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ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE National Diabetes Awareness Month

Stillwater's Children Museum

Sports Vision Training

The Humane Society of Oklahoma

We know it’s hard to put money into a savings account regularly. PCB’s Debit Card Savings Program helps you put away a little for a rainy day every day. Saving even your pocket change can make a difference.  Round Up Savings FREE Sign up at www.paynecountybank.com 405.547.2436

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For the safety and well-being of Guthrie athletes,

Logan Medical Center and OrthoOklahoma provide a Certified Athletic Trainer for the Guthrie Public School’s athletic department. Our athletic trainer’s primary goal is to keep the athletes healthy and safe during their sporting acitivities.

The sports medicine “team” for all Guthrie Bluejay athletes includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches and the athlete.

LoganMedicalCenter.com 405-282-6700 ~ CHANDRA DYER, ATC

contents

Volume 2, Number 1

October/Novemeber BREAST CANCER AWARENEss Know The Steps To Minimize Risk 27 Gov. Fallin: Oklahomans Are Paying For Poor Health 8 Staying Young and Healthy is a Family Affair 9

PRIME Fiscal Fitness: Where does your money go every month, a closer look 10 Finding the right Plastic Surgeon 12 A Couple Sees Both Sides of the Patient/Caregiver Experience 14 An alternative to the Gym 16 it comes to permanent birth control 17 A perfect time for varicose vein removal 18 Stillwater welcomes a New Children’s Museum 19 Chiropractors Can Use Multiple Therapies To Alleviate Your Pain 20 Respiratory Problems Decrease With Acupuncture 20 Sports Vision Therapy gives athletes an Edge 21

FITNESS Ben Coffman: Add Family Fun to your Daily Workout 23 Governor Fallin reinvigorates OK Fit Kids Coalition 24 What You Should Know About Breast Cancer. 27 Couples have several options when Adopting a pet in Oklahoma 29

FOODIES A Home Cooked Holiday Feast 31 Halloween Recipes 32

TALK Halloween Party for Kids on page 41 Soldiers Coming Home on page 42 The American Diabetes Association is here for you Oklahoma 44 The Shine Program Cleans Up Oklahoma County 46

cover and contents photos by Brad smith

IN EVERY ISSUE

Welcome to Bricktown

A weekend getaway everyone will love.

pg. 36

Publisher's Letter............................................................................. 6 Govenor Mary Fallin..........................................................................8 Lt. Govenor Todd Lamb................................................................... 9 Fiscal Fitness....................................................................................10 Ben Coffman Fitness Guru............................................................ 23 Babies on Board....................................................................... 33-34

Join the Coversation! If you would like to drop a line say hello or tell us how you feel, email: • Brad Smith at bradokhealth@gmail.com or • Brandy Morris at brandyokhealth@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook!

facebook.com/okhealthandfitness

twitter.com/okhealthandfitn

October/November 2011

Greetings

OKhealth&fitness October/Novemebr 2011 Vol 2 - Issue 1 Publisher/ Editorial Director Brandy Morris (405) 614-5373 brandyokhealth@gmail.com

Publisher’s Letter

Editor-in-Chief/ Advertising Director Bradley Smith (405) 614-2615 bradokhealth@gmail.com

Contact Brandy at brandyokhealth @gmail.com

Territorial Plaza Dinner

Hello my friends, The sizzling summer is finally over. Now is the time to enjoy the great fall weather. Our Healthy Destination for this issue is Bricktown. We had fun taking in all the sights and smells of Bricktown. We met some wonderful people and made new friends. We hope that you will make the trip and do the same. Congratulations are in order for OK Health and Fitness Magazine Editor, Bradley Smith. He has been nominated by the Oklahoma Diabetes Association for Father of the Year. You will learn more about the ADA in Oklahoma in the months to come. The holidays are rapidly approaching. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Remember our soldiers who will not be home with us for the holidays, a package from home with letters and treats will always warm the heart. Our friends at the Perkins Chamber of Commerce ask me to share a few upcoming events you may be interested in, bring the family and have some fun!

held on Saturday October 15 at 6:30 pm at the Perkins-Tryon Junior High School gymnasium. The dinner includes a silent and live auction. Last year’s event raised approximately $20,000. All proceeds are used for maintenance and development of the Plaza which includes historical buildings and the development of the Territorial Plaza in Perkins. For information about the Plaza Dinner, contact Virginia Sasser at (405) 547-5298.

Old Fashioned Country Christmas

Is set for Thursday evening, December 8. Come celebrate the season with holiday music, lights and other activities including a visit from Santa! For information about Old Fashioned Country Christmas, contact Lisa Branum at (405) 714-2394.

[ Brandy Morris, Publisher ]

COVER Photo taken by Bradley Smith Harkins Theater Courtyard Fountains in Bricktown Oklahoma City

OK Health and Fitness is a bi-monthly magazine published 6 times a year. Subscription rates are $22.00 for one year. For subscription inquiries please send an email to: bradokhealth@gmail.com or mail check payable to OK Health and Fitness, 7790 North 39th Road, Tryon, Oklahoma 74875-7701. Copyright © 2011 Oklahoma Health and Fitness Magazine LLC and OK Health and Fitness Magazine. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of Articles or Advertisements without the expressed written permission of the Publisher is prohibited.

Held on Halloween Monday, October 31, at 5:00 pm at the Perkins-Tryon Elementary School gym. The free event features a costume contest for all ages and lots of candy. For information about Monster Mash, contact David Sasser at (405) 547-2411.

For advertising information, please contact Bradley Smith at 405.614.2615 or e-mail at bradokhealth@gmail.com.

Visit us on the web at

www.OKHealthandFitnessMagazine.com

Find us on Facebook!

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twitter.com/okhealthandfitn

October/November 2011

Photographers Brandy Morris Bradley Smith Chris Heide Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau Stu Osler State of Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

Think and Be Healthy!

Monster Mash

Creative Director Print/Web Chris Heide Contributing Writers Governor Mary Fallin Lt. Governor Todd Lamb Chris Petermann Amy Petermann Dr. Juan Brou, M.D. Jennifer Tatum Dr. Dominic Pedulla, M.D., FACC Dr. D. Nelson Fong, M.D. Dr. Harvey Jenkins, M.D. Dr. Dawn Hacker Mark Triplett, M.S.O.M. Dr. Ralph A. Latimer, OD, FCOVD Ben Coffman Amber England Amy Stinnett Cathie Cordis Dr. Steve Johnston Jennifer Houchins

OK Health and Fitness magazine assumes no responsibility for the contents of articles or advertisements in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. All Editorial submissions should be sent to brandyokhealth@gmail.com. This publication and all its contents are Copyrighted.

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Special Message from Governor Mary Fallin

Time to Get in Shape! “ The High Costs of Obesity and Unhealthy Living ” [ By Governor Mary Fallin ]

s you take the time to turn through the pages of Oklahoma Health and Fitness, I’m sure many of you are reflecting on the importance of healthy living. For that, I congratulate you, because improving our health as a state is one of the

most important things we can do to ensure a prosperous future. Sadly, far too many Oklahomans are unhealthy and overweight. For many, that condition begins at a very young age. As a mother, childhood obesity is an issue that speaks to my heart. No parent wants to see a child as young as seven developing chronic diseases, like type-2 diabetes, once only found in adults. It pains me to think of the health risks and emotional heart ache that these children face and may continue to face if they develop into overweight grownups. As Oklahoma’s chief executive, however, it concerns me for another reason: the dangerous implications for our economy, our businesses and our state budget. Most Oklahomans know our state has a problem with obesity. Few are aware, however, of the terrible financial toll that poor health is

October/November 2011

taking on our economy, workforce productivity and our businesses, not just here but across the nation. A report recently released by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine offers a sobering look at the United States’ obesity epidemic and the financial bottom line that comes with it. Simply put, if left unchecked, that epidemic will cause enormous financial strain on families, taxpayers, government and businesses alike. The report examines the hidden costs of obesity for businesses, and the numbers are staggering. Loss of productivity due to obesity now costs U.S. businesses an estimated $73.1 billion per year. To put that number in perspective, that money could be used to hire 1.8 million new workers in the United States at an annual salary of $42,000. Instead it is being used to pay medical bills of employees who are overweight and sick, and draining the coffers of the small businesses we count on to create jobs and invest in our communities. The cost to taxpayers, state government and families is also enormous. In Oklahoma, it’s estimated that up to 11 percent of our total medical expenditures can be directly linked to the obesity epidemic. Oklahoma taxpayers shell out millions of dollars annually to treat the chronic illnesses related to overweight and obese Oklahomans on Medicare and Medicaid – money that could be spent instead on lowering the tax burden for our citizens or funding roads and schools. Studies show that as many as 70 percent of overweight and obese children become overweight and obese adults. If that statistic does not change, we will have a serious workforce issue on our hands. As governor, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the country and touting our strong economy and economic development successes, something that few governors can do during this national recession. Oklahoma has made great strides in the past several years in becoming a business friendly state that supports the creation of new jobs. In the 2011 legislative ses-

sion alone, we passed comprehensive lawsuit reform, a rewrite of the workers’ compensation laws, and worked to strengthen our public schools. All of these changes make Oklahoma a more attractive place to locate or expand a business. Unfortunately, as a variety of reports continue to show; the health of our citizens continues to decline, with diseases related to obesity being the main culprit. Preventable illnesses cost Oklahoma businesses and taxpayers more than $800 million in health care costs and lost workforce productivity. Just as high taxes and overregulation impede business recruitment and job growth, so too is poor health. To continue the Oklahoma economy’s forward momentum, we can and we must do better when it comes to the health of our citizens. To that end, the Oklahoma Health Department will continue its support of public health campaigns like “Shape Our Future” that focus on voluntary partnerships to promote healthy living, exercise and proper nutrition in our businesses, communities and schools. The reality is, however, that healthy life choices are just what they sound like: choices. To tackle the obesity endemic in Oklahoma and start reversing course, all of us will have to make good choices about our health and our wellness. Just as important, we will have to teach our children about the importance of exercise and good nutrition. It’s time for everyone in Oklahoma to take a minute to ask, “What can I do to be healthier?” And for those of us with children, now is the time to talk to our children about the importance of healthy life choices. Let’s work together to make Oklahoma a healthier and more prosperous state and to make ourselves healthier people. We owe it to ourselves and to our children.

Special Message from Lt. Governor Todd Lamb

Stay Young

Stay Healthy [ by Lt. Governor Todd Lamb ]

obese. Obesity is related to many of the diseases that cause early, preventable deaths, and most of our overweight and obese children will continue this lifestyle into adulthood. Boys from the ages of 6 to 18 will decrease their involvement in physical activity by 24 percent. Girls at the same age will decrease their participation in physical activity by 36 percent. So much of what they do and are involved in is a direct result of our parental influence. Studies done by the University of Nevada show that extracurricular activities result in greater - Lt. Governor Todd Lamb school attendance, better grades and We should attempt to set good examples teamwork and leadership skills for our chilthat have the potential to affect others as well dren, as well as the prevention of their particas ourselves. As parents, Monica and I make ipation in drugs and alcohol and problematic it a priority to keep our family physically active. Our children are involved in sports and Monica and I run, bike and exercise to remain healthy. I have also coached our daughter’s soccer teams and our son’s football teams for years. This past spring the Lt. Governor’s staff participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Training for the race resulted in building teamwork and developing good physical habits. It is important to remember that health and fitness affect more than just you. As we age and schedules get busy, it becomes more and more difficult to remain healthy and fit. But our children are eyewitnesses to our activity or lack of activity. Many times we focus on the detrimental effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs on our children, and rightfully so. But too often we overlook the deadly effects obesity and inactivity can have on our children. The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition provides some staggering statistics that should motivate every family. Throughout the United States, one-third of children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight or ach Oklahoma family is unique. Whether it is size, traditions or habits, we are marked by our various characteristics. As parents, we instill values and principles in our children we feel will benefit them down the road. Even the smallest impact we make on our children now will greatly affect them in the future. The habits we exemplify will reflect our priorities.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUTHOR

“It is important to remember that health and fitness affect more than just you. ”

behaviors. If we invest time in our children, encouraging them to stay active at such an impressionable age, our investment will be priceless for future generations. Make staying healthy a family affair. Simple activities like going on a walk together, eating healthy dinners and encouraging one another can generate positive results. I personally want to provide my children with a health model that will allow them to grow and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

October/November 2011

PRIME Fiscal Fitness

Tips for Saving Money I

and still live within your Budget

n the last issue you changed your saving habit. Instead of waiting until the end of the month, you are putting money into savings first, but can you do more? By Chris and Amy When you think of budget Petermann busters, you think it is the car payment or house payment that ruins the budgets. In reality, it is the everyday purchases that can get everyone in trouble. The reason for this is simple. Before you bought your vehicle, you researched. You negotiated the sales price of the car and not just the monthly payments. You called your insurance agent to find out the difference in price for coverage for the vehicle options. Hopefully, you looked into the operating costs of the vehicle, the cost of fuel, oil changes, etc. Then you made your purchase and

knew what the consequences of the monthly costs would be on your budget. Do you think about what it means when you pull up to your favorite coffee shop and spend $5 on a cup of coffee? No, because it is $5; it is not a big deal.

Reality Check:

Ok, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say you make the trip before work every day. In one week you are spending $25 for coffee. In a month the total is $100. If you take two weeks of vacation, the total amount spent in a year is $1,250! Still think the $5 cup has no consequences on your budget? Pop drinkers or even bottle water drinkers are not off the hook either. Think about the cost of a drink from the vending machine. Average price is $1.50. You are paying a heavy price for that convenience, at times it is almost twice or three times as much if you bought it in bulk and carried it with you. To see where your money is going, you will need to keep track of all your purchases for a week or even a month. Write down the amount you spent and what it was, lunch, coffee, groceries, etc.

Do not forget your vending machine purchases. At the end of the period, add up what you are spending in each category. If you have never done this, this is a HUGE wake-up call. Now you have a better idea where you can save money! Opportunity cost is simply what you give up when you make a decision. Keep these principals in mind when you make your decisions: 1) Spending now is present tense 2) Saving is for the future 3) Credit is borrowing against future earnings; that means you have no control over those earnings because you already spent the money. Going to the coffee shop or buying the drink in the vending machine, or eating out for lunch every day or buying on credit all have an opportunity cost. For the convenience, you are taking away from your future. Life is about balance. Take the information that you gathered from tracking your purchases and cut back a few of the now decisions to put the money towards the future. You will need savings. We will go through another recession, the car will break down, you will have unexpected emergencies, you will want to retire, the kids will need braces and life will happen.

Price per Unit = Price/Quantity Buy a cheap calculator or use your smart phone calculator and use this equation when you go shopping. This will help you make better buying decisions at the store. Some stores have the unit price already on the grocery shelves along with the price, but you can use this for shampoo, diapers, Q-Tips or anything else where you have to decide between two sizes. This is a good equalizer when you are deciding between two brands! Keep in mind that bigger is not always a better deal. Ask yourself if you get the bigger size will you use it? If the answer is no, then you did not save money. For more information and savings tips visit: www.paynecountybank.com/savinghabit. Chris Petermann is a Vice President at Payne County Bank. Amy Petermann, an adjunct professor, taught Personal Finance at the University of Central Oklahoma. Payne County Bank 202 S. Main Perkins, OK 74059 405-547-2436

10 10

October/November October/November 2011 2011

photos provided Andi Berger | Dreamstime.com

Saving Tip #2:

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What You By Juan Brou, M.D.

Need to Know

When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

rom facelifts to body lifts, nose jobs to liposuctionâ&#x20AC;Śa growing number of people are interested in improving their appearance. However, many spend more time choosing their wardrobe than they do researching their surgeon. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, I cannot stress enough how important it is for people considering cosmetic surgery to do their homework first. Competition is increasing for your cosmetic dollar and not all who advertise cosmetic procedures are created equal. The best price may not be the best way to determine who you will entrust with your appearance. Poor outcomes are difficult to correct even by the most skilled surgeons. To help ensure that you get the best results and proper care, there are key factors

you should consider when choosing a surgeon. Here are a few of the most critical in my professional opinion:

Certification is essential.

One of the most important criterions is making sure the surgeon has board certification in plastic surgery from the American Board of Medical Specialties. A surgeon who is certified by this organization or the American Board of Plastic Surgery has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of training as a surgical resident. This includes a minimum of five years of residency training in all areas of surgery, including two years devoted entirely to plastic surgery.

Check references.

Ask friends or family for recommendations. Ask your primary-care physician for references. Check online databases such as the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and

Supervision to investigate whether any lawsuits or disciplinary actions have been filed against the doctor. When you call the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office for the first time, is the staff friendly? Do they try to help you or do they treat you like a number? At your preliminary consultation, make sure you feel like your surgeon is listening to you and you feel comfortable with him or her. Does the physician spend enough time with you? Is he or she truly listening to your concerns, going over any potential complications with you and really understanding what you hope to achieve with your surgery? If not, find someone else who does.

Ask for examples.

Ask to speak to patients who have had the procedure you are considering. Ask your doctor about complications or problems that may arise. He or she should be willing to discuss these and offer explanations on what will happen if there is a problem. Ask for before and after photographs of previous patients. The photographs should have a nice composition, be clear and show an easily comparable image.

Ask about hospital privileges.

Juan Brou, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Oklahoma City. A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Brou is a skilled surgeon, specializing in a variety of cosmetic procedures from facelifts to full body lifts and more. He also offers non-surgical cosmetic procedures at the Medical Spa by Dr. Juan Brou, 5300 North Grand Boulevard, Suite 205, Oklahoma City, 73122.

12 12

October/November 2011

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STOCK..XCHNG

Ask your surgeon if he or she keeps privileges at local hospitals. I maintain privileges at two hospitals. This is important because it will allow your surgeon to treat you at the hospital should you have any complications. By doing your homework, asking key questions and finding a physician with whom you feel comfortable, you can help ensure that you will get your best cosmetic results. To learn more about a variety of plastic surgery topics and procedures, visit my website at www.plasticsurgeon-oklahoma.com

omen know best when it comes to quality health care.

They know a hospital totally dedicated to women’s health

can provide them with physicians, nurses and technicians who have solely devoted themselves to caring for women.

Lakeside Women’s Hospital is Oklahoma’s largest free-standing women’s medical resource center offering obstetrics, gynecology, robotic surgery, digital mammography and more. Women of all ages trust Lakeside Women’s Hospital. Because?

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October/November 2011

CANCER

The

Caregiver Story In 2001, Sarah Cooper was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a trying time for her, but she had the full support of her husband, Bruce, who was there for her every step of the way. With vigorous treatment, and great focus, Sarah overcame cancer, and went back to her life again. She went back to graduate school, went back to work, and went back to life on their ranch. It seemed like a happily ever after. Then, just a few months shy of her 10th anniversary of diagnosis, Sarah and Bruce got another shock. After a routine physical, this time it was Bruce who heard the three terrifying words: “You have cancer.” So, 10 years and 2 days since their first visit to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Coopers returned, this time to find out what the hospital could do for Bruce. This wasn’t their first rodeo; the Coopers knew what to expect. A three to five day evaluation would include visits with Bruce’s medical oncologist, dietician, naturopath, and specialty physicians like his radiation oncologist. At the end, he would have a treatment plan, and an idea of what was going to happen next. But what Sarah did not expect was how different this experience would be from her own diagnosis 10 years ago. They received the same attention and care they had come to expect from CTCA, but this time Sarah was the caregiver, helping lead Bruce to his appointments and supporting him in a time of need. She found that she was spending all her time focused on him, which is common for caregivers. “On our first visit with Sarah, one of the counselors told Sarah she only needed focus on one thing – herself and her health,” said Bruce. “As the caregiver, he said I only had one thing to do as well – everything else.” In the fight against cancer, the focus is on getting

October/November 2011

the patient well. Friends, family members and the patient’s medical providers focus their energy on what can be done to beat the cancer and give that person the best chance possible to a long, healthy life. In all this activity, the caregiver’s needs are sometimes forgotten or overlooked. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and a time to remember those who have dedicated their time and energy to helping a friend or family member during a hard fight with cancer or other prolonged diseases. Both Bruce and Sarah have unique perspectives, because they’ve both been in each set of shoes, as the patient and the caregiver. They agree on one thing: being the caregiver is harder. “Sometimes you don’t address your own emotions [as the caregiver] because there’s no one there encouraging you to do so,” said Sarah. During her time as a caregiver, Sarah said that although she appeared to be living a healthy lifestyle, she gained weight and saw her health suffer. When they returned home after the first visit to CTCA, she collapsed, emotionally. “Once you finish and finally let it out, it’s a 24-hour process.” The couple agrees that one of the most difficult things about being a caregiver is seeing your partner struggle. “It was so hard seeing Sarah in pain, emotional pain, and not being able to do anything about it,” said Bruce. For Sarah, it was difficult to see Bruce, an athletic and active man, come up against physical limitations that frustrated him. Sarah and Bruce feel lucky to have come to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, where the Patient Empowered Care Model has simplified their lives and their appointments. “This is not only how healthcare should be, but how life should be,” said Bruce. The couple has treated their time at the hospital for Bruce’s treatment as a “radiation vacation.” They have tried their best to fill their days with fun and use everything CTCA has to offer, including massage, salon services and the fitness center.

PHOTOS PROVIDED AUTHOR

[ By Jennifer Tatum ]

TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA Using their own experience as a guide, Sarah and Bruce had a few pieces of advice to offer other caregivers as they embark upon a cancer journey with a loved one: 1. Do not take it personally. Negative behavior by your loved one is not about you or because of you. 2. Take care of yourself. If you do not, you are not doing the patient any favors. 3. Speak up when you are not okay and let other people help you. Be a receiver. 4. Ask for help with the little things that stress you out – picking your dog up from the kennel, getting the trash to the curb, etc. 5. Understand that people show their affection and concern in different ways – some may bring a casserole over and sit with you for an hour while others can only manage a card. 6. Cancer treatment causes “gap,” as Sarah calls it. Sometimes the patient won’t remember entire conversations, or will misremember instructions. Give your loved one a little grace. 7. Be a cheerleader. It’s easy to feel like a “nag-giver,” but your encouragement and reminders are important. 8. Sit in on every appointment you can. It’s hard to go through the healthcare system alone, and it’s helpful for the patient to have someone there to help them remember what the doctor said. As hard as caregiving can be, Sarah was clear on one point in particular: “I’d take any day of being a caregiver over any day as a patient.” No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. visit www.cancercenter.com

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Sarah and Bruce at a recent visit to CTCA in Tulsa, with Founder and Chairman Richard J Stephenson (far left) and hospital President and CEO Steve Mackin.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America understands the unique needs of caregivers during cancer treatment. Below are some of the options available for caregivers at the hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. •

Just For Caregivers Support Group: This group meets weekly with a Mind Body Medicine Therapist, who guides group discussion among caregivers.

•

Complementary Alternative Medicine: Caregivers are invited to utilize services from naturopathic providers, personal counseling sessions, dieticians, massage therapists and more.

•

Amenities: The facility offers a fitness center and spa for the use of patients and caregivers alike.

•

On and Off-site Activities: Caregivers (and patients) can participate in daily on-site and off-site offerings.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southwestern Regional Medical Center 10109 E. 79th Street (81st Street & Highway 169) Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 Main Hospital: (918) 286-5000 http://www.cancercenter.com/southwestern-hospital

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Output On: May 11, 2011 7:20 PM Low-Resolution PDF - NOT FOR PRINT

The Hair Cottage Celebrate Your Daughter’s Birthday with us!

* Mini-mani’s * Mini-pedi’s

* Hair * Make-up

$5 per service per child

Music, and props available for fashion photos

Call for an appointment! (405) 547-4050 • 720 North main Street • Perkins, Oklahoma

Fred Vint Vemma Brand Partner (405) 821-0500 E: verveok@gmail.com

www.verveok.com Text VERVEOK to 90210

Making your

Belly Flat and your Gym Obsolete

What is VIP?

VIP is a powerful family of body treatments created in Italy that produces inch loss, weight loss and toning of targeted muscle groups. Several Miss Americas and Miss Oklahomas have used VIP for “Swimsuit” Physique competition. At BodyTrends, we have used this technology on 8 women who have won National Beauty Pageant titles or have been runner’s up. It uses electrical stimulation emitted through electrode pads placed on the body to produce muscle contraction over the particular area of concern. The amount, degree and extent of muscle contraction produced is much more than one can produce voluntarily in a gym doing abdominal crunches. The effect of doing a 25-minute session of VIP is analogous to doing about 1000 crunches or sit-ups in the same period of time, except there is no pain, no sweating and no fatigue. You lie on a table, reading a book, sleeping or making cell phone calls. VIP stimulates the muscles to contract at maximum intensity without producing injury to muscle cells or soreness. Unlike traditional exercise, there is no significant “lactic acid” buildup that would make you sore for 2 days. The contractive power of VIP is sufficiently strong that it is not

October/November 2011

unreasonable to see a loss of 2 inches in the first treatment session. This loss is due primarily to the removal of water and toxins in the tissue spaces outside of cells and channeling them into the lymphatic system and circulation for elimination by the body. With additional VIP treatments, spaced at 2-3 day intervals, “muscle memory” and toning develop. After about 10-treatment sessions, when the muscles get used to the VIP stimulation, they increase in size and metabolic activity. The increase in metabolic activity leads to more breakdown of fat in the area of accumulation and in other areas of the body. The result is a flatter belly with a more sculpted appearance and with better definition.

Is VIP Right for you?

Before

VIP is safe for almost everyone. It is especially suited for people who are unable to exercise due to health problems, medical conditions, or for people who do not have the time to commit to the gym. It is not, however, a replacement for cardio. VIP sessions can be done on your lunch hour or on the way home from work. Certain conditions are not suitable for VIP. People with Pacemakers and heart rhythm abnormalities cannot undergo these treatments.

Cost

VIP treatments cost about $125 per session, but are frequently less expensive when bought as part of a treatment package. The treatment package may include not only VIP but other body sculpting treatments, like laser skin-tightening (Accent XL) or laser fat melting (Zerona) for the best aesthetic result. In short, just like your “Smart phone,” VIP is the “Smart Choice” for flattening your belly and improving your body. Try it! You may be able to give up your gym membership for good.

After Dr. Harvey Jenkins is a Harvard-trained Orthopedist & Spine specialist, practicing in South Oklahoma City. He is a Wellness Blogger and is also Owner/Medical Director of BodyTrends, the ElectroSpa in OKC. For more info or questions contact Dr Jenkins at info@ bodytrendspa.com

photo provided BY AUTHOR

mart phones did not exist a few years ago. It is hard to imagine what life would be without them. They make the complicated task of By Dr. communication easier on Harvey so many levels, much more Jenkins, MD than “landlines” can do. Such is the contribution to fitness and body sculpting that the VIP Machine Provides. One day, “VIP” may be like the iPhone is now, making workouts and abdominal crunches in the gym obsolete. This is the most efficient way to flatten and sculpt the belly.

Permanent Solutions to Birth Control

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE AUTHOR

eciding your family is complete can be a complex and even difficult decision. Whether financial or emotional, the reasons a couple or individual has for preventing pregnancy By D. Nelson vary widely. Although tradiFong, M.D. tionally many people decide on vasectomy or tubal sterilization to prevent pregnancy when they have completed their family, several alternative procedures (many are office-based) exist. Vasectomy is a permanent procedure performed on men by a urologist or a family physician to prevent the exit of sperm. In this procedure – most commonly performed in the office under local anesthetic – the physician makes one or two small incisions in the scrotum and cuts the vas deferens (a small muscular tube that connects to a testicle and transports sperm outwards) and then the two ends are tied, stitched, or sealed. Alternatives to traditional vasectomy include a “no-scalpel” vasectomy and Vasclip implant procedure. After vasectomy, minor swelling or pain is to be expected for several days; however most men can return to work in one or two days. Although a vasectomy is considered permanent, a couple must use backup contraception for up to two months. A man should have a “sperm count” or semen analysis performed before a couple discontinues backup contraception. Nonetheless, vasectomy is one of the most effective methods to prevent pregnancy with a failure of rate of 1 to 2 out of 1000. Tubal sterilization (commonly known as “tube tying”) is a common form of permanent birth control performed by an Obstetrician-Gy-

necologist. Tubal sterilization performed immediately around the time of delivery of your child is referred to as “post-partum tubal ligation”. This procedure is performed in the operating room under epidural or spinal anesthesia, and involves a small one inch incision underneath the navel. (If a woman is delivered by Cesarean section, no additional incisions are required.) Once the incision is made, the tubes are identified and a tubal section is most often tied and then removed; alternatively, small clips may be placed. Tubal sterilization is instantaneous and backup contraception is not routinely recommended. In addition, tubal sterilization at the time of delivery is highly effective with a failure rate (i.e., possibility of future pregnancy) of 1.2 to 1.8 in 1000. If a woman is unsure of her future childbearing plans at the time of childbirth, tubal sterilization can be performed at any time after she has recovered from delivery. This procedure known as “interval tubal” is performed in the operating room with the use of cameras, general anesthesia, and two to three half- inch incisions. The tubes are identified, and may be burned, cut, partially removed, or have clips applied. Failure rates are a bit higher depending on the method used, varying from 5.8 to 31.9 in 1000. Newer methods for tubal sterilization now available allow for the procedure to be carried out in the office resulting in quicker recovery time, increased patient convenience, and decreased exposure to anesthesia. In hysteroscopic tubal sterilization, a woman is brought into the gynecologist’s office and normally given a light pain medication or sedative. Local anesthesia is injected into the uterine cervix and a small camera guided into the uterus; small metal coils or silicone implants are then placed into the

tubes. The tubes then scar down and a follow up X-ray known as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is done 3 months later to ensure the tubes are closed. Recovery time is minimal as there are no incisions made. Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization – now commercially available in two forms, Essure and Adiana – is highly effective with Essure being perhaps the most effective form of permanent contraception with a failure rate of 1 in 1000. A non-surgical alternative to permanent contraception includes the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, commonly known by the brand name the Mirena IUD) and the Cooper T IUD (ParaGard). These small implants can be placed by a gynecologist or some family practice physicians inside the uterus during a pelvic exam. The Mirena IUD is a hormone coated implant that sits inside the uterus that not only prevents pregnancy but may also help with heavy or painful periods; it last for five years and has a failure rate of only 1 in 1000. The ParaGard is similar but does not contain hormones, lasts for 10 years, and failure rate is about 6 in 1000. The advantages of both IUDs include being office based procedures, no need for anesthesia, no recovery time, instantaneous onset of action, and may be reversed easily.

D. Nelson Fong, M.D., is a member of the medical staff (OB/GYN) at Lakeside Women’s Hospital located at 11200 N. Portland Ave. Oklahoma City, OK For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fong call (405) 936-1000 www.lakeside-wh.com.

October/November 2011

FREE Varicose

Vein Removal?

It’s Time To Check It Out.

• Cosmetic Procedures • Medically Necessary Procedures Cosmetic procedures are those performed purely for aesthetic improvement and usually are not covered by insurance providers. These veins are usually tiny and are seen as small “spider” type veins. Treatments for small, non-symptomatic spider veins are not considered medically necessary and patients usually pay out of pocket to have them treated. It is a different story for the larger veins that are symptomatic (pain, aching, burning, itching, heaviness and swelling). Treatment for these veins will usually be considered medically necessary and will be covered by insurance providers. Individual insurance carriers set their criteria for knowing when a varicose vein has advanced to the stage where it should be treated. Here are a few points to consider: • Lifestyle Disruption: Do the symptoms in your legs affect any daily activities such as not being able to shop, doing yard work, using stairs, running after children, etc. without having to rest? Do

you find that standing for long periods makes your legs ache? • Failure of Conservative Measures: Conservative measures include the use of compression stockings, leg elevation, weight loss, exercise and over the counter pain relievers that have failed to provide satisfactory relief over a specific period. • Vein Size: Your vein size has to be greater than specific size (set by your insurance provider). An ultrasound measurement can provide many details that your insurance company is looking for in order to approve a claim. • Complications: Complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), bleeding veins, leg swelling and leg ulceration make it more likely that an insurance company will consider treatment medically necessary.

Why Is October the Prime Month To Start Varicose Vein Care?

Most insurance companies want us to show that we have tried other conservative treatments (such as compression hose) before we schedule a procedure. That means we might have to allow several months before we actually get to perform an hour-long laser treatment to get rid of the vein. Octo-

ber is one of our busiest months to see patients who are trying to get their procedure squeezed in before the end of the year to meet their deductibles. Obviously, for that same reason, November and December are the two busiest months for Laser Varicose Vein Treatment. The most important key to minimizing the out of pocket cost of your procedure is understanding your insurance carrier’s evaluation criteria and treatment. As a varicose vein specialist, our job is to work with your insurance company to make certain that we meet their needs while giving you the best level of care. Free treatment? Well, there is not much left in life that is absolutely free, but it isn’t too much to ask of your vein specialist to see you for a free, no obligation consultation to give you an idea of what you should expect. A free visual inspection of the varicose vein by a qualified specialist will give you the heads-up on your treatment options. Dominic Pedulla MD is a triple board certified cardiologist specializing in varicose veins. His office offers no obligation, free consultations for people interested in having their veins evaluated. Call his office today at (405) 947-2228 or visit the website at www.NoVeinOK.com

Dominic Pedulla MD is a board certified cardiologist specializing in varicose veins. His office offers no obligation, free consultations for people interested in having their veins evaluated. Call his office today at (405) 947-2228.

October/November 2011

photos provided BY AUTHOR

robably the most common question about varicose veins is about cost of treatment. With the increased popularity of cosmetic surgery, many patients are unBy Dominic M. Pedulla der the misguided assumpMD, FACC tion that all varicose veins are treated as an elective procedure. While insurance coverage for varicose vein treatment varies depending on your insurance provider and your particular policy, most are geared toward the medical treatment of those pesky, blue, swollen veins. In general, most insurance providers will divide vein treatments into two categories:

It's a Wonderful World at

Stillwater is the home to a new museum geared especially for children. The museum is not a typical museum with artifacts on display, it is a museum for parents to take their children and allow them to interact with exhibits relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. After 10 years of organizing, planning and fundraising the museum will open its doors to the public on Oct.15. Fourteen exhibit areas will allow children to feed their imagination, interact with others, learn new concepts and have fun at the same time. Parents will find the museum a great place to bring the children and let them exercise the mind and body and have fun. The museum has something for everyone including an area for babies and toddlers. “Family focused, spontaneous, easily affordable, educational entertainment is what we are providing here at the museum,” said Ruth Cavins, the museum’s director.

photos provided Bradley Smith

A glimpse at few of the exhibits Visitors to the museum will find exhibits related to physics in the physics fairway, which was built by the architecture students from Oklahoma State University. Children can have fun with the golf ball racers send the golf balls through different routes and learning how physics takes the ball to its destination. A hands-on exhibit with pulleys and various pieces that can be changed out will cause the golf ball to take various routes to get back home. It’s a new twist on the game Plinko! Another fascinating exhibit is A-Mazing Airways. A-Mazing Airways is a giant wallmounted 6 inch pneumatic tube system that allows the children to insert various sized balls and scarves into the tube system and manipulate their speed and where they go.

The fun and laughter is just beginning when the balls and scarves shoot out of the tubes. The Kameoka Kids exhibit was developed in partnership with the Stillwater Sister Cities Council. The exhibit features a Mt. Fuji play space that is a climbing structure and has tunnels underneath. Also included is a traditional Japanese home where children will remove their shoes to enter. Activities inside the home will include dress up, learning to use chopsticks at a low table, playing with Japanese toys, and reading books about Japan, crafts such as Origami, storytelling and much more. The Discovery Diner is sponsored by Oklahoma ESPCoR. Oklahoma ESPCoR is a program funded by the National Science Foundation, and promotes exploration and growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “This is the place where we will bring in scientists, professors researchers from OSU and other entities to come talk about what they are doing. They will have hands on demonstrations and manipulatives to explain their concepts to children,” Cavins said. When there is not a scientist there doing demonstrations, there will be manipulatives for the children to work with. The museum design is different from most museums, there are no walls separating one activity or concept from another. The idea came from a program the museum has been working with for 5-6 years now, called “The museum without walls.” The museum without walls program travels throughout Payne County and the surrounding areas to the elementary schools, preschools, and child care centers. “We have kits that fit in the car and we drive to the schools and spend an hour or two in

Continued on page 24

October/November 2011

continued on page 43

Soft Tissue Therapies, Another Tool In Chiropractic Care

any chiropractors use soft tissue therapy in addition to the chiropractic adjustment to improve patient health. Soft tissue therapy can boost By Dr. Dawn Hacker the immune system, relieve chronic muscle and joint pain, reduce stress, and promote circulation. In addition, it detoxifies the body by moving waste through the lymphatic system, improves muscle tone and promotes healing and restores the body to its natural and relaxed state. Conditions such as headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few that can be resolved. There are many types of soft tissue treatments. These include Myofascial Release, Active Release Technique®, and Graston Technique®. Myofascial Release is a safe and effective hands-on technique that involves ap-

plying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial Release is used to equalize muscle tension throughout the body. Unequal muscle tension can compress nerves and muscles causing pain. Progress is measured by a decrease in the patient's pain and by an improvement in overall posture. Active Release Technique®, (ART®) is a patented, state- of- the-art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. ART® providers use his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with specific patient movements. Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and

Do You Have By Mark Triplett, M.S.O.M.

Breathing Problems?

cupuncture has a long history of treating a variety of respiratory conditions from seasonal allergies and asthma, colds and flu to more serious conditions like COPD. If you suffer through this time of year with respiratory problems, acupuncture should be a treatment program to consider.

Acupuncture offers three primary benefits for respiratory disorders. is complimentary and can be used with any other 1 Itmedicines or maintenance programs you are already using. 2 It treats symptoms effectively. 3 It supports your immune system.

fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Patients are bound to develop trigger points, adhesion, scar tissue, and other negative things in your muscles. When ignored, these things build up over time and can cause pain. Finding a health care provider that utilizes Myofascial Release, Active Release Technique®, or Graston Technique®, can improve flexibility, increase muscle quality, and help prevent further injuries, improving the overall quality of life. You can find a provider at: http://www.activerelease.com/ or http://www.grastontechnique.com/ Dawn Hacker, B.S.,D.C.,CCSP, CKTP Dr. Dawn's Chiropractic 208 W Oklahoma Ave. Guthrie, OK 73044 405-282-8585 www.drdawnchiropractic.com

I love the fact that acupuncture is a complimentary medicine! That means that you can use it with practically any other course of treatments you use. If you are taking a product for sinus congestion, or for shortness of breath you can integrate acupuncture into your regimen. As you receive treatment your symptoms may be partially or completely eliminated, possibly reducing or eliminating some medications that you take. In some instances acupuncture can increase the effectiveness of your medications so you suffer fewer side effects or receive complete relief. There have been many studies about what acupuncture does in regard to various respiratory problems; and although we still don’t know the extent of how acupuncture works, we know it does. Acupuncture is beneficial to breathing. It reduces inflammation in the airways and enhances the exchange of air in the lungs. It does not matter whether you have chronic shortness of breath, the common cold, or allergies to mold, it can help you breathe better. If I could impart one important attribute about the effects of acupuncture, it is that it supports and enhances your immune system. Many medications work just the opposite. Especially steroidal medications used for breathing problems because they suppress your immune system. Whether you are seeking support for respiratory problems or other chronic health concerns, acupuncture may be the key to better breathing and better overall health.

Mark Triplett, MSOM, has a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine and has been practicing Oriental Medicine for over 8 years. Questions? comments? He can be reached at 405-514-0478 or by his website http://www.triplettacupuncture.com

October/November 2011

Sam Mayes, Right Guard for Oklahoma State University (2001-2004), two time All-Big 12, and All American with Dr. Ralph Latimer at the EDGE Sports Vision Training center in Oklahoma City.

Gain a

Competitive Advantage

I believe that sports vision “training with Dr. Latimer

with Sports Vision Training

ou are a serious athlete…You have done it all: the best equipment, attended sports camps, received the best coaching, and put in countless hours of practice. You are one of the best on the team, but you know you could be better. You need something to give you that extra competitive edge. Optometric Sports Vision Training just might be the answer for you if you are serious about maximizing your untapped athletic potential.

By Dr. Ralph A. Latimer, OD, FCOVD

What is Optometric Sports Vision Training? The goal of sports vision training is to make you the best athlete that you can be in your chosen sport. Every decision an athlete makes on the field begins with the eyes. An athlete needs more than talent, strength, and passion to compete. What differentiates the best athletes from the average athletes? They “see” the playing field better! Sports vision training improves how you see the game, and how you see the game affects how you play the game. Having 20/20 vision is only one important factor involved in attaining maximum visual performance. Just as you train to maximize your aerobic capacity, muscle response and muscle strength, your vision skills can be trained to higher levels of performance. Every sport has its own unique visual demands. Sports vision training works on improving the visual abilities of an athlete, which are most necessary for excellence in their sport. Some of these abilities include:

• Dynamic Visual Acuity: The ability to see objects clearly while in motion. • Visual Tracking: The ability to track a moving object smoothly and accurately at any speed. "Keeping your eyes on the ball." • Visual Reaction Time: The time necessary for your eyes to see and react to visual information. • Eye-Hand Reaction Time: The ability to efficiently coordinate the eyes and hands.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUTHOR

• Eye-Foot Coordination: The ability to effectively anticipate position of a low rolling ball. • Contrast Sensitivity: The visual ability to see objects that may not be outlined clearly or that do not stand out from their background.

• Peripheral Awareness: Keeping your eye on the ball and simultaneously being aware of other players and the court or field. • Depth Perception: The ability to quickly and accurately evaluate the distance between you, the ball, teammates, opponents, boundary lines and other critical targets. • Eye + Body Balance + Coordination: The ability to keep your eye on the ball with varying body position and balance demands. • Focusing Flexibility: the ability to quickly shift focus from one distance to another. • Peripheral Vision: the ability to be aware of what is going on around you while you are concentrating on an object in front of you. • Visualization: the ability to "picture in your mind" how a properly executed movement will look and feel.

Weaknesses in any of these skills will likely cause an athlete to be under-performing. An optometrist with expertise in sports vision can assess your unique visual system, recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses, and develop a Sports Vision Training program to take your game to the next level.

and his staff will help any level athlete compete at their highest ability. My only regret is that I discovered sports vision training after my playing career and was unable to utilize the training I have received on the football field. I have no doubt it would have changed how I competed and viewed the game! -Sam Mayes

”

Who Benefits from Sports Vision Training? From pee-wees to pro, any athlete that is serious about improving their game benefits from sports vision training. Whatever your age, sport, or competitive level, sports vision training will enable you to outplay less visually-fit athletes. For those athletes who have difficulties with these vision skills, sports vision training can help "level the playing field." For those with good vision skills, sports vision training enhancement can provide that "extra edge" needed to separate you from your peers and the competition. Please visit : www.okcsportsvisiontraining.com to learn more about how sports vision training can help you reach your maximum potential. Ralph A. Latimer, OD, FCOVD • Dr. Latimer is a Board Certified optometric physician and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Optometry for the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry and has been in private practice in Oklahoma City for 11 years. Latimer Vision Center • 8800 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73159 • Bus: 405.684.9448 • Fax: 405.684.9447 • www.LatimerVisionCenter.com

October/November 2011

What are the cancer survival rates at your treatment center? At Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, our patients know. Survival rates. Quality of life results. These are things you need to know. That’s why we publish many of our cancer results and statistics at cancercenter.com/SurvivalRates. Why does that matter? We think it’s your right to have clear information from the start—because it can help you make a more informed decision about your cancer care. And that could be your first step in winning the fight against cancer. To find out more about our experienced physicians and our advanced technologies for treating cancer, contact us today.

photos provided by stock.xchng

800-515-9610 cancercenter.com

Chicago, IL | Philadelphia, PA | Phoenix, AZ | Tulsa, OK

fitness Ben Coffman of Fit Body Bootcamp

fitness GURU

Incorporating children into Your

Exercise Routine

If you have young children, you may find it challenging to set an exercise routine and stick to it. You cannot leave the house without them and if you do not have a sitter to watch your children or you try exercising at home, they run underfoot, begging for your attention. If this sounds like you, here are some ideas on how to incorporate your children into your daily exercises. After all, what better way is there to spend time with your children than teaching them the importance of good health?

On the Outside

When the weather permits, there are great ways to exercise with your children outdoors. The most convenient might be to take a walk or run outside. For parents with toddlers, grab the stroller and head around the block a few times. Some strollers are made for running and chil-

dren love to feel the breeze and see the scenery fly by. If you have an infant, they usually love to be outdoors. You can keep them close in a baby carrier or sling while you go walking or hiking on a nearby trail. Another great outdoor activity to do together is bike riding. This is something you can do with children young or old. With young children, a wonderful piece of equipment for any family is a bike trailer. You can ride your bike at any speed and your children sit in the trailer enjoying the breeze. If your children are old enough, you can each ride a bike, and develope your child's confidence and well-being at the same time.

The best exercise is child's play!

During the hot summer months, if you have access to a swimming pool, take advantage! Water gives you a great opportunity for exercise. Swimming is great exercise for all shapes and sizes. If you do not like to swim, chasing your children around the water or walking in shallow water is better than not exercising at all. If you have older children, take a trip to the neighborhood park for a game of basketball or tennis. Or get a group of children and parents together and play a round or two of soccer or football. Besides being great exercise, these activities create great memories and bonding experiences for everyone involved.

Bring the workout inside

When the weather is cold or rainy, you should not count exercise out. Instead, go to the gym for some complimentary babysitting while you workout or try the following at home:

• Dancing One thing both children and parents enjoy together is dancing. Turn up your favorite dance tunes and get moving! Enjoy yourself and let loose, and do not worry about looking silly, because no one is watching! If you cannot dance, then just do some repetitive aerobic moves in rythmn with the music.

• Lifting

photos provided by Paul Moore | Dreamstime.com

If you have toddlers, a great strength-building exercise is lifting. Lift your child in the air as many times as you can. They love it and your body will "thank you" with each lift. Then get on your back on the floor and place your child on your legs and lift your legs as high as you can. Repeat these moves a few times and you'll start to feel the burn.

• Videos These days you can buy workout videos for you and your children to do together. What kid does not like watching a movie? Now you can get them off the sofa and start moving to the workout together.

• Playing An entertaining new workout for all ages is using the wii video games to get moving. With the WiiTm system, you can play all kinds of sports, from tennis to baseball to bowling, in the comfort of your living room. With these exercise ideas, your children are no longer a good excuse to not workout. Now that your excuses are gone, how will you get fit?

October/November 2011

Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition A Statewide Initiative of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy [By Amber England & Amy Stinnett]

Shared-use Legislation that will encourage schools to open their facili• ties at night and on weekends so Oklahomans can become more physically active where they live.

Comprehensive Health Education Legislation that would arm Oklaho• ma middle school students with information to make healthier lifestyle choices and encourage personal responsibility when it comes to their health.

• Encouraging local rights for smoke-free laws. a coalition of organizations and associations across the state to • Joining encourage the Legislature to adopt a statewide health care exchange so more Oklahomans have access to healthcare insurance.

that will create greater access to fresh food and encourage • Legislation private sector investment to address food deserts and support and the highly successful Farm to School initiative.

mobility problems in communities, such as creating more • Address walking trails, green space and sidewalks. If we address these problems through policy and advocacy at the state and local level we have healthier schools, healthier communities and healthier families. More important, addressing these policy areas will reduce the prevalence of obesity among our citizens, in turn addressing the rising rates of type II diabetes, and various types of cancer, all of which have been linked to the obesity epidemic. Fighting together to create a healthier Oklahoma will ensure a brighter future for all our citizens, including our greatest natural resource- our children.

October/November 2011

For More Information about OK Fit Kids Coalition 3909 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405.236.5437 www.fitkidsok.org Continued from page 19 the classroom interacting with the children with the “play to learn” concept. We have served almost 17,000 children in the past 5 years with our museum without walls program,” said Cavins. “The program is aligned with the priority academic student skills that are required to be taught in the classrooms so it fits or works for the teachers.” The program is free of charge. For more information on bring the museum to the classroom, please call the museum. The museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 pm. Space is available for birthday parties, call the museum and ask for details. Admission is $6. For more information on the WONDERtorium, or the “Museum without walls” program, visit www.okwondertorium.org or call 405-533-3333. photos by Dale Hudson & Bradley Smith

overnor Mary Fallin proclaimed September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and published a statewide column concerning the epidemic that is plaguing young Oklahomans. Since this proclamation, the OK Fit Kids Coalition has intensified its energy and focus to fight this epidemic through policy and advocacy work. At a recent meeting of the Fit Kids Leadership Council, a legislative agenda was adapted to focus on particular policy areas that will not only reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity, but also other chronic diseases that arise from it. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, an obese child is more likely than a child of average weight to become an obese adult and is consequently at higher risk of falling victim to associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer. A report released in July, by the Trust for America’s Health titled “F as in Fat” linked the rise in obesity to the rise in diabetes rates. The obesity rate in Oklahoma has doubled in the past fifteen years, so has the rate of diabetes. In 1995, the rate of diabetes in Oklahoma was at 3.8 percent; that figure is now 10.5 percent. Being in good health is of great value and our poor health is costing taxpayers millions of dollars at the state level and billions at the national level. The Coalition’s areas of priority are for comprehensive commonsense ideas that move us toward a healthier generation of Oklahomans by helping create a culture of wellness in our state. The specific policy areas include:

October/November 2011

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

How Much Do You Know About the Disease

[ by Cathie Cordis ]

photos provided by Dale Hudson

reast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the United States. Each year, more than 192,000 women in our country are diagnosed with the disease as are about 2,000 men. “Unfortunately, there is no way of guaranteeing that a person won’t develop breast cancer, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce risk,” says Laurie Orme, M.D. of Logan Medical Center. “As with many health issues, education can be key, if you learn to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer and take steps to minimize your risk, you’re off to a strong start.” What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer? In its early stages, breast cancer often has no symptoms. However, as a tumor develops, the following symptoms may be present: o A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle o Swelling in the armpit o A marble-like area under the skin o Persistent pain or tenderness in the breast o A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt o Any change in the size, contour, texture or temperature of the breast o A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration o Unusual discharge from the nipple o An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast It is important that any new mass, lump or breast change be checked by a healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing breast diseases. Please talk to your doctor if you see or feel anything unusual.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer? o Women with a history of breast cancer have a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a new breast cancer, unrelated to the first, in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. o Women with a family history of breast cancer. Having a mother, sister or daughter who has (or has had) breast cancer increases your risk for developing the disease. The risk is even greater if your relative developed breast cancer before menopause and had cancer in both breasts. o Women over age 50. About 77 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are over age 50, and almost half are age 65 and older. o Carriers of alterations in either of two familial breast cancer genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2. Women with an inherited alteration in either of these genes have up to an 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. o Women with a previous breast biopsy result of atypical hyperplasia, or those with a previous abnormal breast biopsy indicating fibro-adenomas with complex features, hyperplasia without atypia, sclerosing adenosis and solitary papilloma. o Caucasian women are at a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than are AfricanAmerican, Asian, Hispanic and Native American women. o Women who have their first child after age 35 or never have children. o Women who started menstruating before age 12. o Women who begin menopause after age 55. o Overweight women, with excess caloric and fat intake (especially post-menopause). o Women who have 2 to 5 alcoholic beverages a day are 1.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who drink no alcohol.

o Those exposed to too radiation, especially before age 30. o Women who use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for an extended period. (Risk seems to return to that of the general population after discontinuing use for five years or more.) o Those with other cancer in the family. A family history of cancer of the ovaries, cervix, uterus or colon increases your risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to understand that having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease.

What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Breast Cancer? “While you can’t control certain breast cancer risk factors, such as age and genetic makeup, a healthy lifestyle – i.e. doing more of what’s good for your body and less of what’s bad – can prove powerful in preventing breast cancer,” says Orme. “It’s important to eat right, maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active and limit alcohol consumption,” she says. “And be vigilant about early detection of breast cancer. Do a monthly breast self-exam and if you notice any breast changes, make an appointment to see your doctor for evaluation. Making sure you get your annual mammogram, as appropriate, is critical, too.”

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Our

furry

four-legged friends need help

photos provided by Dale Hudson

hen you look into the eyes of a new baby, what do you see? Do you see innocence and trust looking back at you? Now look into the eyes of a cat, dog or any of God’s beautiful creatures. Can you see the trust, innocence, the need for love, understanding and care? It is unfortunate By Dr. Steve that people take their “pets” for granted. Johnston Did you ever stop and think that our pets would give up their lives to protect us, their family members? Animals have feelings. They feel love, pain, joy, sadness and even your pain. This past week I spent some time at the Humane Society. It was a heart-breaking experience. I have my own rescue program and learned that I knew a fraction of the plight that many animals face today. The numbers of animals in the shelter are staggering. As caretakers of this beautiful world, it is our duty, through our compassion to help these wonderful creatures. People have the ability to choose. Animals are victims of the environment that we, as caretakers, put them in. Unwanted pets need our help. You can have your pets spayed or neutered, to help control the pet population. If you find strays, care for them as if they were your own. Place advertisements in places like Craigslist, newspapers, and notice boards if you cannot keep the animal. Our animal shelters are working hard to place animals in homes,

but the numbers of animals that are euthanized because they cannot find a home are staggering. Together WE can help these beautiful creatures live happy, lives filled with joy and love.

Our furry friends need your help.

For more information on adopting a pet contact the Oklahoma Humane Society at 405.286.1229 ext. 4 or visit http://www.okhumane.org.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steve.

Dr. Steve Johnston 4200 Perimeter Center Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 637-8586 www.drstevejohnston.vpweb.com

October/November 2011

foodies

here’s something to be said about gathering friends and family around the table for a traditional holiday dinner. Familiar faces, good conversation, favorite foods — it’s a classic recipe for a good time. What if you could take some of those favorite recipes and make them even better? These recipes use a simple ingredient to enhance the holiday flavors your family loves. Each one uses a touch of Better Than Bouillon food base, adding richer, more natural flavor than bouillon cubes, which are salt-heavy. Each flavor is made from real meat, seafood or vegetables and can be used in a variety of delicious ways:

• To make richer soups, sauces and gravies. • As savory additions to pasta, potato or vegetable side dishes. • In flavorful party dips for veggies, chips or bread. It’s easy to make an impressive holiday feast with these delicious

One simple trick can add a lot of great flavor

Cream of Mushroom

Holiday Glazed Ham

Soup

Serves 6 1 /4 cup butter

16-ounce package button mushrooms, rinsed, stems trimmed and sliced

cup chopped yellow onion (1 small onion)

tablespoons all-purpose flour

teaspoon dried tarragon

teaspoon ground nutmeg

teaspoon garlic powder

teaspoon white pepper

2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Organic Mushroom Base

1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base

cups water

2 cups heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste In soup pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until liquid evaporates, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add flour, dry seasonings, mushroom and chicken bases; stir to combine. Add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove soup from heat and puree with a hand held immersion blender, or in batches in the blender. Return blended soup to medium-low heat and add cream. Cook and stir until soup is thoroughly heated, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 30 October/November 2011

Serves 10 to 12

/3 cup reduced fat raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Chili Base 1 7 to 10-pound thawed, smoked, bone-in, spiral sliced, fully cooked ham 1 /2 cup water 1

Hearty Cheddar Broccoli Soup Serves 6 to 8

• • • • • • • • • • •

11-ounce package Shore Lunch Cheddar Broccoli Soup Mix

1 pound ready-to-eat ham steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

14.75-ounce can creamed corn

6-ounce container French fried onion rings

FOODIES Delicious Twice-Baked Potatoes Serves 6 to 8 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds) 2

teaspoons vegetable oil

teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Ham Base

1/4

cup (4 tablespoons) butter cut into pieces, set aside

1 1/2

cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese

green onion rinsed and thinly sliced, set aside

cup whole milk

tablespoon dried parsley

(for potato skins)

teaspoon garlic powder

teaspoon black pepper

cup pre-grated Parmesan cheese

Spray 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray, set aside. Scrub and pat dry potatoes; prick potatoes with fork 2 to 3 times per side. Lightly oil skins with vegetable oil; place potatoes on a microwave safe dish. Microwave according to microwave directions. Remove hot potatoes from microwave when done, set aside for 5 minutes to cool. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise with a serrated knife. Fold a sheet of paper towel to hold hot potato half, use a spoon to scoop out potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Place skins in prepared dish, set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk to combine vinaigrette, brown sugar, vegetable and chili bases. Whisk continuously until glaze begins to boil. Remove from heat; reheat glaze if needed. Coat large rack and roasting pan with cooking spray. Place ham on prepared rack in roasting pan, add water to pan bottom. Generously brush ham with glaze. Lightly cover ham with foil if ham starts to over brown. Bake until done, about 2 hours. Use remaining glaze to baste ham every 30 minutes; discard left over glaze. An additional glaze recipe may be prepared and served warm tableside, to accompany sliced ham.

• • Great Alternative Soup to Cream of Muschroom

family features

In soup pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Whisk in soup mix, ham and creamed corn. Bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until done, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve generously topped with French fried onion rings. Serve with freshly baked cornbread muffins and home made potato salad.

Add ham base and butter to mixing bowl with potatoes; beat with electric mixer on medium for about 1 minute. Add cheese, onion, milk, parsley, garlic powder and pepper; beat just until blended. Be careful not to over-beat potatoes. Evenly spoon potato mixture into skins; shake pre-grated Parmesan cheese over tops. Warm potatoes in microwave or place in a 350°F oven and heat through. To brown tops, place warmed potatoes under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Twice baked potatoes can be made a day ahead. Stuff the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate them; then, on serving day, warm as instructed above.

Sautéed Green Beans

Serves 6 to 8 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chili Base 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 pounds frozen whole green beans 1 /2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional) Parmesan cheese, for garnish Heat oil in a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add chili base, garlic and salt; cook and stir for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and stir until melted. Add green beans, stir to coat and sauté until crisp-tender.

Garnish with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. for a truely unique flavor.

October/November 2011

FOODIES

his Halloween, don’t let the kids have all the fun — scare up your own good time with a Halloween party for grown up guys and ghouls.

Phantasmic Party Themes

Upscale Gothic — Think stylish haunted mansion, dripping with vintage looking black and white décor. Create an eerily elegant centerpiece by spray painting interesting branches black and securing them in an old silver vase or pitcher so they look like a tree in a planter. Then hang cut-out ravens and owls from the branches.

From upper left: Chicken Pastelitos, Devil’s Dip, Great Balls of Fire and Curry Chicken Stars

Devil’s Dip

Chicken Pastelitos

1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 can (4.25 ounces) Underwood Deviled Ham Spread 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped

1 1 1/2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1/4 2 1 1

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 can (4.25 ounces) Underwood Deviled Ham Spread 1 cup green onions, chopped 1 /4 cup pimiento, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Trappey’s Red Devil Hot Sauce

tablespoon olive oil chopped onion green bell pepper, chopped celery stalk, chopped cans (4.25 ounces each) Underwood Chicken Spread tablespoons raisins tablespoons B&G Spanish-style Salad Olives, drained and chopped tablespoon tomato paste teaspoon Trappey’s Red Devil Cayenne Pepper Sauce teaspoon oregano, dried leaves tablespoons bread crumbs, if necessary package (14 ounces) frozen white or yellow dough for turnover pastries, thawed egg, beaten

Monster Mash — Go old-school by celebrating the old monster movies from days gone by. Have Dracula and werewolf movies playing on the TV, or project them onto a wall or a sheet in the back yard. Use fake cobwebs and mummy gauze to dress tables and chairs, and freeze plastic body parts into ice cubes for some truly chilling drinks.

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, ham spread, green onions, pimientos and hot pepper sauce. Chill, covered for about 30 minutes. Serve with crackers, chips or vegetables.

A Haunted Twist — You can put a good fright into just about any fun theme. How about a haunted luau? Or a haunted hoedown, carnival or cruise? Start with the usual décor, then give it a good scare with fake blood, grossed-out goodies and weird little touches.

3 tablespoons green chili peppers, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line large bak ing sheet with nonstick foil.

Frightful Fun

In large skillet over medium heat, in hot oil, cook onion, pepper and celery, covered for 10 minutes or until tender but not brown.

Have guests bring their own carved jacko-lanterns to enter in a contest. They can be carved any way guests like, or you can specify that carvings should be related to your theme. Let everyone vote, then give the winners a fun prize. Good old-fashioned costume contests don’t ever go out of style. In addition to Best Costume awards, give out prizes for Best Undead Bride or Most Likely to End Up in a Bad Horror Movie.

Devilishly Good Dining

Keep party food simple to make and easy to eat. These recipes are alarmingly easy and will have your guests howling for more. You can scare up more recipes at www.underwoodspreads.com.

October/November 2011

Great Balls of Fire

cup walnuts, chopped

In small bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ham spread, onions and chilies; mix well. Shape mixture into a ball. Roll in chopped nuts. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrig erate 2 hours. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes to soften slightly before serving. Serve with crackers.

Cast a Good Spell

Help others in your community by hosting a food drive as part of your Halloween party. Invite guests to bring canned food, such as Underwood Meat Spreads, as well as non-perishable dry grocery items. Collect donations in a party-themed receptacle, then donate them to a local food bank. Find a food bank near you at www.FeedingAmerica.org.

Stir in chicken spread, raisins, olives, tomato paste, pepper sauce and oregano. Stir in bread crumbs to thicken filling. On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll 1 dough round into 6-inch circle. Spoon 1/4 cup filling on one side of circle. Brush egg along edge of circle; fold dough over to cover filling. Seal edges of turnover with fork; brush with egg. Place turnover on prepared baking sheet. Repeat, using remain ing filling and dough rounds. Cut small slit in top of each turnover. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly, serve warm. Visit our new site at www.OKHealthandFitnessMagazine.com for the Curry Chicken Stars Recipe

family features

Set the mood with a theme for your party, then carry it out with invitations, decorations, food and fun.

Babies on Board Back-to-Work

Tips

family features

for Nursing Moms

oing back to work after having a baby can be a challenging transition for new moms - especially for those who want to breastfeed. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, only 35 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed at three months, and not quite 15 percent at six months, according to the Centers for Disease Control 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card. Research suggests there are many challenges that moms face that prevent them from reaching this breastfeeding goal. Some of these obstacles include lack of breastfeeding information or supportive health care resources; lack of support at home; or challenges with finding time and privacy to express breastmilk in the workplace. As a working mother of five who breastfed all her children, including twin boys, Amy O'Malley, RN, MSN, Director of Education and Clinical Services for Medela, understands both the importance of breastfeeding, and the challenges women face in doing so. "The longer a baby is breastfed, the greater the health benefits for both mom and baby. Yet at three months, we see the most significant drop-off in breastfeeding which is around the same time most nursing moms return to work," O'Malley said. "Fortunately today, there are many tools that can help mom continue to breastfeed and provide breastmilk to their babies even when they cannot be there. Breastpumps, for example, allow moms to keep that connection while providing optimal nutrition for their babies. It also allows dads and other caregivers to bond with babies when mom is away." And many moms agree. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 women with infants, commissioned by Medela, found that 78 percent of breastfeeding moms use a breastpump.

O'Malley shares some tips and useful information for breastfeeding mothers returning to work: • Plan in advance with your employer/

human resources about your breastpumping needs. If your employer is unaware, let them know how breastfeeding will benefit all. Not only will you and your baby be healthier - research has shown that there are fewer missed work days and shorter absences for mothers who breastfeed.

• Familiarize yourself with the Protec-

tion and Affordable Care Act, which now requires certain employers to help support breastfeeding by providing working mothers a private place and time to pump, so that they can express breastmilk and maintain their supply. In addition, a new provision will require health plans to include breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling without cost sharing for insurance policies with plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012.

• Use a double-electric breastpump to

help you maintain your breastmilk supply and breastpump more efficiently while at work. Research shows that when using a double-electric breastpump with 2-phase Expression(r) technology, a mom can yield 18 percent more milk than single pumping.

• A new tax benefit allows women to claim

breastfeeding-related supplies to be covered as medical expenses. Learn more at: www.breastfeedinginsurance.com.

• Try to stay as close to your breastfeed-

ing schedule as possible when you pump.

• Help preserve all of your breastmilk's

benefits by understanding safe storage. Storage and collection tips can be found at: www.breastmilkguidelines. com and at the CDC's website: www. cdc.gov/breastfeeding.

• Breastfeed your baby as soon as you get home.

What you will need: • A picture of your baby • An insulated cooler bag with cold packs • Food grade bottles/bags to store your milk • Labels to note time and date of expression • Breastpads to protect your clothes and conceal leakage

For moms with iPhones, download the free iBreastfeed App, which provides helpful information, practical advice, a locator to find local breastfeeding and breastpumpingfriendly places, baby activity log and more. It's available through the iTunes App Store. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as making the transition back to work at: www.medela.com.

October/November 2011

Infant Brain and Eye Development - It's Not Just Fun and Games Playtime and interactive toys are important for parents looking to give their children a head start in life. But these products aren't the only way to help stimulate a baby's brain and eye development - nutrition is important, too. A baby's brain and eyes depend critically on nutrition and there are specific nutrients which have been shown to play a role in brain and eye development

A Closer Look at Lutein

During the critical time of brain and eye development, Lutein and DHA are important

nutrients, yet Lutein has gone virtually unnoticed by parents. Lutein is found in foods such as leafy greens, certain fruits and eggs. Emerging science demonstrates that Lutein helps protect important cells in the eye. Now, new research from Tufts University demonstrates - for the first time - that Lutein is not only present in the eyes, but it is also present in the infant brain. The regions of the brain where Lutein is found are associated with memory and learning. "Moms should be aware of the emerging research on Lutein," said Dr. Alanna Levine,

a pediatrician and mother of two children. "Moms in my practice ask me every day about ways to promote development in their children. Many focus on products, games, and toys and sometimes overlook nutrition."

Sources of Lutein

Prior to the introduction of solid foods, babies can get Lutein from a few sources, including breast milk and Similac. "Expecting and breastfeeding mothers alike should eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods with Lutein like leafy green vegetables and eggs," added Levine. "And parents who formula feed should look for an infant formula that contains Lutein, as well as DHA." • Spinach • Kale • Zucchini Squash • Yellow Squash • Green Beans • Corn • Kiwi • Eggs • Apples

For Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants Transitioned to Solid Food

(Not an exhaustive list. Foods listed in de scending order of Lutein content.)

For Infants

(Prior to the introduction of solid foods.)

• Breast milk • Infant formula supplemented with Lutein, such as Similac Advance

I See, I Learn

To learn more about Lutein and brain and eye development, visit www.similac. com/lutein. Or, using a mobile phone, scan the code below to visit the mobile site for Similac infant formula.

34 34

October/November2011 2011 October/November

family features

"In addition to the right nutrients, playing together does encourage brain and eye development," said Levine. "Rather than focusing on the latest toy, parents can do simple things like spending time with their children in front of a mirror, playing peek-a-

The Oklahoma WONDERtorium – our state’s newest children’s museum is opening on Saturday, October 15th.

Until we find the Fountain of Youth Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture • Softens lines like Crow’s Feet • Tightens the Skin • Firms the Jowls • Improves the Complexion Proven Practices for over 2000 years Other Conditions Treated FREE Consultations Mark Triplett M.S.O.M. Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine www.triplettacupuncture.com “Exclusively at Camillia’s” 10966 North May Avenue, OKC, OK 73120

(405) 514-0478

ADMISSION is $6 for ALL-DAY PLAY! Enjoy 14 interactive, hands-on exhibits built for children from infant to twelve years and their grownups!

Stillwater Childrens Museum

play-to learn

BECOME A MEMBER and you’ll get FREE admission for a year and much more! Check out: www.okwondertorium.org/ become-a-member

OMA LAH K O

torium

a children’s museum… where wonder g rows!

308 West Franklin, Stillwater, OK 74075 • 405.533.3333 • www.okwondertorium.org Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm • Sunday, 1 to 5pm. Closed Monday.

2 W. Reno OKC, OK 73102

Phone: 405-232-2290

Website: marriott.com/okcdt

Courtyard Conveniently located next to the renowned Bricktown Entertainment District featuring: the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Chesapeake Energy Arena- Home of the Thunder Basketball Team, Cox Convention Center, Civic Center Music Hall, and OKC Memorial and Museums

• Indoor Pool • 24 Hour Fitness Center • Marriott Rewards Program • Hot Tub • On-site Restaurant and Room Service

Check out our website for specials and packages during the holidays and come see why the Courtyard by Marriott is Downtown OKC's most exciting hotel!!

Welcome to Bricktown! Decades ago the Bricktown district was Oklahoma's industrial nerve center, it fell to economic decline and the companies closed shop and moved on leaving historical buildings to fall to decay and ruins. In 1993, Oklahoma City through the Maps project and a temporary onecent sales tax raised more than $309 million and gave Bricktown a facelift and added attractions that have turned the area into one of Oklahoma's best tourist destinations. Bricktown is on the east side of downtown Oklahoma City between E. K. Gaylord Avenue and Stiles Avenue. Reno Avenue is a major Bricktown street on the South side, and Main Street is considered the north border. When you visit Bricktown there are many sights and restaurants to enjoy. At the corner of 1 Mickey Mantle Dr. is a special place called The Painted Door. It is owned by Avis Scaramucci who moved her business from South Oklahoma City 7 years ago. The Painted Door is a gift shop with some unique and beautiful items priced to fit any budget. While you are at the Painted Door step in at Nonna's EuroRestorante and Bar, or visit the Purple Bar upstairs, and have lunch or dinner. The art adorn-

ing the walls is beautiful and the hand-blown glass fixtures hanging from the ceiling are amazing. Nonna’s has a variety of menu choices that are gluten-free. Nonna’s menu includes a variety of Italian dishes, steaks, Prime rib and seafood. All of Nonna’s vegetables are brought in fresh daily from Cedar Spring Farms, Nonna’s own greenhouse. Be sure to save room for one of Nonna’s fabulous desserts. Her cookies and desserts remind you of the cookies and pies your grandmother used to make and they are made fresh daily in the bakery. The Bricktown Ballpark at 2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr., was completed in the spring of 1998, seats 12,000 visitors and is home to the Oklahoma City RedHawks baseball team. The ballpark also hosts the Big 12 baseball tournament and bedlam baseball games between OSU and OU. Oklahoma's baseball hero's Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench and Warren Spahn have plazas around the ballpark named after them with beautiful bronze statues welcoming you to the ballpark. Near the Mickey Mantle Plaza, along the sidewalk you will find seven busts commemorating other Oklahoma baseball heroes, from left

Located in the heart of the Bricktown Entertainment District.

(405) 605-6656

(405) 361-5499

October/November 2011

Custom Micro-winery specializing in Premium Red & White wines with a Oklahoma twist. Wine tastings | Custom Labels

photos by BRADLEY SMITH

www.putacorkinitwinery.com

Serving Bricktown and all of Oklahoma City We Provide carriage rides for: • Weddings • Special Events • Scenic Tours

to right bronze busts of Allie Reynolds, Bobby Murcer, Pepper Martin, Carl Hubbell, Paul Waner, Lloyd Waner and Joe Rogan sit atop marble bases with etched biographies. Across the street from the ballpark, at 7 Mickey Mantle Dr. is Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. Mickey Mantle’s is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a few drinks and fine dining. The restaurants décor is classy and will capture the heart of any baseball fan. The menu is loaded with great steaks, seafood, chicken and pastas. Mickey Mantle’s also features a glutenfree menu for diners to consider. Mickey Mantle’s opens at 4 p.m. and is a great place to meet friends and have a glass of wine or meal before heading out to an event in the Bricktown or Oklahoma City area. After enjoying lunch or dinner, visitors can take a stroll and enjoy the sites and attractions along the canal or take a carriage ride and see the wonderful sites of Bricktown. OK Premiere Carriages will pick you up in front of Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and take you on a 45 minute ride through Bricktown. The carriages are elegant carriages pulled by either a Clydesdale or Percheron horse. A Bricktown ride for 2 costs

115 East California, Oklahoma City, Bricktown

Oklahoma Premier Carriage Co.

www.okcarriage.com okcarriage@sbcglobal.net

[By Brandy Morris]

3 2

photos by Bradley Smith

Photo Captions 1.

Premiere Carriage Company offers rides throughout Bricktown. Surprise your loved one with a romantic champagne or hot chocolate ride.

The Oklahoma Spirit Trolley is a reproduction of the elegant American Heritage Streetcar. The Blue Line that runs through Bricktown is free to everyone thanks to a sponsorship by Platt College.

The walking Bridges on the Bricktown canal allow convenient access to the businesses on both sides of the canal.

Visitors at the Bricktown Candy Company find many delightful treasures.

October/November 2011

$30 and for additional riders its $5 per person. They also have rides that will take you to the Oklahoma City Memorial and rides through the downtown area. OK Premiere Carriages also does anniversary rides, birthday parties and wedding events. Bricktown also has a few specialty shops that you just have to see for yourself. Put a Cork in it Winery is Bricktown’s first and only winery. The winery is west of the Bricktown Ball Park between Oklahoma Avenue and Mickey Mantle Boulevard on the canal level, in the historic Miller-Jackson Building. If you are walking along the canal, you will find them between The Red Dirt Emporium and the Red Dirt Marketplace. You can taste up to five wines free, or buy a $10 wineglass and taste all the wines on the wine list. A bottle of wine or a designer wineglass from Put a Cork In It Winery would make a wonderful gift for someone special for the holidays. If you develop a sweet tooth, you have to step into the Bricktown Candy Co. The Bricktown Candy Co. opened its doors in the summer of 2009 and is designed just like an old-fashioned candy store. You will find chocolates and candies from around the world including everyone’s favorite Jelly Belly Jellybeans, and Godiva Chocolates. They also carry retro candies such as wax lips from back in the day. They have 24 flavors of Gelato, which is a frozen treat. If you are thirsty, you can choose from 150 sodas from around the world. This is a place that you and the kiddos will absolutely love. If you visit their uv printed coroplast website, www.bricktowncandystore.com, you e-sided can custom-order candy for any of your holiday and gift giving needs. our cut 6.6”of you looking for the ultimate in For those s colors x27” plast fresh sushi, visit In the Raw in the lower Bricknted coro 2 of tal) uv pri ea. ( 0 to a. (1S. town area. In the Raw is2 oatf e200 Oklahoma d e 10 t id -s le g n si otal )u r cut Suite 130, the above the Red Pin Bowling contouAlsing v print rs lo ed c le-si co ley and just a few steps away from thepro Harkins cess orop d con tour ed last p Theater. In the Raw flies in fresh fish four times cut roce ss co 10”xsushi in Brick- d coroplast a week to insure the best quality l ors 22” printe tal) uv ed town. They have a variety of specialty . (10 to gsushi id ” 2 of ea sin le-s cut ur a and great specials. It’s a great place to stop for conto lors cess co ro p bite before heading off to see a movie or an OKC ” 2” Thunder 10”x2game. 12 12.5”x20.5 .5”x

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200 S. Oklahoma, Suite 140 | Bricktown (Corner of Reno & Oklahoma, Centennial Building) 100 E. California Ave., Ste 100 | Oklahoma City, OK 73104

"On Oklahoma Ave. (Just South of the Canal)" Office 405.600.9009 Fax: 800.993.9681 38

October/November 2011

Mon-Wed

(405) 602-0652 9.25 Thurs-Sat ” www.BoleroOKC.com ”x12Sunday

3 pm to close 11 am to close 12 pm to close

photos by BRADLEY SMITH

”

10”x22

photos by BRADLEY SMITH

in the raw sushi Mon-Thurs 11am-2pm (lunch) 5pm-10pm (dinner) Sat 12pm-11pm Friday 11am-2pm (lunch) 5pm-11pm (dinner)

200 S. Oklahoma, Suite 130 | Bricktown Oklahoma City

next door to Bolero's Tapas Bar & Spanish Grill Reno & Oklahoma, Centennial Building Happy Hour (Mon-Fri) 5pm-7pm Buy one Sushi roll and get the next roll of equal or lessor value 1/2 price

(405) 702-1325

www.intherawsushi.com

FREE PARKING

Serving fresh ks, seafood, prime stea ice! & exceptional serv #7 Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC 405-272-0777 www.mickeymantlesteakhouse.com info@mickeymantlesteakhouse.com October/November 2011

For a unique dining experience you might drop in at Bolero Spanish Grill and Tapas Bar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tapas are small dishes traditionally served with wine.â&#x20AC;? The small dishes make it easy for friends to order a variety of items from the menu and share different flavors from the menu. Bolero maybe the perfect place stop for a small bite to eat on the way back from a concert or show in the downtown or Bricktown area. Bolero is next door to In the Raw. If you are planning to stay the week or the weekend in the Bricktown/downtown area, the Courtyard Marriot Hotel has specials available on their web site that are budget-friendly for the family as well as for business. Spacious rooms, indoor pool with hot tub, room service and a 24hour complimentary business center with personal computers, fax machine and copy

2 Photo Captions 1. Bolero 2. The Painted Door 3. Avis Scaramucci, Owner of Nonna's & Painted Door with Brandy Morris 4. Put a Cork in it Winery

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6. Nonna's

Photos Provided by bradley smith

5. In the Raw

Talk

ake no bones about it — Halloween is all about having some spine-tingling fun. This year, why not share the scare by hosting a Trickor-Treat party for school friends or even the neighborhood? With these tips and ideas, you can throw a monster bash on a budget that’s not frightening at all.

Set a Spooktacular Scene

Whether you want to go all-out scary or keep it all in good fun, you can combine store-bought decorations with homemade creations to save money. • Line fake gravestones along your walkway. Buy them pre-made, or make them yourself using foam or cardboard and spray paint. • Perch eerie, fake birds near your doorway, and hang cobwebs anywhere you can reach. • Place creepy-crawlies, like plastic spiders, everywhere. • Add scary inflatable figures to your yard — the designs get more elaborate every year, and they store easily when deflated.

family features

• Turn an inexpensive, thrift-store stockpot into a spooky kitchen-table centerpiece. Just add dry ice and warm water for frightfully fun fog. Always wear gloves when you handle dry ice and always store it in a ventilated container. • A jack-o-lantern is a Halloween classic. Easy stencils make complex witch, werewolf and scary-face designs a breeze. • Use rechargeable outdoor tea lights and Halloween-themed string lights as safer

alternatives to candles. • Build a scarecrow — all you need is wooden garden stakes, pillows, straw and old clothes. • Use unexpected items in a whole new way. Spray paint branches or old lamps black and orange and use them as centerpieces; make spooky skeleton cut-outs with poster board; use toilet paper to wrap someone up in a nifty mummy costume; or bring the outdoors in with hay bales and mums.

Frightfully Fun Games Kids and grownups alike will get a kick out of these Halloween games.

• Halloween Charades — Write down Halloween characters, places and things on pieces of paper. Fold the papers and put them in a bowl. Then have each person, in turn, pick a piece of paper and act out the written words until the game’s audience guesses what’s being acted out. Want more competition? Split the group into teams and award candy prizes for correct answers. • Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin — You’ll need a pumpkin (either real or made out of orange construction paper), pushpins or tape, a blindfold and several pumpkin noses (black construction paper will work). Draw eyes and a mouth on your pumpkin’s face, and hang it up. Blindfold a player, spin them around, hand them a paper nose (secured with a pushpin for adults and tape for children) and direct them toward the pumpkin. The player who attaches the nose closest to the right spot wins. You could also play Pin the

Wart on the Witch, or Pin the Smile on the Scarecrow. • Pumpkin Decorating Contest — Set out markers, stickers, glue, construction paper, buttons and other household items. Give guests a pumpkin and a 30-minute decoration time frame. Award prizes for the “Prettiest,” “Scariest” and “Most Interesting.” Don’t want winners or losers? Let kids decorate and take home their pumpkins.

Bewitching Costumes

If you don’t have the time or patience to sit down and sew a costume, that’s okay. This is one of the reasons Walmart has so many costumes in stock at prices that won’t scare you. From a beautiful princess to a creepy monster, you’ll find your child’s favorite costumes at affordable prices. If you want to go the extra mile and create some gory additions to your costumes, whip up some fake blood, wounds and face paint. • Face Paint: Combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon water and 1/4 teaspoon food coloring with 1/2 cup of cold cream. •Wound: Petroleum jelly makes creepy wound shapes. Fill the wound with 2 or 3 drops of red food coloring and a pinch of cocoa powder. • Fake Blood: Mix 1 teaspoon red food color ing and 1 squirt of dish soap with 2/3 cup white corn syrup. Just be sure to keep your fake blood away from your mouth and eyes. For more Halloween party tips, decoration ideas and activities, visit www.walmart. com/halloween.

October/November 2011

TALK TALK

Helping Service Members

Transition to Life Back Home

Tools to Help with Resilience, Recovery and Reconnecting

• DCoE Outreach Center: The Outreach Center allows anyone to confidentially speak with health care professionals 24/7 by calling 1-866-966-1020, by using the online Live Chat feature, or by emailing resources@dcoeoutreach.org. • Video Products: At the heart of the campaign are Real Warriors who are proving through example that reaching out is a sign of strength. The campaign website includes video profiles and public service announcements featuring these Real Warriors who have reached out for support and are continuing to maintain successful military or civilian careers. Check out the video profile of Staff Sgt. Meg Krause an Army Reservist, who overcame the challenges associated with combat stress and is now sharing the message that it is okay to ask for help.

• Articles: The campaign website features more than 70 articles for members of the military community at all stages of the deployment cycle, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Some topics include: How Guard and Reserve Veterans Get Support from VA, Yellow Ribbon Program: Support for Guard and Reserve, and Free Support Program for Warriors in Transition for warriors in treatment. • Message Boards: Campaign messages boards provide a forum for members of the military community to engage with one another directly. Join the conversation and start your own dialogue with warriors and their families. • Materials: Campaign promotional and educational materials can be ordered free-of-charge. Check out the Real Warriors Campaign Brochure for the National Guard and Reserve: 7 Tools that Reinforce Psychological Strength. • E-Cards: Service members, veterans, friends and family can share messages of support and thanks by sending electronic greeting cards to their loved ones. Reach out and make a difference today by sending an e-card to your friends and family by sending an e-card to your friends and family. Every service member should know that they and their families should feel comfortable reaching out to their units and chain of command for support. Reaching out is a sign of strength that benefits yourself, your family and your unit and service. The Real Warriors Campaign is online at www.realwarriors.net. For general inquiries, e-mail dcoe.realwarriors@tma.osd.mil.

October/November 2011

family features

Returning home from deployment can be difficult for any service member. Members of the National Guard and Reserve have a unique challenge balancing their military service with civilian life, and returning to a civilian life that does not include those with whom they served can be especially stressful. However, resources like the Real Warriors Campaign are available for service members who are experiencing challenges associated with transition. Sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), the Real Warriors Campaign is a public education initiative designed to encourage service members, veterans, and their families to seek care and treatment for the invisible wounds of war. “Warriors are hesitant to seek treatment for invisible wounds because of a fear that it will affect their career, but that’s a myth,” Capt. Paul S. Hammer, DCoE Director, said. “In fact, if you don’t seek help, it will affect your career because down the road, symptoms may affect a service member’s ability to do his or her job effectively.” To help service members and families with transitions and reintegration, the Real Warriors Campaign website provides tools, tips and resources such as the ones below to encourage service members, veterans and military families coping with invisible wounds to reach out for support.

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TALK TALK

Living a healthy life Diabetes Can with

Be Achieved [By Jennifer Houchins]

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TET SETST

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cludes such things as taking the medication prescribed by your doctor and checking your blood glucose levels if required. You should also choose a healthier diet and become more physically active. You might wonder what is a healthy diet, and how do you go about making the change. It may be difficult at first, because for so long you have been eating whatever you wanted. But now you have to focus on being healthy. The best way to start a healthy diet is to not narrow your selections. There are many types of foods out there that are healthy. You are not doomed to eat salad and raw fruits for the rest of your life. Consider the foods you like and find a healthier alternative. Try different vegetables, switch to whole grain or lean meat, these are a few things you can do to achieve a healthier diet. You may also look at how much food you eat. It is easy to get busy wait until the end of the day to eat and even skip meals. It is important to eat every meal because this helps prevent over eating during a meal. Eating healthy is a great way to start managing your diabetes, but being active is just as important. Exercise may not be something you do, but the average person walks about 5,000 steps a day. Walking is exercise, if you challenge yourself to walk an extra 2,000

steps every day, just imagine how fit you can become. Do not limit yourself to walking, it does not matter what type of physical activity you do, getting out and moving will help lower your blood glucose levels. Physical activity will give you more energy, relieve stress and you will ultimately feel better about yourself. Getting active and choosing a healthier lifestyle may or may not eliminate your diabetes, but what do you have to lose? Ultimately as you begin to take care of your body you will feel stronger. Your family and friends are there to help because they care and want to see you beat this disease. There is a lot to learn about how to live with diabetes and the American Diabetes Association can help. Check out our online community at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES. Valuable information is at your fingertips including programs and events going on in your community. It may take time to take control of your diabetes, but success is always achieved in small steps and we are here to help.

photo RENDERED BY CHRIS HEIDE

he nurse has just called your name, she asks you to follow her to the examination room. She leaves you there to wait for the doctor. As the minutes pass, it seems the clock ticking on the wall is getting louder. Just when you think you cannot wait any longer, the doctor walks in with a discouraged look on his face. He tells you that you have diabetes. At that instant a million thoughts run through your mind, you may think your life is over, but is it? Take a deep breath. Being diagnosed with diabetes may seem like the end of the world, but that is not the case. Yes, it is a big deal to have diabetes, but it is something you can manage. The possibilities of maintaining your health are endless. The most important thing to realize is that you are not alone. Millions of people have been where you are and there are thousands that are fighting to see you overcome this disease. The key to living with diabetes is to learn how you can take care of yourself and your diabetes. When you have diabetes your body does not make enough insulin or does not use it in the right way. Because your body cannot use the glucose for energy, it stays in your body which causes serious problems. It is important that you take the proper steps toward a healthier lifestyle. This in-

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• Poor reading comprehension • Diﬃculty copying from the chalkboard • Book held too close to the eyes • Inconsistent or poor sports performance • Poor handwriting • Letter and word reversals • Confuses similar looking words

Call us today to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION, with OKC’s only Optometrist that is board certiied in Pediatrics and Developmental Vision, and let us show you how Vision Therapy can change your child’s life! Dr. Ralph A. Latimer, OD, FCOVD 8800 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 100, Oklahoma City

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The Shine Program Puts a Shine on Oklahoma

After Brian Maughan Oklahoma County Commissioner District 2 Creator of Shine Project

[By Brandy Morris]

Before 46

October/November 2011

program,” said Commissioner Brian Maughan. “Our goal is to get 1,000 students to signup and fulfill their commitment. If we have 1,000 students sign up, that equals 100,000 hours that would go out and that will have a big impact on the community.” Students can call Maughan’s office for more information and to sign up through e-mail. The participant is notified of a project by e-mail. Citizens and civic groups have also signed up and show up to help also. Students can sign up as early as junior high and keep track of their hours until they graduate from high school. “Some students have completed the 100 hours in as little as 45 days, said Maughan. The one requirement is that someone has to sign and vouch for the work done by the student.” The program accepts volunteer hours that benefit the community whether it is the humane society or other community organizations. If the student has difficulty finding projects, they can find projects through the e-mail notifications. Churches, government nonpaid internships, also qualify as projects. The Shine Program currently is available to all students in Oklahoma County. A couple colleges have joined the program as well. The

During faculty and students at Oklahoma City Community College participate. Rose State College makes it a part of its requirements for graduates to have service learning. So the President of Rose State sends students to the Shine Program. The program has already had several students complete the program. The first student to complete the program was from Edmond, Oklahoma. She has continued working with the program after she graduated from high school. For more information on the Shine Project call 405-713-1502, or visit www.oklahomacounty. org/district2/Shine .The Shine Program is also on Twitter and Facebook.

photo RENDERED BY Brian Maughan

hat began as a program to reduce the cost of housing nonviolent offenders in the Oklahoma county jail and save the county money on cleanup projects has grown into a program that reaches children in Oklahoma schools. The Shine for Students program is for the student who commits to completing 100 hours of community service. The student completes the non-compensated hours by the time they graduate high school. In return, the student will get a distinguished patriotic red, white and blue graduation cord and a certificate for their portfolio to use for applying for scholarship applications as well as on their resumes. “Three hundred students have committed to the

Fall back

into an Exercise Routine. A walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride around the park, or football in the backyard with your kids are all great ways to improve your fitness level. Exercising 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, can keep you energized and alert. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program. Then stick with it.

encourage you to get fit...and stay fit. 1323 West 6th Ave., Stillwater | 405.372.1480 | www.stillwatermedical.com