s body normally has weight on the chest wall and correct posture is easier to maintain when the body is returned to its normal state, whether there was very little breast tissue or a lot prior to surgery. Equal weight distribution ensures the body structure and gait are more accurate, allowing a quicker return to overall health and wellness. There are many styles of prostheses in many shapes and weights. Replacing the lost tissue to match remaining tissue as closely as possible is very important and will ensure a bra stays in place. Mastectomy bras are available in lots of fashionable styles and colors.

(WHCRA) is a federal law that provides protection to women who have had a mastectomy covered by insurance benefits. This law applies generally both to persons covered under group health plans and persons with individual health insurance coverage. But WHCRA does NOT require health plans or issuers to pay for mastectomies. If a group health plan or health insurance issuer chooses to cover mastectomies, then the plan or issuer is generally subject to WHCRA requirements. If WHCRA applies to you and if you are receiving benefits in connection with a mastectomy, coverage must be provided for: ◆ All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed; ◆ Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; ◆ Prostheses and bras and; ◆ Treatment for physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema.

Everyone who wears a bra should replace her garments at least annually because the textiles will break down with wear and perfumes and oils will also cause deterioration. You should have three new ones at a time—one to wash, one to wear and one for a spare. Depending on your clothing, different styles are useful so building a wardrobe of bras is smart. An annual fitting is also important as weight changes, body composition and other factors will affect your bra size. “I’ve been a customer since 2005. I feel very comfortable in this store. Susan is very bright, warm and knowledgeable. Since the first time I walked in through the Pink Door (and it is pink!) I felt as though someone had invited me into their home. One time, my mom was in town and Susan fitted her for a bra. My mom was very pleased, she had been wearing the wrong size for years. Susan is very easy to talk to especially when you have a lot of questions about intimate supplies. Cancer is hard enough with all of the decisions you need to make, this should be an easy one.” - Kate

For further information about this regulation call the Department of Health and Human Services at 1-877-267-2323 ext. 61565.

Normal Anatomy

Spinal Curvature & Shoulder Drop

Image used by permission of Amoena USA Corporation

Susan Detar is a Certified Mastectomy Fitter. The Pink Door is an accredited post-mastectomy care center. Our mission statement: “The Pink Door will be recognized as the preferred provider of foundations to women affected by breast cancer. We will offer a wide selection of products in a knowledgeable and caring environment. Our goal is to fulfill 80% of our customers’ needs on the first visit.” This mission extends to all women who walk through the door. You will be served in a warm, inviting boutique occupying a home in the south historic district of Palatka. Our job is to provide products that will make you look and feel better.

August/September 2016

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Health & Medicine

Prevent Colon Cancer Now!

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Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. GI Associates

olon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Ever year, approximately 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer and 50,000 die from it. The sad truth is that a majority of these cancer victims could have been saved by proper screening. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that a third of adults over the age of 50 (22 million people) have not had any colorectal cancer screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all Americans - men and women - begin colon cancer screening no later than age 50. In fact, colon cancer is one of only

three cancers for which the USPSTF recommends preventative screening (breast and cervical cancer are the other two). Most women are well aware of the importance of mammograms for breast cancer screening yet ironically public awareness for colon cancer prevention lags far behind. It is important to note that both men AND women are at risk for colon cancer and should undergo screening. What are the options? Part of the confusion, on the part of both patients and at times physicians, is that there are many options for colorectal cancer screening. These options include: stool testing for blood, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Other tests such as barium enemas, CT colonography (“virtual colonoscopy”) and stool DNA testing are not recommended by the USPSTF but they may be used in certain settings. That said, the USPSTF clearly states: “Colonoscopy is a necessary step in any screening program that reduces mortality from colorectal cancer.” Why is colonoscopy so effective? Colon cancer nearly always begins as a harmless growth in the colon called a polyp. When these polyps are removed they can no longer grow and in turn they cannot grow into cancer. One out of four Americans over the age of 50 can have polyps without any symptoms. This is the reason to begin screening at age 50. When there is a family history of colon cancer, screening should begin no later than age 40. How does a colonoscopy work? For

most people the test itself is fairly simple. The day prior to the test, patients must drink a laxative in order to clean out the colon. Admittedly, the “prep day” is not very pleasant, but most people can finish the laxative by the early evening and sleep through the night. The day of the exam, an anesthetic is provided which generally allows patients to drift off to sleep. A thin flexible camera is then used to exam the entire colon, beginning at the rectum. Nearly all polyps can be removed immediately. The exam usually lasts 1530 minutes. Afterwards, patients are monitored for a period of time until they wake up. No pain or discomfort should be experienced when the test is performed by a properly trained physician. Many patients wake up and don’t even realize the colonoscopy was already done. If no polyps were removed, a follow up colonoscopy does not have to be repeated for 10 years (assuming no prior history of polyps or family history of cancer). Most insurance plans including Medicare provide coverage for a screening colonoscopy. There’s no reason to wait, get screened today and prevent colon cancer now! For more information, please visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/screenforlife (Center for Disease Control) www.screen4coloncancer.org (American Society of GI Endoscopy) www.gi-associates.com (GI Associates of St. Augustine)

Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Gastroenterology. After graduating with honors from Duke University, Dr. Gassert received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in 2000. While at NYU, he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical school honor society. Dr. Gassert trained at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Cornell University and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for his internal medicine residency. He completed a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Gassert joined G.I. Associates in 2006. Gastroenterology Associates, specialist in disorders of the digestive system are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. All our physicians are American Board in Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Gastroenterology. G.I. Associates (Gastroenterology Associates of St. Augustine) offers the highest quality comprehensive service in St. Johns County for more than twenty years. Also, as a benefit to our patients, we perform many of our out-patient procedures in our AAAHC(Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) accredited free-standing surgery center, conveniently located next to our office.

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What our patients say: Well organized & efficient staff! • I feel the level of care and the gentle and kind manner I was treated in was excellent. I think you should be proud of your staff. • This was my first colonoscopy and the entire staff made the experience less nerve racking, than I thought it was going to be. Everyone made me feel comfortable. • Well done from start to finish. Thank you!! • I had high anxiety over the procedure but staff put me at complete ease! Thank you! • I went in quivering in fear and left with no trauma. Thank you! • Very satisfied, would refer my family to you all.

Consultants in Digestive Disorders Santiago A. Rosado M.D. • Steven Yu Villanueva M.D. Timothy J. Cavacini D.O. • Stuart A. Soroka, M.D. Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. • William J Barlow, M.D. Anis A. Ahmadi, M.D. • Camille A. McGaw M.D St. Augustine 216 Southpark Circle East St. Augustine, FL 32086 Phone: 904.824.6108 Fax: 904.823.9613 Murabella/WGV 52 Tuscan Way, Suite 203 St. Augustine, FL 32092 Phone: 904.824.6108 Palatka 199 S. Highway, Suite C East Palatka, FL 32177 Phone: 386.326.4060 PALM COAST 50 Cypress Point Pkwy, Condo C1 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Phone: 386.986.3400 www.GI-Associates.com info@gi-associates.com


Health & Medicine

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Innovative Non-Surgical Weight-Loss Procedure Now Offered at Flagler Hospital

eather Conlon has been struggling with her weight since she was in high school. Like many people, managing her weight over the years has been a roller coaster ride, experiencing highs and lows as every successful weight loss effort was soon followed by even greater weight gain - no matter how hard she tried to stay on track. Recognizing that she needed some help achieving a healthier lifestyle, Heather began researching weight loss procedures and surgeons. Her mother served as an inspiration having lost and kept off over 100 pounds after having a gastric band procedure more than four years ago. During her research, Heather was surprised to learn about the new ReShape procedure currently be performed at Flagler Hospital by Dr. Robert Marema. The Reshape Dual Gastric Balloon is a proven weight loss procedure that is nonanatomy altering and completed in about 20 minutes on an outpatient basis. The ReShape program includes dual balloon technology, a comprehensive one year weight loss support program and proven results. After meeting with Dr. Marema, Heather was able to get scheduled right away. She had the procedure in April of this year and is

More about the ReShape Procedure:

The ReShape Procedure is a new, FDA approved, non-surgical approach to weight loss that is proven to help people achieve and maintain significant weight loss. The ReShape Procedure was specifically designed for patients with a lower BMI (between 30–40). In a recent study, patients lost more than twice as much weight with ReShape than with diet and exercise alone.1 Most ReShape patients keep the weight off or continue to lose, even after the balloons are removed.

ReShape Balloon in Stomach

August/September 2016

already seeing results. In less than two months she is already halfway to her goal weight. “Everything went exactly as explained to me,” she said. “More than anything, I am really enjoying an increased energy level. I am able to have fun, be active and just love that I can spend more quality time playing with my 11/2 year-old-daughter daughter, Poppy Jane.” No matter what motivates you—from improving your health and increasing your energy to improving your confidence and loving your reflection in the mirror—having the right tools and resources to help you be successful can make all the difference. Learn more about the ReShape program at www.FlaglerHospitalWeightLoss.com.

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With ReShape, two connected balloons filled with saline (salt water) are placed temporarily inside your stomach in an outpatient medical setting. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes while you are comfortably sedated under light anesthesia. The balloons remain in the stomach for six months, helping you lose weight and encourage healthy eating habits by taking up room in your stomach. You can still eat the healthy foods you enjoy, but the balloons act as builtin portion control, helping you feel full and less hungry. The balloons are a weight loss jumpstart, and are only part of the procedure. You also receive a full year of personalized coaching to support your success and help you make the changes that will encourage a lifetime of healthy living. ReShape combines the portioncontrolling benefits of the balloons with comprehensive coaching to change your eating habits, enhance your physical fitness, and help you adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports long-term success.


Health & Medicine

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Flagler College Graduates Enjoy a Summer Birthcation in St. Augustine

atie Webber and her husband met at Flagler College where they were both education majors. They started their family in St. Augustine and had two wonderful birthing experiences at Flagler Hospital’s Maternity Care Center, joyfully welcoming their two sons Oakley & Cruz into the world. Last July, the family moved to Pittsburgh, where they opened a specialty coffee shop called Konvive. Amidst the success of their new entrepreneurial venture, Katie was excited to learn that she was once again pregnant, now with their third child. She interviewed a number of prospective obstetricians in Pennsylvania and checked out the area hospitals, but nothing compared to the warm, home-like and world-class experience she remembered from Flagler Hospital. A photographer by trade, Katie was still traveling back to St. Augustine about once a month to shoot weddings and would see her doctor for pre-natal care while she was in town. Knowing how important a birthing experience is, Katie decided nothing would

compare to Flagler and took what she jokingly called a summer “birthcation” to St. Augustine. She continued her care with her obstetrician, spent a month at a condo readying for her new arrival and delivered a beautiful baby boy, Valor, at Flagler Hospital in June – almost one year after leaving the area. Katie says Flagler Hospital will always have a special place in her family’s heart. Flagler Hospital Named one of Healthgrades 2016 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award Recipients Flagler Hospital recently announced it has achieved Healthgrades 2016 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award™, according to Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The distinction places Flagler Hospital within the top 10% of all hospitals evaluated for the exceptional care provided to mothers during labor and delivery. To help consumers evaluate and compare hospital performance in labor and delivery, Healthgrades analyzed patient outcome data for virtually every hospital in the 17 states that provide all-payer state data for years 2012 through 2014. Healthgrades found that the variation in hospital performance makes a significant difference in terms of clinical outcomes: • From 2012-2014, if all hospitals in the 17 states included in this analysis, as a group, performed similarly to hospitals receiving the Labor and Delivery Excellence Award, on average, 116,703 in-hospital complications could potentially have been avoided.*

About Flagler Hospital’s Maternity Care Program: Flagler Hospital’s Maternity Care program features the latest in advanced technology while at the same time providing nurturing, homelike surroundings for parents, babies and family members during their stay. The team at Flagler recognizes that birth is a most personal experience and many mothers, families and cultures have their own desires when it comes to bringing new life into the world. Flagler Hospital’s Birth Unit has been designed to accommodate all types of delivery preferences. We offer specialty rooms for low-intervention birth experiences where qualified patients and their families deliver in a more natural environment.

Further, from 2012-2014, patients treated in hospitals receiving the Labor and Delivery Excellence Award, had, on average, a 36.3% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the Labor and Delivery Excellence Award.*

“Selecting a hospital for the birth of one’s child is the first healthcare decision made as parents,” said Evan Marks, Chief Strategy Officer, Healthgrades. “By choosing a hospital recognized as a Healthgrades 2016 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award recipient, parents can take comfort knowing that they have access to the highest quality care for their loved ones.”

The birth of a child is one of the most important events in your life. Our entire team is committed to providing excellent care to our patients and their babies. We strive to make each and every family’s birth experience both enjoyable and memorable for all involved. Our level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit allows some of the nation’s leading experts on neonatal intensive care to bring the best practices, best technology and best staff right here to our community. The focus of our NICU is to meet the needs of the entire family in a supportive environment. Since its opening in 2012, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Flagler Hospital has served over 600 babies, allowing them to be cared for right here in St. Augustine

Flagler Hospital is a 335 bed, acute care hospital that has consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by leading ratings agencies. The hospital has operated as a not-for-profit healthcare institution in St. Augustine, Florida since its founding in 1889. Flagler Hospital’s focus on quality has resulted in numerous national accreditations including, designation as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, ANCC Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence, the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Care Centers, National accreditation for its total hip and total knee replacement programs and accreditation of its Cancer Institute by the Commission on Cancer. To learn more about all of the hospital’s services log on to www.FlaglerHospital.org.

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Health & Medicine

August/September 2016

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Health & Medicine

Going Beyond the Call of Duty

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Dr. Roy H. Hinman, Island Doctors

r. Roy H. Hinman II is as self-disciplined and self-driven as they come. With twenty-three family practice locations across north Florida, Dr. Hinman sees the potential for health improvement in every patient who walks through his door. “Anybody who walks in this office, their health can be improved in one form or another- usually by patient intervention with us to guide, assist and educate them,” he explains. “Whether that’s helping them quit smoking, starting an exercise regimen, or changing their diet- patients are the ones who activate the key to success.” After eight years in the U.S. Army as a Calvary Officer, where among other things, Dr. Hinman served as a foreign military advisor with the Saudi Arabia National Guard (he speaks both Arabic and Spanish), he decided to make a career change and go into medicine, which he calls “a kinder, gentler profession than teaching anti-tank tactics in the desert.” A Tulsa, Oklahoma-native, Dr. Hinman already earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tulsa University and a master’s degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University. In 1987, Dr. Hinman added a medical degree to his resume when he graduated from Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“The medical training was very advantageous for me, in that for diagnosis, they did not rely on technical equipment, x-rays or laboratories”, Dr. Hinman explains of going to school in the Caribbean. “We relied predominantly on an extremely good patient history and physical examination. That’s really where your diagnosis comes from.” Dr. Hinman says this experience (“different than in the U.S. where patients are often diagnosed by tests and x-rays”) helped lay the groundwork for starting his own family practice, Island Doctors, in October of 1991 on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Today, the practice has almost two dozen clinics across north Florida and specializes in health improvement with a focused effort on cholesterol reduction, glucose reduction in diabetic patients and smoking cessation. “When I came here, there were two hospitals competing against one another. And then two months later, Flagler Hospital bought out St. Augustine General Hospital,” Dr. Hinman says of the local medical community back in the early 90s. “It was growing and thriving when I got here. Over the years, I’ve seen an increased focus on health improvement rather than “fix-it” medicine.” During this time, Dr. Hinman has also held a variety of positions in the local medical community including Chairman of Family Practice Department at Flagler Hospital, President of the St. Johns County Medical Society, Medical Director for Total Living Care of St. Augustine and Clinical Affiliate of Physician Assistant Sciences for the University of Florida and Clinical Associate Professor for Nova Southeastern Medical School. He’s also seen the number of healthcare providers grow by leaps and bounds. For many years, Island Doctors was the only medical practice on Anastasia Island. In 1998, the practice began managed care operations with Humana Medicare Advantage Plans and became a Medical

Services Organization (MSO). “It’s hard to imagine,” Dr. Hinman admits. “We went from a regular family practice in acute care/urgent care, to a regional health improvement organization!” “We need to make economical and efficient use of the patient’s time and resources to come to their diagnosis and treatment plan”, he explains. “We, at Island Doctors, really pride ourselves on being a health improvement organization. When a patient walks through the doors of an Island Doctors’ clinic, the first thing my

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staff and I do is evaluate what we can do to help the patient look their best and feel their best, which will place them on the top of their individual health pyramid.” Whether it’s cholesterol reduction, blood glucose reduction in diabetic patients, smoking cessation, or beginning a patient on a weight loss regimen, Dr. Hinman says, “The future of medicine in Northeast Florida needs to focus its emphasis on health improvement. This will create a healthier, happier, and longer living community.”


Health & Medicine The Art of Spider Vein Treatment: Sclerotherapy & Laser Therapy Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

-Restoring the youth in your legs

characteristics of spider veins. Some of the treatment options that have been used for the treatment of spider veins are: • Lifestyle changes • Support stockings • Vein stripping surgery • Radiofrequency Occlusion • Sclerotherapy • Laser therapy For the purpose of this article I will focus on sclerotherapy and laser therapy

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By: Ryan Pereira, DPM, FACFAS

f you are one of the many who suffer from discomfort, pain, or poor self-image due to varicose veins, spider veins, or venous reflux, a wide array of minimally invasive treatment options are available at The Centre for Advanced Vein Care (CAV Care) which has been treating venous disease since 2005. Spider veins and varicose veins, although considered a cosmetic problem are actually a sign of an underlying disorder called Venous Insufficiency. Nearly 20-25 million Americans are afflicted by this condition. By age sixty, approximately 70 percent of women and 40 percent of men will be afflicted with venous insufficiency. Left untreated, it can lead to a chronic, debilitating, and sometimes limb-threatening condition. Spider veins present as small webs of red, purple or blue clusters or lines that disfigure the skin surface. Varicose veins appear as dark blue veins or bulging ropes beneath the skin. While these veins are not usually life threatening, they can disrupt and interfere with a person’s quality of life. There are various treatment options available depending on the size, location and For more information about vein treatments, please visit: www.anastasiamedicalgroup.com or contact the office at 904-461-0821. The Center for Advance Vein Care (CAV care) treats all of the aspects of venous disease, the most common of which are varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and refluxing veins. We utilize the VNUS® Closure® procedure and treatments usually last approximately 45 minutes. In order to provide for total comprehensive vein care, vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy and sclerotherapy are also performed at the Center for Advance Vein Care. Dr. Ryan J. Pereira (pictured above) has been in

August/September 2016

Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. Dr. Pereira uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes injury to the vein walls thereby causing it to stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein fades away. Sclerotherapy treatment does not require anesthesia and is performed in the office setting. Patients may return to normal activity immediately after treatment. Patients normally require between 2 and 5 treatments sessions every 4-6 weeks to obtain optimal results. After sclerotherapy patients may be asked to wear compression stockings. This treatment is very effective when done correctly. Side effects of Sclerotherapy Common temporary side effects of sclerotherapy are stinging, redness, raised patches of skin, bruising where the injection are performed. These subside immediately after treatment. Spots, brown lines, or groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein recede shortly after treatment. Finally blood trapping in the vein may cause a mild inflammation which is usually treated either by draining the trapped blood or applying warm moist. Laser therapy Laser transmits laser light through the skin to the practice since 2002 and has been treating venous disease since 2005. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is Board Certified in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/ Ankle surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American ColDr. David S. Ross lege of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine with his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine.

target blood vessel up to 3 mm in size. After the laser light is absorbed, the light is converted to heat and damage the target vessel. As the vessel is damaged, circualtion stops and the blood vessel disappears shortly thereafter. This procedure is quick and can be done in about 15-20 minutes depending on the area, size and number of spider veins to be treated. The laser has a built in cooling device that prevents thermal injury to the skin and assists in the reduction of pain with the laser therapy. Laser therapy may require between 2-4 treatments in 4-8 week intervals. Side Effects of Laser Therapy Common temporary side effects are swelling, redness, mild pain and hypo-pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. These side effects will gradually disappear as the lesion heals, which may take from few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the spider vein. At CAV Care, we evaluate many patients for treatment of their spider veins, who have had these Dr. David S. Ross has been in practice since 1977 and has been treating venous disease since 2008. He is Board Certified in both Emergency Medicine and Family Practice and is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He graduated with a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Florida.

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previously treated where only the cosmetic appearance was addressed, only to see reappearance after 6-12 months. Those who opt only for superficial treatments of leg spider veins exchange the veins for dark blotches in the skin. The underlying problem is never considered or treated. A careful ultrasound vein mapping may show a deeper source of reflux in a larger source vein. We offer minimally invasive treatment options like VNUS Closure procedure to address the larger source veins. Once any underlying large vein insufficiency has been excluded or treated. Sclerotherapy, laser therapy and combination therapy are utilized to restore your legs to a more youthful appearance.


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Health & Medicine

Unconditional Love: Thriving Without Striving

e find psychotherapy so much more meaningful and transformative when the spirit is included with mind and behavior. This eternal nature of our spiritual being can be fostered through organized religion, art, music, and/or the simplicity, grace and magnificence of the ‘mindful’ present moment. We are learning God (or the universe if you prefer) is seeking to manifest through us when we let go the ego’s thinking dominance and harmonize with this conscious awareness that is always and only unconditional love. We then experience thriving with less striving! So, how to do this? Franciscan Richard Rohr, in his daily meditations at The Center for Action and Contemplation. com, cites this helpful work (see 7/30/16) by Mirabai Starr on the 3 Stages of Prayer from Teresa of Avila’s (1515-1582) The Way of Perfection. 1. Prayer of Recollection. When we make the effort to set aside time to be still and turn inward, we gather all our faculties to a single point of concentration and invite the presence of the sacred to enter us. In this state, we may find… the “monkey mind” continues to chatter for a while, but gradually things settle down and a kind of spaciousness begins to open between the thoughts, and that’s where the Holy One slips in to sit beside us. This involves our active participation, requires discipline, concentration, and a willingness to endure both mental turmoil and spiritual aridity. It is an act of purification; by scouring the vessel of our souls, we empty ourselves so that the Beloved may fill us. 2. Prayer of Quiet. Now that the labor of recollection has cleansed us, we are ready to receive the infusion of divine light. This is a state of grace. . . . Once we have gathered our senses and intellect, a feeling of deep peace and quietude may wash over us like a warm wave. This is an exceedingly delicate experience...We cannot manufacture or manipulate this stage of prayer. We can

only make ourselves ready to receive it when it comes and, in the words of the late meditation teacher Stephen Levine, we “hold on tightly and let go lightly.” 3. Prayer of Union, any sense of an individualized self slips away. The soul merges with the Divine, like a drop of water into the boundless sea. The Beloved, who, as it turns out, has longed for the lover as fervently as she has desired him, makes her one with him. The Prayer of Union is usually fleeting, but its impact endures. Each time God blesses us with these unitive experiences, we are forever transformed. We are likely to still bumble through the human condition, behaving unskillfully at times and with more grace at others, but with each taste of union we identify a little less with the individual personality and more with our essential unity with the Divine. We are less likely to take passing circumstances as seriously as we used to. Our values shift from acquiring security to serving the One through being of service in the world.

Kathleen Abbott,

“Kate” has a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has over 25 years of experience as a therapist and as a business leader. She coaches managers on best practices, is a regular speaker on creative and practical life strategies and believes “transformation begins with a renewing of the mind.” Her clinical expertise is broad with specialties in eating disorders, PTSD, women, couples, teens and faith-based counseling. She is also highly experienced in providing counseling and crisis intervention training to various organizations in our community. A former licensed foster care parent and mother of two daughters, she is able to equip others in managing life’s many changes and challenges.

Most people entering psychotherapy are concerned about changing a problem. When mindfulness, meditation & the counseling process really take hold, a perceptual shift is more likely the outcome rather than the actual problem changing. With this miracle of perceptual shift, the focus is more outward and upward, rather than inward. As Rohr describes this perception, “…we cannot help but catch a glimpse of God in all that is.” At LifeSource, we invite you into a richer experience in psychotherapy, one centered in modern science and in greater conscious awareness of your eternal spirit. Love and peace are always present. The renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung when asked if he believed in God replied: “I don’t believe. I know.” Let us help you and show you if you don’t know this yet. Then watch your world become so much easier and happier!

ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST COUNSELORS 2011-2014

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Clinical Director

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John R. “Jack” Jones, Jr,

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified Family Law Mediator

“Jack” has an MBA from Columbia University, a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Family Law Mediator. A former CPA with over 20 years of international business experience, he now specializes in working with teenage and adult substance abuse, family and couple discord, parental alienation syndrome, trauma, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Practicing what he calls Cognitive Soul Therapy, dramatic results are sought using both science and spirituality. He is also familiar with the courtroom through his experiences as a Family Law Mediator, Guardian Ad Litem volunteer, licensed foster care parent, and adoptive father.

Lasting Results Through Science & Spirituality

an We are now ic Amen Clin Affiliate

Kathleen Abbott, LMHC John “Jack” Jones, LMHC Lisa Brice, LCSW Liggett M. Cato, CECP Barbara Jenkin, M.A., CAP Sarah Kamienski, LMHC Allison Masters, LMHC Melissa Muller, LMHC Melody Ott, LCSW Thomas Swisshelm, MEd, EdS Liz Villanueva, RMCHI

Dan Vosgerichian, PhD

Free Counseling Through Our Graduate Intern Program Free Substance Abuse Groups Featuring Smart Recovery

(904) 797-5680

Displaying the Spiritual Paintings of Mary Lou Gibson Fax: (904) 797-5681 • www.TheLifeSourceGroup.com

248 Southpark Circle East • Saint Augustine, FL 32086


Health & Medicine

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

The Sting of Shingles

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hat virus causes shingles? Herpes zoster is the latent form of varicella zoster virus. The virus initially causes varicella, or chickenpox, then resides as a dormant inhabitant in the body, with potential to reactivate years later as herpes zoster, or shingles. Varicella virus is one of 130 varieties of herpes viruses, only eight of which infect humans. They are categorized into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma. The three human alpha-herpes viruses are type 1 herpes simplex virus causing the common cold sore; type 2 herpes simplex virus causing genital herpes; and third is varicella zoster virus, causing chickenpox. The three human beta-herpes viruses are cytomegalovirus, which causes mononucleosis and retinitis; and human herpes-viruses 6 and 7 causing roseola. Two human gamma-herpes viruses, called tumor viruses, are EpsteinBarr virus - causing mononucleosis, Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma; and Kaposki’s sarcoma herpes virus - causing Kaposki’s sarcoma. Although each herpes virus affects unique host cells, they are all similar in their ability to cause active symptoms followed by a latent period lasting months to decades.

August/September 2016

This forum is a regular contribution from BayView Healthcare to help share the knowledge and expertise of the more than 280 healthcare professional across our continuum of care. In each issue an area of interest is address to help consumers be even more informed about their health and wellness.

us contend with multiple healthcare issues, many of which are chronic and cannot be cured – only managed. In this FORUM, Suzanne Weed will explain how the shingles virus impacts our senior populace. Shingles is a painful disease caused by the same virus as the chicken pox and affects an estimated 1 million people annually

We are living longer, and with the changes in healthcare reform, confusion continues to arise regarding what healthcare services are covered and not covered at all. As we age, most of

Suzanne Weed is the nurse practitioner for BayView Healthcare’s medical director, Dr. Batenhorst. She is available weekly to visit patients and make sure their quality of care exceeds expectations.

Primary infection with varicella zoster virus may be through inhalation of air-borne respiratory secretions as well as by contact with fluid filled lesions. Respiratory virulence makes for rapid spread, while contagion of vesicular fluids allows it to persist. Cellbound VZV may be detected in saliva for many years. After having primary infection, the varicella DNA lies dormant in afferent, or sensory, nerve cell clusters called “ganglia” in cranial nerves of the central nervous system (controlling sight, taste, smell) and dorsal root ganglia of our peripheral nervous system (sensations of touch, pain, temperature). Settling in these regions, the virus has a potential to reactivate as shingles along any part of our ganglionic, or sensory, nervous system. Despite its long survival within a human host, the virus will not live more than about 24 hours outside the cell. History and Epidemiology. Shingles’ precursor varicella was not referenced as a separate disease until the 18th century, prior to that time being thought to be a milder form of small pox. It is estimated that one million cases of herpes zoster virus occur every year. Lifetime risk of getting shingles is 30%. The

only way to get shingles is by having chickenpox naturally or receiving chickenpox vaccination. Research is showing that the chickenpox vaccine may lower risk of getting shingles. In the United States, 99.5% of people over 40 years old have had the natural, or “wild-type,” virus making this demographic perhaps more vulnerable to shingles. This risk increases with age; immunosuppression; bone marrow and solid organ transplantation; hematological malignancies and solid tumors; HIV infection; those taking immunosuppressive medications; gender - increased risk in females; race - incidence in blacks is less than half as that in whites; experiencing trauma or surgery in an affected dermatome; and having varicella in utero or early infancy. Shingles Infection: A person with shingles spreads their infection only from contact with the fluid filled blisters containing live free VZV, not before. Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another through sneezing, coughing, or casual contact. People with shingles are no longer contagious once the rash starts to scab. If someone is exposed to active shingles by direct contact with the rash, they would

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contract chickenpox had they never had them or had not been vaccinated. You cannot “catch” shingles, but you can get chicken pox from shingles. By keeping the rash of shingles covered, the risk of contagion is reduced. It is recommended wearing loose clothing while the rash is present, washing hands often, and avoiding touching lesions. Clinical description: The onset of shingles is usually preceded by sensations of pain, itching, tingling where the rash will eventually appear. The most common symptom mentioned is pain. A rash will usually occur in a band known as a dermatome - a path reaching across the body from the spinal cord, most likely on one side of the body or clustered on one side of the face. The rash begins with blisters that scab after 3 to 5 days, and usually clears within 2 to 4 weeks. Other symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. Definitive diagnosis is sometimes recommended by a simple skin scraping sent to a lab. Most often, shingles will be diagnosed and treated based upon its predictable symptoms and dermatomal rash. Shingles without rash may occur. Complications: Rare complications from shingles are pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, rash scarring, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or death. About one out of five of those with shingles will have a lingering, extreme pain that will persist long after the rash is gone. This condition is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The risk of PHN is increased with similar risk factors as developing shingles in the first place – age and immunosuppression. Increased age also increases duration and the severity of PHN. This pain is often debilitating, can be triggered by the lightest touch or temperature change, and may affect more areas of the body. These symptoms can last for months, or even years. Generally, only one episode of shingles will occur per lifetime, however second and third occurrences have been reported.


Health & Medicine

Treatment: Treatment for shingles should be started as soon as possible once the rash appears, best within 48 to 72 hours with one of the following the drugs: acyclovir (800 mg five times a day for 7 to 10 days), valacyclovir (500 mg three times a day for 7 days), or famciclovir (1,000 mg three times a day for for 7 days). They help reduce symptoms and the duration of the disease. There are also medications that help with pain caused by shingles and PHN. These include topical medications capsaicin and lidocaine, and tricyclic antidepressants, anti-convulsants, and opioids. Oral steroids may be added and reduce the pain and duration of symptoms. Vaccination: The Herpes Zoster vaccine (HZV) that prevents shingles (Zostavax by Merck) was licensed on May 25, 2006, and is a live-attenuated vaccine. It contains the same strain as is used in the primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine preventing chicken pox, but it is 14 times more potent. It is administered beneath the skin in the upper arm. The risk of PHN, especially in the elderly, and spread of VZV to unvaccinated or unexposed, makes HZV vaccination an important health care intervention. Since the vaccine has been made available, shingles incidence has decreased by 51%, and risk of PHN has been shown to be

reduced by 67%. HZV can be administered any time of year, and at the same time as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. It is recommended whether or not someone has had shingles or chicken pox. Checking titers or history of disease is not necessary. Although not 100% effective, the vaccine is thought to make for a milder form of the disease, of shorter duration, and with less chance of having PHN. The vaccination cannot spread shingles or chickenpox. Some will develop a chicken pox-like rash at the site of injection, and should this happen, the rash should be covered until it goes away. Other side effects from the injection are mild and resolve quickly. Who should be vaccinated? Although approved to be administered to anyone starting at the age of 50, the CDC recommends that anyone over 60 years old should receive the HZV vaccine. Those over 70 years old are most likely to have more severe and more complicated course of disease. The vaccine is thought to offer protection for at least 5 years, so early vaccination may not prevent the risks its more severe form has associated with increasing age. That being said, the vaccine is not as effective with aging, especially in those over 80. Thus vaccination from age 60-70 may be most useful. If one has had shingles, which will boost natural immunity, the vaccine may help protect against another episode. If you currently have shingles, wait until the rash has disappeared before getting vaccinated, and the CDC recommends waiting for about one year after having shingles before getting vaccinated. If one has more than one episode in one year, further testing is recommended prior to vaccination as this may not be shingles. In those with no history of having natural or immunization to chickenpox,

Contraindications: Shingles vaccination does not prevent the chickenpox, and is not given to children, teenagers, or during pregnancy. It should not be given during an active case of shingles or post herpetic neuralgia. The vaccination should be postponed if you are ill, with or without fever. One should not get the HZV vaccine if there was an allergic reaction to the chickenpox vaccine, or to the antibiotic neomycin or other vaccine ingredients. Those who are immunocompromised, or receiving immunosuppressive treatments may not be immunized. The immune status with those who are HIV positive will determine ability to be vaccinated. If an adult over 60 has been immunized with the chickenpox vaccine,

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

Or

being vaccinated within 3 to 10 days after exposure to shingles or chickenpox will dramatically reduce risk of infection. An immune globulin is also available for those who are at high risk of complication after exposure. Adverse effects of the vaccine may be an allergic reaction, irritation at the site of injection, and vaccine failure.

Suzanne Weed

they should not get the shingles vaccine. Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine. Private insurers vary in their coverage. If you get the vaccine at a pharmacy, it is very important that it be administered within 30 minutes from the time it is removed from the pharmacy freezer! More information may be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/.

Health & Wellness Forum

161 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL (904) 829-3475 www.bayviewhealthcare.org BayView Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit comprehensive continuum of healthcare provider founded in 1920. Our superior level of services includes short-term inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing at BayView Rehab at the Samantha R. Wilson Care Center, BayView Home Health and BayView Assisted Living at The Pavilion and Buckingham Smith, an Emergency Charitable Assistance Program and BayView Wellness. Caring Hands-Caring Community is a separate 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 2004 by our parent organization. It was formed to support the exceptional services and continuum of care provided to people in need of healthcare services and financial assistance. For further information about any of the programs offered through the BayView Healthcare continuum please call (904) 829-3475.

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Health & Medicine

Protect Your Feet from Skin Cancer

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By Richard Johnson, DPM

Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center

ummer is often the time we hear more about skin cancer. We’re told to avoid the sun if possible and always wear sunscreen when we are in the sun. An important rule-of-thumb is – always wear sunscreen of at least 30SPF and re-apply after going into the water. Many people never think about their feet and legs when they take preventative action. In fact, skin cancer, even malignant melanoma (a serious type of skin cancer), can affect the legs and feet just as well as other parts of the body. Skin cancers on the feet usually occur between toes, in and around the nails, on the soles of the feet and front of the legs. The three most commonly seen skin cancers in the lower extremity and feet are: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. While Basal Cell and Squamous Carcinomas are true skin cancers and are malignant, they have a very low probability of spread/metastasis. Importantly, there is a small chance that Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (and even benign moles) can develop into Malignant Melanoma. Malignant melanomas can be very aggressive and metastasize quickly. For this reason, regular evaluation and early detection is very important.

August/September 2016

Skin cancer on the feet can occur in men and women. While they usually develop in people over the age of 50, they can be found at any age. Lighter-skinned people are more likely to develop melanomas on sun-exposed areas of the body. Frequently, it is seen on the front of the legs and top of the feet. Only onethird of African-American patients who have melanoma develop it on sun-exposed areas. In the African- American population, melanomas most often develop on skin that is not exposed to the sun, such as the foot and under the toenails. Early detection is extremely important since malignant melanoma can spread/metastasize rapidly. Since skin cancer on the foot and ankle often go unnoticed during their earliest stage, routine foot and leg examinations can increase the likelihood of diagnosing and treating Basal Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Malignant Melanomas. During routine examinations your podiatrist will always look for moles, or “nevi,” which are usually evenly colored, round spots on the skin or even under the nails. Most are small and don’t change in size or shape. Other signs to watch for are changes in color or a mole that becomes raised from the skin. The doctor will carefully examine any moles that look “abnormal” with the use of the common dermatological rule (the “ABCD” rule) to characterize the skin cancer:

Asymmetrical lesions Border irregularity Color variation Diameter greater than the size

Should your podiatrist detect a suspicious mole, a quick and simple biopsy can be done in the office. The result of a typical biopsy takes less than a week to be received. Skin cancer is rarely painful, so routine medical visits are important for anyone with questionable lesions on the feet or family history of skin cancer.

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We have been treating your feet in St Augustine and Palatka for over 12 years. Make an appointment today with Richard Johnson, DPM or Jose Concha, DPM at (904)826-1900 in St Augustine or (386)328-1122 in Palatka. At Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, we are setting the highest standards for your foot and ankle care.


Health & Medicine

Is Your Cardiologist Board Certified?

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Majdi Ashchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI, FABVM, FSVM Medical Director

hysicians who wish to demonstrate their specific expertise do so through a process known as medical specialty or board certification. In the United States there are competency requirements for obtaining a medical license to diagnose and treat patients; however, these are generally not specialty specific. Board certification, a voluntary process, demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/ or subspecialty of medical practice. Each board’s recertification process ensures lifelong learning and competency. According to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), which certifies approximately one quarter of the

practicing physicians in the United States, board certification is a testament to the physician having the essential skills for the delivery of excellent patient care. While there are several boards through which a physician may be certified, a common thread exists in the mission of each – accountability to the medical field and to the public. This is one reason most boards have a feature through which the public may verify a physician’s certification. The links to some of the most common medical specialty boards are listed in the sidebar. A patient should never hesitate to ask if their physician is board certified in their practicing specialty or subspecialty. For example, not all cardiologists are the same. Some cardiologists may have board certifications in cardiology but not in interventional cardiology. So, if and when you need angioplasty or stents done on any vessel in your body, you should ask the doctor performing the procedure if she or he is board certified in interventional cardiology or endovascular medicine. Many people consider certification increasingly important the more complex the specialty is. ASHCHI Heart & Vascular Center, PA feels it is our physicians’ responsibility to their patients and referring physicians to obtain and maintain their specialty or subspecialty certification(s). While there are acceptable reasons a physician may not yet have certification; for example, the physician recently completed their fellowship and the certification will not be given

until the following year; in most cases, it is preferable that the physician is board certified. Patients must take an active role in ensuring they receive the best care available. Verifying a physician’s board certification is one way to do this. Remember that there are many types of certification and it’s important to check with your physician to ensure you are verifying his or her certification with the correct board. Our Echocardiography, Vascular and Nuclear laboratories are also accredited and our technologists are all registered. Accreditation of laboratories and registered technologist are part of our commitment to excellence. Board certification in the specialty or subspecialty of cardiology has shown improvements in outcomes of treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Our team of professionals is dedicated to servicing your cardiovascular needs with

the utmost professionalism, integrity, compassion and quality and in the most cost effective fashion. Please visit our web site (www.drashchiheart.com) for our office locations, services, physician brief bios, and educational material. For more information about specialty/board certification, please visit the following links. American Board of Internal Medicine www.abim.org American Board of Vascular Medicine www.vascularboard.org American College of Osteopathic Internists www.acoi.org Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology www.cbnc.org While there are several boards through which a physician may be certified, a common thread exists in the mission of each – accountability to the medical field and to the public. .

Majdi Ashchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, FABVM, is the president & medical director of Ashchi Heart & Vascular Center, PA. After graduating from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova-Southeastern University of The Health Sciences 1989, and the University of South Florida for his bachelor’s degree 1985, he was recruited to the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation for his internal medicine residency. Dr. Ashchi completed his Cardiology fellowship from Case Western Reserve University (1996) and an interventional cardiology fellowship from the University of Connecticut in 1997. Dr. Ashchi has become a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease (arterial, aneurysm, vein disease) as well as carotid and coronary disease. Dr. Ashchi is currently assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine as well as adjunct clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Central Scheduling 904.222.6656 • DrAshchiHeart.com

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Keep the Blood Flowing with an Active & Healthy Life


Health & Medicine

The Hospitalist – Dedicated and Exceptional Inpatient Care from Admission through to Discharge

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John E. Prioleau, MD.

wenty years ago, the word “hospitalist” was little-known. Even today, it is a profession that few outside of the medical community know exists. However, in the face of a changing healthcare landscape, hospital medicine is one of the fastest growing fields with over 50,000 hospitalists practicing in almost 80% of US hospitals. Hospitalists are specialized physicians, primarily internal medicine doctors, who work exclusively within the hospital, and whose primary job is to take care of admitted patients. First City Hospitalist Group provides compassionate, quality, patient-centered medical care to individuals while they are in Flagler Hospital. We do not maintain an outside practice, so our time is devoted solely to caring for patients while they are in the hospital, helping them achieve optimum health and the best possible outcomes, with a return to their daily lives as quickly as possible. Many Primary Care Providers in St. Augustine entrust the medical management of their patients to our group when admitted

August/September 2016

to Flagler Hospital, as this allows the Primary Care Provider or specialist to focus on the needs of their office patients, knowing that their admitted patients are getting timely, excellent care from the Hospitalists. In addition, we look after all of the non-insured patients, as well as those without a Primary Care Physician in the area. By working with patients from the time of admission, we can efficiently coordinate the course of their treatment, including collaborating with other providers and caregivers, and ordering diagnostic imaging studies and lab work. We are on-hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and this around-the-clock care allows for increased efficiency and effectiveness as we can interpret results and understand the care pathway of patients in a more timely manner. Throughout the patients’ stay we will continually update them on their plan of care and expected discharge day. We are available to meet with patients and their families to personally answer and discuss any questions they may have about their illness, medications or other diagnostic and treatment processes during their hospitalization. Our team is made up of expert physicians and nurse practitioners who work closely together to manage our patients’ care. We work in shifts, which means that our patients will likely meet two or three of us during their stay. We understand that transitions between different team members can be challenging and we are committed to making these as smooth as possible. We try to anticipate and notify patients about up-coming transitions, and we routinely share important details about patient care within the group so there is continuity of the care plan. In addition, once discharged, we communicate with our patients’ primary care physicians so they are aware of their patients’ conditions.

“Hospitalists are specialized in looking after and managing the care of admitted patients in the hospital, helping individuals achieve optimal health with a return to their daily lives as quickly as possible.”

First City Hospitalist Group’s mission is to provide and coordinate exceptional inpatient hospital care in a compassionate, cost appropriate and efficient manner. We strive to provide excellence in clinical care, by working collaboratively with our healthcare partners, serving the needs of our patients, their families, Flagler Hospital and the St. Augustine community.

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Dr. John Prioleau is the Medical Director and Owner of First City Hospitalist Group. He is an experienced hospitalist, board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Prioleau earned his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr Prioleau’s research and writings have been published in numerous publications, including the New England Journal of Medicine.


Health & Medicine

New Relief for Vaginal Dryness!

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Susan Yarian, MD

reat news for women who suffer from chronic irritation of the vagina or vulva! Finally, we have an effective, safe treatment for vaginal dryness. A laser treatment, marketed as the Mona Lisa Touch, has shown excellent results in the over 2500 patients treated world wide. Menopause brings a welcome end to monthly menstrual cycles, but the low estrogen levels after menopause can also cause thinning of the skin, or mucosa, of the vagina. When estrogen levels are higher, the vaginal tissue is thick, with undulations and infolding. This protects the tissue deep to the vaginal mucosa, which contains nerve endings and blood vessels. If the vaginal skin

(or mucosa, in gynecologist terms) has thinned, the nerve endings can be irritated, the small blood vessels can be damaged, thereby causing pain and decreased lubrication.

great reduction in symptoms. The procedure involves three to five treatments, 6 weeks apart. Risks are minimal, including only risks of any laser procedure. Pain during the procedure

Some women are menopausal due to surgery, with removal of ovaries. Cancer chemotherapy can induce early menopause, and many of the medications used to prevent recurrence of breast cancer can cause vaginal thinning (atrophy) and dryness. Many patients mourn the loss of a happy sexual relationship, because intercourse is often just too painful to be tolerated, much less enjoyed. Prior to the introduction of this laser procedure, the only treatment for breast cancer survivors has been water based lubricants. Although these help with dryness, the thin tissue is not affected and sex may continue to be painful. Hormonal treatments are available, but carry some risks; specifically, increased risk of stroke, heart attack and breast cancer. Other conditions of chronic irritation of the vulvar tissues can be treated with laser as well. The most difficult of these is lichen sclerosis. In this chronic condition, the skin becomes very thin, easily torn, tender, and the patients experience severe itching. This is also an effect of the lack of thick skin protecting the sensitive nerves below. Laser treatments to the vulva have shown a

is minor, and numbing creams can be used if needed. Unfortunately, no insurance plans cover this procedure at this time. We have this in our office.

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Susan Yarian, MD

Dr. Yarian is a graduate of the University of Florida, with a BS in Industrial Engineering. She worked as an engineer for years before pursuing her medical degree at the University of South Carolina. As the founding partner of ObGyn Associates of St Augustine, she has been gratified to watch the practice grow from a one doctor, one midwife office in 2001 to our current practice. She is particularly interested in high-risk obstetrics, but enjoys all aspects of gynecology care. Even after 21 years in private practice, she feels it is a privilege to be a part of women’s lives in such an important way.


Health & Medicine

August/September 2016

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Health & Medicine

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Life Services

Gayle Mattson Selected as President of Haven Hospice and VNA/HFK

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Gayle Mattson President of Haven Hospice and VNA/HFK

ringing over 30 years of experience in clinical and health care operations including hospital, home care, hospice and palliative care, Gayle Mattson recently accepted the position of president of Haven Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys (VNA/HFK) in July. Haven is honored to provide comfort, care and compassion to those they serve in St.

August/September 2016

Johns County through their administrative offices, community meeting room and Attic Resale Store located in St. Augustine on U.S. Highway 1 South. Gayle was first inspired to pursue a career in healthcare as a teenager while volunteering as a candy striper in a local hospital in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota. To this day, she still retains her nursing license. “It’s been important over the years to have that clinical experience to understand patients’ needs and connect with staff,” said Gayle. As a registered nurse at Allina Health – Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Gayle garnered experience and grew her career inside of Allina Heath from 1983 to 2011 in various hospital and clinical settings from manager of inpatient services, vice president of patient care services to interim president and then president. She also served as chief operating officer for Lifesprk (Age Well) Homecare and president of a Level 1 Trauma Center in Minnesota. Most recently, Mattson

was serving as the chief operating officer of Pathways Home Health, Hospice and Private Duty in Sunnyvale, California. Throughout her career, Gayle has seen the need for quality, end-of-life care. “Hospice and palliative care have been at the core of my career life and it is truly what I love,” said Gayle. “Hospice is so valuable and building comprehensive care has always been my mission.” Gayle first started working in the hospice field when she was with Allina Health--Home & Community Services. “I went out into the field, shadowed hospice nurses and saw the phenomenal work they were doing at this heartfelt level.” Gayle is looking forward to continuing to grow her passion for providing high quality hospice, palliative and home health care to patients and families. “Haven, VNA/HFK and SantaFe HealthCare’s team members have such a high commitment to service, and they are talented and smart,” said Gayle who was the recipient of the 2014 Minnesota Women in Health Care Leadership Award. “I am going to enjoy

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learning from and engaging with them.” Currently enrolled in the Executive Masters in Healthcare Administration Program at the University of Minnesota, Gayle will graduate at the end of this year with her MHA. After graduation, Gayle is looking forward to getting back to her love of reading. “My winter reading list continues to grow. At any one time I have two to three books I am reading, but right now it is mostly Harvard Review articles.” Some of Gayle’s favorite leadership books include Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. Gayle also enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband, Jeff, have five children. Her youngest son has moved with them to North Florida and they are looking forward to exploring all that the Sunshine State has to offer. Gayle is also now closer to the next generation of her family. “I have a granddaughter in Charleston and living across the country from her was tough.”


Life Services

Senior Move Management Moving an Aging America

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Leslie Vlachos, President Design 55 Inc.

hat is a senior move manager?

Moving is not an event---but a process. A Senior Move Manager is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with both the physical and emotional obstacles of later life moves. Most senior moves involve downsizing, with hundreds of decisions to be made as a lifetime of belongings and memories are sorted through. Senior Move Managers have extensive, practical knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of local resources.

What does a senior move manager do? Senior move management requires a profound commitment to connecting with older adult. Services are client-centered and personalized to promote the client’s dignity and autonomy in the process of a major lifestyle move. Although specific services may vary, a Senior Move Manager can help with some or all of the following: • Develop an overall move plan • Space planning to determine what will fit in a new, downsized home • Hands-on help to downsize the client’s belongings before the actual packing and moving begins • Completely unpack and resettle the client—meaning the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath are set up for immediate daily living. Replicating aspects of the old home in the new environment can be very comforting for older adults and is the hallmark of a senior move manager • Arrange for the disposal of unwanted household items through auction, estate sale, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above The goal of a Senior Move Manager is to provide the older adult with a seamless, successful transition to a new home--making each client feel at home the moment they walk through their new front door.

“As baby boomers continue to retire, the US population of people who are 55+ during the next twenty years will increase nearly 80%. Americans 85 and older comprise the fastest growing segment of the US population.” How does a senior move manager differ from a moving company? Senior Move Managers provide a multifaceted approach to the move process. The focus is on moving people, not moving boxes. A Senior Move Manager will create and execute a move plan, customized to the client’s wishes, that minimizes the chaos and stress associated with a later life move by addressing all aspects of the move process. As a result, older adults and their family avoid costly mistakes and remorse that often accompany major lifestyle transitions. Why is senior move management needed now? The numbers tell the story. As baby boomers continue to retire, the US population of people who are 55+ during the next twenty years will increase nearly 80%. Americans 85 and older comprise the fastest growing segment of the US population. By 2030, the elderly will account for one-fifth of the US population. • The growth in retirement communities and the scattering of adult children have

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created this niche service. Two-income households and physical distance leave adult children little time to help aging parents. • Older adults making a transition may not have moved in 30 or 40 years or more and need to downsize significantly. The physical and organizational tasks to plan and implement a complex move can be overwhelming for the entire family. Even when family help is available, emotions can run high, making the process thorny and upsetting for everyone involved. • Other older adults, single or without children, don’t have much help of any kind, and are simply too overwhelmed to tackle the problem alone. • The illness or death of a loved one may precipitate a move for a family who is already emotionally and physically drained. Senior move management has emerged to fill these gaps and to facilitate a successful transition for all family members.


Life Services Simply Susie: Let us clean, cook and run errands for you! Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

It’s just a part of what we do! Testimonials:

Susie cleans my house and is always happy to do any special chore I happen to need. She is very reliable and my house looks and feels great. - Brenda L. St Augustine

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By Susie Sullivan

Simply Susie brings me delicious home cooked meals each week. I have the monthly menu, call her on Friday to order for the following week, and get great tasting and healthy meals. Beats the hassle of having to eat out every night. - J. Sandifer St Augustine

Susie has been helping me declutter ear Friends: my home. We are taking our time While many more mature adults are and she understands sometimes it’s enjoying staying in their homes longer, difficult to let go of things. Already it some find they still need some extra looks so much better. She also takes “care”. That’s where I come in. I am me to my Dr. appointments and is very prompt and knows the area so well. offering a wide variety of “in home non - Pete O. St Augustine medical” services. They include but are not limited to: • Grocery Shopping (send me with a list or come with) • Companionship • Meal Planning (special diets invited) • Homemade meal delivery (up to 4 meals a week) • Budget and/or bill paying (snail mail or online thru your bank) • Decluttering • House Cleaning (special rates apply) Please call me to get my competitive rates! Minimum of 1 hour!

In other words… Make me your personal valet. Use me occasionally or put me on your regular schedule! I hope you will find some value in this opportunity and give me a call and let’s see how Simply Susie can help.

August/September 2016

Hi friends, My husband Michael and I have been in St Augustine since 1980. We enjoy being active in our community and were lucky to raise 2 great daughters here. We are now proud grandparents of 9 awesome grandchildren! I am finally at the right place to where I can combine 2 of my long time passions: Cooking and providing services to others. The idea of “in home non medical” services is extremely appealing to me in that there is nothing in those words we can’t do for you. This allows you to get personal, reliable and quality care and attention without having to rely on several “agencies” to provide them for you. I have spent many years private catering and also residential cleaning as a 2nd income. Now it’s time to make Simply Susie and you, my client, my main focus. So, give me a call at 904-392-0423 and let’s get together and come up with a plan for you. Best regards, Susie Sullivan Simply Susie

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August Weekly Menu

Aug 1 Beef n Veggie Skewers/Herb Roasted Potatoes Chicken Stew over Orzo/Garden Salad Healthy Choice Thai Curry Chicken over Noodles/Sesame Green Beans Sauteed Balsamic Fish over Lemon Basil Orzo/Sweet Peas Aug 8 Sausage and Artichoke Bolognese/Broccoli Slaw Beef Pot Roast w/ Carrots and Potatoes over Br Rice/Spring Mix Salad Healthy Choice Turkey Burger/Sweet Potato Fries/Pineapple Slaw Swai in Tomato Caper Butter over Pasta/Zucchini Sautee Aug 15 Pork Roast over Sauerkraut/Cranberry Applesauce Parmigiana Chicken/Garden Salad/Roll Healthy Choice Smoky Paprika Salmon over Seasoned Orzo/Squash Casserole Baked Chicken Thigh/Maple Baked Onions and Yams/St Asparagus Aug 22 Traditional Meatloaf/Mashed Potatoes/Peas n Carrots Creamy Ham and Scalloped Potatoes/Sweet Corn Healthy Choice Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast/Boiled Red Potatoes/St Cauliflower Pan Seared Swai/Mandarin Fennel Salad/Hawaiian Baked Beans ll


Business & Finance

Get More Out of Your Blog Posts! Find a central point for publishing your content. Typically, this would be a company blog, but it could also be a page set aside for articles or breaking news. Use strong headlines. Make it so that people can’t help but want to read what you’re posting. A good title can easily double or triple the number of views your content will ultimately get.

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By Jay Owen Owner, Design Extensions

riginal, high-quality content is essentially the cornerstone of the Internet, not to mention every single online marketing plan. It’s probably no surprise, then, that getting it typically costs you quite a bit of your time, marketing budget, or both. Shouldn’t you do everything you possibly can to make the most of it? Of course you should, but a lot of small business owners and online marketers don’t. They go through the hard work of generating a strong article, for example, and then post it to their blog, where it sits on the Internet for all eternity. That’s not a bad start, but it isn’t getting the most value for something that can help grow your business online, either. To help you avoid making the same mistake, we’d like to offer a valuable tip: Get the most out of your web content by sharing it with the biggest possible audience. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is, as long as you’re following a plan. Here are a few steps to help you get started:

“Great content isn’t easy or cheap to get. So when you have an interesting item to post, make sure you get the maximum amount of value and exposure from it.”

Write teasers. Create a one or two sentence “ad” for your content. Like the title, this isn’t designed to describe everything about it, but to create interest. Post your teasers everywhere. There should be links to your content in your e-mail newsletter, on your Facebook fan page, leaked in tweets, and anywhere else you can think to spread the word. In off-line marketing, they call this “generating buzz”; online, it’s just spreading the word around. Follow the trail left by your readers. Over time, you’ll notice that certain topics and traffic sources yield more views than others. As you gain this information, set up future content updates accordingly. Great content isn’t easy or cheap to get. So when you have an interesting item to post, make sure you get the maximum amount of value and exposure from it. And as always if you feel the need to hire a professional, Design Extensions would love to help you realize the full potential of your site’s blog posts.

Design Extensions was founded by Jay Owen in St. Johns County in 1999. He and his team at Design Extensions design and develop websites for clients all over the country. His passion is for developing high quality web sites and graphic design work that help his clients businesses grow. When not working on websites, he is usually spending time with his wife, Claire, and four children.

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Why

should your business or practice become a contributor to the Woman’s Journal?

Kathleen Abbott, Managing Partner, MSW, LMHC The LifeSource Group

John R. Jones, Jr, Managing Partner, MBA, MA, LMHC The LifeSource Group

“Working with Anthony and The Woman’s Journal has been a tremendously rewarding experience for our clinical counseling practice. We are reaching individuals and families who may or may not have heard of us, but most importantly, by reading our articles, they grow far more comfortable with the counseling process and who we are as therapist. It’s as if we are already having our first session together, addressing expectations and uncertainties that are part of the deeply rewarding experience of psychotherapy. When the phone rings (and it does far more frequently now), our readers already feel a sense of knowing us and, we too, feel a special connection with them when they say they saw us in The Woman’s Journal. Finally, the publishing deadlines become a gift by forcing us to focus on the most important issues impacting individuals and families within our very special community. Thank you Woman’s Journal!” - John R. Jones and Kathleen Abbott – The LifeSource Group

“I cannot tell you the number of patients that have found their way to our office in response to their having seen our articles in the Woman’s Journal. From former patients who lost touch years ago who were delighted to see a familiar face again, to brand new patients who have never seen a podiatrist before, but who felt so encouraged by what they read that they placed that important phone call. The Woman’s Journal is a publication that is informative, inviting and compassionate to it’s readers. We are proud to be associated with the Woman’s Journal and so pleased with the increased business we’ve experienced as a result!” Amy Smith– Practice Manager, Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center “The Woman’s Journal has been a great asset to our community. I love sitting in doctor’s offices and watching people pick up the Journal and enjoy the articles. It has certainly spread the word about our mission at St. Gerard Campus. We have had the opportunity to touch people’s minds and hearts with the plight of pregnant teens and teen mothers who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to finish high school and make a better life for themselves and their children. Through the Woman’s Journals we have been able to share the success stories of our graduates. We thank the Woman’s Journal for bringing attention and awareness of issues facing women today.” Maria Gleason - St. Gerard Campus, Inc. “I am always so pleased to have customers tell me how they came to our restaurant while browsing through the Woman’s Journal. The articles are informative and the distribution is widespread. We are very grateful to the staff of Woman’s Journal for encouraging us to update our ads. This has definitely increased our business.” Yvette Schindler – The Present Moment Café “Thank you, Woman’s Journal for your many contributions to our community! Your paper is full of important information on issues that affect the quality of life for all of us who live in St. Johns County. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me for details about something they read in the COA column in your magazine...probably because the Woman’s Journal is one of only a very few publications that everyone I know reads from cover to cover...and because your distribution is awesome... this magazine is everywhere! People really do come up to me and say, “I read about you in the Woman’s Journal while I was at the library...or waiting at the doctor...or in my dentist’s office...!” Or better yet, “I know you...you’re in the Woman’s Journal!” You rock!” Susan Johnson – Council on Aging

The woman’s journal is a superb educational tool and is a great resource for the community at large to gain factual knowledge written by leaders in their field. Dr. Ryan Pereira, DPM, FACFAS I would just like to say thank you very much for the last 3 1/2 years of allowing me to be a Contributor in your magazine. First, I want to say it is the smartest advertising exposure idea that my mother has ever had for my business. She recommended I call the Woman’s Journal when I first decided to go out on my own. When I first met with you your sincerity and genuineness shown through and you truly believed in what I had envisioned for my business. I am now living it and I thank you and the Women’s Journal for every step of my success. You and your magazine have truly let me realize my dream of being of service and providing a business that allows many a freedom to seniors to remain at home as long as they wish. I sincerely thank you. Susie Sullivan, Simply Susie “Over my five years of business, the SAWJ has been the most effective tool to bring customers to the shop. Everyone who opens this publication is impressed with its content and anxiously awaits the next issue. Partnering with Anthony and Suzanne has been an exceptional way to reach new customers and remind existing customers.” Susan Detar, The Pink Door “The Woman’s Journal has really helped me build business for the AAA Travel department in St. Augustine. I ‘ve been contributing articles for just about a year now and hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t mention the fact that they have seen us in the SAWJ. I have made some VERY profitable sales because of this exposure and feel so lucky to be partnering with Suzanne and Anthony . Thanks for all your support.” Kelly M. Monroe, The Auto Club Group


Legal

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

Durable POWER of Attorney, a “POWERFUL DOCUMENT”!!

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Joseph L. Boles, Jr

ailure to have a Durable Power of Attorney or DPOA is Number Four on the Seven Deadly Sins of Estate Planning. This one is a “sin of omission” if you don’t have a current one executed! A basic, general Power of Attorney is where you give someone the power to act on your behalf if you are not available. You can sign legal documents on behalf of your spouse, parents, and friends but only with their consent and direction. All Powers of Attorney expire upon death, but what happens if the person becomes incompetent and can no longer authorize your actions on their behalf. Well, enter the DURABLE Power of Attorney. The DURABLE part means they can act even if you are not able to direct them through incompetency or illness or unavailability. The holder of your DPOA can access your funds, sign most legal documents and

manage your affairs in almost every way! This avoids having to go to Court and having you declared incompetent and a Guardian appointed so someone can help you out. In Florida a Guardianship is a costly and time consuming process. (Usually a minimum of $7000.00 to $10,000.00 and about four to eight months of time). There is an attorney that does the Guardianship, an attorney appointed for the “Ward”, two doctors and a social worker for the “examining committee” appointed by the Court, reports to be filed, inventories and the list can go on and on. (In Florida, though, it should be a complicated procedure because we have many, many residents who can get scammed by the “nurse” or “pool boy” or the “helpful neighbor” that helps themselves to your assets!) A Durable Power of Attorney is a powerful document so you should only give it to a trusted individual or a professional whose job it is to act on your behalf. So don’t add your son or daughter to your bank account (you open the door to THEIR creditors who can come get YOUR money), instead make them your DPOA. They are protected as well when they use the DPOA, here’s how: John Smith is the DPOA for his wife, Mary Smith (and vice versa). When Mary collapsed at home John called 911 and rode with her to the hospital. Mary was taken immediately in and John was asked to sign some papers so “we can begin treatment”. John is not paying attention to what he is signing being primarily focused on his Mary’s welfare. He signs JOHN SMITH. In the papers he signed was a FINANCIAL

“The holder of your DPOA can access your funds, sign most legal documents and manage your affairs in almost every way!” RESPONSIBILITY clause that makes him liable for Mary’s bills while at the hospital. JOHN SHOULD HAVE SIGNED, “JOHN SMITH, DPOA or Durable Power of Attorney”. By doing so he is signing on behalf of Mary and he is not on the hook for HER bills. You see in Florida, “SPOUSES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR EACH OTHERS BILLS UNLESS THEY SIGN UP TO BE RESPONSIBLE”. That is what John has done by leaving off the DPOA. God forbid that John walks out of the hospital a Widower if Mary doesn’t survive, we sure don’t want him dragging all the debt with him. That also applies to spouses, children, friends and fiancé’s! Always sign for someone else using the DPOA after your name. Whether it’s the hospital, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility, nursing home, pharmacy charge account,

home health companion company, physical therapist, charge cards, (the list goes on and on), always sign with the limiting and protective DPOA after your name. BUT IF YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR SPOUSE OR YOUR PARENT’S DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY DOCUMENT YOU CAN’T SIGN THAT WAY!! So go get one and I mean ASAP!! The Florida Legislature changed the document format a few years back so you want to make sure you have the most current one! We have it so give me a call at 904-824-4278 if we can be some help. There is never a charge for the initial consultation and Suzi will be glad to give you an appointment.

“SEE YOU SOON!” Joe Boles, Elder Law Attorney

Joseph L. Boles, Jr. moved to St. Augustine with his parents in 1967. A native of North Carolina, he attended the University of Florida after graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1970. He initially obtained a Bachelor of Design and Advertising Design from the University of Florida, and also obtained his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He was admitted to practice in the fall of 1984 and his areas of interest are Elder law, asset protection, estates and trusts. He is married to Jane Reynolds and they have 7 children between them: Hayley, Molly, and Kirby Catherine Boles and Kara, Willie, Emily and Bridey Masson. His office is located on the corner of Riberia and Saragossa Streets in St. Augustine. The office phone number is 904-824-4278.

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Travel

Celebrate the Seasons at Sea!

Disney Cruise Line is celebrating the seasons at sea with festive themed sailings – certain to make your holidays a splash! all ages, including mask-making and pumpkin-carving • Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where you’re part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally • Haunted Stories of the Sea – a campfire style storytelling experience on the deck • Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids – shudder and shake at this adults-only party that includes a costume contest

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Kelly Maguire Monroe, AAA Travel Professional

alloween on the High Seas Cruises Discover treats, tricks, magical mischief and spooky surroundings as you celebrate Halloween on the High Seas, available on cruises departing early September through Halloween. Thrills and chills await you at every turn with Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor— including an evolving Halloween Tree that eerily transforms throughout your cruise. This Halloween, Disney Cruise Line will be conjuring up mischievous fun for pumpkinlovers of all ages – check out what’s in store: • Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, an atrium party scare-a-bration (in addition to Pirate Night) with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, dancing and some favorite Disney Pals in their Halloween attire • Halloween-themed activities for

And even more spooky surprises await you onboard! Be sure to pack your favorite costumes and get ready for happy haunts. Very Merrytime Cruises This holiday season, delight in magical merriment at sea with Very MerryTime Cruises, available on sailings departing early November through Christmas! Share seasonal splendor with loved ones as you enjoy a twist on holiday traditions sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including: • Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a jovial celebration with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games • Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities • Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa • Meet-and-Greets with some favorite Disney Characters, dressed in their holiday attire • Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—where teens and tweens can hang out or celebrate with new friends • Storytime with Mrs. Claus, gather in the atrium to hear Mrs. Claus read well known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree • Themed activities and crafts for kids— decorate stockings, create festive cards, go on a holiday scavenger hunt and more Holiday Cheer at Disney Castaway Cay A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as at Disney Castaway Cay!

August/September 2016

Disney’s private island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail. When you celebrate winter holidays with Disney Cruise Line, you can spend more quality time together with your loved ones sailing from one spectacular port to the next. AAA can help make all your vacation dreams come true! Please contact Kelly Monroe at AAA St. Augustine, 172 State Road 312, 904-825-0298, Option 5 or email kmmonroe@aaasouth.com.

Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and vary by ship and itinerary.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE! Remember those days? AAA Travel St. Augustine does! Call or come by today and let our Travel Professional, Kelly Maguire Monroe, who has been sharing her passion for travel and creating memorable vacations for 30 years do all the work! Research, compare, and negotiate for the most competitive prices in town! Tours, cruises, hotels and cars. AAA Travel is equipped with the most up to date technology to ensure the best pricing for you! No fee to do on-line registrations, boarding passes or print electronic documents for all clients. Serving members and non members Monday thru Friday 8:30AM-5:30PM. Contact Kelly today and allow her to create a memorable vacation for you! (904) 825-0298 ext. 2225.

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Women in Profile

Detective Samantha English, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

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Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

etective Samantha English joined the St. Johns County Sheriff ’s Office because she wanted to make a difference in the world. “I have ALWAYS wanted to be in law enforcement ever since I was a small child,” English said. “I love helping people and making a difference in their lives.” English began her career at the Sheriff ’s Office in 2007. She worked in patrol until

Jessica Bowman Macy, Day Care Director, St. Gerard Campus. Inc.

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fter being born in California and having lived in Hawaii, Colorado and Nevada, Jessica finally settled in St. Augustine in 2000 with her family. Jessica has 2 sons, Alex, a graduate of FSU and Eric, currently attending Pedro Menendez HS. The family pet is Cesare, a German Shepherd mix. Jessica enjoys taking her son, Eric, surfing and attending his surfing competitions. Jessica’s son Alex, an Art History major, lives and works in Tallahassee and enjoys photography. When visiting, Jessica loves going along with him to state parks and historical sites to capture wonderful pictures. When Jessica isn’t busy with

2013, then became a District Detective where she investigated property crimes. In 2014, she joined the Major Crimes Unit where they investigate suicides, armed robberies, officer involved shootings and murders. She says she has a passion for being the voice for those who no longer have one and for obtaining justice for the victims in her cases. “In my current role in major crimes, I see people when they are truly at their lowest time and I like to try and make a difference and make the hard time they are going through a little less difficult,” she said. This year, English won the Guy White Award, which is the most prestigious award at the Sheriff ’s Office. The award is named for the first known deputy to have been killed in the line of duty, the incident dates back to 1911. This award is presented to a deputy who has performed their duty in an exemplary manner. It’s known as the “Deputy of the Year Award” and when English was recognized, it was a total surprise. “It feels amazing. I am completely thankful and humbled that I was even considered for the award much less that I received it,” English says. “I have an amazing leadership team around me who continually mentor and guide me to be the best I can be in all that I do.” English is the third woman to have won this award since its inception in 1992.

her sons, she spends time working out or jogging on the beach……her favorite place. After earning certification in Early Childhood Education, earning her Child Develop Associate (CDA) and her Day Care Directorship certification, Jessica, for the past 10 years, has been the Director of the Day Care facility at SGC. For 15 years prior to that, Jessica was a day care teacher and a Head Start teacher. Jessica’s current duties, as SGC Day Care Director, is to make sure our facility complies with all state licensing requirements, create a curriculum for the day care children, monitor her staff for state compliance, schedules CPR/Emergency Training and continuing education for her teaching staff. Jessica strongly supports the mission of St Gerard, believing that any pregnant teen or new teen mother deserves the chance to earn an accredited education and grow to be a successful woman and mother. She gives, over and above, her time assisting St. Gerard with all fundraising efforts throughout the community and has been a wonderful asset to our organization.

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Women in Profile

Anna M. Smith, Owner of St. Augustine’s Music Connection and Co-owner of Sterry Piano Company

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nna M. Smith, owner of St. Augustine’s Music Connection, and co-owner with husband Ric, of Sterry Piano Company, is elated to be “home again” in St. Augustine! She and her husband opened their piano store on Malaga Street in 1983, which grew to be the largest music store in town by 1988. They followed a call on their lives that led to a move to Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia and a year stay in Israel. The time was well spent in growing the company, raising four children and working in

outreach to immigrants from around the world. As many St. Augustine locals predicted, life brought Anna and family back to their beloved ancient city in 2010, and they opened their piano showroom once again. In 2012 they expanded to include sales of band, orchestra and acoustic instruments. Anna expanded the business once again, and added three teaching studios to instruct band instruments, guitar, drums and piano in the ongoing effort and mission to reach the next generation with the joy of music. Anna’s deep passion for performing and teaching drives each day’s events by participating in special events, festivals, intimate gatherings to promote acoustic music and its beauty of sound. She says, “There is no greater joy than knowing as a teacher I had an impact on a student’s music training – no matter their age or level of playing! “. Anna prefers to perform piano music from all genres with emphasis to emulate original sound. In other words, standards from the 30’s through the 70’s are played with the articulation the composer or band intended. The listener will be brought “back to a time” when they first heard a favorite and she wants their emotional reaction to bring them to the same place! Some of her favorite performing moments are at assisted living homes….”name that tune” is the perfect way to bring back memories of a time gone by.

Denise Hagan, ChFC®, CLU®, RHU®

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

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enise Hagan, ChFC®, CLU®, RHU® is a wealth management advisor with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company in Sea Grove Village, St. Augustine. Denise almost lost her husband three times in the last 11 years. That’s why she’s so passionate about helping other women be financially prepared instead of waiting until they find themselves in a position where they may make emotionally charged bad decisions. She starts by finding out what is really important

August/September 2016

to her clients and why. She helps them make confident, clear choices about complicated financial decisions, encouraging them to be proactive because it’s much less stressful than having to react to bad situations. She’s especially fond of working with three groups of people: women in transition who suddenly find themselves responsible for their own financial future, successful women who are too busy and want a financial guide so they can focus on their lives, and husbands who want a second opinion so their wives will have a caring relationship with an advisor who will take the time to help them understand and make smart financial decisions. Denise has more than 35 years in the field and has a degree from Washington University. Although her husband is from the Northeast, Denise is a transplant from the Midwest and loves gardening and making handmade soaps. Don’t be surprised to find her giving talks on those subjects to help local charities raise funds. She is also active in the Marsh Creek Women’s Association.

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Women in Profile

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Julie Ickes Esq., Jackson Law Group hile growing up, Julie lived on a farm in rural Ohio. Her family grew corn, soybeans and wheat, raised a small herd of Angus cattle and had 15,000 chickens. Julie desired more adventure and so during a summer break in high school she traveled to Lauterbach, Germany. She enjoyed living for a month with a host family, traveling, and attending German high school with other ex-

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

change students. After high school, Julie attended Smith College, a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts where she studied economics and French. During her junior year, Julie lived with a host family in Paris. It was a challenging year because all of the courses were taught in French and her college required students to only speak in French for the year. “It was a culture shock for sure in numerous ways because I was living in a large vibrant city, communicating in a foreign language, and living with a wealthy, aristocratic family. I loved the challenge and it was a wonderful experience,” Julie explained.

Erica Cuna, Registered Nurse at BayView

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rica Cuna, a Registered Nurse at BayView, bravely moved her and her son away from their familiar hometown in TX seven years ago to become a part of our beautiful, growing community here in St. Augustine, FL. “Being an RN has taken me many miles… physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” Her passion for her profession can be seen through her genuine smile and gestures, her sincere kindness, and her dedication to her patients. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) as well as the FL Chapter and will graduate with her Bachelors in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in November this year. She is a loving mom to her 11 year old

Julie then lived in Sarasota, Florida for around five years where she owned an online business. Her path next took her to Gainesville, where she studied law at the University of Florida. During the first summer, Julie traveled to Geneva, Switzerland to attend classes at a Duke University School of Law program, where she took a course with the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. “He thrived upon someone challenging him and stimulating a debate,” Julie noted. While she was studying law, Julie gained legal experience at a Fortune 500 corporation, as a summer student law clerk with a federal bankruptcy judge, and as a student law clerk with a federal magistrate judge. Following her law degree, Julie studied tax law at the University of Florida, won first place in an American Bar Association tax law challenge and obtained her LL.M. in Taxation. After graduation, Julie started her law career at Jackson Law Group. She assists clients with estate planning including wills and trusts, probate and trust administration, Medicaid planning, guardianship matters, business succession planning, and tax planning. “I am happy to be part of such a great group of people dedicated to helping others and encouraging each other to do our best,” Julie remarked of Jackson Law Group. Julie loves her new community of St. Augustine with its historic downtown reminiscent of Europe. She is an active member of the Young Lawyers Division of the St. Johns County Bar Association, which held a Cornhole Tournament in May to raise funds for St. Johns County Legal Aid. Julie recently became an inductee of the Rotary Club of Coastal St. Johns County. “We are working on planning our Florida-Georgia game raffle, where we raffle tickets for a chance to win tickets to the game, a limo ride and a weekend stay in a condo. Our other event is a tennis tournament that will be upcoming in April.” Julie is excited to give back to her community and provide service above self.

son, Cayden, and her 1 year old daughter, Sayla. “They are the light of my life! They give me direction and the courage to boldly stand-up, step-out, and live my dreams!” Her husband is a local charter captain and commercial fisherman, and together they enjoy fishing, surfing, and sailing. Erica has volunteered as a nurse in Haiti through Mission of Hope where she fell in love with a desolate land full of vibrant culture and beautiful people. She had the opportunity to serve as a wound nurse where she traveled to many villages and orphanages to treat children and families while spreading love and hope. “The experience completely changed my perspective. I felt so small, yet I had so much to give. I gave every ounce of myself and returned with more knowledge, love, respect, and passion for people and the world we share.” Aside from nursing, Erica is a local musician, singer and songwriter. She enjoys playing music in various places around town, but most importantly she enjoys playing for her patients and residents at BayView Healthcare. “It’s a beautiful thing when your profession and passion collide! Music is a healing medicine like no other.” Erica is a proud supporter of Caring Hands- Caring Community, which raises subsidized healthcare funds for the senior citizens of our community. Erica finds solace in giving back to the community in everything she is involved. Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away.”

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Women in Profile

Pamela Barberi,

P

DMP, RN, CNOR

amela Barberi serves as the Director of Surgical Services and the Magnet Nursing Program of Flagler Hospital. In this capacity, Pam handles a broad range of responsibilities that encompass all aspects of operations of surgical services at Flagler Hospital and the recertification of the hospital’s Magnet designation, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. She has been with Flagler Hospital since she joined as a member of the open heart team in 2003 and has been the director of surgical services since 2011.

August/September 2016

Pam attended Fingerlakes Community College in NY where she completed the certified nursing assistant program. Pam loves to study and went on to pursue both bachelors and master’s degrees in nursing from University of Phoenix and also recently received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Walden University. Pam teaches college courses at SJRCC in healthcare and is a Preceptor to BSN students was named one of the 100 great nurses of North Florida several years ago. With a big grin and cheerful voice Pam says “it’s challenging and rewarding”. When she isn’t working, Pam likes to spend time with family, her talking parrot and her Great Dane Newfinland, Waldo.

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Community

Newest Art in Public Places Exhibit Opens at The St. Johns County Administration Building

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nited Way of St. Johns County is pleased to partner with the St. Johns Cultural Council for an inspirational exhibit of photographs showcasing the work of nearly 30 nonprofit organizations serving residents in St. Johns County. The dramatic images graphically depict a range of services from disaster relief to the smiling faces of children at play. This exhibit will run from August 2- October 20, in the Rotunda Gallery in the St. Johns County Administration Building located at 500 San Sebastian View. “The face of our community is the common thread throughout this exhibit,” said Melissa Nelson, UWSJC executive director. “We see our neighbors, our friends, our families and our co-workers, and we see how focusing on the building blocks that lead to a good quality of life - Education, Health and Income - brings us together because we all gain when children are successful in school, when families are financially stable and when people are healthy. This exhibit truly demonstrates that commitment in our community. “ The St. Johns Cultural Council will host an opening reception for this exhibit on Tuesday, August 2, from 8:159:00 am, just before the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting. The public

is welcome and encouraged to attend. The St. Johns County Administration Building is open to the public from 8:00 until 5:00, Monday through Friday. The St. Johns Cultural Council and United Way of St. Johns County would like to thank the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners for their continued support of this Art in Public Places project. For more information visit about the St. Johns Cultural Council visit www.stjohnsculture.com and www.historiccoastculture.com. To learn more about United Way of St. Johns County, visit www.unitedway-sjc.org.

United Way St. Johns County Photographic Exhibit Rotunda Gallery at the St. Johns County Administration Building 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine Exhibit Opens Tuesday, August 2, 2016 8:15 -9:00 a.m. Opening Reception

About the St. Johns Cultural Council The mission of the St. Johns Cultural Council, www.stjohnsculture.com, is to promote St. Johns County as a premiere arts destination where the lives of both residents and visitors are enriched through arts and culture. The St. Johns Cultural Council was established 15 years ago and proudly provides support for youth arts programs, artists and arts organizations, and professional development workshops.

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Community

Graduation at St. Gerard Campus

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By Caroline A. Wolff, Founder, St. Gerard Campus, St. Augustine

e applaud and congratulate all of the seniors that graduated St. Gerard High School in 2016. We are sure each family is proud of the accomplishments achieved and are looking forward to a bright future for their students. We wish you all the best of luck. Graduation at St. Gerard Campus it is a little different. Each year as we near June, the excitement becomes explosive. Finishing Memory Books, taking finals, applying for scholarships, getting a new dress for Graduation, class pictures, sending invites to family members, nursing a baby or having a baby, in between everything…..the flurry of activity is positively unbelievable

and sometimes quite chaotic! The graduation ceremony at St. Gerard Campus is not like your typical high school graduation. Yes, at your ordinary high school, the students are accepting their diplomas as family members are wildly cheering on their favorite student. While that is true of St. Gerard Campus’ graduation, it is still quite different. Some of our students are new mothers and they watch with such pride as their little ones “graduate” from the Nursery, being “capped” just like their mommies. Other students are nearing term and are so excited to be getting ready for the moment when they can hold their own precious baby. The graduates stand tall and proud as they realize their dream of a high school diploma, despite all odds. The undergraduates look on in admiration. This June, St. Gerard Campus graduated 100% of the Senior Class and two young ladies received scholarships to further their schooling. In addition to the prescribed academics required for graduation, our students have taken classes in Parenting, Child Development, Child Psychology, Life Management, Financial Literacy and Home and Family Management. Courtney Bennett was Class Valedictorian. In her address she thanked her friends, family and the St. Gerard staff for their support through the “bump in the road”. Courtney further stated,

“We already no longer live for ourselves but for more than that. We have our children. We defy statistics.” She urged fellow graduates to remember the success stories of former graduates and to never count themselves out. “We are all teen moms who have full lives ahead of us,” Bennett said. “We live for our children, to give them anything the ever want or need. We continue to further our education so we can provide for our families, keeping everything in mind we learned while at St. Gerard.” Salutatorian Kyesha Simone Jones echoed those sentiments, saying St. Gerard is a “special, unique place.” Jones said her long journey began when she became a mother at 16 years old. “There were people

who didn’t believe in me, but I didn’t quit,” she said. She encouraged fellow graduates to find their true calling in life. “There is a passion for all of us,” she said. “Thank all of you girls for being in my life.” So another year passes into St. Gerard’s history. Another year full of smiles, tears, growing and learning. It is a bittersweet moment that we send our young ladies out into the world…little fledgling birds ready to fly. God bless each and every one of our students and bless those little angels they hold so dearly. Bless you too in your continued support of our mission. Please see Page 4 for some wonderful pictures of our students and graduation. With Love, Caroline Wolff

Registration – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016-2017 school year. If you are a pregnant teen or new teen mother looking to complete your high school diploma in a safe and nurturing environment, or if you know of a young lady that may need our services, please call Roberta Butler, Academic Administrator, at 904-829-5516. This is an accelerated, individualized, fully accredited education including classes in Childbirth, Child Psychology, Family and Life Management classes in addition to the required academics. Upcoming Events…..Save the Dates – • 33rd Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction – Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 12 noon to 3:30 pm at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. The latest fashions for men, women and children will be presented from national and local fashion houses. Our fabulous Silent Auction will be offering over 125 items from artwork, sports memorabilia, etntertainment and baskets full of surprises to holiday gift ideas for everyone in the family. There will be a gourmet lunch served, door prizes, raffles, entertainment and a grand prize drawing for $5,000. For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, please call 904-829-5516 or 904-797-9437. • Installation of the Crosses at Our Lady of La Leche Shrine is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 9 am. All families and youth groups are encouraged to sign up. The Crosses take-down will happen on Saturday, April 8, 2017. • The Respect Life Banquet will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017. More details will follow. St. Gerard Campus has volunteer openings in the following areas: • Reception/Community Outreach – Answer phones and assist clients with clothing, food and resources, hours are 9 am to 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday to Friday • Pregnancy Counselors – No experience required, we will fully train, administer pregnancy tests, counseling, sonograms and assistance with resources, hours are 9 am to 12:L30 pm and 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday to Friday • Thrift Store – Assist clients with purchases, sort and tag items, hours are 10am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday • Teachers – If you are interested in teaching, please contact Roberta Butler, Academic Administrator, at 904-829-5516 or email your resume and qualifications to education@stgerardcampus.org.

St. Gerard Campus Congratulations to the Class of 2016 Courtney Lynn Bennett • Ashleigh Eunice Nolen • Mary Alice Burch • Kiegee Javond Proctor • Josie Marisa Cannon • Gianna Punziano • Taylor Jo Center Clara Lucille Sowers Marissa Garcia Hope • Isabel Thompson • Kyesha Simone Jones • Haley Elizabeth Waters

August/September 2016

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1405 US Highway 1 S St Augustine, FL 32084 (904)829-5516 www.stgerardcampus.org


Community

The Importance of Grandparents and Early Literacy!

By Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Coordinator, Early Learning Coalition of North Florida

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rom the moment your grandchild was born, they started learning. Even their earliest learning is helping them become a reader and writer. Children love to explore things, try out new ideas and use all of their senses to make discoveries. Years of playing, talking, listening and reading with adults become the foundation for the language and literacy skills they will need in school. Reading experts have found that strong speaking and listening skills help children learn to read and write. Children who are read to are also more likely to like reading when they grow up. …..and grandparents can help As a grandparent, you have a special role in your grandchild’s life. You share a family history. You know your grandchild’s life experience. You give them unconditional love. This relationship can also spark their learning. • Support strong speaking and listening

skills by encouraging your grandchild to ask questions, sing songs and take turns when talking or reading with you and others. • Give the gift of books or magazine subscriptions as gifts for birthdays and other special occasions. • Spend time reading together. Cuddling together is a gift of time. • Build your grandchild’s interest in books by pointing out new things and ideas. Take turns as you talk about the books you’ve read together. Go to the library or book store for story hour and enjoy browsing the books. • Read everything you see! Read street signs, food containers, mail and anything near you. • Tell stories. Your grandchildren will hear lots of rich language and understand the world better as you tell them stories about your family, your life, or things you’ve done together. Make believe stories also develop your grandchild’s imagination. • Find out what your grandchild likes and what they are learning to do. This will help you find activities you can do together. Parents, teachers and other caregivers can help you learn more about your grandchild. Do you live far away from your grandchild? Do you find it hard to get to the library? You can still read with them, using digital books. When you are talking to your grandchild on the phone or using video, such as Skype or FaceTime, look at the free websites listed

below. Pick a digital book together, and make sure you can each see it on your own computers. Read to your grandchild over the phone or web as you click through the digital book together. This is also a good way to find books in many languages.

We Give Books: www.wegivebooks.org (For every book read on this site a book is donated to a charity) Children’s Books Online: www.childrensbooksonline.org Tumble Book Library: www.tumblebooks.com/library

Volunteer Reading Pals Program

Volunteer Reading Pal MJ Hayes, local children’s author enjoys her reading each week at Otis Mason Elementary for one of their VPK classes.

Volunteer readers are needed to read to preschoolers in local childcare centers and classrooms. Volunteers typically read once a week for an hour. Three upcoming reading pal trainings have been scheduled: Wednesday, August 31st 10:30-12:30 ELC Palatka office located in the NEFEC building, 3841 Reid St. in Palatka Thursday, September 8th 10:00-12:00 St. Augustine Record Conference Room, One News Place, St. Augustine Thursday, September 15th 10:00-12:00 ELC Clay County office, 1845 Town Center Blvd. suite 150 inside the Career Source building.

To register for the training or for more information contact Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Outreach Manager at

904-342-2267 ext. 202 or jwhitson@elcnorthflorida.org

Our mission is to serve parents, caregivers, and educators of children by managing and evaluating early childhood education programs through a quality school readiness delivery system in North Florida. Address: 2450 Old Moultrie Road, Ste. 103, St. Augustine, FL 32086 Phone: 904-342-2267 Fax: 904-342-2268 • E-mail: kbrumfield@elcnorthflorida.org Website: elcnorthflorida.org • facebook.com/elcnorthflorida

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Community

St. Francis House Needs Food for Their Pantry!

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his month St. Francis House distributed food boxes to 271 local families (631 individuals) in need. A hot meal is served to all who come to SFH at lunchtime and three meals a day are provided for their 40 residential adults and 5 families. If you are looking for a great family project, a food drive is a fun way to involve your children and even accumulate some community service hours for school. Perhaps your church, club, business, or group of friends would like to help out and collect nonperishables for our food pantry. Please call Karen at St. Francis House 904-829-8937 or email klundquiststfrancisshelter@yahoo.com Thanks for caring!

August/September 2016

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St. Francis House is a comprehensive housing crisis center providing supportive programs, services and shelter for families and individuals facing the crisis of homelessness. For more information about St. Francis House and how you can help, visit stfrancisshelter.org, contact 904-829-8937 or visit us on facebook.


Community

The Faces of Affordable Housing

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eal jobs.

Real people. Real families. There is hope for affordable housing. Apply for homeownership through Habitat. Habitat for Humanity provides a hand up, not a hand out. We build homes and finance mortgages between 15 and 30 years. Monthly mortgage payments are no more than 29% of gross household income. Mortgage payments include principal, taxes, insurance, termite bond, and HOA fees where applicable.

www.habitatstjohns.org

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Qualify. Donate. Volunteer.


Community

August/September 2016

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Fashion & Beauty

Missing My Dad!

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Christine Cousart

Owner, Cousart Studios

just checked my blog site and quickly realized (but didn’t realize) that it has nearly been a year since I wrote a blog. I looked at the date of my last post and it was a month before my dad passed away from a long fight with cancer. The last year has been about focusing on family and also business. A lot of the extras have been put to the side but are slowly being put back onto the table. Loosing someone dear to your heart is painful. One of the nice things I have aside from my memories are many photos. I am so glad that I am a crazy clicking machine. I cannot hug or talk to my dad but I can still look at him. How sad for people before the days of photography. How blessed I am to give people joy by taking their photos with the people they love. I always urge families to “SEIZE THE DAY” when it comes to photography. Things change quickly so don’t put off tak-

ing those family photos. Even if you do a few cell phone family photos. Its great to look back on them. I want to share some of the photos of my dad. He was a rare character with magnetic personality. He loved people and spent many hours doing kind things for others with nothing expected in return. I am looking forward to getting back on the blogging circuit! If you want to check it out and start following here is the address: http://cousartphotography. com/blog/blog/missing-my-dad.

Perhaps it has been a while since you had a family photo. If I can help you with this, mention the Woman’s Journal and you will receive a free 8X10 with your paid session!

My gift to you! Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography 320 Hightide Drive #101 Saint Augustine, FL 32080 www.cousartphotography.com 904.687.7700

Christine Cousart has lived in St. Augustine since 2004 and says that it is the closest to the life she had when growing up in New Zealand. She owns Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography. She enjoys painting in all mediums as well as photographing a variety of subjects. She and her husband Kevin have two children that have graduated from Flagler College and one child who attends Palm Beach Atlantic University. The family loves to travel frequently and loves their relationship with many friends in the community. Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography | www. cousartphotography.com | 904.687.7700 | 320 Hightide Drive #101 | Saint Augustine, FL 32080

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Fashion & Beauty

Types of Hair Styling Working with your hair stylist to create the look you want can be a fun experience! But sometimes it’s a bit harder to re-create your look outside of the salon. Here are some choices for getting and keeping your special hair syle: Lessons Book a lesson with me and learn how to duplicate your style. Do you want volume andbounce or do you want to tame your hair to be sleek and smooth? You bring with you the tools you have, such as your blow dryer, brushes and liquid products. We then go over techniques to make your job easier when duplicating your style. Styling Appointment Come into the salon for a shampoo and blow dry. Leave in style with freshly cleaned hair that has lots of bounce and movement.

Lisa Harris, Hair by Lisa

Smooth and Sleek Appointment Relax and make it flat; also known as flat ironing hair. This entails having a shampoo and then a blow dry. Next a flat iron finishes up the style. Weather Resistant Appointment Blown out or rolled hair with humidity blockers in the hair will help your hair be humidity resistant. Typically, rolled hair will last longer than a blow out. Keratin Straightening Treatment This is a temporary fix for anyone who wants sleek, smooth hair. Keratin is infused onto the hair with molecular bond

technology. Curl can be reduced up to about 70%. This treatment will leave hair revitalized, reconditioned and silky smooth. It is formaldehyde free. This service is temporary; shampoo and conditioner must be used for maintenance. This typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. The appointment takes about 3 hours but your particular texture and length can vary the time and the price. An advance consultation is required with a 50% deposit when booking. Cancellations are required 72 hours in advance. Best Regards, Hair By Lisa, 904-334-6888

Let me help you look your best! A great haircut can take you anywhere! And it’s important that you find a professional hair stylist that will not only listen to you, but one that will give you realistic advice about what can be achieved with your hair. You need to be able to tell your hairdresser what you like and don’t like. You want to build a good, long term relationship with them so that you can have a hair style and hair color that works for you, 365 days a year. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and received my initial beauty school training at Brevard Community College. Very quickly I realized that I was truly passionate about learning the art and skill of professional hair cutting and hair styling. While living in Melbourne, Florida, I met my mentor. She encouraged me to continue training in my profession. I travelled to Miami on a monthly basis and began extensive Paul Mitchell training. Eventually I became a certified Paul Mitchell Educator. During my career I have been fortunate to be able to spend time in London, England. There I learned about the differences in techniques and consultations. The Vidal Sassoon academy in Santa Monica, California is the creme de la creme of hair cutting schools. It was there that I greatly expanded my horizons and my skill set in this wonderful world of hair! Over the years I have immersed myself in advanced training in hair coloring, hair cutting and hair design. Paul Mitchell conducts extensive educational events in Las Vegas, Nevada and Miami, Florida. I have attended their Hair Camp seven times and participated in advanced classes at their Signature Gathering on three occasions. I constantly strive to increase not only my abilities in this field, but also my creativity in all aspects of hair coloring, cutting, and styling. I now live in St. Augustine, Florida and work out of St. Augustine. My education: Paul Mitchell trained, Vidal Sassoon, and MBA in Business, St. Leo University. Are you ready to make a change? My specialty is making you look your best! Call me at 904-334-6888! Check out my website. Hairbylisaharris.com

Hair by Lisa

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HAIR DESIGNER • COLOR SPECIALIST • MAKEUP ARTIST

August/September 2016

By Appointment Only • On Location Available

904-334-6888 • Hairbylisaharris.com 5543 a1a South • Suite #101 • Saint Augustine Beach, FL 32080


Fashion & Beauty

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A Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear!!!

s your closet your enemy or your friend? Does it give you stress or success? Most of us have enough clothes, but they’re not the right clothes! Because wearing clothes is not an option for most of us, but rather one of the basic necessities that we do everyday, we should be as intentional with our clothing as we are with food, water, housing and exercise. Having a wardrobe that accommodates our lifestyle and allow us to present ourselves in the best and most attractive manner will not only save you valuable time and energy, but also give you peace and confidence. Learning how to enjoy your life in your own authentic style allows you to go forward with your life’s purpose without stressing and fretting over what you wear and how you look. You have unique features that define your beauty…’Your Signature Look.’ As an Image Consultant, I use 4 basic steps to solve my client’s crippling problem of wardrobe malfunction and discover their Signature Look, revealing their authentic beauty through clothing and accessories. 1. Personality Style Formula Learn to dress authentically by matching your personality, values, preferences, lifestyle and passion with clothes. A Style Formula goes much deeper than the latest fashion trends or what is “in” this season. A Style Formula comes from the inside out. Dressing with your Style Formula makes people see you in clear focus. You don’t look like anybody else, you look like the best version of you. When I style my own beauty, I look better than I could ever look styling someone else’s beauty. 2. Custom Color Analysis You learn your best colors and patterns that reflect your skin, hair and eyes. With your custom portfolio of fabric swatches

you can choose the best colors for your wardrobe, accessories, and make up that are in harmony with your physical coloring. You’ll appear more confident, comfortable and attractive in colors that flatter you. 3. Body Silhouette and Proportion Analysis Your body silhouette and proportion are an important aspect of Your Signature Look. Rather than aspiring to impossible standards by squeezing yourself into clothing that was never meant for you, find the secret to dressing beautifully with the uniqueness you were born with while accentuating your best features. 4. Shop and Organization Does it still fit or can it easily be altered to fit? Is it in good condition? Is it still fashionable or outdated? Does it work with your current age and lifestyle? Is it in your color harmony? Does it flow with your silhouette? Is it flattering to your proportions? Do you love it? We’ll edit and organize your closet to make it more user friendly, simplified and uncluttered. You’ll then learn how to mix and match to create a perfectly

coordinated look. You’ll be amazed at how many outfits you already own. Creating and maintaining a wellorganized closet that displays the clothes you love will transform your life.

Testimonials

“Cindy Clardy’s expertise in Image Consulting is a gift you should give yourself! I spent many years of uncertainty and insecurity on how to choose what styles and colors I should wear. I dreaded shopping for clothes and shopped from necessity. Thanks to Cindy I now have the confidence to make the right selections and am enjoying the new me!” - Judy A. After several years of being a caregiver to my parents, and nursing my husband through some serious medical problems, I was feeling very unorganized and unkempt. Cindy Clardy Image Consulting was just what I needed to “find” myself again. Thank you Cindy, you are amazing.” - Linda L.

Cindy Clardy Image Consulting

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904-540-6771 | www.cindyclardy.com

Cindy Clardy is a Certified Image Consultant passionate about revealing the authentic beauty of her clients through a customized process of ‘Styling Your Signature Look’ through wardrobe and accessories. Cindy’s experience with Image Consulting began in 1985 when she discovered her ‘Signature Look,’ which was life changing for her, both personally and professionally. Image Consulting was a natural transition for Cindy with a mission to help all people fulfill their divine purpose. Combining a Fine Art degree, Aesthetician License, Massage Therapy License and Image Consultant Certification, Cindy founded Cindy Clardy Image Consulting. Cindy is a Flagler College alumni living in St. Augustine, Florida, with her teenage son, Jesse. For an free indepth consultation, call Cindy at 904-540-6771.



Food & Entertainment

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Food & Entertainment

August/September 2016

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Food & Entertainment

Treat Your Taste Buds at PJ’s Asia One Market Testimonials

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wide and eclectic array of Asian produced and inspired products welcomes shoppers to PJ’S Asia One Market. PJ’s is St. Augustine’s first and only dedicated Asian grocery featuring products from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Taiwan and Japan. Items range from spices, condiments, and sauces to a extensive variety of other dried, canned, refrigerated, and frozen goods. The rice and noodle section offers jasmine, sweet [sticky], red, brown, black, and Basmati rice while the noodles are available in a wide variety of ingredients, forms, flavors, and shapes, originating from various countries. Noodles come dried or refrigerated [fresh] and in family or individual serving packets. For the curry lover’s palate PJ’S offers ten styles of Thai curry paste in different size containers and all other necessary ingredients for curry based dishes. And for the sushi enthusiast(s) PJ’S stocks products for your next sushi get together including rice, vinegars, nori, pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce and a selection of the most popular ‘flash frozen’ sushi grade seafood. If you enjoy sushi often, try preparing at home—it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Praphaphan “PJ” Johnson is a native of Thailand, an FCTC culinary graduate, previously a chef and is available daily to assist, advise and encourage anyone interested in preparing Asian meals. In the near future PJ will offer cooking demonstrations/classes for individuals or groups. If you’re interested, please inquire during your visit.

I’ve become a regular shopper at PJ’s. I love how all the items on the shelves have English nametags, so I don’t have to guess what things are. It makes shopping so much easier. The store is clean and the aisles are wide. PJ is always so helpful. Last time I was in, she introduced me to these festive colored sushi wrappers that aren’t as scary as seaweed for newbie’s to the sushi world. - Rea Powers

Recipe: Red Curry with Chicken Makes 4 servings Ingredients: 1/2 lb chicken breast cut to bite size pieces 2 tbsps vegetable oil 2 tbsps red curry paste 1 cup coconut milk 1/2 cup water 2 tbsps fish sauce 2 cloves garlic chopped 1/4 cup sliced onion 1/4 cup sliced bamboo shoots 1/4 cup green bean cut to bite size pieces 1/4 cup quartered Thai or Chinese eggplant cut into thick slices 3 kaffir lime leaves 2 Thai chili quartered 5-10 sweet Thai basil leaves for garnish Preparation: In a sauce pan with oil on high heat, add garlic and onion sauté for 15 seconds. Then add curry paste and chicken. Sauté for about one minute. Add fish sauce, black pepper, and coconut milk. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Add vegetables and water, let cook about 10 minutes or until chicken and vegetables are tender. Finish by stirring in chili and kaffir lime leaves, Remove from heat, garnish with sweet Thai basil leaves. Serve with hot steamed jasmine rice.

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I love the green tea ice cream, and our children like the mango popsicles. My wife never leaves without an ice cold roasted coconut juice in her hand. We have found lots of new vegetables and snacks to try. PJ has taught us about noodles that you don’t have to cook. That’s great in the summer heat! - Bill Gaines



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