Savannah Woman by Allen OnlySC

Celebrating the Survivor in You!

In this Issue

From the Editor 2 Kid’s Stuff Celebrating the Survivor in You!

3 Star Castle

Let’s Talk Editor-In-Chief:

Lori Samples Duncan (ld@woman2woman.sc)

Project Coordinator: Joy Mabry

Contributing Writers:

Stephen C. Allen, M.D. Dr. Pamela H. Boland Brad Siskin Donna Davis Andrea Domanski Lori Samples Duncan Barbara Kicklighter Joy Mabry Bob Phillips, Ph.D. J. Adam Ragsdale Lydia Ramsey Dr. Gayle Rozantine, PhD, B.C.S.M. Jamie Weaver Karen Weaver Paige Williams

Cover Photo:

J. Adam Ragsdale

Publication Layout and Ad Design: Melissa Wates

Photography: Camden Light Studio Dream Weaver Photos

Woman 2 Woman Enterprises

PO Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 808.0866 | www.woman2woman.sc Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2008

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

4 The female brain

Spotlight on Richmond Hill

5 Paint green in any color! 6 Mohawk Greenworks: environmental leadership that works!

Weddings

8 “Making molehills out of mountains” – Tips and tricks on what to do when your wedding doesn’t go well 10 Wedded bliss

Health & Wellness

12 New procedure for permanent birth control 14 Clean your home Mother Nature’s way…with water! 16 Meet Susan Bennett 18 Women and hidden attention problems

Professional

20 Greeting card tango: How to impress, not stress, during the holidays 22 Donna Davis, Mary Kay Consultant 23 Looking for a few good women!

Services

25 Ladies, keep your remolding project on tract! 26 Getting to know Shawn Elmore of Elmore Custom, Inc. 27 Go green with Hazzard Flooring 29 Holiday lawns year round 30 Green landscape architecture for a green planet 32 Delivery Dry Cleaning

Celebrating the Survivor in You

33 The Survivor Photo Shoot 34 The current state of breast imaging 36 When cancer strikes 38 Jenny Sheppard 40 Jackie Lane 41 Faye Cheek 42 You and your doctor

Web & Business Directory 43 A Personal Note 44

From the Editor

his publication is truly meant to simplify your life! It is our desire to bring to Savannah a “Best of the Best” right from the mouths of real women. Each of the businesses within these pages have made a personal commitment to you, “The Savannah Woman,” to conduct themselves in a way that would make you want to personally refer them, their products, services, or talents to your mother, sister, grandmother, best friend, or any other person in need of their expertise.

In our articles on individual Savannah women, we want to Celebrate, Motivate, Inspire, and Educate real women. Take a closer look at some of the women who are providing you with quality services and products. We will continue to bring to you services, products, and professionals who are dependable, customer service oriented businesses, making Savannah Woman your premiere resource guide to help assist you with the demands of everyday life. We appreciate the support of our readers, as well as our clients, and we ask that you let our advertisers know you are simplifying your life with Savannah Woman! We always want to hear your feedback, so please email or write to us about your own personal experience with our advertisers.

Go Green with Savannah Woman! This is our Green Edition of Savannah Woman—we encourage you to take a closer look at our green tips and email us some of your own, especially if you have recently gone green. We would love to talk about some of the things you are doing to help our environment. There are lots of great products and services available in this community that are environmentally friendly. Sometimes it is just a matter of making a more educated choice. As part of our green initiative, when you are finished with your copy of Savannah Woman, pass it on to a friend to enjoy and then ask her to do the same. Place your name somewhere in the front on the bottom of the page, and lets see how many womens’ hands it can touch before your copy of the new edition arrives, and always, always, always recycle!

We have added a new section to Savannah Woman called our Survivor section. The women in these pages are cancer survivors, and I hope their stories inspire you as they did me. If you or someone you know is a survivor, contact us about sharing your story with others.

We look forward to finding new ways to make Savannah Woman more and more comprehensive for you. If you would like to nominate a local business person for a featured article, please email me at ld@woman2woman.sc. Sit back, and enjoy your complimentary copy of Savannah Woman.

Lori Samples Duncan Editor photo by J. Adam Ragsdale

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Kid’s Stuff

Star Castle Brad Siskin

he 1980s were the Golden Age of Video Games. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Punch Out, Double Dragon—these were no mere titles; they were the stuff of magic. Founded by Jim Siskin and Rudy Bairas, Star Castle Arcade opened its doors in 1984 and quickly became a hit with children of all ages. For a pocketful of tokens, any rainy afternoon or idle weekend could be spent racing for pole position, running the gauntlet of a deep, dark dungeon, or battling space invaders. Nearly a quarter of a century later, Star Castle is bigger and better than ever. Located at 550 Mall Boulevard, the once modest video arcade now boasts 28,000 square feet of family fun. It offers the area’s only roller skating rink, featuring a 10,000 square foot, high-gloss maple floor, concert lighting effects, and live DJ. Skate to the hits of today, or dust off the Candies clogs and Members Only jackets every Tuesday night, when Star Castle brings you the best of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

There’s also a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, perfect for team competition. Built by Lasertron©, the arena is composed of ultravioletreactive, high density plastic columns. What does this mean to you? Not only is the Star Castle laser tag maze really cool looking, it’s also designed for safety. Unlike your run-of-the-mill facility, there are no sharp edges or blind corners. Star Castle hasn’t, of course, forgotten its roots. Enjoy 50 of today’s hottest arcade and redemption games, everything from motion simulators to classic skee ball. And don’t forget to claim your prizes at the arcade’s fully stocked redemption center.

Having fun can sure work up an appetite. That’s why Star Castle offers handmade Perky’s Pizza©, freshly baked soft pretzels, all-beef hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and all your favorite snacks. Be sure to take a breather, grab a bite to eat, and relax in the castle’s food court. With so many fun, family activities located under one roof, Star Castle is Savannah’s best choice for your child’s next birthday party. Choose the party package that suits your needs, and let Star Castle’s friendly staff handle the rest. You’ll have access to a dedicated, 2-story birthday party facility, and, best of all, you won’t have to worry about decorating, cooking, or cleaning up. No fuss, no mess, no problem! Whether you’re having a birthday party, or simply stopping in for a round of laser tag, Star Castle is committed to providing you and your family a safe and enjoyable experience. Off-duty, Savannah police officers are employed each and every night, just in case anyone decides to have too much fun. These officers also enforce a reasonable dress code to ensure that Star Castle’s environment remains familyfriendly at all times. Also, please note that each Saturday Star Castle requires all minors to be signed in and accompanied by an adult, 18 years or over. Such precautions are in place to set your mind at ease. Rest assured, you and your family are in safe hands at Star Castle. If you have any questions, feel free to call Star Castle at (912) 525KIDS. Also, be sure to check out Star Castle’s newly revamped website, www.StarCastle.info.

Green Tips

for Kids

Help your kids go green by teaching them to:

✓ Shut off the water when

they brush their teeth;

✓ Walk, ride a bike or take

the bus instead of traveling by car;

✓ Take faster showers or

baths in just a small amount of water;

✓ Help hang clothes on the

line instead of putting them in the dryer. View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

The female brain Dr. Gayle Rozantine, PhD, B.C.S.M.

ave you ever wondered why women and men are so different? Although more than 99 percent of female and male genetic coding is identical, the difference of less than one percent genetic variation influences every cell in our bodies, creating important differences in a woman’s perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. So what is so different about a female and a male brain? Male and female brains start developing differently in the mother’s womb. Until the eighth week, every fetal brain looks like a female brain. In the eighth week, a huge surge of testosterone in the male brain destroys some of the cells in the communication centers and stimulates the growth of more cells in the sex and aggression centers. In contrast, the female brain sprouts more connections in the communication centers and areas of the brain that process emotions. So male and female brains are very different from the time babies are born, and their brains determine the differences in impulses, values, and behavior. Because of her larger communication center, a girl will grow up to be more talkative and to use many more forms of communication than her brother. By the time a baby girl is a few weeks old, she studies every face that appears in front of her. By three months, her skills in making eye contact and mutual gazing have increased by 400 percent. Baby girls are born interested in emotional expression and are confused by a lack of expression. That is why the unresponsive, expressionless face of a depressed mother has such a negative impact on a girl’s developing sense of self. Boy babies are not so interested in faces or making eye contact. They are more interested in lights and moving objects. Their testosterone-affected male brains are less sensitive to the emotional reactions of others, including parents, compelling boys to investigate their environments. From an early age, girls are interested in preserving social harmony. They prefer to avoid conflict because it is not in keeping with their need to stay connected, to gain approval, and to nurture. Girls typically try to influence others without telling them what to do and use language to promote consensus. They tend to join in cooperative efforts, making decisions with the least possible conflict or show of status. Boys, on the other hand, use language to issue commands, accomplish tasks, and dominate others. They often ignore others’ suggestions and interrupt when others are speaking. They are motivated by competition and are not concerned about avoiding conflict. These differences affect the way girls and boys develop, leading to important differences in women and men.

more competitive and less interested in communicating. While girls become less interested in solitary pursuits, boys are content to spend hours in their rooms with video games or the computer. Our brain determines the way we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the world. It profoundly affects our perception and shapes our reality. Adult women and men have the same number of brain cells, but male brains are about 9 percent larger, even after correcting for body size. This means that a woman’s brain cells are more densely arranged in a smaller skull. Women and men use different circuits and different areas of the brain to process language, solve problems, and experience and store strong emotions. Women have 11 percent more neurons in the brain centers for language and hearing than men. They also have a larger hippocampus, an area of the brain important in emotion and memory formation. This means that women are usually better at expressing emotions and remembering the details of emotional events. By contrast, the brain space devoted to sexual drive, action, and aggression in men is two and a half times that of women. On average, a man has sexual thoughts many times during an average day, while women usually think of sex only once a day. Men have a larger amygdala, the part of the primitive brain that registers fear and triggers aggression. This accounts for a man’s tendency to become angry quickly. In women, conflict registers as stress in the deeper areas of the female brain. This accounts for the tendency of many women to try anything to defuse conflict. The female brain has many unique abilities. Women have outstanding verbal and social skills, making them extraordinary communicators and loyal friends. They are very intuitive and have an exquisite ability to read faces and tone of voice, which makes them empathic and understanding of the emotional states of others. They are excellent mediators and are able to defuse anger and restore peace in the face of conflict. All of this is hardwired into the female brain, creating talents that make them uniquely different from men.

“Have you ever wondered why women and men are so different?”

When girls and boys first enter the teen years, there is virtually no difference in their mathematical and scientific abilities. However, as estrogen begins to flood the female brain, girls begin to focus on their emotions and on communication, talking on the phone and spending hours at the mall with friends. At the same time, the male brain is being flooded with testosterone, causing boys to become Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Spotlight on Richmond Hill

Paint green in any color!

ichmond Supply Company is a proud supplier of Pittsburgh® Paints Pure Performance®, the first paint to be awarded the Green Seal Class A Certification for meeting environmental standards. Pure Performance contains zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) eliminating detrimental impact on air quality. In fact, its low odor allows you to paint today and occupy the room that same night—perfect for busy households. Pure Performance’s 100% acrylic latex formula delivers superior performance with minimal environmental impact. The paint is easy to apply, cleans up easily with soap and water and provides a durable, high-hiding and washable finish. Available in nearly 2,000 beautiful colors for the Voice of Color® palette at a low $25 -$30 per gallon, it’s an affordable way to “go green” without sacrificing an ounce of quality. “Our customers love that they can choose from thousands of colors. Pure Performance truly offers the best of both worlds—a wide color selection and the satisfaction of knowing they’re choosing a product that contains no VOCs,” says Levi Hill, owner of Richmond Supply Company.

And for those who simply can’t decide which color is right for your home, visit www.voiceofcolor.com and play the color sense game to discover your color personality. Two ounce trial size samples are also a great way to see the color on your walls before you invest in an entire gallon of paint. Pure Performance can be purchased at the following Richmond Supply Company locations: 117 Park of Commerce Dr., Savannah, GA: (912) 920-2760 8830 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill, GA: (912) 756-5505 601 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA: (706) 724-7792 Richmond Supply is a family owned and operated business serving Georgia communities since 1942. Specializing in paints, stains, and environmentally preferred products, Richmond Supply will give you the personalized attention you—and your home—deserve. When you walk out of Richmond Supply, you can feel confident you have the right paint products for your job.

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PAINT • ZERO VOC

• DURABLE, WASHABLE, BEAUTIFUL

• VERY LOW ODOR–PAINT TODAY, OCCUPY TONIGHT

• PAINT “GREEN” IN ANY COLOR

912-920-2760

117 Park of Commerce Drive, Savannah, GA

912-756-5505

8830 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA

706-724-7792

601 Laney Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA

Green Tips

✓ Go paperless by paying your bills on line. This saves paper and waste. Plus, you save a stamp. ✓ Eat organic when possible. ✓ Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Spotlight on Richmond Hill

Mohawk Greenworks: environmental leadership that works!

aking “green claims” is easy. Making a green difference is a bit more difficult.

For years, Mohawk has been an industry leader in actively seeking innovative ways to recycle, reduce, reuse and renew. We’ve learned that successful energy-saving initiatives and eco-friendly flooring options work for everyone: our business, our industry, our neighbors, our immediate environment and our entire planet.

“For years, Mohawk has been an industry leader in actively seeking innovative ways to recycle, reduce, reuse and renew.” So we’re always exploring new ideas to make our products and processes more sustainable and reduce our use of natural resources. Mohawk is committed to being responsible and sustainable, as reflected in their Corporate Policy. By the Numbers 500: The number of Mohawk products currently containing recycled materials. 3 Billion: About how many recycled plastic bottles we take in each year to manufacture Mohawk everSTRAND™ carpet and other home products. 1.75 Billion: Pounds of pre- and post-consumer waste Mohawk directs from landfills each year. 100%: Water from Manufacturing processes at most Mohawk ceramic tile facilities that is reused and never discharged as waste. 7 square yards: The energy savings for this amount of SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer is equal to one gallon of gasoline. 1 Billion: Pounds of foam trim has been made into Mohawk cushion instead of taking up space in landfills. Mohawk SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® Renewably Sourced Polymer Mohawk leads innovation in sustainable flooring with SmartStrand® carpet with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer. In a partnership with DuPont™, this carpet exclusively offers fiber made with Bio-PDO™ (the key Sorona® ingredient), which is produced from corn sugar. By utilizing this new ingredient, 37% of Sorona® is being made from renewable resources. This marks the first time that a luxuriously soft carpet offers durability and stain protections, while also making less of an environmental impact. Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Why is this carpet environmentally smart? DuPont™ Sorona® plays a major role in the worldwide objective of a renewable economy and represents a new frontier in sustainability. This carpet is environmentally smart because: • The production of Sorona® polymer requires 30% less energy than the production of an equal amount of nylon. • Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of Sorona™ are 63% lower than nylon manufacturing. • This energy reduction results in approximately one gallon of gasoline saved per every seven square yards of carpet. The superior stain resistance of SmartStrand® carpet is engineered into the fiber and will never wear or wash off, meaning consumers will never need to retreat the carpet with stain protectors after steam cleaning. And this engineered-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection, allowing tough stains such as mustard, red wine, and cherry Kool-Aid® to be removed simply with warm water and a mild detergent, or with Mohawk FloorCare™ Essentials. The fiber even resists discoloration from bleach. everSTRAND™: 1, 2, 3, Floor! One in every four plastic bottles recycled in North America become luxuriously soft Mohawk carpet. Mohawk continuously seeks ways to recycle, reduce, reuse and renew. As a leader in flooring innovation, Mohawk recycles nearly three billion plastic bottles each year. And since 1999, more than 17 billion bottles have been recycled, keeping more that one billion pounds of plastic out of landfills. Mohawk’s everSTRAND™ carpet fiber, made using PET (polyethylene terephthalate) that is extruded from recycled plastic bottles, contain 100% post-consumer recycled content. Because plastic beverage bottles are made with top quality PET resins as required by the US Food & Drug Administration, the recycled product is superior to lower grades of synthetic fibers used in making other brands of carpet yarns. PET bottles are sorted, ground into fine chips, and then cleaned. This chips are then melted and extruded into fiber and spun into carpet yarn. Every aspect of the process is controlled by Mohawk resulting in the finest quality meeting the highest standards of performance. And it doesn’t end with the carpet – every part of the plastic bottle is recycled, including the cap, the label, and the bottle. The cap and the label are used to make carpet cores around which the carpet is wrapped. This are reused over and over again, unlike cardboard View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Spotlight on Richmond Hill cores that would typically be discarded. The actual bottle is then used to make the PET carpet fiber. Hardwood Flooring: Reclaimed Beauty from Lands Near and Far Even Mohawk’s beautiful hardwood flooring as a green story! Everyday, buildings and structures are dismantled across the country. This process results in waste dumped into landfills. Fortunately, the deconstruction industry continues to grow and salvage an increasing percentage of materials from old buildings – and we do our part. Rich and full of texture, Mohawk Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring brings antique natural beauty from lands near and far. The wood used to make this exclusive flooring has a history of its own as it was reclaimed from ancient buildings, some as old as 600 years.

Laminate Flooring: Finding New Uses for Our Waste As a flooring company committed to environmental leadership that works, Mohawk is even eco-conscious when it comes to manufacturing laminate. By producing laminate boards in the United States made of 75 % pre-consumer recycled content, Mohawk keeps 680 million pounds of material out of landfill. One billion pounds – that’s the weight of the wood waste reused in Mohawk laminate board production. In the U.S. facilities, only renewable, fast growing southern pine is used. Additionally, Mohawk suppliers plant six times more trees than they harvest – saving the unnecessary destruction of additional trees.

By reusing the wood, Mohawk keeps this would-be waste from piling up on landfills, further illustrating our dedication to the environment. Many of the reclaimed hardwood planks show some of the original antiquing and distressing, revealing the wood’s unique past, while providing a fashionable look people desire.

As well as producing boards from pre-consumer recycled content, the Mohawk U.S. laminate facility in Thomasville, North Carolina, turns the sawdust waste created during production into fuel and any additional leftover wood waste into bio-mass fuel for process heating.

The final result – Mohawk lessens the negative impact on landfills and offers beautiful, unique hardwood flooring.

From plastic soda bottles to sawdust, Mohawk finds ways to use it all.

MOHAWK MAKES THE ROOM... ®

EARTH-SMART 912-756-6868 9366 W. Ford Ave, Richmond Hill (On Hwy 144, across from Fish Hatchery)

Your next carpet purchase could actually help the environment. Mohawk SmartStrand® made with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer contains renewably sourced ingredients and it’s still soft to the touch! • • • • • •

Permanent Stain Protection Revolutionary Cleanability Excellent Color Clarity Incredible Softness Exceptional Durability Environmentally-smart

The Savannah Area's Exclusive Dealer!

www.mohawk-ﬂooring.com View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Weddings

“Making molehills out of mountains”

Tips and tricks on what to do when your wedding doesn’t go well Jamie Weaver

s a photographer of over 100 weddings I have shot from one extreme to the other. I’ve seen calm, cool and carefree brides on a rainy day at her outside wedding and I have witnessed brides lose their temper on a beautiful sunshiny –70-degree day in August! What was the difference? Marry the right person, have a good attitude and a back-up plan, that’s really all you need. Jessica is a perfect example of what to do in case of rain. Jessica’s wedding was at a popular waterfront property in Savannah. The rehearsal was easy, breezy, beautiful – it looked like a CoverGirl commercial. Jessica was blissful and her smile never left her face, even though her outside ceremonial dream had to be moved inside because of torrential down pours. Jess pulled me aside and said “What do you think about taking some shots in the rain?” She had prepared for the storm and we used different colored umbrellas for the bridal party to hold and Jessica and her new hubby kissed underneath. Later on, I turned the photo black and white and colored in the umbrellas in Photoshop. It was one of the most stunning and memorable photographs in her album and it was done because we made the most out of a bad situation. I try to do this with each wedding I shoot. The best shots I have are fun, casual, candid and unique.

I am sure that other photographers have had “bridezillas” but not me. Nope, every one of my brides have been punctual, gracious, and a delight. All dreaming aside, of course it’s going to be stressful. Something will go wrong, but that is what you will remember and it will be a very funny story down the road – if you handle it right. Every bride wants a great wedding story to pass on but you don’t want your fairy tale ending to be shown on Cops.

I have a few suggestions: Do a trial run I know you’ll have a rehearsal and you have tried on the dress but get completely dressed the week before. Will you need safety pins, a strapless bra or white underwear? Countless times I have been in the dressing room with a bride when she discovered that she had tan lines and forgot the garter. Remember your guest book! Our studio offers a photo guest book with every package. Sorry, I’ll get back on track. Be on time I start shooting weddings 2 hours before the ceremony. This allows me to get enough shots of the bride alone in the stairway, at the park or just hanging out with her girls. I always suggest that the groomsmen bring props and I have such a blast getting fun shots with the guys. I’ll never forget the best man who brought a lasso! This can’t happen if you are running late. Do not have the bachelor/ette party the night before the wedding! The bride feels hung-over, and the groom looks like he’s been hit with a 300 lb. stripper. To sum it up, the secret to a fabulous wedding it to make sure you are marrying the right person, have a happy attitude and be prepared. Really that’s all there is. Jamie is a local Savannah photographer. Her work can be seen at www.DreamWeaverPhotos.com.

photo by Dream Weaver Photos

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Dream Weaver Photos (912) 443-9097

www.dreamweaverphotos.com

Senior Portraits • Babies & Children • Family • Weddings • Parties, Events, Reunions • Engagements Bridal Portraits • Sports • Sights of Savannah • Commercial • Belly Shots • Schools

2006 Newcomer Award Winners “Our 21st century, new generation Holiday Inn debuts a bold change in décor and innovative design that has set new standards for business travelers and families alike.”

(912) 330-5100 103 San Drive Pooler, Georgia View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Weddings

Wedded bliss Jamie Weaver

hoever coined the phrase “wedded bliss” was certainly not talking about planning a wedding. The stress that comes with booking, meeting and paying for the strangers that you count on to make your day run smoothly is so bad that it strains a marriage before it even begins. This act cannot be done alone nor can you shoot the person trying to help. The bride is usually the one who assumes the responsibility and all the groom has to do (accord-

“...the most important person you will ever hire is the photographer for your wedding.” ing to my husband), is show up and wear uncomfortable shoes for 8 hours (sometimes 10 depending on the dancing). Then there’s the poor bride’s mom, along for this wonderful bumpy ride and trying so hard not to give directions. I read in Reader’s Digest that after a lengthy and stressful time of planning a wedding with her mother, the bride was so tired of giving in to her mother’s wishes, everything from the flowers to her mother’s friends she had to invite. Finally, the bride says exasperated “Mother please let me have some say in this. You already had your wedding!” To which the mother replied, “No sweetheart. That was my mother’s wedding.” Now, I can’t help you with those family dynamics (maybe see Dr. Gayle Rozantine, pg. 68), but I sure can help you choose a photographer. Accessible Every business can get busy but you really don’t want to track down a photographer. Leave a message, maybe two, but chances are if a

photographer won’t return your calls then maybe he/she is overwhelmed with other clients. If you find a photographer who is a little less busy, you become his or her priority, and every bride deserves that. Love the job and it shows I have never thought of this as a job. I truly love taking pictures; if I didn’t have bills to pay, I would do it for free. You want to choose a photographer who is energetic, has lots of ideas and will go with your personality. Look at his work, listen and share your thoughts. You want a photographer who is as excited as you are to be taking your pictures. It’s worth it Of course I am going to say that the most important person you will ever hire is the photographer for your wedding. Many brides spend thousands of dollars on the big day but have Uncle Robert shoot the whole thing. You will never remember every little detail. Prices vary and just because one is cheaper than the other doesn’t mean their work is too. Remember: After the food is eaten, and the guests have gone home, your pictures are one of the few things at your wedding that you will keep and pass down to your generations. A few thousand isn’t that much if you think about it that way, but even a hundred dollars is a lot if your pictures turn out horribly. You need a good photographer whose price matches their portfolio. Of course, there is so much more, but I can’t fit it all. Give me a call, and I would be more than happy to help you with your special day. Jamie Weaver, Dream Weaver Photos, www.DreamWeaverPhotos.com “Making your wedding dreams a reality”

photos by Dream Weaver Photos

10 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

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5871 Highway 21, South Rincon, Georgia 31326

www.PremierDentalDesigns.com Angela C. Canfield, DDS

Open Your Mind to Peace and Healing “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” –Anais Nin Dr. Gayle Rozantine

Learn to Handle Stress More Effectively Shop www.quietawakening.com for:

Visit The Center for Health & Well-Being, PC • Healing the mind, body and spirit • Serving Savannah and the surrounding area

• Mother Nature Series cds • Relaxation Training Series cds • Self Esteem Restoration cds • and more

912-352-9500 | 400 Commercial Court | Savannah, Georgia View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Health & Wellness

New procedure for permanent birth control

relatively new method of permanent birth control is gaining increasing popularity with both physicians and patients. The Essure procedure is a new form of permanent birth control that is performed without any abdominal incisions or general anesthesia. It is an attractive alternative to the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;tying of the fallopian tubesâ&#x20AC;? (tubal ligation procedure).

cedure, a special catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the fallopian tube. A soft, flexible coil, called a micro-insert, is positioned in each fallopian tube. The coil is made of polyethylene fibers wound over a thin wire and Nitinol, a combination of nickel and titanium. These same products have been used in heart and other procedures for years and have a proven safety record.

Marc Chaiken, M.D., a gynecologist on staff at HCGH, introduced the procedure in the Baltimore metropolitan area and has years of

Following the procedure, tissue in the fallopian tube will grow through and around the micro-insert, resulting in permanent, irreversible blockage of the fallopian tubes. It takes approximately three months for tissue growth to completely block the tube. During this time, it is recommended that the patient use another form of birth control. After three months, patients are required to undergo a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to confirm placement and that permanent sterilization has been achieved.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This form of permanent birth control is safe, fast, effective, and less painful, than the traditional and more invasive form of tubal ligation surgery.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This form of permanent birth control is safe, fast, effective, and less painful, than the traditional and more invasive form of tubal ligation surgery,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Chaiken, gynecologist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following the quick

extensive experience in hysteroscopic procedures. To date, he has performed almost 40 Essure procedures. During the outpatient pro-

ÂŽ

Procedure

5NLIKE TUBAL LIGATION OR VASECTOMY THE %SSURE PROCEDURE HAS THESE ADVANTAGES s .O INCISIONS OR CUTTING s .O GENERAL ANESTHESIA REQUIRED s 1UICK RECOVERY s EFFECTIVE BASED ON YEARS OF FOLLOW UP 7E ALSO NOW OFFER IN OFFICE ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION THE EASY CURE FOR HEAVY PERIODS #ALL $R +YRIN $UNSTON AT 7OMANCARE TODAY TO DISCUSS IF THE %SSURE PROCEDURE OR IN OFFICE ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION MAY BE THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU

Estee, an Essure ÂŽ Woman. Read more at www.essure.com

12 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Health & Wellness procedure (placement can be done in as little as five minutes each side with the total time of the procedure, from time of arrival to departure, of less than one hour), the patient may experience some mild cramping, but often can return to normal activities the same day.” Having a traditional tubal ligation requires women to undergo general anesthesia and to have incisions in the abdomen so the fallopian tubes can be sealed or cut to prevent the egg from moving from the ovary to the uterus for fertilization. Women electing to have a tubal ligation can expect moderate discomfort following the surgery, nausea, scarring and will need to recover two to five days before resuming regular activities.

Green Tips ✓ Install compact fluorescent light bulbs when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. ✓ Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.

“This is a wonderful new alternative for women who want permanent birth control without the higher risk of complications and uncomfortable recovery from traditional surgery,” said Dr. Chaiken. Luckily, for readers, this procedure is now offered by Dr. Kyrin Dunston at Womancare Obstetrics & Dr. Kyrin Dunston Gynecology located at 800 E 70th Womancare Obstetrics & Gynecology Street, Savannah, GA 31405. From adolescence through menopause, Womancare Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC will assist you with all your needs. They are an energetic and diverse healthcare team of doctors who are committed to making a positive difference in the quality of life for women of all ages by providing individualized, compassionate, innovative, expert healthcare and resources for the body, mind, and spirit of all women. Visit Womancare’s website today (www.realpagessites.com/womancareobgyn), or call (912) 692-0606 for an appointment to assist you with your personal needs. photo by Dream Weaver Photos

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Health & Wellness

Clean your home Mother Nature’s way… with water! Paige Williams

ccording to statistics generated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, allergic rhinitis is the reason for 9.2 million office visits to physicians yearly, and estimates from a skin test survey suggest that allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Millions of Americans take both prescription and over the counter medications to suppress their reactions to various airborne allergens. The most common is the dust mite. This infamous critter has

“...the air inside our homes is 80 to 200 times more polluted than outside air.” been scrutinized in numerous magazines, on television documentaries, and yes even Oprah! Beneficial for his ability to ingest up to twice his weight with layers of our dead skin cells, the dust mite lives and breeds in our beds and upholstery which often causes problems for many allergy sufferers. He travels from place to place on dust particles making household dust a potent allergen as well. Pollen follows very closely as the third leading cause of airborne allergies. Mother Nature has a unique way of cleaning the outdoor air every 24 hours. If not for rain, dew or other forms of precipitation, our air would be so polluted it would be hard to breathe while outside. While we rely on Mother Nature to take care of the air outside, most people do not realize that the air on the inside of our home is more hazardous to our health. The Environmental Protection Agency

warns that the air inside our homes is 80 to 200 times more polluted than outside air. One study revealed that the average six room home accumulates forty pounds of dust a year. Dust particles are composed of pet dander, mold spores, pollen, dead skin cells, fire place soot, filth from the street brought in on the bottom of shoes, decaying insects, germs from visitors, dust mites and their feces. Leading American allergist, Dr. Alford Zamm, M.D., states, “some physicians are now viewing house dust as an occupational hazard for the homemaker…both because house cleaning stirs up enormous quantities of dust and because the homemaker spends most of the time in the house breathing it.” Most homes are fully equipped with the traditional cleaning tools, such as brooms, mops, feather dusters, dusting cloths and vacuums. Instead of eliminating the dust these tools scatter it from one place to another. Industry leads us to believe that the traditional vacuum is the most effective method of reducing the dirt and dust from the home, while in fact is the least effective because of its design. The typical vacuum has four basic parts: motor, reservoir (bag or bagless container), intake and exhaust. An electric motor turns the fan that creates air movement. The carpet is agitated by the beater bar located at the intake, causing the dirt to ride in on airflow. The dirt then travels to the filter or container and is deposited. The air is cycled through the bag or filter and then back into the air that we breathe. The cleaning ability of any vacuum will be determined by the completed cycle of airflow. Dry vacuum systems create unhealthy conditions because there are three particular problems that

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Health & Wellness are often unknown to the average individual. Leakage dirt is always expelled through the porous holes in the bags and filters regardless what type of dry system you own. The evidence of its existence can be seen as it builds up on our furniture and fixtures. Blockage dirt adheres to the sides of the bags or filters blocking airflow and reducing cleaning ability. While some vacuum manufacturers market suction as the key feature in cleaning performance, being able to maintain consistent airflow is the proven formula for true cleaning ability. The third problem dry vacuums impose is bacteria. Vacuum bags, canisters and filters are breading grounds for bacteria which become a serious health hazard when it is released into the air we breathe as a component of the leakage dirt. Commercial dusting oils and other fume producing products, such as candles, plug-ins, potpourri, and mopping supplies can be particularly aggravating for allergy sufferers because the manufactured chemicals often cause symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to severe breathing discomfort. Often these symptoms are mistakenly blamed on other sources as we simply don’t realize the effects of common chemicals on our bodies. Water has long been recognized as the ideal cleaning substance for all our basic cleaning. Rexair, an American company in existence since 1936, developed a way to harness Mother Nature’s power and use it to clean our home. The Rainbow home cleaning system is a revolutionary product based on the principle “wet dust can’t fly.” Its unique water-based filtration system is the most advanced in the world. It has the power to generate consistently high airflow to effectively remove dirt and airborne particles from your home. Virtually all dust is captured in a swirling bath of water never returning to the air again. Using water as its filter, the Rainbow eliminates leakage dirt, blockage dirt, and the threat of airborne bacteria. It permits you to get rid of the nasty dust bags and receptacles once and for all. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certifies that the Rainbow E series E2 is a proven air cleaner designed to reduce air pollutants that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Not only does the Rainbow clean the air in our homes, but it also replaces all of our traditional ineffective tools. The Rainbow will dust, mop, sweep, vacuum and shampoo serving as a complete environmental cleaning system. Most Americans spend an average of $30 to $50 a month on bags, filters, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners which become obsolete with the use of the Rainbow. A home becomes more energy efficient as a result of cleaner air. It is easier to cool and puts less strain on an air conditioning system. The cost of filters for the ventilation system is greatly reduced because the Rainbow eliminates a majority of the dust. A Rainbow home also saves money by eliminating the sand and grit which most vacuums with minimal airflow cannot extract. You can prolong the life of carpet and also reduce wear and tear on all hard floor surfaces. These are only a few of the many benefits a Rainbow can provide. For not only allergy suffers but for anyone who wants a cleaner, healthier home, the Rainbow cleaning system can change your life. It doesn’t cost you to own one, but it cost you not to.

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

LaTrelle Peavy has gone Green!

s the economy changes and markets change, realtor, LaTrelle Pevey, has gone GREEN. She is embracing the idea of saving our planet as she has an invested interest in selling our planet. LaTrelle cut off her blonde locks and found “Silver, the new Blonde!” And, she is now driving a hybrid and getting 48 MPG. “We must be responsible for the future of our world and children,” stated LaTrelle, “and, if we all do a little to become a part of it, Savannah will continue to be a most excellent place to work and live.”

“We must be responsible for the future of our world and children...”

Our Recommended Reading Lydia Ramsey We recommend Lydia Ramsey’s best selling book Manners That Sell: Adding the Polish that Builds Profits. If you are a business woman or a homemaker, this book will bring to light things you never even thought of before. Visit www.mannersthatsell.com to purchase your copy. Dr. Gayle Rozantine Visit www.quietawakening.com, and sign up for Dr. Gayle Rozantine’s Stress Management newsletter. You will be amazed at the insight she offers and how quickly you can find ways to alleviate your own stressful situation. For even more help, try one of her relaxation cds available online.

Health & Wellness

Meet Susan Bennett Executive Director, Spanish Oaks Hospice

2W: What is your educational background? Susan: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Masters in Business Administration W2W: What attribute has been most important to your success? Susan: Passion: “Belief fuels passion, and passion rarely fails.” I truly believe that I have been successful in the Hospice industry because I am so passionate about what I do. I feel like this is my purpose in life. W2W: What three words best describe you and why? Susan: Creative: I think outside the box. I am persistent and like to find new and exciting ways to do task instead of always doing them the way “it has always been done.” Compassionate: I believe it’s not what you get in life but the hearts you touch that will determine your success. Love: I love life, people, and any challenge that passes my way. “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” (Franklin Jones) W2W: Would you share a couple of your favorite quotes? “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” –Benjamin Franklin W2W: What female role model has inspired you most in your life? Susan: I would have to say my mother. She has always been there for me and taught me the importance of courage, kindness and to always stay positive. I still don’t know how she always managed to stay so positive raising four very outgoing and active children. She has always made sacrifices to give us all the very best. I have always aspired to have these endearing qualities like her. W2W: What male model has played the biggest role in inspiring you to be the best you can be both professionally and personally? Susan: My father- Of course I am daddy’s little girl so this one is easy. He has taught me the importance of self-determination, independence and the ability to stand up for what I believe in. I have always admired his ability to handle controversy with courage and dignity. My father had a brain aneurysm in 2000. He survived the surgery but has severe frontal lobe damage and is blind. It has been difficult to watch a strong loving man go through such a life-changing event and lose his independence. W2W: Why nursing? Susan: I started college with the intention of becoming an accountant. I took several accounting classes in college and didn’t feel that this would be the best choice for me. After losing someone very special in my life to brain cancer, I looked deep in my heart and found my purpose in life: Nursing.

16 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

I became an oncology nurse first and then moved into the hospice field in 1999. Through passion and courage, I was determined to make a difference and touch the lives of others by ensuring that patients remain comfortable and are able to live the rest of their lives to the fullest. I also believe that it is equally important to help families and loved ones through this journey to ensure they truly understand the dying process without the feelings of guilt, and/or regrets. All the things I needed during my experience with death. W2W: What are some of your favorite aspects of being a part of Hospice? Susan: Probably the most important aspect is learning from my patients. I have learned to love life and not take it for granted. I believe that I have learned more about life through this career than I could have ever learned on my own. To be guests in their homes and to help them through this difficult journey is truly an honor. I always kissed my patients on Susan Bennett their foreheads prior to leavSpanish Oaks Hospice ing. So when they called the office they would ask for the kissing angel and that made me realize that I can and had truly made a difference. I have always been a little hesitant to say what I do for a living because I always get this perplexed look like I am crazy or severely depressed. I just have to laugh and say I love my job! My movement from direct patient care to administration was difficult but I knew that I needed to be able to share my passion, vision and experience with other so that we would always provide excellent end-of –life care. W2W: What skills do you accredit your success to? Susan: Passion, Determination, Innovation, Perseverance, Dedication, and Integrity. W2W: What is your greatest achievement? Susan: I would have to say my wonderful son, Reid. He has brought so much joy to my life and has such a big heart. I would probably also add that despite experiencing a very difficult loss early in life, through my nursing career I have been able to overcome and find my purpose in life. W2W: Any last pearls of wisdom? Susan: I will probably have to say that life is short, enjoy it and make every day the best that it can be. Don’t sweat the little stuff, and as John G. Whittier said, “No longer forward nor behind I look in hope and fear; But grateful take the good I find, The best of now and here.” View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

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Health & Wellness

Women and hidden attention problems Bob Phillips, Ph.D. Psychologist

hen most people think of ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (same thing but with hyperactivity added) most people think of a young boy running wild in a class room or in a store. They imagine the teacher or mother franticly beseeching the child to slow down and behave. But what about girls and women who have an attention problem? Where are they and what do they look like? Only a few years ago it was a widely held belief that the number of boys with an attention problem outnumbered the girls by a ratio of eight to one. Even if you asked a teacher he or she would have probably agreed that there were a lot more boys than girls with an attention problem than there were girls with an attention problem. But we know now that is simply not the case. In fact there are probably as many girls and women with an attention disorder as there are boys and men. They just look different, sound different and need to be treated differently. Today we are beginning to understand that there are several types of attention problems. While it is true that hyperactivity is more common in males than females, there are several non-hyperactive forms of the disorder that are much more common in females. These forms of the disorder are frequently much harder to spot than a hyperactive boy tearing up a hymnal in church. Some of the symptoms of these are spacing out when you want to be focused on reading or listening to a speaker, such as a teacher or boss. Some women with an attention deficit problem feel constantly behind, overwhelmed and frazzled. Some feel that their lives are so out of control so they rarely invite friends over to their homes because they are ashamed to let others see how disorganized and messy their homes are. Attention problems are not like a light switch, either on or off. Attention problems come in all levels and several forms. Many women can do well enough in school but begin to feel overwhelmed at work or in organizing and maintaining a family. Some women can do very well with one child but the wheels begin to fall off with three children. To manage children and run a household takes a lot of multitasking and quick adjustments. When you have to keep yourself on track and also be the scheduler for everyone else in

18 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

the family you’r brain had better be functioning well or there will be problems. Confusion, clutter, frustration and tension quickly multiply when a woman’s brain is not functioning fully or appropriately. What is a challenge for a woman without an attention

“What is a challenge for a woman without an attention problem becomes a continuing crisis for a woman with any one of the forms of an attention deficit disorder.” problem becomes a continuing crisis for a woman with any one of the forms of an attention deficit disorder. These women frequently suffer from low self-esteem (“Am I lazy, crazy or just stupid?”), depression (“If I were good enough I wouldn’t have all these problems.”) or some form of anxiety (“If I work harder and faster things will be all right.”). Today we know that attention disorders are a reflection of brain functioning. Sometimes you inherit the disorder from one or both of your parents. We are also beginning to see more and more symptoms that are related to childhood head trauma such as falls or other accidents that were mostly unnoticed when symptoms did not materialize right after the incident. Some researchers are suggesting that as much as twenty percent of all attention problems are actually undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. Regardless of where the brain dysfunction comes from the symptoms for females can be life altering and lifelong. Some of the more common symptoms of an attention problem are when you: • are frequently forgetful; frequently have trouble remembering to do important things; • were frequently told by parents or teachers that you were not trying hard enough in school when in fact you were trying hard; • have trouble completing tasks or assignments or when you jump from one task to another without finishing the first task; • are frequently over-committed, rushing and often late; • Frequently drift off into a daydream or loose a few moments when you should be paying attention; • make impulsive purchases or impulsive decisions; • have impulsive emotional reactions or react too strongly; • have been treated as if you are not smart when you know you are; • feel overwhelmed and disorganized in your daily life; Having one or two of these does not mean that you have an attention problem. But if you have several of these and they have been a View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Health & Wellness part of your life for several years then you may have an attention deficit disorder. If you do find that you have this form of brain function problem you can get started on a road to a much improved life. The first step in taking responsibility for this change is to get an evaluation that will help in determining if you have this disorder. Then you can get help by using medication or by using a method of retraining your brain function called neurotherapy. Some women begin by using the medication and then taper off of the medication as their brain function improves with the neurotherapy. These things can change, but it takes action to make that change happen. Dr. Bob Phillips is a psychologist and the Clinical Director of the Brain Bright Neurotherapy Center in West Columbia, South Carolina—(803) 360-9698. For more information, visit wwwBrainBright.com.

Green Tips ✓ Plant drought-tolerant native plants in

your garden. Many plants need minimal watering.Visit www.shadygardensnursery.- com for some tips on gardening with native plants.

✓ Plant a tree on the anniversary of a loved ones death or birthday as a memorial, and watch the tree grow year after year. ✓ Walk or bike to work when possible. This will help cut your fuel costs and will be an added benefit to your health. ✓ Never release balloons outside. They are

not biodegradable. Recently, a dead 60 foot sperm whale washed up on shore due to a blockage created by a balloon that he had swallowed. Balloons that end up in the ocean are often mistaken for jelly fish.

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Professional

Greeting card tango:

How to impress, not stress, during the holidays Lydia Ramsey

hen it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or not to send is often the question. Once you have decided in the affirmative, you then have to determine who to include on your list, what kind of card to choose and how to address the envelope. There are lots of reasons for sending those holiday cards. You might want to enhance your current business relationships, attract new customers, remind old clients that you exist or show appreciation to those who have faithfully supported you during the year. What is obviously a well-meaning gesture can actually offend the people you want to impress when it is not done properly. The first place to start is with a good quality card to show that you value your clients and colleagues. Skimping on your selection can be interpreted in a number of ways. Your recipients might take it as a sign that business has not been good or that they aren’t worth a little extra investment on your part.

Make sure your list is up-to-date with correct names and current addresses. If you do this on a regular basis, it does not become a dreaded holiday chore. As you gain new clients and contacts throughout

“As you gain new clients and contacts throughout the year, take a few minutes to add them to your database and mark them for your greeting card group.” the year, take a few minutes to add them to your database and mark them for your greeting card group. This way you won’t overlook anyone or embarrass yourself by sending the card to the old address. Sign each card personally. Even if you have preprinted information on the card such as your name - which is an impressive detail - you

Add the polish that builds profits!

Lydia Ramsey

Business Etiquette Expert

Offering keynotes, seminars and individual coaching Purchase Lydia’s book, Manners That Sell, and training videos on her website at

www.MannersThatSell.com

912.598.9812 Lydia@MannersThatSell.com 20 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Professional need to add your handwritten signature. The most elegant cards should still have your personal signature and a short handwritten message or greeting. Sound like a lot of trouble? If the business or the relationship is worth it, so is the extra effort. This is your chance to connect on a personal level with your clients and colleagues. Take the time to handwrite the address as well. If you are ready to throw up your hands at this point and forget the whole project, then have someone else address the envelopes for you. Whatever you do, don’t use computer-generated labels. They are impersonal and make your holiday wishes look like a mass mailing. You may save time and even money, but lose a client or a business associate in the process. You may mail your greeting to the home if you know the business person socially. Be sure to include the spouse’s name in this instance. The card is not sent to both husband and wife at the business address unless they both work there. Whether you are addressing the envelope to an individual or a couple, titles should always be used. It’s “Mr. John Doe,” not “John Doe,” or “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, rather that “John and Mary Doe.” Be sensitive to the religious beliefs of the people to whom you are sending your cards. Find out whether they observe Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa and make sure your message is appropriate for each individual. If you decide to go with one card and a single message for all, choose a generic one that will not offend. “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays” are both safe bets.

“The most elegant cards should still have your personal signature and a short handwritten message or greeting.”

Additional Tips for Addressing Envelopes If you are about to address your holiday greeting cards or the invitations to the company party and you are confused about the correct way to do it, you are not alone. There are situations that we have not had to consider before. There are more women with professional titles, increased numbers of women who retain their maiden name after marriage, and couples choosing alternative living arrangements. The simple act of addressing an envelope has become quite complicated. Here are a few tips to cover the majority of those demanding dilemmas. Always write titles on the envelope. The card or invitation goes to “Mr. John Smith,” not “John Smith.” It is addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith,” instead of “John and Mary Smith.” When you address a couple, use titles, rather than professional initials. It’s “Dr. and Mrs. John Smith,” not “John Smith, M.D. and Mrs. Smith.” If both the husband and the wife are doctors, you write, “The Doctors Smith.” However, if they use different last names, you address the envelope to “Dr. John Smith and Dr. Mary Brown.” The husband’s name is placed first. If the wife is a doctor and the husband is not, you send your invitation to “Mr. John Smith and Dr. Mary Smith.” Try to get it all on one line. When the husband has an unusually long name, the wife’s title and name are indented and written on the second line: The Honorable Jonathon Richardson Staniskowsky and Mrs. Staniskowsky

Mail your greetings in time to arrive for the designated holiday. If you find yourself addressing the envelopes on Super Bowl Sunday, keep the cards until next year and send out a high-quality note thanking people for their business during the previous year instead. The best way to avoid the last minute greeting rush is to have all your envelopes addressed before Thanksgiving. Then during December you can leisurely write a short message - one or two lines are all that is necessary on each card, sign your name and have them in the mail with a minimum of hassle.

When a couple is not married and share a mutual address, their names are written on separate lines alphabetically and not connected by the word “and.”

You now have all the time in the world for the shopping, baking, decorating and celebrating that accompanies the holiday season.

When the woman outranks her husband, her name is written first. It’s “Major Mary Smith and Lieutenant John Smith.”

Lydia Ramsey, business etiquette exert, professional speaker and nationallyrecognized author knows workplace manners inside and out. She can work with you and your staff to polish those inter-personal skills that will set you and your organization apart from the crowd. From that first impression when the client walks in the door to the way you handle yourself at community events, every element counts. Discover the details that will help you outclass and outlast others in your field. Visit Lydia’s website at www.mannersthatsell. com, e-mail Lydia at Lydia@mannersthatsell.com or call 912-598-9812.

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Ms. Mary Brown Mr. John Smith

Note: The man’s name is always written first unless the wife outranks him or if the couple is unmarried and her last name precedes his alphabetically. So much for “Ladies first.”

Professional

Donna Davis, Mary Kay Consultant

began using Mary Kay products many years ago. I love the products because they bring the results the company promises. If not, they are covered 100 percent by customer satisfaction guarantee. For example, the Time Wise 3-in-1 Cleanser exfoliates, cleanses and freshens all in one step. It is also gentle enough to use every day. It removes the dead surface cells that dull your skin and reveals fresh new skin to keep you glowing. Then, add our Time Wise Age Fighting Moisturizer to hydrate with water (not oil) and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I could go on and on. We have a wide variety of products from customized skin care and color cosmetics to body care, fragrances, and products for men. Six years ago, I started my own business with Mary Kay and became an Independent Contractor. Now, I get my products at wholesale— all the age fighting creams and lotions I need. I also demonstrate the products and sell to customers. Our company is one of the largest direct selling companies in the nation and pays the highest commission. We have been voted number one in skin care and color cosmetics for the last 13 years. There is no limit to your earnings. We are known for the pink Cadillac, but many people do not know that the car is a gift of accomplishment—totally FREE—tag, tax & title and even 85 percent of your insurance. The company is built on the highest values of putting God first, your family second and your career third, doing to others as you would have them do to you. The company not only stands behind its products, but does everything to help the consultant be successful. My favorite part of this business is getting to know my customers and helping them take time to pamper themselves. Most of my customers love to share our products and me with their friends, so they can get FREE stuff. That’s the Mary Kay way.

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In Her Own Words

Learn how easy it is to get visibly younger-looking skin. A simple daily program with TimeWise® skin care helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks firmer. And feels softer. To start looking younger now, just call me to experience TimeWise® for yourself – free!

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Professional

Looking for a few good women! Karen Weaver

re you a stay-at-home mom looking to make some money along side your children?

Do you work full-time but long to be home with your children? Are you looking for a way to earn extra income next to your current full-time or part-time job? Then, Southern Living at HOME might be the answer for you!!!

What is Southern Living at HOME? Southern Living At HOME is the direct sales company of Southern Progress Corporation, a subsidiary of Time Inc. The Company was founded in January 2001. Since then, it has enjoyed phenomenal success, making it the fastest growing party plan company in the history of direct sales.

“Are you looking for a way to earn extra income next to your current full-time or part-time job?” We bring the pages of Southern Living magazine to life with home decor and garden accessories, cookbooks and decorating ideas provided through in-home parties and our beautiful Southern Living at HOME catalog. With high gas prices and hectic schedules, women are looking for easier ways to shop for their homes and for gifts. Southern Living at HOME consultants provide this fun in-home shopping experience for our hostesses and their friends.

• Free hostess program • No credit card fees (the company absorbs the cost) • Business supply credit program to replenish business supplies • $199 start up fee which includes $500 worth of products and all the supplies you need to begin your business Make yourself At HOME… I have specialized in helping women begin their own successful Southern Living at HOME home-based businesses for more than 6 years! Whether you are looking for a way to meet new women in your area or to make a part-time or a full-time income, I would love the opportunity to answer all of your questions so that you can determine for yourself if this business is a good fit for you. If you’re looking for a business that will change your life or simply love decorating your home, come along and discover the possibilities with Southern Living at HOME. Karen Weaver, (912) 856-1659, 1kweaver@bellsouth.net www.southernlivingathome.com/dreamweavers

Are you a stay-at-home mom looking to make some money along side your children? Do you work full-time but long to be home with your children? Are you looking for a way to earn extra income next to your current full-time or part-time job?

We have the most generous hostess reward program in the industry, in conjunction with high-quality and beautiful products, that women line up to schedule parties. Not only does our hostess receive free products to decorate her home just for hosting a party, but she also enjoys a fun time with her girlfriends. What’s in it for you? When you become an Independent Consultant for Southern Living at HOME, you’re the boss. You set your own hours, and you…. • Pocket 25% on the night of the parties • Get professional training • Manage your business online for FREE • Earn great rewards, prizes and FREE vacations • Decorate your home from FREE • Have the strong brand name of Southern Living magazine behind you Our business model is the best in the industry…. • No product inventory • No deliveries (orders are shipped to the hostess) View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

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24 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Services

Ladies, keep your remodeling project on tract! Joy Mabry

efore you call your contractor for your next project, consider the following:

Have your plans and budget for the project area written down as well as drawn out. Consider the purpose of the project area. Materials used for the project area should be chosen based on the purpose for the area. Careful consideration should be given to the durability and cost effectiveness of each type of material in addition to its eye appealing qualities. When possible and cost effective, “think green.” Consider using environmentally friendly products for the safety of your family and environment. Ladies, this is a good time to remember those extra electrical outlets, heating and air conditioning vents, phone jacks, etc., that are often overlooked. Set a date to begin your project. Remember that some disruptions of normal routines will occur while your project is in process. Consider the inconvenience that you and your family will incur and adjust your starting date accordingly. Set a realistic period for yourself and your contractor. Keep in mind that material availability and weather can hold up your project. To avoid delays, have your contactor check for availability of chosen materials before you start your project. If you plans include building additions onto your home, a detached room or garage, or outbuilding, you should check on property line placement as well as building and zoning restrictions. You and your contractor should be aware of all restrictions by the state, city, county and home owners associations that apply to your project. An experienced, licensed, and bonded contractor with project management experience should be considered for all projects regardless of size. All work and prices agreed upon by both parties should be in a written contract. This will prevent costly errors and ensure quality workmanship. Ladies, your contractor should exhibit genuine concern for your project, pocketbook, inconveniences to you and your family, and your community. Your contractor must also have the ability and determination to complete your project on time and within budget. Don’t settle for less.

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

• Landscape Maintenance

• Site Prep

• Landscape Installation

• Irrigation Installation

• Low Voltage Lighting

• Irrigation Repairs

• Hardscapes/Concrete

• Tree Trimming

• Interlocking Pavers

• Tree Transplanting

• Land Clearing

• Retaining Walls & Block Walls

• Fill Dirt & Top Soil

• Colored Mulch & Pine Bark

• Bush Hogging

912-398-5273

2002 Walthour Road • Savannah, GA 31410

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” — C.C. Scott

Green Tips ✓ Buy locally raised, humane, and

organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

✓ If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat

costs a lot at the store, and it’s even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

✓ Recycle, Recycle, Recycle. Most garbage services have recycling opportunities. Call your provider for a list of household items that can be recycled.

Services

Getting to know Shawn Elmore of Elmore Custom, Inc.

2W: How long have you been a contractor in the Savannah, Georgia area? Shawn: I have been a contractor in the Savannah area for 10 years. W2W: What size homes do you build and remodel? Shawn: I have built and remodeled homes from 1200 square feet to 17,000 square feet. W2W: What is your secret in making and keeping your home owners happy with your work? Shawn: I have to be very customer friendly. I ask each home owner to become actively involved in all aspects of their project. I listen to what the owner is trying to achieve and ask lots of questions. Each job is customized according to what the home owner wants, and not necessarily what is convenient. W2W: Do you encourage home owners to use “go green” products in their homes? Shawn: I encourage owners to pick the best products for their needs. If “green” products are available, fit the purpose of the area, and are reasonably priced, then of course that would be the best choice for the family and environment. W2W: What are a couple of the commercial projects that you have completed lately? Shawn: I have met the needs of many large medical providers in the area such as Southeastern Orthopedics in the Pooler area, the Doctors Hospital in Reidsville, Georgia and many other medical

providers in the area. I have just finished with the interior trim on a Carabaas in the Hilton Head area.

“If “green” products are available, fit the purpose of the area, and are reasonably priced, then of course that would be the best choice for the family and environment.” W2W: What advise can you give a homeowner or business owner that is looking to build or remodel? Shawn: Take the time needed to plan and be actively involved! Use an individual that is experienced and qualified to perform the job correctly, on time, and with a budget. Use someone that is licensed and bonded, and can provide references. Use someone that actually cares about what you want and need instead of what is easier and best for them. W2W: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Shawn: I enjoy spending time with my son, girlfriend, 2 dogs and 9 cats. I am an avid hunter and land conservationist. I spend a lot of my off time working on food plots and providing nutrients and water for wildlife preservation.

E LMORE C USTOM I NC. Residential & Commercial Customized Construction to Fit Your Needs

912.272.3248 Contracting for over 24 years 26 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Services

Go green with Hazzard Flooring

he trend toward taking care of our environment through independent and collective action has developed into what is now known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;green businessâ&#x20AC;? ethic. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wise consumer is interested in healthy living and looks for products that support this ideal. Cork is one of those products.

(AZZARD &LOORING )NC

Cork is a truly sustainable â&#x20AC;&#x153;green buildingâ&#x20AC;? material. Nature Cork furnishes more products that are environmentally correct as well as improving health and comfort for human indoor living. In our homes, Cork Floors create a warm comfortable, resilient surface

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cork is environmentally sustainable, non-toxic, and healthy. Now is the time to consider â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenâ&#x20AC;? for your home.â&#x20AC;? that is gentle underfoot, is anti-microbial, will not spread flame, and is inherently resistant to molds, mildews, and common pest. From harvest to production to installation, Cork is environmentally sustainable, non-toxic, and healthy! Now is the time to consider â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenâ&#x20AC;? for your home. From cork floating floor planks, floating tiles, to cork parquet tile, contact Carolyn or Wayne Hazzard of Hazzard Flooring, Inc. at (912) 826-3115 for an appointment, or visit our store located at 907A Lisa Street, Rincon, Georgia, for a full line of Nature Cork Floors.

#OMMERCIAL #OURT \ 2INCON

W& B

PLUMBING Over 20 years experience No job too big, no job too small

(912) 398-4430 View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

17 West 49th Street Savannah, Georgia 27

Services

INDOOR HEATED POOL & SPA • KITCHEN GYM • FRESH BAKED COOKIES GOVERNMENT RATES • ROMANTIC PACKAGES

Elizabeth Drakeford General Manager

912.692.0404 www.CountryInns.com 7576 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31406

A Comfortable Stay at a Cozy Price

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” — Francesca Reigler Just a bridge away from downtown Columbia, SC... You can set your own pace when you visit the West Metro communities across the Congaree River. From the scenic Riverwalk Park to quaint antique shops, fine and casual dining to the Historic Cayce Museum, the Midlands of South Carolina offers a variety of activities and amenities for the casual visitor or the serious tourist. Just moments away from downtown Columbia, you can enjoy an evening at the theater, a tubing trip down the river, or a day at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Maybe a picnic overlooking the river is more your pace. You have it all right here.

For more information on sites and accomodations, contact the West Metro Visitors Center at 1-866-720-5400 or www.visitwestmetro.sc

Cayce

28 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Springdale

West Columbia View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Services

Holiday lawns year round Lori Samples Duncan

t never fails. When the leaves start to turn and after the fall, decorations are put away, after we have stuffed ourselves on granny Duncan’s chocolate pie, the begging starts. I ask Trent to ‘please’ put up the Christmas lights so the kids can enjoy them for a full month. I usually have to find a way to entice him to my way of thinking and promise the moon or at least another Saturday of football before the lights are hung, and I can stand with my neighbors on the edge of our lawns and again sigh with pleasure that Christmas will be over before we know it. This year I have decided to take a different approach with a little decorative curbing that will give my landscaping curb appeal all year long. Jim Davis has been in the Savannah area since 1983. Knowing what a beautiful area Savannah is, Jim started this business after seeing what an attractive addition a permanent edge can make in a landscaped home. He did research on several companies that offered the training, made his decision and off he went to Atlanta returning with trailer and equipment ready to work. Whether doing children’s play areas, intimate gardens to sit and enjoy or borders to keep your home looking well manicured, Jim knows how much an attractive yard can do to enhance the appearance of a home or business. The most gratifying part of this job is the finished product—the before and after—and the satisfaction of seeing how much the customer loves the new look. “I pride myself on always doing my best for every customer whether it’s their design or mine. Customer service is hard to find, and I strive to give that to every customer. The most important tool in a business is staying in contact with your customer, giving as much service and dependability as possible. Starting a new business is hard work. Advertising and exposing people to your product are all very important. A large part of our business comes from doing a job in a neighborhood and people seeing the finished product. Decorative landscape curbing adds value and curb appeal to your home. It can be matched by color or pattern to give your home or business a finished look,” Jim says. The extruded concrete curbing is very popular in the western part of the United States, and Jim knows the product will become a common practice in this area in the next few years. I encourage you to visit their website, www.BeautifulBordersbyJim.com, to see what I have found. Having the outside as well manicured as the inside always makes you feel good just to pull into the driveway and know that this is home. Beautiful Borders by Jim is a company we feel good about endorsing. Send us a note after you call Jim and a picture, and we will include it in our next edition of Savannah Woman to be featured as job well done. This year after the lights come down, I will still have a beautiful addition to my spring and summer look with decorative edging.

Serving Savannah, Southeast Georgia, and the Low Country

Decorative & Permanent Edging Attractive • Versatile Smart • Curb Appeal

Call Jim Davis for your estimate! (912) 656-5588 www.BeautifulBordersByJim.com

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Services

Green landscape architecture for a green planet J. Adam Ragsdale, Kennedy Ragsdale & Associates, Inc

The first real buzz word in landscape design came along in 1978 in the form of Xeriscape (trade mark). Xeriscape was trade marked by Denver Water when it created the Front Range Xeriscape Task Force of Denver Department. The term comes from Xeros (Greek for dry) and landscape.

reen, Green, green the world is going green… But hasn’t it always been (pronounced bean)?! It seems that things everywhere are going green. Generally, we all know and accept that in order for us to continue cohabitating with Mother Nature, we need to change our ways of treating our host. So one might ask – what can I do? Well, why not start in your own back yard?

Xeriscape is based on 7 steps to which, when used in concert, will help the business or home owner create a water efficient landscape that is both easy to maintain and wonderful to enjoy. The seven basic fundamentals to consider when developing a Xeriscape based Landscape design are: 1) Proper planning and design 2) Soil analysis 3) Appropriate plant selection 4) Practical turf areas 5) Efficient irrigation 6) Use of mulches and 7) Appropriate maintenance.

Long before today’s green movement got legs and went to the races, professionals in the world Landscape Architecture began incorporating sustainable practices into design and maintenance of the built and natural environment. Landscape Architects are trained in many aspects of design with the landform. Some specialize in urban planning, others in municipal and private development, and still others in residential landscape design. Their training in the fundamentals of design (line, shape, direction, size, texture, color, value), affords them the ability to properly advise their client’s on their needs, interpret their vision, and see it through to reality.

KRI

Proper planning and design The Landscape Architect will first analyze the existing conditions of the subject property and create an inventory or “base map.” From

Kennedy Ragsdale & Associates Inc. Engineers, Landscape Architects, Surveyors and Development Consultants

Accessible. Dependable. KRI. • Civil Engineering • Construction Management Services • Land Planning and Landscape Architecture • Geographic Information Systems Services • Surveying • Environmental Consulting

912.495.9626 • www.kri-eng.com 35 Barnard Street, Suite 201 • Savannah, GA 31401

ENGINEERS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

30 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

SURVEYORS

DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Services this they will develop a site analysis of the physical features of the site that need to be addressed and incorporated into the design. One of the most important things to incorporate into your plan is what the different areas of your yard will be used for. For instance, one might be interested in planting a cutting garden, developing an outdoor entertaining area and screening an area that might not have the best views. The next most important aspect of the planning process is to develop you water use zones. Turf areas will have the highest water use, while landscape beds and wooded areas will be far lower. Soil analysis The next step is to have a soil analysis of your property taken. I would recommend taking a sample that represents the planted depth of the landscape you intend to install. Your County Extension Service is a great resource for you. Why do we do this? Soil structure, nutrient need and pH. After the soil has been analyzed, the Landscape Architect can recommend proper fertilizer for the plan type being used. Appropriate plant selection This is a critical step to developing a water wise landscape. Did you know that Kudzu was introduced at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia as an ornamental vine for use in the landscape? Did you know that Benjamin Franklin is credited with introducing the Chinese Tallow Tree (commonly referred to as the popcorn tree) to the Georgia Colony? In a letter dated 1772 to Dr. Noble Wimberly Jones of the Georgia colony, Franklin wrote: “I send also a few seeds of the Chinese Tallow Tree, which will I believe grow & thrive with you. ‘Tis a most useful plant”. We certainly know the effects of these plants now, don’t we! In selecting a water wise plant palette for your home, you are best suited to select plants that are either native, or adaptive (non-native plants that thrive). Avoid at all cost invasive species. Practical turf areas This is open to interpretation. Some people prefer a large expanse of turf grasses in their landscape. Just remember two things that come with this, high water demand and high maintenance. This is not to say that turf is taboo. Turf is excellent for play areas (it is also one of the most durable elements in the landscape), entertaining and assisting in developing views. Efficient irrigation This is why it is so important in the plan development to group your water usage. One should always avoid the use of spray irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method for establishing your landscape. Low flow fixtures, soil sensors and rain gauges and timers are all used together in order to make the irrigation system as efficient as possible. One thing to remember is that irrigation, when used in concert with native or adaptive plant species, is only necessary to stabilize the plants after they have been introduced. This period is typically one year. After this period, the owner will want to “dial back” the cycle time for the system. Use of mulches Mulches not only help in creating a beautiful landscape, they also assist the plan in its establishment by protecting the roots and conserving moisture. Native mulch selection is as important as native plan selection. In the Low Country and Coastal Empire, the most View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

efficient mulches are pine bark nuggets (and mini-nuggets) and pine straw. Mulch selection is also very much seen in the eye of the beholder. One might like lava rock as a mulch but it is important to consider that the rock is a heat conductor and has no use in establishing plant materials (plus – has anyone seen any volcanoes around here lately?). Appropriate maintenance The best laid plans… After the plan is developed and installed, the Landscape Architect will recommend a maintenance schedule that is appropriate for the design. For instance, very little maintenance will be required if the landscape is meant to blend back into nature while a manicured formal garden will require a great deal of maintenance in order to display as it is intended. It is also important to recognize the proper selection and application of fertilizers. We are fortunate to live near a fabulous natural resource in our coastal marshes, estuaries, and rivers. Always be away of the potential for fertilizers to enter into these systems and cause irreparable damage to the environment. Consider using slow release fertilizers whenever possible. There are fertilizers on the market that are intended for one application for an entire growing season! There are volumes upon volumes of studies, research and guides available to help you do your part in the re-Greening of our planet. I would recommend contacting a local Landscape Architect to help you on your way! Other wonderful resources of information are The American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org), The United States Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) and your local County Extension Service. Good luck and may the Green be with your Thumb! J. Adam Ragsdale has a broad range of experience from leadership and management to land planning and landscape architecture. He has performed all aspects of project development and design from Streetscape and Urban Revitalization projects to Site Development and Residential Landscape Architecture. Ragsdale is actively involved within the community and is an member of several community service and professional organizations and serves on several Boards of directors as well. He is a member of the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority’s Economic Development and Planning Committees, The Coastal Heritage Society, he is a Commissioner with The Chatham-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Savannah Chapter of the United States Green Building Council and he is the President-Elect of the Georgia Chapter of the America Society of Landscape Architects and has lobbied on their behalf to both the House and Senate on Capitol Hill and. He is a life-time member of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division and a member of the American Legion. He is a founding partner and Principal with Kennedy Ragsdale and Associates, a Savannah based Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying company.

Green Tips ✓ Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. ✓ Take shorter showers to reduce water use. ✓ Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy

otherwise used during machine drying.

Services

Delivery Dry Cleaning Andrea Domanski

oes this sound familiar?

It’s a rainy Monday morning and you’re on your way to work. You usually stop by the dry cleaners. You’re drinking some coffee and talking on your cell phone and you drive right by. You’re running late, so you don’t turn around. You make a mental note to go there tonight on your way home. You forget again and finally make it there tomorrow. It’ll be ready Thursday. You leave work late and you’re rushing to get to the dry cleaner before it closes.You don’t make it.

That was me…always! I would remember to take my husbands clothes to the cleaners, but only when the bag was overflowing and my husband was getting perturbed. Then I would forget to pick it up, often for weeks. That was when it hit me! If I was forgetting, I bet a lot of other people are, too. So, I decided to start a business that would make people’s lives easier without costing them any more money. That is when Home Delivery Dry Cleaning was born.

“By automatically picking up and delivering your cleaning every week, we insure that your time is yours to do with as you choose.”

spent your free time with your family. People seemed to know what was really important in life and chose to spend their time doing things that improved the quality of their life. But somewhere along the line, we lost that. We started spending more time at work and running errands than we do with our family and friends. We stopped expecting excellent service and started accepting less than satisfactory quality. This has been our way of life for far too long, and our quality of life has diminished for it. Now, that old-fashioned way of life has been brought back. There are enough things in life for you to worry about; your dry cleaning and laundry shouldn’t be one of them. Andrea Domanski, Home Delivery Dry Cleaning 12 Shore Road, Savannah, GA 31419 912-224-8190, www.HomeDeliveryDryCleaning.com

No more rushing to and from the cleaners, or forgetting that much needed item! Simply place your dry cleaning in our bag and leave it at your door. We’ll pick it up, have it cleaned to your specifications, and deliver it right back to you in just 2 days!

These days it seems like we are always trying to fit more and more into our already busy schedules, and no matter how hard we try, we always come up short on time. Dropping off and picking up your dry cleaning and laundry is one of those errands that take up the valuable time that you could be spending on more important things.

All for the same price as (or less than) self-service cleaners!

Free Weekly Pick-Up and Delivery Serving Homes and Offices in:

Home Delivery Dry Cleaning is a company that allows you to do just that. By automatically picking up and delivering your cleaning every week, we insure that your time is yours to do with as you choose. You don’t even have to remember to put your bag out because we give you an automated reminder call the evening before pick-up. No matter how busy your schedule is, you always know that your clothing, your linens, and anything else you need cleaned will be waiting for you when you get home. Not to mention the fact that everything you need (i.e. bags, hooks, etc.) is supplied to you at no extra cost. Let’s face it, decades ago services like this were available everywhere. Your groceries were delivered, your doctors came to you, and you 32 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Savannah • Berwick • Brandle Cove • Candler / St. Joe’s • Chatham Parkway • Dutch Island • Georgetown • Habersham Woods

• Henderson • Isle of Hope • Sandfly • Skidaway Island • Southbridge • Stephenson Avenue • Sweetwater

Pooler • Bridgewater • Stonewater

• Timberland Gap • Westbrook (SQCC)

Call to schedule your pick-up!

(912) 224-8190

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

photo by Dream Weaver Photos

S a v a n n a h Wo m a n c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u

The Survivor Photo Shoot

he three ladies in the picture above are all Survivors, each of them at a different place in that process, some of them having faced similar cancers, and others not so well known forms of this menacing disease. They come from different economic backgrounds. They are each unique in appearance. The one thing that drew each of them to this moment in time, captured beautifully by Mrs. Jamie Weaver, is the fact that each of them has survived some form of cancer! Here are three strong, resilient, beautiful women who faced a life threatening disease with courage and strength and decided to live another day.

every day in research all over this magnificent world that we live in, people survive!

This photo shoot started out as just an idea about one special lady that touched my own life with her faith and determination. Diane Conyers, of Lexington, South Carolina inspired me to begin the Survivor Photo Shoot in each city in which I publish a magazine.

“I hope that reading about the three Survivors we chose to feature in this edition will inspire the survivor in you.”

After my aunt Peggy Harrison of Buford, Georgia was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2007, I wanted to share with women all over Savannah that cancer isn’t a death sentence. With early detection, state of the art treatment facilities, and advancements made View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

I hope that reading about the three Survivors we chose to feature in this edition will inspire the survivor in you. Maybe it isn’t cancer you are facing. Maybe it is another disease that has the odds stacked against you. Perhaps it is a circumstance or a situation that has you wondering if you can get through. If so, I encourage you to educate yourself and as Survivor Paulette Criscione would say, “wrap your arms around faith and don’t give up!”

If you or someone you know is a Survivor, please email me at ld@ woman2woman.sc, we would love to include you in our upcoming Survivor event in Savannah. 33

Celebrating the

Survivor in You

The current state of breast imaging Dr. Pamela H. Boland, M.D.

Do you consider yourself well educated about breast health? Let’s take a little quiz. True

False Women under 35 are not at risk for breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer. Most women who get breast cancer have a family history or the cancer gene. Mammograms cause breast cancer. The number of women having mammograms is increasing. Breast cancer can be prevented. The older I get, the less likely it is that I will get breast cancer. Having “dense” breasts* is a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast MRI is better that mammography for finding cancer. Ultrasound is better than mammography for finding cancer.

*as seen on a mammogram

Now don’t look to the end of the article for the upside down answers to the quiz. What I hope you will do is read this article to see how you did. Most of the statements above relate to breast cancer risk. Who is at risk for breast cancer? A common misconception is that women who develop breast cancer have known risk factors. Having one of the breast cancer genes or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly in close relatives such as your mother, sister, or daughter, does increase your risk above the average woman. What many women do not realize is that Dr. Pamela H. Boland, M.D the greatest risk for developing SouthCoast Imaging Center breast cancer is to be a woman (though men do rarely develop breast cancer). And that most of the women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have no risk factors. All women are at risk (even those in their twenties and younger). So what can you do to be one of the breast cancer survivors? Very little can be done to change the major risk factors. In approximate descending order these are being female, getting older, having the BRCA gene, a positive family history (particularly multiple relative or very close ones), being a breast cancer survivor, having a benign breast biopsy that showed atypical cells, been exposed to prior radiation therapy to the chest, or having dense breasts. In this list there is 34 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

not a single risk factor that you can modify. Even if you were to have bilateral mastectomies, you can rarely still somehow develop breast cancer. Factors that do not impart as great a risk but that you can change include obesity, inactivity, a high fat diet, excessive alcohol consumption and, possibly, hormones (notice that not having mammograms does not reduce your risk, though breast feeding does). So why then has the breast cancer death rate decreased? In large part due to early detection with mammography. Even the most primitive mammograms first used found cancers that could not be felt. And, since that beginning, mammography has continually improved thanks to innovation and government regulation. Mammograms save lives. I believe in mammography, but I would be the first to tell you that it is not a perfect study. Mammograms cannot detect about ten percent of breast cancers. If you have breasts that are dense by mammography, mammography may only see the cancer sixty percent of the time, but it still finds that sixty percent. I spend so much time on mammography because of the disturbing fact that fewer and fewer women in this country are having mammograms. Could this be because of the belief that mammography cannot find cancer, due to changes in insurance and increasing co pays or, as a recent survey suggested, women just “didn’t think about it”? What ever the reason, the decrease is disturbing, particularly since the women who would benefit the most from the screening, women age 40 to 64, were the ones in which the drop in screening was largest. The good news is that over eighty five percent of women will never have breast cancer, but no one knows who will be in that lucky group. So what should we do? The American Cancer Society recommends monthly self breast exams (for those cancers found first by patients), View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Celebrating the annual breast exams by you doctor (for those found first by your doctor), yearly mammograms after age 40 (enough said) and, if you are a very high risk patient*, yearly screening breast MRI. Ultrasound used for screening is not as sensitive as MRI or mammography, but is an excellent tool for looking at masses seen on a mammogram or MRI or for investigating lumps after having a mammogram. Recent news reported that screening ultrasound could find cancers that mammograms did not show, but mammography and breast MRI still beat ultrasound by finding more cancers. Because of this, MRI is a better screening test than ultrasound, but is it better than a mammogram? The answer is yes and no (OK, it was a trick question). Breast MRI finds more cancers than even mammograms, but no one currently recommends MRI without mammography since a mammogram can find certain cancers that MRI cannot. Secondly, though MRI finds more cancers, it also finds many things that look like cancer but are not (which is also a significant problem with ultrasound). That means more biopsies with emotional trauma and possible physical scarring of women. Thirdly, it is currently a very expensive and much longer test that, if you are fortunate enough to have insurance, is only paid for in select women*. MRI is not just a screening tool. It is used more and more as a diagnostic tool in patients who have just found out that they have breast cancer. It can find additional cancers that were not seen on other tests in the same or even the opposite breast. It is used to evaluate the

Survivor in You

spread of cancer to the chest muscle or lymph nodes. It can even be used to tell if a cancer treatment is effectively killing the cancer cells. All this may sound very negative, but things change daily. Many new and exciting technologies are being developed and tested that will be even better than what we currently have. Breast MRI is improving and will get faster and, hopefully, less expensive to buy, use and interpret. Other developments include a CT scanner just for the breast, a mammogram done with images like a CT, a breast only nuclear medicine device, even a device that uses laser light. Outside of imaging there are blood tests, genetic tests and even testing of the actual cancerous tissue that are all being used or developed. Breast cancer detection will improve. In closing I hope that you will never have to be told that you have breast or any other cancer, but for the sake of your loved ones and for yourself please remember that early detection is one of the major keys to survival. Please remember all your cancer screenings. *These are the women for which screening MRI is currently recommended each year by the American Cancer Society: Those with BRCA mutation (a gene); untested first-degree relatives of a BRCA carrier; those with a lifetime risk of 20–25% or greater; those who have had radiation therapy to the chest between age 10 and 30 years; women who have Li-Fraumeni, Cowden or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome and their close (first degree) relatives. Some in-

“Your full service, freestanding choice for medical imaging.”

IMAGING CENTER

SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN’S IMAGING: • Digital Mammography (Walk-In appointments available) • Ultrasound Breast Imaging • Breast MRI • Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsies • Bone Densitometry

Other Services: MRI (1.5T and Open MRI) • Computed Tomography (CT 64 Slice) Virtual Colonoscopy • Ultrasound • Image Guided Pain Management

912-691-4200

Nuclear Medicine • Pediatric Radiology • Fluoroscopy

1326 Eisenhower Drive, Building 1 Savannah, Georgia

General Radiology • Screening Exams • Preventative Imaging

www.southcoastmedical.com View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Celebrating the

Survivor in You

surance companies will also cover screening for women with dense breasts. Please check with you carrier.

When cancer strikes Barbara Kicklighter

More information about breast cancer: For an estimate of your own breast cancer life time risk compared to average from the National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool For additional information about breast cancer from the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure: www.cancer.org and www.cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm From the desk of the Executive Director, RI Cancer Council, Inc. Arvin S. Glicksman, M.D. “There is not doubt that new and more effective means of detecting breast cancer would be of great benefit, but until such a time that we have an established, acceptable alternative to mammography, women would be well advised to continue to have their mammograms on a regular basis and not play Russian roulette with their lives.” Dr. Pamela H. Boland is a board certified diagnostic radiologist with the imaging center at SouthCoast Medical Group. She has served the Savannah region for over 18 years specializing in women’s imaging.

How many years have you been a Survivor?

hen cancer strikes, it shows no favoritism. Everyone is at risk—infants, adults, young or old, single or married. Many of you even know of family members or friends who have been diagnosed. This year, 1.4 million new patients will be diagnosed. Men have a one in two chance of developing cancer. Most common types of cancer in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal. Women have one in three chances of developing cancer. Most common types of cancer in women are lung, breast, and colorectal. Cancer deaths in the United States are nearly 25% (2007 American Cancer Society). Survival can create financial hardship. Families could be forced to declare bankruptcy because of medical expenses. If the patient is the primary wage earner, most families do not have the financial resources to maintain survival while they are unable to work. It is important to have cancer coverage. How difficult would it be for your family to pay bills without your income? A Supplemental Health Cancer Policy can offset the financial burden with benefits, most of which have no lifetime maximums. Some benefits include surgery and hospital confinement, income replacement, radiation and chemotherapy treatment, prescription chemotherapy drugs, transportation, blood, anesthesia, and hospice. Benefits are paid directly to you. Your focus should be recovery. Shouldn’t you protect your family today?

Liberty National has a policy against cancer. Do you? You can take certain steps to help reduce the risks of cancer — including the financial risks. Liberty National’s cancer coverage helps protect you and your family against the high cost of treatment. And that means if cancer should strike, you can concentrate on getting well — instead of worrying about the bills. So find out more about our policy against cancer. Talk

photos by Dream Weaver Photos

to your Liberty National agent today.

36 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

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Celebrating the

Survivor in You

Jenny Sheppard Survivor for 2 years

2W: Since your diagnosis, what has kept you grounded? How are able to hold it together? Where do you find

strength? Jenny: In my children, Riley (9) and Anya (6). I have to stay healthy for them so I will be here for all the milestones in their lives. I also find strength in working with our local community volunteer group for the Young Survival Coalition. It is my “pay it forward” opportunity in life.

Savannah. Our friends and family came out of the woodwork to help. We had maid service, meals, help with the kids, and a constant stream of calls, well-wishes and prayers. We moved to Savannah from Atlanta in 2001 and now realize what a blessing it has been. It would have been so much more difficult if we were still in Atlanta. W2W: Do you feel now like you can conquer anything? Jenny: Not really. I still get stressed and feel like I am losing it when things get crazy between my work and personal life. I also have a bit of “chemo-brain” going on which makes me more absent minded than before, so I sometimes have a really hard time keeping it all together.

“I also find strength in working with our local community volunteer group for the Young Survival Coalition. It is my “pay it forward” opportunity in life.” W2W: How has having had cancer changed your philosophy on life? Jenny: I think twice about the things I put in or on my body. I try to be as natural as possible and encourage my kids and husband to be healthier, too (not that it is working). Given the family history of cancer in both of our families, we all need to pay more attention to our health. photo by Dream Weaver Photos

W2W: Did you learn anything from it...if were you able to somehow find a rainbow or make lemonade? Jenny: Absolutely. My husband and I were struggling to keep a failing investment business afloat and it was taking a huge toll on our relationship and our finances. The day I was diagnosed we basically gave the business away and put the whole thing behind us. We realize what is most important in life now and money just doesn’t rank. We are closer than we have ever been. W2W: What was the toughest moment for you? Jenny: Immediately after surgery. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time. The pain was so much worse than I anticipated, I had six painful tubes sticking out of me draining fluid and the pain medicine made me sick. For at least 2 weeks, I couldn’t sleep in a bed and I couldn’t do hardly anything for myself. W2W: The most enlightening? Jenny: Realizing what an amazing support system we have here in 38 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

I also am not as quick to judge others. You never know what might be going on in their lives – maybe they or someone in their family is facing a major challenge. So I try not to jump to conclusions or assume anything. W2W: Is there a particular song that makes you feel strong or smile? A poem? Jenny: Melissa Etheridge – I Run for Life. She is also a survivor, and this song was written for the Ford Cares campaign. I love to listen to it while I am exercising. It reminds me that I need to work hard to stay healthy and it helps me push through the hard parts of the workout. W2W: Was there insight from a friend that helped make a dark day seem brighter? Jenny: My first chemo treatment beat me down pretty badly. A new friend who was an 8 year survivor attended the treatment with me to guide me through it and a week later, when I felt like the sickest I have ever been, she came to my rescue. She brought me all the comfort foods that helped her and ordered me to do nothing but stay on the couch and watch mindless TV. She told me that once View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Celebrating the my body started to recover, I would feel better by the hour. She was absolutely right. It was so helpful to have someone that had been in the exact same spot to guide me through that first terrible treatment. Coming from her, I knew I would get through it. W2W: Would you like to say something to your doctors/nurses/ people at treatment facilities? Jenny: It is so important with cancer that the patient feel comfortable with their medical team. And believe me, there are so many, it really is a team. When I arrived at Telfair Pavilion and got the bad news in May 2006, they had called in Wanda Jones, the patient navigator from the Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion. She was there with me from the very first moment and she guided me every step of the way. I also appreciate how well my medical team worked together to insure we were fighting my cancer most effectively. I am so grateful for Doctors Mark Taylor, Morris Geffen, Susan Mahany, Richard Greco and all of their staff, as well as Mary Felchlin, lymphedema therapist, Michael Ard-Kelly, acupuncturist, and Island Spine and Sport, my physical therapists. We all made a great team. W2W: Is there is a thank you that you would like to publicly express? Jenny: Yes. To my husband, for putting up with me doing absolutely nothing to help him with the house or the kids for 9 months during treatment. He never once complained, he shaved his head for me, got a pink ribbon tattoo on his ankle and gave me all the emotional and physical support I needed. Also to my mother and father-in-law. My parents were both deceased before I was diagnosed and Nanny and Pop were at my side just like my own parents would have been. And to all of our friends and other family members. We could not have survived the experience nearly as well without their support. W2W: Is there a piece of advice you would give medical professionals in dealing with cancer patients? Jenny: Yes. Please embrace and encourage complimentary treatment to help deal with the side-effects of traditional treatment. Things like yoga, acupuncture, guided imagery, and physical/occupational therapy. I really struggled with nausea with my first chemo treatment, and my brother had learned that acupuncture can be helpful. He did some investigation and learned that there was an acupuncturist at the Center for Well-Being right at Candler Hospital. Acupuncture completely eliminated the nausea for me. I continued it through chemo and I never experienced the extreme nausea or severity of side effects again. I now use acupuncture to help counteract the symptoms associated with my chemically-induced menopause. My surgical choice was double mastectomy and tram-flap reconstruction, where my stomach muscles were moved to help form and provide blood flow to the new “breast” tissue. My range of motion and physical pain was profound for several weeks following View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Survivor in You

surgery. Although I had to fight to get the prescription, I got amazing results from physical therapy and quickly learned that I was not going to be physically limited forever. This realization was a huge motivator for me both physically and mentally. I think physical therapy should be a standard for all mastectomy patients. W2W: Did something funny ever happen with your wig... a wig story, or a chemo story that made you laugh? Jenny: I was completely bald at Halloween in 2006. I decided to dress up to greet the kids that year. I wore a black “grim reaper” type of outfit, applied pale makeup, added dark circles around my eyes and put fake blood on my head. Then I sat on the front porch and handed out candy. One boy said to me, “wow, that looks real”. I told him it was real and he touched my head. Then he said, “you are really creepy!” Mission Accomplished! W2W: How has having cancer affected your relationship with your family? Jenny: I figured that I would never take my family for granted and I would never get angry or yell at them again. That was a false assumption. I still get frustrated sometimes, but have come to realize that is just a normal part of life and I still have to be a mom and a wife, not always the cancer survivor. I don’t let cancer define who I am, but I do try to keep it in mind when things are getting out of hand. It helps to reel me back in and realize that the problem at hand may not be quite as big a deal as it seems. W2W: If there is something you can tell other people going through this, what would it be? Jenny: Become an educated advocate for yourself, be an active participant in your treatment, keep a positive mental attitude, exercise to maintain your physical strength, seek out complimentary options to insure better outcomes of traditional treatment, don’t sweat the small stuff, and set a self-rewarding goal for when treatment is over (we took a trip to the Bahamas). Cancer sucks at any age, but younger women with a breast cancer diagnosis face some unique challenges that their older counterparts do not. For example, young children, a blooming career, fertility concerns, safety of pregnancy, early menopause, and dating. Plus breast cancer tends to be more aggressive in younger women and the survival rates are lower. I had moments when I felt very alone despite the wonderful support I received. So, I would like women in the area to know that there is now a local group in the community that is here to help. We are the Young Survival Coalition, and we meet the second Sunday of each month at 4pm at the Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion. We can be reached at 912-308-3081 and 912-695-3081 or via email at yscsavannahcvg@ youngsurvival.org. Our national website is youngsurvival.org.

Celebrating the

Survivor in You

Jackie Lane Survivor for 18 years

2W: Since your diagnosis, what has kept you grounded? How are able to hold it together? Where do you find

strength? Jackie: I find my strength by sharing my story with other women.

W2W: Did you learn anything from it...if were you able to somehow find a rainbow or make lemonade? Jackie: I learned to trust in God and to believe that he has a greater purpose for me in this life.

W2W: What was the toughest moment for you? Jackie: Having to tell my husband—he lost his first wife to breast cancer—and my family. W2W: The most enlightening? Jackie: That with a positive attitude you can conquer any thing that stands in your way. W2W: Do you feel now like you can conquer anything? Jackie: Yes. W2W: How has having had cancer changed your philosophy on life? Jackie: I live everyday to the fullest. Tell your loved ones how much you love them everyday. W2W: Is there a particular song that makes you feel strong or smile? A poem? Jackie: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference.”

photo by Dream Weaver Photos

“I find my strength by sharing my story with other women.”

W2W: Is there is a thank you that you would like to publicly express? Jackie: I would like to say thank you to the Avon Company that I work for. Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the Breast Cancer cause. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and donated nearly a half-billion dollars worldwide since 1992. We will find a cure for Breast Cancer. W2W: If there is something you can tell other people going through this, what would it be? Jackie: Learn everything you can about your cancer, and fight it with every ounce of strength you have. You will be the winner!

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault

40 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Celebrating the

Survivor in You

Faye Cheek Survivor for 10 years

2W: Since your diagnosis, what has kept you grounded? How are able to hold it together? Where do you find

strength? Faye: My family has always come first with me, so I relied heavily on them. Also music, music, music. I listen to all kinds of music, and through my faith. W2W: Did you learn anything from it...if were you able to somehow find a rainbow or make lemonade?

malignant node in my lung, about seven years after the liver cancer. It was positive, and I had the right lower lobe removed. I’m still being followed closely. W2W: Do you feel now like you can conquer anything? Faye: Yes, with the help the Lord. I never knew I was this strong. W2W: Is there a particular song that makes you feel strong or smile? A poem? Faye: “I am, I said, He ain’t heavy, He’s my brother,” or any of Neil Diamond’s songs. W2W: Was there insight from a friend that helped make a dark day seem brighter? Faye: Not really. I did lose three brothers to lung cancer during this time, and I know how lucky I was and am that my cancer was found early.

“Life is short. Enjoy every day. My three granddaughters are a blessing.” W2W: Is there is a thank you that you would like to publicly express? Faye: I would like to thank all of my doctors for following me so closely and for their early detection of the cancers. photo by Dream Weaver Photos

Faye: Life is short. Enjoy every day. My three granddaughters are a blessing. W2W: What was the toughest moment for you? Faye: The toughest moment was being told that I probably had a

W2W: How has having cancer affected your relationship with your family? Faye: We have always been close, and now, we are even closer. W2W: If there is something you can tell other people going through this, what would it be? Faye: Trust in God, and get your routine check-ups.

“Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they’re always there.” — Norman Vincent Peale

View online at www.savannahwoman.sc

Celebrating the

Survivor in You

You and your doctor Stephen C. Allen, M.D.

ince this issue of Savannah Woman is focused on cancer survivors, and I am an orthopedic doctor not typically treating cancer victims, I felt it would be appropriate to describe the process of developing a good doctor/patient relationship. A relationship that will prove to be beneficial to the patient. The greatest chance for successful treatment of any condition is with an accurate history, thorough examination, and early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is improved with well thought out discussion and exchange of information between the patient and doctor (healthcare provider, HCP). Providing the HCP with all the necessary information will improve the chance of early diagnosis, limit adverse interactions, and getting on the road to recovery. Be prepared when you visit the doctor to utilize the time of the encounter well:

• Prepare a list of complaints (written) • Practice how your tell the story of how, when, where, and what helps or worsens the symptoms • Do not complicate the complaints with other unrelated problems/ complaints. • No matter how small or how long ago compile a list of all your previous medical conditions and surgeries (the year they occurred), medications (including over the counter treatments, herbs, and vitamins), and allergies. • Obtain copies of previous medical testing including EKG, X-rays, EMG, MRI, and Lab studies (hard copies, reports are generally not sufficient).

paper work and summaries. Bring a copy of patient insurance information and the responsible party. If an initial visit or anticipated explanations are expected, it is advisable to bring along a friend, parent, or spouse as a second set of ears. If it is not volunteered, request that your second set of ears be able to listen with you. If English is not well understood, bring a trusted interpreter (not a child). Wear appropriate clothing that is easily removed to expose the necessary region/area of your body. Remember just because your foot hurts, does not mean the doctor should only look at your foot. Palpation of the back and abdomen are not uncommonly an important part of a thorough examination. A modest swim suit is a good costume for an orthopedic exam, but it is hardly appropriate for the gynecologist. One should take notes, review what is understood with the health care provider at the time of the discussion, and after you have left the office. If there are existing questions, do not hesitate to call and request clarification. Follow the suggestions that you have been given; including the full course of medication or therapy, and keep the HCP informed of your response. Keep your follow up appointments and do the requested tests, studies, and diary of the personal response to the treatment. Make sure you understand adverse reactions to medication, the expected recovery, and how to physically perform the duties that are required of you such as a bandage, crutches, or administration of medication. Talk to your caregiver, understand what is happening to you, and never be afraid to ask questions. If you participate in your own care, the process will run more smoothly and recovery is more likely be uncomplicated.

The patient should arrive early and be prepared to complete simple

Stephen C. Allen, M.D.

General Orthopedics & Sport Medicine 912.692.0770 Office 912.692.0660 Fax 200 Commercial Court, Suite 1 • Savannah, Georgia 31406 Board Certified and Member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 42 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

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Business & Web Directory Automotive

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Entertainment

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Hotels

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Etiquette

Insurance

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Health and Wellness

Dermatology Associates of the LowCountry...............13 www.dalcdermatology.com Gateway Behavioral Health Services.............................19 www.gatewaybhs.org Premier Dental Designs..................................................11 www.premierdentaldesigns.com

Liberty National Life Insurance.....................................36

Jewelers

International Diamond Center.........Inside Front Cover www.shopidc.com

Photography

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Quiet Awakening.............................................................11 www.quietawakening.com

photo by Camden Light Studio

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A Personal Note

would like to dedicate this edition of Savannah Woman to my husband, Trenton Matthew Duncan. Oh, Trent, when we started this journey more than fourteen years ago, I could not have known it would take us where it has. To say I love you more today than the day we married would be a gross understatement. Sometimes when I look at you, I feel so much love I think I couldn’t possibly hold it in—I hope I don’t. I hope I show you that you are my rock and my true inspiration. Thank you for my beautiful, blissful life. Thank you for all the years we have shared and all those that are yet to come. You are the love of my life. For my mom, thank you for always leading by example, for letting me see you be kind to others, and for allowing me to watch you pray. When I was young, I didn’t understand why you did the things you didn’t have to do. Thank you. Thank you for being an example of empathy and benevolence. Thank you for teaching me how to treat others. I love you. For my only daughter, Abby, I am so proud of who you are. My kindhearted little girl, the little nurturer, you are so incredibly special. Congratulations on being selected to perform with the Honors Choir in Charleston. I like to pretend you get your voice from me. Abby, remember this, sweetheart, anyone can be beautiful, and you are certainly that, but you choose to be kind and generous with yourself. I am very proud of you. Once a friend jokingly called me, Lori—mother of sons… I have three. Three precious boys who are each individual and quiet extraordinary. Trey is my oldest. He is a warrior. Strong, kind and capable of anything he sets his mind to. He loves to learn, and he is never to busy for me. Trey, I watch you sometimes, and I marvel at the young man you are becoming. I know God has big things planned for you. Colton is our second son, sweet natured and filled with such joy. He simply lives every moment to its fullest. It is hard to watch him without a smile on my face. Colton, you are a gift of the sweetest kind. Every moment that you climb into my lap and lay your head against my shoulder and I look at those big blue eyes, I know that some day you will be melting little hearts with that same look that will forever melt mine. I love you. Ryan is the final addition to our family, and he reminds me everyday that life is good. He is one of many miracles in my life, and I love his sweet baby kisses and his mile-wide smile. For everyone woman who reads this book, for every friend I have in Savannah, and for all the ones I will make in months to come, thank you all for your inspiration. I would also like to thank my team. You women are incredible, and I hope I make you proud.

Lori Samples Duncan Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

44 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

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Celebrating the Survivor in You!

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