Josephine St. Joseph’s women’s magazine
May 2016
Finding serenity Woman uses own history to help others
SKIPPING SURGERY Fillers offer facial enhancements without the knife
COLOR YOURSELF CALM Adult coloring books relieve stress
JUMP!
Adding ropes to your workout
For Mom, Grads & You! MELISSA’S SPA
AVON
AND BEAUTY SERVICES LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN!
Carol Dupree To buy or sell
Call or text: 816-294-4805 www.youravon.com/cdupree
Personalized Assessment Bloodwork Assessment Alignment/Muscle Assessment Personal Training Individual/Partner/Group Group/Small Class Instruction
TERESA Y MIER
NASM CPT FNS (816)596-1226 isatyme.cpt@gmail.com Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Quality Skin Care Treatments At An Affordable Price Spring Specials: $5 off any facial wax $10 off body wax $10 off any body treatment
Dip Into Spring
scrubs, wraps, contouring body peels
Save $20 on a SPA DAY for Mom
MELISSA CHAVEZ (816)344-1233 A New Day Spa 312 Illinois Avenue
Moffet Nursery & Garden Shop For all your gardening needs!
3715 Frederick Ave 816-233-8500
Get your phone ringing!
TEXT ALERTS Sign up at newspressnow.com/Alerts
6451 NE State Route 6 St. Joseph, MO 64507 816-233-1223
Advertise Adver tise in Call An Expert Exper
Call (816) 271-8666
Get the latest news and weather! Mornings 5:30 AM Weeknights 5 & 9 PM Weekends 5 & 9 PM Over-the-Air 26 • DIRECTV Channel 26 • Cable Channel 4 & HD 604 • DISH Channel 4
Miss a great photo of the big game? Go to newspressnow.com, browse our photo galleries and click
**Local Photographs only. No AP or wire photographs available for purchase.
editorial: (816) 271-8594 toll-free: (800) 779-6397 advertising: (816) 271-8527 fax: (816) 271-8686 josephine@ newspressnow.com
Our staff Editor Jess DeHaven jess.dehaven@newspressnow.com Photo chief Jessica Stewart jessica.stewart@newspressnow.com Design editor George Stanton george.stanton@newspressnow.com
online extras Follow us on Twitter:
@JosephineMag
Find us on Facebook:
Josephine
St. Joseph News-Press P.O. BOX 29 St. Joseph, MO 64502
05/16
J
newspressnow. com/josephine
Finding serenity Woman uses her history to help others
16
Skipping surgery Fillers offer facial enhancements without the knife
20
Jump! Adding ropes to your workout
22
Color yourself calm Adult coloring books relieve stress
24
Like mother, like daughter Love of golf bonds duo
26
girlstuff Pack perfect
5
Successful sales
6
Menopause made easier
7
Dancing through life
9
Best foot forward
10
The people next door
11
Is LASIK for you?
12
Taco twist
14
the regulars
Cover photography by Jessica Stewart | Josephine magazine
facebook.com/ josephinemagazine
Josephine website:
inside
cover girl Rita Miller’s life is a far cry from what it used to be — but that doesn’t mean she’s forgotten her past. Rather, the St. Joseph woman draws from it daily in helping others escape the addictions and bad behaviors that used to entrap her,
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
Editor’s note
4
We’re loving it
8
Average Joe
28
Getting Real
29
Meal time
30
Everybody get healthy
31
as well. She does this not only at Serenity Care Center, which she co-founded, but also as a motivational speaker at prisons and schools. “I try to let them know I’m no better than them,” she says. “I just changed my life, and they can too.” Read more about Miller on page 16.
May 2016
3
editor’s note
PROTECT YOUR DREAMS. Whether you’re starting out in a new city, or putting down roots in an old one, our affordable renters insurance gives you the confidence you need to keep your dreams going strong. I’ll be here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s talk today.
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 011757 – 2/16
By JESS DEHAVEN The weather truly has turned and warmer temperatures and getting outside are what’s on all our minds right now. Vacations are probably the thing many of us associate with the warmer months, and if you’re planning a trip, check out Crystal Wiebe’s story on page 5 on packing tips. You don’t want to lug more than you have to, and these ideas will leave you with some room to bring back a few souvenirs. Another activity many look forward to when the temperatures climb is yard sales. If you’re considering a sale of your own, Andrew Gaug rounded up some best practices to help you make the most money possible. Turn to page 6 for those tips. If the weather has you breaking out your sandals, flip to page 10, where we have the lowdown on getting your feet ready for a little more exposure. These ideas will allow you to put your best foot forward. If the warmth has you in a fiesta mood (Cinco de Mayo is almost here!), check out the recipes Erica Van Buren has collected on page 14. Forget about the same old ground beef tacos and turn up the temperature with some fresh ideas. Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Lee Butler Agency 2721 Pembroke Ln. (816) 279-7770 leebutleragency.com
Don Tolly Insurance Agency Inc. 2335 N. Belt, Suite C (816) 232-8400 dtolly@amfam.com
Cari Rich, Agent 102 E. Clay Ave. Plattsburg, Missouri (816) 539-3751 caririch.com 75066345
Rick Hopp Agency 3201 Ashland Ave. Ste. E (816) 364-1798 rickhopp.com
Scott Wineinger Agency 1805 Oak Ridge Circle (816) 233-5659 scottwineinger.com
Carolyn Sampson Agency 6402 King Hill (816) 238-5201 csampsoninsurance.com
Stephen D. Lorenz Agency, LLC 1109 N. 26th St. (816) 901-9200 stephendlorenz.com
Zulima Lugo-Knapp, Agent 910 N. Woodbine Rd. (816) 259-5023 zlugokna@amfam.com Bienvenidos
girlstuff Pack it perfect A
Tips to keep your luggage light
vacation is relaxing, but packing for one can be a headache.
How many shoes should you bring? What about clothes? How do you ensure that your toiletries don’t explode in your suitcase? And how the heck do you make everything fit? If you’re the type who has to feel prepared to face anything, you might be an overpacker. That’s not such a bad thing, except for your back, which may suffer from lugging around an overstuffed suitcase.
However, a savvy minimalist can pack pretty light and still be ready for whatever happens. Try these packing hacks to save on stress before you take off on your next adventure.
Keep it simple
It’s great to have choices when you get to your destination, but you don’t have to bring your entire wardrobe. And you don’t have to wear a completely different outfit every day. Bring an assortment of tops, bottoms and accessories that are easy to mix and match. Stick to one or two color palettes, and build your outfits starting with neutral or black basics.
Maximize space
Want to ensure that you can pack everything you need and maybe even save room for souvenirs? Pack smart. Roll, don’t fold, your clothes. This tech-
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
nique not only will help you conserve room but also can reduce the chance of wrinkles. For smaller items, use every inch that’s available. Stuff your socks, lotion tubes and whatever else will fit inside your shoes. Pack panties in the cups of your bra and then stack the bras. This will also help your bras maintain shape.
DIY travel size
Only going for a couple days? Then don’t take your full-size beauty and personal care products. There are countless ways to create your own travel-size containers. Squeeze moisturizer or other cream makeup products into a clean contact case or other small container. Coat the ends of a few cotton swabs with your favorite eye shadow colors, pack those in a sandwich bag and leave the shadow itself at home. — Crystal K. Wiebe | Josephine magazine May 2016
5
girlstuff
How to make money at yard sales
T
he yard sale — know how to master and rake in the money.
There’s a certain art to selling your used items that can entice people to buy them, even if they were on the fence. Sheila Tuttle, a garage and yard-sale enthusiast, says she’s helped a number of friends and family make more money at garage sales than they thought would be possible. “It’s all about three things for me: visibility, volume and presentation,” she says. Let’s start with the first category: visibility. If you’re paying to hold a yard sale, you might as well as spend
6
May 2016
some extra money for signs and ways to make sure people are getting to your place. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people that put up bland signs that catch no one’s attention or, even worse, don’t lead people up to their house where it’s happening,” Tuttle says. The idea is to maximize visibility. If the city or local municipality allows, hang up signs around the area on fluorescent cardboard — making sure that it’s all one uniform color and it can be read while driving at a slow speed. The volume of items is key, as well. You want to make sure you have enough items that people will want to buy. “People don’t want to walk into a store with four items. Make sure you have lots of clothes, hardware or accessories that people will likely spend time sorting through to grab more eyes from the road,” Tuttle says. Make sure that the presentation is
| Josephine magazine |
pleasing, too. When advertising, make sure items are laid out nicely. If possible, make sure to clean the items and provide a list of what’s available. “If you have some high-ticket items, the people willing to spend money won’t give your sale a second look if everything looks sloppy. Put time into your presentation like you really want them to sell. It makes a huge difference,” Tuttle says. As far as prices go, remember that people are looking for a sale. If you have small items that you want to go, tag them all the same and put them on a table with a sign “Every item on this table is $1.” Bundle items like tools that may not sell well individually. “Be sure to play music that will get people feeling good and place items that are bound to catch eyes closer to the road,” Tuttle says.
newspressnow.com/josephine
— Andrew Gaug | Josephine magazine
girlstuff
Menopause can be made easier
M
enopause is one of the unavoidable parts of life for women, and while the symptoms can be uncomfortable, lifestyle changes and medical help can make the transition easier. Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when the ovaries stop producing hormones. It is signaled by a 12-month span after the last menstrual period. The average age of menopause is 51.5 years, but symptoms can start eight to 10 years before that. “Some women can have a little bit of all of the symptoms and another woman will have one to the 150th degree that can send her to a health-care provider for help,” says Elaine Greer, certified nurse practitioner and owner of Women’s Health and Wellbeing in St. Joseph. Symptoms that accompany menopause and perimenopause can include hot flashes, emotional changes and lower energy. Many women also may experience a decrease in sex drive and a slowing of the metabolism, which can
lead to weight gain. “They’ll know when they want to give in and seek medical help,” Greer says. “They need to be comfortable talking to their provider that will listen to their symptoms.” Hormone replacement therapy, which augments the body’s natural
hormone levels, can help ease symptoms of menopause, Greer says. It is not recommended for women with breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, a history of blood clots or women without menopausal symptoms. Medical professionals typically recommend the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time. Eating healthy and getting regular exercise also can help some women manage menopausal symptoms, Greer says. “Some women can use it to get through what we call the ‘power surges’ or hot flashes. Some women find that exercise helps a lot,” she says. “Other women find that it doesn’t help a bit. It just varies from woman to woman.” She encourages women to continue to take responsibility for their health and stay on top of regular screenings throughout perimenopause and menopause. “It’s important that as women are going through this, that they continue to get their routine checks,” she says. “Get their mammograms on time. Don’t put things off like that. There is help. They don’t have to suffer.” — Jena sauber | Josephine magazine
Making a Cleaner Tomorrow for the last 115 years. • Fast & Easy Drop Off • Clean Environment • Paying Top Dollar RECEIVE AN EXTRA
RECEIVE AN EXTRA
10/ton* 5¢/lb.*
$
for scrap iron
*1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER MONTH. 75060830
above board list price for aluminum cans
*1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER MONTH.
750 South 4th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501 • 816-279-7403 • www.advantagerecycling.com
We’re loving it A look at what Josephine staffers are crazy about this month I recently came across a cute clothing idea for girls in Lolly Wolly Doodle. In addition to offering plenty of sweet kids’ outfits, they also sell several variations of personalized leggings and tops for young ladies. On the leggings you can have the child’s name or initials printed in a variety of styles, and most of the tops involve sparkly monograms. For something unique and personalized, they are reasonably priced, running less than $30 for each piece. My daughter, whose name is a variation of a very common moniker, loves her leggings and top and is thrilled to have something with the correct spelling on it. Check them out at lollywollydoodle.com. — Jess DeHaven
Veggie Straws have become a popular item in our house lately. While I know they aren’t packed full of the nutrients I would prefer my children to have, they aren’t all bad. Veggie Straws and Chips have small servings of much-needed vitamins and nutrients. One ounce of veggie chips supplies you with 1.37 milligrams of vitamin E, which is a nutrient that helps protect your cells from the kind of damage that can increase your risk of heart disease and cancer. This amount is 9 percent of the 15 milligrams of vitamin E you need each day. Veggie chips also supply small amounts of iron, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. — Jenn Hall 8
May 2016
The Remington Body & Bikini kit has a sleek body that makes it the perfect razor for women. It offers a clean and close shave and comes with multiple accessories and its own carrying tote. — Erica Van Buren
I’m always on the hunt for shoes that combine comfort with style, but I usually ended up compromising on at least one aspect. My favorite line of shoes that doesn’t compromise either is Comfort Plus, a Prediction’s brand. They make a variety of casual and professional shoes that focus on comfort without sacrificing style and include a memory foam insole, flexible outsoles and a natural shape. I buy most pairs at Payless Shoes at a moderate price point, but they also are available through other retailers. — Jena Sauber
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
Dancing through life
girlstuff
Lessons are a way for couples to spend time together
H
usband and wife ballroom instructors Max and Linda Van Dyke began dancing nearly 40 years ago under the guidance of Paul Chambers, a St. Joseph native and Broadway choreographer. “We fell in love with ballroom dancing and have been dancing ever since,” Max says. The Van Dykes have been instructors for nearly 30 years and have hosted lessons at Hillyard Technical Center for the last two years. Recently, they taught an introduction into the dance style of the East Coast swing. “You can dance East Coast swing to almost any type of music — country western, big band sounds even some of the newer modern songs on the mar-
ket,” Max says. His wife describes the dance as “timeless.” The class then transitions into learning the fox trot, and in future lessons they hope to advance to the West Coast swing and cha-cha. “These people come into this class and most of the time their wives drag them into here and I was that way when I fi rst started. ... Nine times out of 10, by the second class the husband is dragging the wife and it becomes a fun thing to do as a couple,” Max says. Barbara Scheidegger learned of the dance class through her job at Hillyard Technical Center and signed up to attend with her husband, Robert. “It’s been great. I really enjoy it, and the dance steps have been easy to where you can accomplish it without a lot of difficulty and you feel like you are actually dancing and able to go to a dance and have nice steps,” she says. The Scheideggers have careers that provide little physical activity, and through the class they are receiving
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
health benefits. “A lot of my stuff isn’t active either, so it’s good to have that interaction with my partner,” Robert says. The couple would consider future classes if they offered different levels or styles of dance. “It’s low pressure. ... It’s not like you’re trying to get all the steps right. Everybody is in the same boat — we are all just enjoying it together and learning together, so it makes for a nice atmosphere,” Robert says. Barbara offers advice to those considering dance lessons. “The steps are very simplistic and give you a polished look when you’re doing it,” she says. “It’s steps anybody can jump in and learn. ... This class is fun and it’s not rigid.” At the end of class it shows. “One of our directors said when he leaves everybody that comes out of this class is smiling, laughing and carrying on,” Barbara says. — EPPIE PALLANGYO | Josephine magazine May 2016
9
girlstuff
Best foot forward
Y
Get your feet summer ready
ou might be ready for summer. But what about your feet?
After months of hiding under socks and boots, your tootsies probably need some TLC. Try these tips for looking sexier in sandals and more beautiful barefoot.
Soak
Jessica Zenitsky, a hairstylist and beauty consultant in Kansas City, has a luxurious foot-care routine. It starts with a nice, long soak. “First, I soak my feet in warm water with lavender salts,” she says. “I let them sit for a good 10 minutes. Then, I push back the cuticle on my toes and scrape anything grody off, and set my feet back in the water. I let them sit for another 10 minutes.” The most common way to soak your feet is with Epsom or kosher salts. The benefit of this is to reduce foot odor, soothe dry skin and promote healing of fungus and ingrown nails. For a more aromatic experience, you also can add essential oils, olive oil and even bagged tea and citrus rinds to your foot bath.
Scrub
Next, Zenitsky says she breaks out the foot file. “I make sure to wipe away excess water first,” she says, “and I start in my rougher areas.” Foot files and pumice stones can be used to grind away callouses and scaly patches on your feet. For Zenitsky, the exfoliation continues with a sugar scrub, which she rubs all over her feet and then rinses clean. Sugar scrubs are easy to make at home. Most contain a mixture of sugar and oil. If used a couple times per month, they can help keep your feet soft and smooth. Just don’t forget to follow up with lotion. “I dry my feet and apply a moisture mask for five minutes,” Zenitsky says. 10
May 2016
“After removing that, I slather them in solar oil topped with a thick foot cream. Then, I paint them if I feel like it.”
DIY foot scrub 1/2 cup tablespoons oil (olive or coconut) 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
| Josephine magazine |
Optional: Three drops of vanilla or your favorite essential oil Mix all ingredients evenly. Before using, soak feet in warm water. Then, massage scrub all over feet for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly. — Crystal K. Wiebe | Josephine magazine
newspressnow.com/josephine
girlstuff
The people next door
A
Getting to know your neighbors
re they your besties, or are they just the people next door? Maybe they fall somewhere in between. In the old days, dropping off a gift basket or a homemade pie at your new neighbor’s house was routine, but in recent decades this has become less common. So how do you get to know the people with whom you share a block, the sidewalk and even the oak tree the stretches over both of your properties? This becomes a little easier as the seasons change. The sun shines longer and the temperatures warm, and of course that means you’re spending less time cooped up and more time outdoors. This increases the chances that you’ll actually come face to face with a neighbor, which ultimately helps if you aren’t one of those knock-on-their-door-just-to-say
howdy kind of people. Take this opportunity for a more subtle introduction. Even if they’re hurrying to their car, give them a friendly wave and a smile to at least get the relationship going. Next time you see them, get some nerve and introduce yourself. You never know what you may have in common. Speaking of things in common, this is a great way to get to know someone after the initial introduction. Does you neighbor have kids your kid’s age, or kids at all? Mothers can all relate on how messy their kids’ rooms are or how much they need a spa day. Do you see your neighbor washing his car often? Maybe he is a fan of classic cars just like you. The point is, you’ll never know unless you walk over and strike up a conversation. Once you’ve been introduced, now is the time to make them feel welcomed to the neighborhood. Make sure that you are including new people in things that are already going on in the neighborhood. Invite them to be a part of the neighborhood watch group,
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
inform them when the neighborhood garage sale is or ask them if they’d like to help plan the annual block party. No matter what it is, just make sure they know about it and more likely than not they’ll participate. But what if you’re the new neighbor? Don’t be shy! Put yourself out there and try to make friends with those who live around you. A housewarming gathering is always a good idea and gives you a great reason to throw a party. Make sure that it is a casual and comfortable affair with some yummy food (food is a major key to getting people to parties). After the connections are made, just be sure to keep them growing. Every now and then take them some vegetables from your garden or some baked goods that you made from scratch. As the old saying goes, “Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” After all, you never know when you’ll need to borrow a cup of sugar from a friendly neighbor. — Angie Lassman | Josephine magazine May 2016
11
girlstuff
12
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
LASIK eye surgery option for some F or the millions of people who wear glasses or contacts daily, getting corrective surgery can seem like a daunting or unobtainable option. But especially as technology progresses, laser eye surgery can be an option to consider.
“It’s a very safe procedure as long as you are a good candidate,” says Dr. William Burr with Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center. “Now that LASIK has been approved for more than 20 years, almost 25 years now, one of the biggest things is we know who the best candidates are and the technology has gotten progressively better.” Over half a million LASIK eye procedures are done annually, according to the Food and Drug Administration. While the industry boasts a 90-percent success rate for the procedure, there are risks, according to the FDA. Burr estimates that he has performed approximately 2,000 procedures in the last 15 years. The procedure uses a laser to change the cornea shape to improve vision by changing where light rays focus on the retina. A 2009 study showed that 95 percent of people who had the surgery between 1995 and 2003 were satisfied with the procedure.
It’s a very safe procedure as long as you are a good candidate. — Dr. William Burr, Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center
“Depending on the age of the patient, there are different expectations,” Burr says. “As people get older, LASIK doesn’t fix both their distance and up-close vision. We can fix a person’s distance vision, but they still might need reading classes.” The lasers can be used on those 18 years and older, but many ophthalmologists prefer patients be at least 21 years old to help ensure their prescription is stable. Good candidates for LASIK are adults with a stable prescription and without additional medical conditions such as cornea disease or uncontrolled diabetes. Candidates also must have a thick enough cornea, one of the most common reasons he turns people away, Burr says. “We are limited on how much astigmatism we can correct. We are limited on the amount of a prescription we can
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
correct,” he says. “You don’t want to do it on anyone whose prescription is constantly changing because LASIK won’t be able to stop that process.” The biggest advantage of surgery is the potential to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, Burr says. LASIK surgery can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, with an average of $2,259 per eye in 2014. “It has been looked at financially, the cost of changing a person’s glasses and contacts over time versus the cost of LASIK, and usually the LASIK is a better value of time,” he says. “It’s another advantage; you don’t have those ongoing costs.” The most common risks of laser eye surgery include eye dryness and night vision issues, which affect between 1 and 2 percent of people who undergo the procedure, Burr says. Many may experience eye dryness in the two weeks following the surgery but it typically resolves. Choosing to have laser eye surgery is a serious decision, and patients should be confident with their choice and the ophthalmologist performing the procedure, Burr says. “Be careful in choosing a surgeon,” he says. “You need to feel confident that you are picking someone who has done the procedure quite a bit and can sit and answer your questions. Spend time familiarizing yourself with the procedure so you can make an educated decision about whether or not it’s right for you.” — Jena sauber | Josephine magazine
May 2016
13
girlstuff
Shake things up for Cinco de Mayo 14
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
M
ay 5 is Cinco de Mayo, and many of us may want to celebrate with some Mexican cuisine.
Whether it’s just you and the family or a full-blown party, leave the ground beef in the freezer and shake things up a bit with these alternate taco options. These recipes are easy to make and will definitely have everyone reaching for more.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon steak seasoning 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 ripe avocado 1 bag of slaw mix 1 package fajita-size flour tortillas Salsa of your choice Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and shrimp. Season the shrimp with steak seasoning. Cook shrimp three minutes or until just pink. Toss with lemon zest, lemon juice and
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
chopped cilantro. Shrimp Street Tacos put a different spin on traditional Remove shrimp to a serving platter. Mexican. These were prepared by Andrew Clark of Bad Mash the avocado with the mayonnaise. Art Bistro. Toss with the coleslaw mix. Serve with flour tortillas and salsa. With this recipe, you can either assemble tacos or let people make their own. — Dawn Forsberg
It Dawned on Me Cafe
Shrimp Street Tacos 27 fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 9 blue corn tortillas Fresh pico (red onions, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeños) Thinly sliced romaine lettuce Thinly sliced avocado Shredded queso blanco Saute shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Warm tortillas and hold. Place shrimp in tacos, then top with remaining ingredients. — Andrew Clark
Bad Art Bistro Some other ingredients that can be used to shake things up include fish, steak or pork in the place of ground beef. Don’t forget to have chips and salsa ready to be served while guests wait on the tacos. Add in margaritas for extra kick. And try pico de gallo in the place of your typical salsa.
This Mother’s Day, give Mom the gift of sight! Keeping value in sight
The best eyewear. The best value. The best service.
Largest Selection in Northwest Missouri! NEW package pricing for 2nd pair sunwear! 816.364.0450 or 888.916.9898
2925 N. Belt Hwy • St. Joseph, MO
— Erica Van Buren | Josephine magazine 75066187
www.specshoppe.com
Finding seren St. Joseph woman uses personal history to help others heal
16
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
nity
Rita Miller opened Serenity Care Center, located at 1212 Faraon St., more than two years ago. Miller is the center’s director of services and uses her past experience to counsel and treat patients.
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
May 2016
17
Rita Miller uses own personal history to help others heal
R
ita Miller doesn’t blame the person who introduced her to cocaine.
Never mind the 18 years of addiction that followed that introduction. In her mind, she had a lifetime of dysfunction that paved the way for those. “I think my drug addiction was there waiting for me,” the St. Joseph woman says. She was a single mother of two young daughters when it started. Cocaine felt like exactly what she needed, although at first she contained her use to when her kids were with their father. But before long she was using indiscriminately, sometimes disappearing for days at a time. She found cocaine put her at ease and helped her socialize at mansion parties in Kansas City where the drug was passed like an hors d’oeuvre and she mingled with doctors and lawyers. Despite not having finished high school herself, cocaine gave her the confidence to feel like part of the crowd. Eventually she was stealing to support her habit and ended up on probation four times, never able to complete a cycle before being caught in another crime. Her daughters’ childhoods passed, often with them in the care of other family members. It wasn’t until she learned her younger one was pregnant that Miller found the motivation to escape her addiction with the help of a drug court program. She went on to earn her high school diploma, become a drug counselor and earn a bachelor’s degree in social work. An even greater culmination of her sobriety — which now spans more than a decade — came two and a half years ago, with the creation of Serenity Care Center. Serenity, located at 1212 Faraon St. in St. Joseph, provides out-patient treatment for substance abuse, mental health disorders and more. Miller serves as the center’s director of services and draws on her own history both to relate to clients and to offer them encouragement that they, too, can change. “I’ll believe in them until they can believe in themselves,” she says, adding that one key to her work is an under-
18
May 2016
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
Rita Miller works with clients at Serenity Care Center. The center has grown in the more than two years it’s been open, and there are plans to move to a larger facility. standing that every person is an individual, and each individual’s drug use is simply a symptom of other, deeper issues. One of the problems Miller encounters often is low self-esteem, which she can relate to due to her own experience with it. She grew up as the youngest of eight children in an environment that she says lead her to try to commit suicide at age 7 by taking a bottle of baby aspirin. Her problems grew in high school, when she dropped out due to shame she felt after becoming pregnant. Her second daughter was born 14 months after her first, and after several years struggling as a single mother, she found drugs provided her with a sort of coping mechanism she hadn’t found anywhere else. Miller is happy to say that in spite of her shortcomings as a parent, neither of her daughters followed in her footsteps in terms of drug use. But this isn’t to say her addiction and criminal history didn’t influence them; one grew up to be an alcohol and drug counselor, and the other, a probation and parole
| Josephine magazine |
officer. Miller also notes that they’re wonderful mothers — and she’s had a second chance at motherhood herself, since receiving legal guardianship in 2007 of a now 15-year-old boy whose mother was on drugs. And in a sense, she parents all the clients she sees at Serenity as well as inmates she speaks to at prisons in Chillicothe and Cameron, Missouri, — teaching them life skills, problem-solving and positive coping mechanisms and even encouraging them to call her if, upon their release, they’re tempted to use again. Having a deep familiarity with this kind of temptation — and with the rationalizations that accompany it — is part of what sets Miller apart in her career, says Teresa Bowman, Serenity’s executive director. “All the counselors here are great, but no one counsels like Rita does,” adds Bowman, who also is Miller’s sister. “I think because of what she went through, she can say (to clients), ‘I used that lie, too, when I was using. That’s
newspressnow.com/josephine
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
After years of addiction, Rita Miller went back to school and earned her high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in social work. She became a drug counselor and opened Serenity Care Center. not going to fly here.’” Bowman also notes that Serenity has seen such growth in its first couple of years that it’s planning a move to a larger facility, where it will be able to expand the services it offers to include ones such as free haircuts. Serenity clients also receive résumé help for free and — if they have graduated from the center’s program and remained in good standing ❏ with the law — can return as often as they need for further counseling at no additional cost. More information on Serenity is available online at www.serenitycarecenter.org or by calling 816-364-3154. The center answers phone calls 24 hours a day. As for Miller, she looks forward to many more years of pointing others toward the serenity that is now a defining part of her own life. “I don’t like my past, but it’s helped me grow and help others,” she says. “I’ve seen so many families turn around. I go to bed every night happy about what I do.” — Erin Wisdom | Josephine magazine
10 OFF
$
Any sandal regularly priced $50-$100
Regular price only. Not valid with any other offer.
Good through June 1, 2016
15 OFF
$
Any sandal regularly priced mo more than $100
Good through June 1, 2016 Regular price only. Not valid with any other offer.
75066184
1403 N. Belt Hwy. 816-671-9931
Skipping surgery
20
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
I
Fillers offer facial enhancements without going under the knife
f you’ve wanted to give your face a lift without invasive surgery, several options are available that are quick and will have you back to work or play the same day. Nonsurgical improvements to the face include dermal fillers, which plump out lines and wrinkles or neuromodulators that temporarily block the muscles that create these lines. Most fillers consist of hyaluronic acid and come in different thicknesses. Products include Juvederm, Voluma and Restylane — to name a few. The secret behind many fillers used today is hyaluronic acid, a building block of collagen, according to realself. com. St. Joseph board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jonathan Amspacher and Dr. Michael DePriest recommend these products the most to their patients. “Sometimes people are able to delay a facelift with the appropriate use of these agents,” DePriest says. As people age, facial fat shifts, often causing a downward displacement of the face, DePriest explains. This makes the mid-facial area appear flattened, which causes wrinkles to form between the lips and cheeks and can make a person look older. “People, as they age, have a redistribution of facial fat,” DePriest says. “In the face, fat is a good thing in the right place.” Both DePriest and Amspacher use Juvederm to soften nasolabial folds, otherwise known as smile or laugh lines. The injectable gel provides instant results, and patients will see continued improvement for one month after the treatment, Amspacher says. Total enhancement can last between one to two (or more) years. Juvederm also can help with lip enhancement, fullness and definition, DePriest says. Depending on the exact problem, it may be injected on the border of the lip or into the lip itself. Some women opt for this when wrinkles around the mouth have caused their lipstick to bleed. A sister product of Juvederm, used for larger areas of the face, is Voluma.
People, as they age, have a redistribution of facial fat. In the face, fat is a good thing in the right place. — Dr. Michael DePriest, St. Joseph board certified plastic surgeon Its enhancement can last two years or more and is best for volume loss in the middle and sides of cheeks, Amspacher explains. “Often our patients do a combination of surgery and augment or maintain that with fillers or a neuromuscular agent like Botox to soften frown lines, etc.,” DePriest says. Botox, and other botulinum agents such as Dysport and Xeomin, work differently than fillers in that once injected, they relax muscles so that lines and wrinkles from smiling, laughing and
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
frowning don’t continue to deepen. Most people can have fillers and neuromuscular agents injected with no concern, but patients with certain skin conditions or allergies to the products may not be good candidates. Also, people taking blood thinners may need to be off the medication for a certain period of time before the procedure. The most common side effect is bruising, Amspacher says. Juvederm also can cause redness and patients can sometimes feel where it was inserted, DePriest adds. The cost for these treatments can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500, Amspacher says. Both women and men can have success with dermal fillers and botulinum-containing agents. Using the treatments sooner rather than later is recommended. “It’s easier to correct early before the wrinkles get really deep,” Amspacher says. “It’s just a modern miracle because it makes such a difference really quickly and can prevent larger procedures,” Amspacher says. The products can take 20 years off in 20 to 30 minutes. “Generally, patients are absolutely thrilled,” he adds. “They get right back (to their lives) … and nobody really knows what happened.” — Lisa Horn | Josephine magazine May 2016
21
Jump!
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
Jenn Babcock does double unders at the Campus Family YMCA. 22
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
Haley Santos, right, does double unders while Jenn Babcock, left, lifts during their workout at the Campus Family YMCA. The women say jumping rope adds a cardio element to their workouts.
Incorporating ropes in your workout routine
I
t’s probably been a while since you picked up a jump rope. To most, they’re a part of childhood memories. Well, not anymore. Jump ropes, and ropes in general, have become key players in today’s workout routines. For Haley Santos and Jenn Babcock, a tough spin on traditional jump roping is a regular thing. The two St. Joseph women incorporate double unders into their routines. “We do a lot of that to add a cardio element,” Santos says. Double unders have grown in popularity since the arrival of CrossFit workouts. The drill works by jumping high enough to pass the rope under your feet
twice before landing. It’s more difficult than you think. And if you aren’t quite ready to handle double unders, jumping rope is still a great conditioning tool. Most of us remember Sylvester Stallone jumping rope constantly during his portrayals as Rocky Balboa. The key to getting the most out of jumping rope is to get at least 1 to 2 inches off the floor, giving only a little room for the rope to go underneath your feet. Keep your elbows close to your sides and allow movement to come only from your wrist and forearms. This right position allows for an intense upper body workout. Ropes can be used for other things, too. If you’ve ever watched weight-loss and fitness competitions on TV, you’ve most likely seen battle ropes. To use these large, heavy ropes, just grip and lift up
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
and down. “It can encompass a whole body routine,” Santos says. She suggests adding squat presses and burpees in with swinging the ropes. Rope climbs are another strength-training drill. Most of us can remember the days of climbing a 15-foot rope in gym class. The condition continues at many nontraditional gyms, using a rope that is about 4 inches in girth. Santos says this is great for forearms and enhances core strength by bringing your knees up higher with each upward motion. As people are starting to have less time, Santos says strength training is more vital to a good workout. It helps focus on all-around conditioning. “When I’m in the gym I need it to be efficient,” she says. — Jenn Hall | Josephine magazine May 2016
23
Color yourself calm
Skye Pournazari | Josephine magazine
24
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
Skye Pournazari | Josephine magazine
Adult coloring books relieve stress, encourage creativity
D
id you have a stressful day at work? Are you fretting about money, all the dishes that have piled up or the yard work that needs to be done? Color a picture. No, not a page out of your 5-year-old’s coloring book.
Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, and more and more people are starting to see why. Kelly Morif, a technology services librarian, organizes a program at the Belt branch of Rolling Hills Library
that she calls an “adult coloring break.” All materials are provided, and guests are welcome to sit back, relax, de-stress and create. “I think coloring books are great because a lot of people would like an outlet for their creativity, but they don’t want to start from scratch,” Morif says. “It’s not intimidating — anyone can color in a coloring book.” Morif says some choose to visit with everyone during the program, while others prefer to focus on their work. Either way, she views each session as a way for patrons to relieve stress. Taylor Morgan, a local teacher, recently purchased one of the books. She says coloring takes her to another realm. “You don’t think about anything else that requires deep thought because you’re concentrating so hard on color-
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
ing, which colors to use and making it look good.” One might think that coloring books actually restrict creativity, but Morgan proves otherwise. “It’s pretty nice because these books are abstract and more of a ‘think outside the box,’ so I can have fun with it. I don’t have to color everything how it is in real life,” she says. “For instance, last night I colored a fox wearing a mahogany and mango suit, tie and hat, then colored a pink cat wearing a top hat.” Books can be found at several stores. Amazon even offers specific stress-relieving patterns. While mediums of art for these books range from colored pencils, to crayons, to markers, Morif says colored pencils work best. — Emily Gummelt | Josephine magazine May 2016
25
Erica Van Buren | Josephine magazine
Tammy and Alex Steinkamp share a love of golf, among other things. 26
May 2016
| Josephine magazine |
newspressnow.com/josephine
Like mother, like daughter Love of golf, keeping busy bonds duo
F
or some mothers, sharing recipes, shopping or traveling with their daughters are just a few ways to spend quality time together. What about a mother-daughter duo who spends time on the course playing 18 holes of golf? “Golf is a very mental game, and all through my years of playing it’s been very mentally challenging for me,” says Alex Steinkamp.“But now I’m trying to have fun with it. I really enjoy just going out with family, friends and teammates and just enjoying the game.” According to Alex, it was at the age of 13 that she remembers getting really interested in the game of golf. She credits both her parents for getting her interested in the sport. “Actually, my water broke on the golf course,” says Tammy Steinkamp, regarding how she introduced her daughter to the game. According to Tammy, she started playing golf right around the same time she married her husband 26 years ago. It didn’t take long for her to transition from player to coach. She currently coaches at Savannah High School and has taught for the past 10 years. “I have the only team championship trophy, and Alex is on that team. So it’s been quite a ride being golf coach. It’s fun,” Tammy says. Both admit that it’s a great social game.
I have the only team championship trophy, and Alex is on that team. So it’s been quite a ride being golf coach. It’s fun. — Tammy Steinkamp, mother and golf coach “When you walk off 18 holes with someone you’ve just spent eight hours with somebody,” Tammy says. “That’s why we try to have fun. I’ve made a lot of memories and best friends on the course,” Alex adds. According to Alex, the game of golf teaches discipline, honesty, kindness, integrity and how to socialize. She admits the game taught her a lot growing up. After being diagnosed with lupus two years ago, instead of focusing on her pain, she decided to focus on the pain of others. “It’s made me want to be a nurse,” Alex says. “It’s made me more passionate to others. It taught me not to give up.” Both she and her mother have raised money for research and to bring awareness regarding the illness. Alex is an advocate for the illness and hasn’t allowed it to slow her down in any way. She says that because of the
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
illness, her Christian faith is stronger. She is enrolled in a nursing program at William Jewell College and will be graduating in May. She also works at the University of Kansas Medical Center on the bone marrow transplant and hematology floor. Both Tammy and Alex are involved in their church and community. They have trained and run in various marathons together, including a walk to raise money for lupus. Tammy is supportive of Alex’s interest in reaching out to others and helped Alex with fundraising to travel to Belize on a mission trip. Alex also has helped raise money for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Often they will drop off bags of candy or cookies to families in their community who they know have kids. Both admit that they can’t sit still for too long and enjoy hiking, bicycling and anything that keeps them going. — Erica Van Buren | Josephine magazine May 2016
27
Average Joe The late American humorist
Let it grow There’s nothing like eating from your own garden ALONZO WESTON has been a columnist and reporter for the St. Joseph News-Press for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Deanna, have two children and a dog. The St. Joseph native is also a sports junkie who doesn’t pick up after himself. If you’d like to suggest an idea for this column, contact Alonzo at alonzo.weston@ newspressnow.com.
28
Lewis Grizzard once said “It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” I thought that very same thing just after stealing a fresh-picked ripe one out of the neighbor’s garden as a kid. A fresh-picked tomato and a salt shaker is like the holy communion of summer. It’s twice as nice if you grow your own tomatoes and other vegetables. Growing your own food is an ancient skill passed down through time. It’s what our ancestors did. There’s a nobility and pride in growing your own food. For a long time I never thought much about gardening. I thought it was for old ladies in big straw hats and long, printed summer dresses. I wouldn’t be caught dead pulling weeds out a garden or buying plants, especially flowers. To me, buying flowers sort of felt like buying women’s underwear. Real men didn’t do that. Pruners, snips and potting trowels are not even manly sounding tools. They sound more like kitchen utensils. Real men plant with tractors and other big machinery. Real men don’t plant in plots but in acres. And, you certainly don’t buy flowers except on Valentine’s Day or for a funeral. It was only after the nice lady up the street told me my yard looked plain that I began to think of planting flowers. After that, I began to notice my dad buying flowers and shrubs and planting them. Pop was as manly as they came. He built decks, fixed cars and lived in coveralls. He and mom also had the prettiest yard for blocks around. Pop loved planting flowers. If it was OK for him, then I guess it was OK for me. Besides, there were some famous men in history who liked to plant and grow stuff. Thomas Jefferson reportedly newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
tended the gardens at his Monticello home. Botanist Luther Burbank developed hundreds of plant varieties. George Washington Carver, another botanist, did a bunch of cool stuff with peanuts. Then there’s Johnny Appleseed, who planted apple seeds wherever he went. I since learned that Johnny wasn’t in love with apples as much as he was with apple cider. I’m talking hard apple cider. He was all about making that booze which is what most people used apples for back in the day. I’ve planted flowers and had a vegetable garden for the past several years now. My wife helps pick out the flowers, I do all the tilling, hoeing and weeding, and she gets to put them in the ground. It’s her flower garden, I’m just the gardener. She gets the credit for whatever beauty sprouts up. The vegetable garden is my domain. I take great pride in growing stuff my family and I will eat. I also know what fertilizer, pesticides and stuff I use so there’s no guesswork as to what I’m putting in my body. Growing your own vegetables also helps save money on the grocery budget. And homegrown tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, melons and stuff just taste better if you grow it. I also read somewhere that gardening can improve men’s sex lives. A study published in the European Urology journal and published on the Telegraph website said weeding, digging and even mowing the lawn improves performance in bed. They claim just 30 to 45 minutes of gardening helps fight diabetes and high blood pressure. The research said that this reduced impotence to around 38 percent. You also can get the same effect dancing for half an hour or jogging 1.5 miles, the researchers also said, but gardening has the added benefit and satisfaction of being able to grow your own food. Forget all that. I just want a damn good homegrown tomato that I don’t have to steal. May 2016
Getting real Mother’s Day is when we celebrate mothers everywhere. We take time out of our busy schedules to share dinner with our mother at her favorite all-you-can-eat buffet, put handprints in cement to fashion her a personalized doorstop and make long-distance calls to tell her that we love her, even if we can’t be there in person. This holiday is a special one, designed to make us stop and recognize that motherhood is like a walk in the park on a spring day. Easy as Sunday morning. All rainbows, glitter and sunbeams. Aww, who am I kidding! It is tough, full of sleepless nights, irrational fears and the complete destruction of a woman’s breasts, taking them from plump and perky, to saggy, trip hazards after suckling little monsters. Moms clean their kids, feed them and keep them alive, only to be mocked by those children once they become teenagers because “mom pees her pants when she sneezes” because her bladder was strained after it had to share a body cavity with a chubby, incubating baby for nine months. I am a mother of three, and my children have given me some amazing and thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day. After their thoughtful presentation, I typically remind them that there is not a gift on this earth that would ever be able to compensate me for the pain I endured while lying in the hospital with my feet in stirrups, squeezing their father’s hand until it turned purple and threating to walk out of the hospital and deliver the baby in the car because the doctor I wanted was on vacation (I am usually a more reasonable person, but childbirth could make Mother Teresa say bad words). OK, so maybe that never really happened, but the truth is, I have always known that being a
mother is a huge responsibility. As soon as my babies were born, I felt the pressure of knowing that I was now responsible for teaching these humans how to “adult.” I felt that I had this giant “permanent marker,” and I was responsible for writing on the souls of my children, imprinting on them things that would remain there forever. I know that I am a product of my mother’s permanent writings, still affected by the things she penned on my soul like “laugh loudly,” “fix your hair and look nice for your husband when he gets home so he will be glad to return there again tomorrow,” “there is an art to making homemade bread” and “make sure to keep your bathroom clean just in case company stops by.” Some of the things were important, but others, like “make sure to buy a jar of olives at the store so you have something to snack on for the drive home,” was more her own personal style of writing. I, too, “wrote on my children” useless things, like how to blow a bubble, shadow puppet artistry and why they should stop everything just to listen to the sound that raindrops make when they hit against the window. But I also wrote important lessons, like how invaluable courage is when facing fears, how they should always fight for those who are being picked on and, above all, to guard their faith. I hope that someday my kids appreciate all of the great things I scribbled on them. I hope they don’t feel that it was all written in capital letters and full of exclamation points. Instead, I hope they feel it is poetic and legible, filled with a plethora of doodles and one-liners that make them smile. I hope that my writings make them proud to buy me a Mother’s Day gift.
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
Mothers and soul Sharpies What we tell them becomes part of our children STACEY MOLLUS is a humor columnist and author who believes laughter is the best form of exercise. She loves sparkles, stretchy pants, sunbeams and family. Her first fiction novella, “Sylvia, please don’t be dead,” is available in bookstores and online. You can contact her at queenofchocolates@live.com.
May 2016
29
Meal time
Things change W
hen people ask if I always liked to cook, I tell the truth and say no. It was after I got married at age 25 that I finally realized that I eventually was going to have to cook something sometime. Trying to please my then-husband, who loved pound cake, I baked my first cake (it was from a box). When he stated, somewhat surprised, that it was a chocolate cake, my response was that the box said 16-ounces plus some and was almost a pound, the closest I could get. (Who could make this up?) The obligatory new bride culinary stories certainly applied. I didn’t know to cook the macaroni first, so the mac and cheese was a little crunchy, turkey neck still in cavity, etc. But when I started to learn about culinary techniques, I became enamored of the entire process, along with the history and culture surrounding different cuisines. Besides the fact that I really like good things to eat! Another example of how things change: My little cousin Donnie (grown name Don) is a homebuilder in the area. We were reminiscing about our childhood, and he brought up the first bath he ever remodeled. At the time I came over to admire it, and we both thought it was extremely cool, especially since it had shag carpeting up the sides of the wall. He has certainly progressed. (I hope) Anyway. So the first things I learned to prepare were appetizers. Thus, I could host a party (certainly not a dinner party) and repay social obligations. My sobriquet among my friends was the “Queen of Cream Cheese.” I must have had 20 different appetizers made with cream cheese. I certainly didn’t serve them all at once, but they became my go-to backup. Even after I learned to cook and loved to give real dinner parties, I still like and make some of the following. They must be considered retro by now, maybe a good thing?
Speedy Shrimp Spread 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1/2 cup cocktail sauce 1 (4½-ounce) can shrimp, drained Crackers for serving 30
May 2016
Jessica Stewar t | Josephine magazine
Soy Sesame Cream Cheese Place the cheese on a serving platter, cover with sauce, top with shrimp. Now how simple is that!
Soy Sesame Cream Cheese 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds Crackers for serving Pour soy sauce into a shallow dish and marinate cheese, turning frequently until all sides have been colored, about 10 minutes. Remove cheese from marinade, drain and place on serving platter. Top with seeds, serve.
Combine cream cheese, lemon juice, onion, horseradish, liquid smoke and salt (either in a food processor or mix well in medium bowl). After well mixed, mix in salmon and form into a ball. Wrap in plastic, refrigerate until firm, about one hour or as long as two days. In a small bowl, combine pecans and parsley. Before serving, roll salmon ball in mixture to coat. Serve with crackers or cucumber slices.
Smoky Salmon Ball 1 can (16 ounces) red salmon 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons minced onion 1 teaspoon prepared white horseradish 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup chopped pecans 3 tablespoons chopped parsley Crackers or cucumber slices Drain salmon, remove skin and bones.
| Josephine magazine |
LONNIE GANDARA TAYLOR is a St. Joseph native who has returned home after a prestigious career in the culinary field. She taught cooking classes in the San Francisco Bay area for years and was a professional assistant to Julia Child, James Beard, Martha Stewart, Simone Beck and Martin Yan, among others. She is a graduate of the Paris Cordon Bleu, the Academie du Vin in Paris and the first culinary class held in the Oriental hotel in Bangkok, as well as being the author of five cookbooks.
newspressnow.com/josephine
Everybody get healthy Everything is going great, you’re “in the groove” of working out, running, going to the gym, eating right. Then life takes an unexpected twist. Perhaps it’s something fairly brief, like a head cold or a pulled muscle that sidelines you for a week. Maybe it’s a more serious injury, a surgery or a life-changing diagnosis that affects physical abilities for months or even years. Sometimes it’s not even a physical change, but rather the added strain of caring for an ailing loved one or changes at work that simply don’t allow the time to keep up with regular exercise. Whatever the curve ball happens to be, being able to bounce back after a break from exercise can be just as difficult as getting started in the first place. But with the right mindset, body awareness and perseverance, the return to fitness doesn’t have to be quite so intimidating. First and foremost, be positive! Don’t get discouraged by the length of time you’ve “taken off” from exercise, and don’t feel guilty about not exercising during that time. It’s easy to get frustrated knowing what you could do before but can’t anymore. However, being stuck in a frustrated and defeated mindset will sabotage even the most well-intentioned efforts to move forward. Whether it’s been two weeks since your last run or two years since you’ve hit the gym, think of every day as a starting line and every little bit of progress as another step toward your goals. Be aware of your limitations. Acknowledge the physical changes that have occurred by not having regular exercise, but don’t fear them. When your activity level goes down, so do cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. Don’t expect to start back at the same level that you were before, especially if you have had to stop exercising for a prolonged length of time or you
have gone through a major physical trial like a severe illness, surgery or even having a baby. Your body really does need time to rebuild the strength and endurance that has been lost. However, the human body is also fantastically well equipped to heal, get stronger and perform better, as long as it’s being pushed to do so. Start small, but aim big. The first step in setting goals of any kind is recognizing where you are now and identifying where you want to be. Take the time to realistically assess your current abilities, especially when recovering from an illness or injury. Map out a plan of where you want to be. Whether it’s getting back to running marathons or being able to walk the Parkway every day, identify your end goal and the steps you need to take to get there. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t know how to get going again, finding someone to guide you through the process can be beneficial. If pain or continuing physical limitations are keeping you from getting back to exercise, consulting a physical therapist or other trained medical professional can be an important step in safely returning to your previous level of activity. Keep on going! The key to any successful training program is consistency. Regardless of where you start, if you don’t keep moving you’ll never reach your finish line. Put aside frustration, stick to your plan and don’t stop. It’s never easy to make changes, but when it means getting back on the road to better health, the challenge is well worth it. Twists and turns in life are inevitable. Sickness comes and goes, injuries happen, the busyness of life gets in the way. But it’s never too late to step up to the starting line again. Your comeback can start now.
newspressnow.com/josephine
| Josephine magazine |
Bouncing back When the winds of change blow healthy habits off track Dr. Maureen Holtz has been a physical therapist with Performance Plus Rehabilitation Center since May 2012. She is a St. Joseph native and a graduate of the University of Missouri’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. While she has experience with pediatric and inpatient physical therapy, she enjoys the setting and challenges of outpatient orthopedic physical therapy. Dr. Holtz is particularly interested in the treatment of adolescent athletes, pregnant and postpartum women and transitioning patients from physical therapy to fitness and wellness programs. She also has written and produced ongoing quarterly newsletters for both patients and physicians in the St. Joseph area. In her free time, she enjoys running and weight training, as well as spending time with her husband and two sons.
May 2016
31
“They gave me my very own team of caregivers, which included specialists from Mayo Clinic.” Diana Lung Cancer Survivor 4th Grade Teacher
Teamwork saves lives. Mosaic Life Care is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which means that cancer experts at Mosaic Life Care can consult with Mayo Clinic specialists when our patients need it most. By working together, we are able to deliver the absolute best cancer care right here in St. Joseph. When Diana was diagnosed with lung cancer, her doctors decided to reach out to Mayo Clinic. Specialists there helped to confirm the diagnosis and determine a treatment plan just for her. Today, Diana is cancer free. “Between Mosaic Life Care and Mayo Clinic working together, I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole, wide world.”
myMosaicLifeCare.org/myTeam
75065831