JOY Magazine--Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

JOY BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

TIPS TO

BEAT THE

HEAT PLUS, L A K E D AY S & F R E S H T O M AT O RECIPES

SUMMERTIME IS FINE

JUMP ON IN

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

S E T T I N G T H E H I G H E ST STA N D A R D O F H E A LT H C A R E B E G I N S B Y

REMEMBERING

WHO WE’RE DOING I T F O R.

L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R H I G H S TA N D A R D S AT

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG

JOY

Hello everyone.

This summer may be different for most of us this year. We probably

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A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

won’t travel as much; we probably won’t be in large gatherings, and coverings regardless of the summer heat. Although this summer will be different, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have some fun, eat some tasty (and healthy!) summer food and find and enjoy moments to relax.

We’ve also got an article on The Gene

Options for all of this are in this

Machine, a dynamic program that

issue—everything from lake living

I bet most of you have never heard

to unplugging from technology and

of. Based at Auburn University, it is

learning to appreciate the simpler

a project that means a great deal to

things in life.

the Joy to Life Foundation. We are so proud to highlight this program

I am truly excited that a member of

in this issue. Dr. Nancy Merner has

our own Joy to Life Foundation team

been the driving force behind The

is being highlighted in our Real Life

Gene Machine, and the Foundation

section. Jackie Butler, Mammogram

has long supported her efforts.

Program Manager and Bookkeeper,

I know you will enjoy getting to

is a strong, gracious 12-year breast

know her and her unique traveling

cancer survivor. She is the kindest,

program.

dearest person I know, and we at Joy to Life love her with all of our hearts.

We all at JOY magazine and the The

She coordinates breast screenings

Joy to Life Foundation hope you

through our county health

and your loved ones remain safe and

departments for the women whom

healthy as we continue to deal with

The Joy to Life Foundation serves in

the uncertainty surrounding our

Alabama. Jackie is highly respected

lives today. WE ARE ALL IN THIS

by healthcare professionals in each

TOGETHER, and WE WILL STAY

of our 67 counties. She is calming,

STRONG TOGETHER!

loving and reassuring as she helps uninsured women navigate

PUBLISHER JTL Publishing EDITOR Joy Blondheim MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION exploreMedia 334.578.7810

AD CREATIVE AND SALES Heather Cooper, Shelby Shubird, and Christina Bennett

screenings, and she is a tremendous advocate for the women the Foundation serves. It is an honor to

Joy Blondheim

work alongside her.

Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation

Jenny Enslen Stubbs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Kimberley Carter Spivey, Jenny Enslen Stubbs and Melissa Tate Witt

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Robert Fouts

Joy is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. © 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher.

Joy reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy.

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CONTENT

COPY EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative and Billy Pope

the process of receiving breast

24 ON THE COVER: Lake-goers of all ages find fun in the sun on Lake Martin.

08

32 GREAT GOODS Products & Gear

14 THE DISH

36 REAL LIFE

Shake It Up

A Discussion with Jackie Butler

16 WHOLE LIVING

38 EVERYDAY JOY

18 ON THE MOVE

44 TO LIFE

So Fresh & So Clean

Exercising Outside: Beat the Heat

22 FIT FOR KIDS

The HPV Vaccine

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

News & Happenings with the Joy to Life Foundation

The Power of Unplugging

46 SKIN DEEP

Radiance-Boosting Bites

FEATURES

Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

we will certainly be wearing face

SUCH GOOD STUFF

Tribute to A

Tomatoes provide a big dose of your daily required vitamin C and vitamin K, plus good amounts of potassium and folate, but the real winner of health benefits bingo in tomatoes is lycopene.

It gives red tomatoes their cardinal hue and is more than a pigment; it’s also a potent antioxidant. Its proven powers include improving heart health, significantly lowering the risk for several cancers, keeping bones

Tomatoes

and eyes strong and fighting overall inflammation.

The time is ripe for enjoying summer’s favorite fruit.

Tomatoes grow all over the world, and they play important roles in the cuisines of many cultures.

But down South, we put summer’s favorite fruit (yep, tomatoes are a fruit) on a high pedestal. The humble tomato sandwich (ripe maters, Duke’s mayo and white bread), simple as it is, elicits a “Christmas-morning” excitement from most below the Mason-Dixon line (especially that first tomato sandwich each year). And the love affair continues all summer long. In an effort to truly savor this gift—one that makes the season’s sizzling heat just a bit more bearable—here are three seriously simple ways to celebrate the tomato and the carefree days it symbolizes.

By Jennifer Stewart Kornegay 8

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Tomato Rosemary Jam

Classic Caprese Salad

(This makes about 6 pints or 12 half-pints.)

Tomato & Cucumber Salad (serves 4) (serves 4 for a side or appetizer)

You can’t go wrong with the classics like this combo of balsamic, basil, fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Use cherry and grape varieties if you’ve got them, so everything will be bite-sized.

Bites of fresh tomato, sharp red onion and refreshing wedges of cucumber come together beautifully and deliciously in this salad.

14 pounds tomatoes, cored and chopped 4 shallots, minced 3 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

3 large tomatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces

2 to 3 jalapeños or serrano chilies, chopped fine

1 large cucumber, chopped into bite sized pieces

Juice of three lemons 6 (4-inch) sprigs of fresh rosemary

1/4 cup fine-chopped red onion

(depending on their size)

2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (Start with two and give it a taste; if you like things sweeter, add more!)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons good olive oil

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

fresh ground pepper to taste

salt to taste

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil 16 bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)

Whisk oil, sugar, vinegar and salt together and pour over chopped veggies. Let sit for an hour or so to let the flavors marry. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. (Any longer than that, and the maters and cucumbers get mushy!)

Divide the tomatoes and cheese evenly between four plates. Drizzle each with the oil, then the balsamic and sprinkle with basil, salt and pepper.

Eat immediately.

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Fresh Facts

3 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup chopped scallions

2 cups cherry and grape tomatoes, halved or quartered

When you hear jam, you probably think raspberry, strawberry or some other intense fruity flavor slathered on toast or a biscuit. But that’s not what we’ve got here. This is a savory jam that calls for cooking down fresh tomatoes to concentrate their sweet and acidic flavors and create a hearty condiment that goes great with cheeses and meats.

It’s the perfect way to preserve the last of summer’s fat, ruby-red globes and ensure you can enjoy them throughout the year.

Get your jars and lids ready (clean and sterilize them) and fill a large pot halfway with water and set on medium heat. (You’ll need this to process your jars once they are full of the finished jam.)

Put all the ingredients except the rosemary in a heavy-bottom pot (I used my cast iron Dutch oven) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 55 minutes. Add the rosemary sprigs and cook for another 45 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened and reduced to a jam-like consistency. Take out the rosemary.

Follow the instructions on your cans to fill, seal and process them safely.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Yes. Fresh fruits and veggies are wonderful, and in many cases, they beat their cooked or processed counterparts when it comes to nutrition. But tomatoes are an exception to that rule. When tomatoes are cooked or concentrated (like in tomato sauce, tomato juice or ketchup), the lycopene content is increased, meaning ounce-for-ounce, you get more beneficial bang in the processed product. But fresh maters are still high in nutritional value.

And, if the packaged items are full of chemicals, sodium and other junk, that cancels out the good stuff, so look for tomato products that have been minimally processed and have very few additives.

FOR

the

LOVE

Tomatoes may not be exclusively Southern, but the way our region reveres them makes them key to our culinary culture. So too do these three very Southern ways to enjoy them.

Chow Chow.

No, not a big fluffy dog. A tangy, spicy condiment made most often from green tomatoes (but sometimes red ones too).

They’re combined and pickled with peppers, onion and vinegar resulting in a relish that adds its sweet-hot punch to slow-cooked veggies like collard greens, pinto beans and field peas. Variations on the theme are abundant; other popular ingredients include cucumber, cabbage, mustard seeds, celery and carrots. There is evidence that chow chow originated in South Carolina, but a few food scholars tie it to Chinese rail workers in California. No matter. Mason jars full of the stuff have been at the center of Southern tables for two centuries.

The Sout hern Tomat o Pie. This rich, cheesy Southern summer standard was, without a doubt, born and bred down here, baking several of our beloved culinary traditions into one handy-dandy package. Tomatoes picked at their peak are mounded with cheese, garden-fresh herbs and maybe a little crumbled bacon, and then it’s all glued together with mayo inside a homemade crust. Some recipes include hot sauce’s kick, and slivers of Vidalia onion find their way into a few versions, too.

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To Chill or Not to Chill?

Fried Green Tomat oes: We Southerners love our tomatoes so much, we can’t even wait for them to ripen before we pick ‘em, batter ‘em, give them a bath in hot fat and consume them. Everybody knows this rustic dish has been a regional favorite long before it was a book or funny-tender chick-flick. Or has it?

After the movie’s success, it found its way onto menus at every Southern eatery with any pride and also ventured far beyond our borders. While many claim Southern meat ’n three joints have been serving the dish since Depression days, others swear it has its roots in the Midwest or even (gasp!) the Northeast. Regardless of who made fried green tomatoes first, Southerners now make them best (and probably most often). Our region’s finest chefs from NOLA to Charleston include dressed-up versions of this comfortfood classic on their menus. They and myriad home cooks know that frying the green discs tempers their tartness and softens their firm flesh. And it was a Southern story that propelled the treat into gastronomic glory. Plus, since most of the country now identifies fried green tomatoes with our regional cuisine, we’ll go ahead and keep them on the iconic Southern food list.

In recent years, a fiery debate erupted in the food world questioning the old adage “never refrigerate tomatoes.” After some back and forth and finally, some real research, the consensus now seems to be that sometimes you should and sometimes you shouldn’t. If you’ve got slightly unripe tomatoes on your hands, you want to leave them at room temperature. The cold of your fridge will halt any further ripening.

If you’ve got perfectly ripe tomatoes, leave them out too, unless you think you won’t eat them within a couple of days. They too will continue to ripen, and if left at room temp too long, will rot. Feel free to chill them to preserve them for longer. You may notice a less-than-stellar texture, but it’s better than finding them mushy and inedible.

the dish

Shake p itU

Get shaking and create some healthy, homemade salad dressings to brighten this season’s abundant veggies.

Do-it-Yourself

Salad Dressings

Orange-Rosemary Dressing A bright burst of tangy orange takes center stage in this dressing.

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup blood-orange infused olive oil

Honey-Lime Dressing

1/3 cup red wine vinegar With the arrival of summer, it’s time to start enjoying salads packed with all the fresh, local produce that’s available.

And there are so many types of salad just waiting to be eaten. You can mix and match different lettuces, completely forget the lettuce (check out our Salad Days article in our Spring 2017 issue for inspiration), choose from myriad toppings to add and there are oh, so many dressing options.

In fact, one of the easiest ways to jazz up your salad game is to start making homemade dressings. They’re easy.

They’re usually cheaper than storebought dressings. And healthier; they don’t contain any unpronounceable ingredients. And they definitely taste better.

Consider versions of the basic vinaigrette, which follow this simple formula: vinegar or citrus juice (something acidic), oil, a fresh herb (or garlic or onion or all three), something sweet (honey, sugar, brown sugar) and a generous dash of coarse salt.

By choosing different things from each above category, you can create a diverse spectrum of dressings. A few favorites follow, but first, a note: The Honey-Lime dressing recipe makes just enough to dress about four side salad servings. The Orange-Rosemary dressing is enough for about six side salads. Double or triple the amounts to make more. And the instructions are the same for all: Place all ingredients in a mason jar, tighten the lid and shake really well just before serving.

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Sweet Ginger Dressing

1 teaspoon sugar

Aromatic, slightly spicy ginger is the star of Sweet Ginger Dressing.

Try this: Mix it with some roasted chicken, sliced scallions, shredded carrots and chopped peanuts for an easy chicken salad that’s full of flavor and crunch.

2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice

2/3 cup rice vinegar 1 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 4 cloves garlic, pressed 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon orange zest 5 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped fine dash of coarse salt

Give it a shake

(

(

((

The full flavors of this dressing work well with Latin-inspired dishes. Try this: Toss cooked and cooled black-eyed peas (or black beans), chopped tomato, scallion, sweet corn and sweet or hot peppers with Honey-Lime Dressing and serve in hollowed out tomato with an extra squeeze of lime and pinch of salt.

1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil 3 tablespoons lime juice 5 tablespoons chopped cilantro 5 tablespoons raw honey 1 tablespoon finely diced shallot dash of coarse salt

Place all ingredients in a mason jar, tighten the lid and shake really well just before serving.

2 tablespoons sesame seeds 15

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

G WHOLE LIVIN

GO NATURAL

FRESH CLEAN So

Glass Cleaner:

Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water and pour into a spray bottle.

Squirt on glass and wipe with newspaper to prevent streaking.

Create a paste with baking soda and water to coat the inside of your oven and let stand overnight. Scrub off and buff with a moist cloth.

Most of us probably have the same idea of what is considered a fresh, clean smell— one that reeks of bleach and ammonia.

Unfortunately, experts continue to tell of the profound effects these conventional household cleaners have on us as well as the environment. These products often don’t list what is in them, creating a risk of mixing

Furniture Polish:

Mix ¾ cup olive oil, ⅛ cup of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Dip a damp rag into furniture polish and wipe surface of furniture.

Buff off with an old dry towel. You can also use this mixture on stainless steel!

Hardwood Floors:

Mix one gallon of hot water with ½ cup white vinegar.

So

YOU CAN GET YOUR HOME SPARKLING CLEAN WITHOUT HARSH — AND HARMFUL — CHEMICALS. GO NATURAL INSTEAD.

Mix ¾ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of lemon juice, ½ cup white vinegar and 3 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap to form a paste. If you need some extra scrub on safe surfaces, add 3 tablespoons of salt.

Oven Cleaner:

&

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ gallon of hot water in a spray bottle.

chemicals together while cleaning which can potentially have a toxic effect on your family.

Keeping your home clean doesn’t require mass disinfection, and conventional products don’t work any better than their natural or non-toxic counterparts. Science has proven we don’t need to use antibacterial soap to clean our hands, and many believe the risks from various chemicals used in soaps and other cleaners outweigh any potential benefit. This is true for most areas in our house that we clean—they will be cleaner and even safer with natural cleaners.

Bathroom Cleaner:

There are many “green” cleaners out there for just about every household cleaning task. While most of these marketed “green” products are indeed safer, look for cleaners that list all the ingredients in them. Avoid cleaners and soaps which contain chlorine, alcohols, triclosan, triclocarbon, lye, glycol ethers or ammonia; instead, choose products that say petroleum-free, 90-percent biodegradable in three days or phosphatefree.

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Even better? Make your own natural cleaners on the cheap. For just about any job, you can do a quick web search and find all kinds of different concoctions from which to

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Vinegar is a main ingredient in many homemade cleaners.

Can’t stand its smell?

Although the aroma fades pretty quickly, you can add a few drops of essential oils to almost any homemade recipe to create a citrus or lavender scent. Buy essential oils at most health food stores or online—a little drop goes a long way!

choose. Most are simple variations using the same basic ingredients—many of which you probably already have at home! It may take a tweak or two to find the exact recipes that work best for you, but overall, you will be amazed at how effective these cleaners are right away.

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

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Smell Test

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

TION FORWA RD MO

EXERCISING OUTSIDE:

BEA T TH E HEAT SIZZLING, STEAMY SUMMER DAYS (AND NIGHTS) ARE HERE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T BE ACTIVE ALFRESCO. FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP MOVING OUTSIDE AND STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY DOING IT. Summer is in full swing, and that means longer days, lighter nights and a lot of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. While enjoying the warmer temperatures, it’s important to remember that poor heat management can lead to illnesses and even death.

And in sweet home Alabama, it’s easy to get overheated thanks to the often-record-breaking high temperatures that occur annually

HEADED OUTDOORS?

during this season.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Check out this list of heat-related dangers that can be caused by an Alabama summer swelter and the ways to avoid them.

Our state is notorious for heat. According to WordTripx, Alabama

While it’s key to keep your core body temp from skyrocketing while exerting yourself outside in the summer, don’t forget to protect your skin too. Slather on that high SPF sunscreen, and remember super-exposed spots like the back of your neck and the tops of your shoulders.

is listed among the 10 hottest states and boasts the highest tripledigit temperatures during the summer. So, whether at the beach, hiking, running, barbecuing, or simply playing outside in the backyard with your kids, keeping cool is crucial. With the proper precautions, you and your loved ones can enjoy exercising and endless outdoor activities safely.

Check out this list of heat-related dangers that can be caused by an Alabama summer swelter and the ways to avoid them.

BY KIMBERLEY CARTER SPIVEY 18

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

HEAT RASH: This bumpy red rash not only affects infants but adults, too, especially during hot and

Your body contains 50 percent water, and when you

humid weather. It can be quite common and also often

work out, 2-3 percent of that water is lost. It’s necessary

misunderstood. This particular heat hazard pops up

to replenish that loss to ward off heat exhaustion. If

when blocked pores and sweat ducts trap perspiration

you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, stop all

under your skin.

activity and rest, transition to a cooler place and drink

HOT TIP: One preventative measure is wearing

BEY ND PINK

hydrated, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

Awareness

cool water or a sports drink.

lightweight and comfortable clothing that’s made of breathable fabrics like cotton. This will help air circulate over your skin more, keeping you cool and staving off the rash. Another option is exercising or participating in outdoor activity during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning and evening. Think you’ve already got a heat rash? They usually develop in the folds of the skin, where clothing causes friction. Some appear in the form of blisters, red lumps and feel extremely itchy. Over-thecounter creams can help relieve the irritation of heat rash, but the best cure here is prevention.

HEAT CRAMPS: Heat cramps are painful muscle come on during activity or several hours later. If you’re a

We provide breast exams at all Primary Care locations.

runner or jogger, your muscles that are most susceptible to heat cramps are those that become fatigued by heavy workouts such as calves, thighs and shoulders.

HOT TIP: When temperatures increase, walking is an option to avoid putting strenuous pressure on your muscles. To treat heat cramps, begin with resting those muscles that have been strained while soaking in a salt

HEAT EXHAUSTION: While exercising in hot

Early detection is the key to surviving.

cramps that tend to spasm involuntarily, and they can

Call 334-514-3688 to schedule your Mammogram today!

ffering Now O grams mmo 3D Ma

www.ivycreekhealth.com

bath, drinking plenty of cool water and/or drinking sports drinks to replenish the electrolytes in your body.

weather increases our body temperature above and beyond the physical activity, our bodies have a natural cooling system that helps us adjust to heat. However, if you’re exposed to the heat too long, the result is heat exhaustion, and it can cause sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse and low blood pressure.

HOT TIP: What to do? Drink up! To keep cool and

HEAT STROKE: HOW TO STAY SAFE This one’s serious. A heat stroke is dangerous, and it can occur if your body temperature rises to

KEEP YOUR COOL.

104 Fahrenheit or higher.

HOT TIP: To avoid this, on extremely hot days, put all of the above advice into action. Exercise early mornings or evenings. Always stay hydrated.

Wear loose and breathable clothing. And pay attention to how you feel. Stop and rest at the first sign of distress. Seek medical help if you or anyone you know experiences confusion, agitation or loses consciousness.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

FIT FOR KIDS

THE

HPV VACCINE:

Don’t wait.

Age matters. When you vaccinate your child on time, you

It’s Not Too Late

It’s a fact: HPV vaccination equals cancer prevention.

Bad news: There’s a common and

Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-

contagious virus that causes not one, but

associated cancer, but some other cancers of

several cancers.

the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx

The good news? There’s a vaccine for

give them the best protection from HPV cancers. In fact, HPV cancer prevention decreases the longer you wait to vaccinate. Doctors recommend that boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. Teens who start the series late may need three shots instead of one. But if your child is over 12, it’s not too late. Even though it is ideal for kids to get vaccinated earlier, the vaccine is still highly effective all the way up to age 26.

Equal Opportunity HPV affects both

(back of the throat, including the base of the

boys and girls, so both

tongue and tonsils) are also caused by HPV.

should be vaccinated.

that. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is spread from person to person through

The HPV vaccine can prevent the virus and 90

oral, anal or vaginal sex, or other skin-to-skin

percent of all HPV-related cancers it causes

touching during sexual activity. The virus can

and has been proven safe. The most common

A Moral Matter?

cause genital warts and many cancers.

reactions from HPV vaccine are mild and

When the HPV vaccine was first introduced, some parents were

similar to those of other vaccines. This is why

concerned that it was a vaccine to prevent a sexually transmitted

In fact, HPV is the main cause of cervical

The Alabama Department of Public Health is

disease. This is true; HPV is passed through sexual contact. But

cancer. And in the United States, nearly

committed to educating parents and young

what the vaccine is really targeting is the deadly cancers (including

14 million men and women are infected

people on the dangers of HPV and the benefits

cervical) that HPV can cause. Most parents hope their children are

with HPV each year. Cervical cancer and

of vaccination, stressing that HPV vaccination

smart about sex. Many hope they abstain from sex until married, and

precancerous lesions can prove deadly or

is cancer prevention. And the vaccination is

so some have seen the vaccine as “permission” to be promiscuous. But

require serious medical procedures to treat

most effective when given to pre-teens.

consider this: Even if your child waits until marriage to have sex, can

them, but the HPV vaccine can prevent most

you be sure their spouse did? If they’ve had sex with just one other

cases of this cancer by protecting against the

partner, even once, they could be infected, and bring HPV with them

types of HPV that cause most cases of the

to the marriage bed.

disease.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

23

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Learn more.

Visit alabamapublichealth. gov/cancer

OUTSIDE

AL

Summer is here, and the optimal way sweltering heat) is to spend some time on the water. In Alabama, some of the best water to be in, on and around is Lake Martin. When Alabama Power created the 41,000-acre lake in east-central

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILLY POPE.

LAKE LIVING

to savor this season (and escape its

This sparkling gem in central Alabama has more than enough allure and activities to float anyone’s boat.

Alabama as part of the Martin Dam project in 1926, it gave the area a beautiful natural resource to enjoy. This sprawling, sparkling gem has more than 800 miles of tree-dotted shoreline fronting clean, green-blue water and was once the largest manmade lake in the country. It may not hold that distinction today, but it’s still the lake of choice for mornings packed with watersports and lazy afternoons packed with nothing but a nap on a float, drawing

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

thousands to swim, to fish, to hike, to boat and to eat. Check out a few favorite things to savor and experience scattered all over the lake and its winding shores.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

GETTING AROUND Lake Martin is HUGE, and its multiple activities and restaurants are many miles apart. Be sure to check locations on a map before deciding what to do to make the most of your time on the lake.

CATCH SOME SUN No matter where you are on Lake Martin, the scene is set to experience an exceptional sunrise or sunset.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILLY POPE.

L KE FUN

A boat ride around at least part of the lake (it’s far too large to see it all in an afternoon) is the lake lover’s standard way to let a delish breakfast or lunch properly digest. Marvel at the many magnificent homes gracing the shores and indulge in a little house envy. Find a spot to drop anchor and enjoy a cooling dip.

Or motor over to Chimney Rock and watch (along with other boats) the brave souls who take leaps from the high sheer-rock ledge into the water (far) below.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS.

Check out Russell Lands Adventure Center and rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake in a more intimate way. The calm waters in the many quiet sloughs and inlet hideaways that cut into the lake’s banks boast glassy, still surfaces that are perfect for paddling. The Center also offers bike rentals for exploring Russell Forest trails and guided horseback rides through the woods.

Discover the lake’s abundance of natural

Use the Russell Lands app to find your way to more than 100 miles of Russell Forest trails. Locate yourself, share your location and see your friends’ locations on the trail map. You can also easily find and contact restaurants, marinas and other Russell Lands businesses with the built-in directory.

beauty on foot with a hike along one of the multiple trails skirting its shores, ranging from easy to more difficult and cutting through woodsy wonderlands.

The short but steep trek up to Smith Mountain Fire Tower near the Dadeville side of the lake will get you huffing and puffing, but the stunning views awaiting you at the end of your exertion make it well worth the effort. The trail leads to the rock- and boulder-strewn summit of Smith Mountain, the highest elevation PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS.

around the lake. Topping this natural

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formation is a historic 90-foot-tall fire tower that was built in 1939. On the northeastern part of the lake (nearer

Located in the Pepper Tree Shopping Center 8129 Vaughn Road, Montgomery AL 36116

Alexander City), Wind Creek State Park offers something a little tamer with more than 25 miles of moderate trails that wind along the lake’s edges and through forest dotted with dogwoods and wildflowers.

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Call to make an appointment: 334-272-8116 bella-montgomery.com BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE bellamontgomery_

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE LANDING.

BURGERS AND MORE

KOWALIGA RESTAURANT

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS.

L KE EATS

This Lake Martin legend is named for the lovesick wooden Indian immortalized in a Hank Williams song. It’s endured several changes in management and even a fire that burnt it to the ground in 1999. But today, it’s better than ever, offering casual bites with an emphasis

SHORESIDE PLATES

on Alabama-sourced and -made foods all served with a panoramic

THE LANDING AT PARKER CREEK

view of the lake. Don’t miss the pimento cheese, spicy Wickles pickles, whole-grain mustard and saltines. Wash it down with a tart “Branch Water” cocktail or an Alabama craft beer.

SWEET TREATS

PIZZA

+

This laidback lakefront

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS.

Conecuh Sausage platter with

FINE DINING

SPRINGHOUSE

spot offers 100-percent alfresco dining, with tables under large pavilions scattered amid pine trees and cozied up to a sandy shoreline. The menu is packed with diverse options like big, beefy

SHIPWRECK SAM’S YOGURT AT SMITH’S MARINA

CHUCKWALLA’S PIZZERIA AT CHUCK’S MARINA

chef Chris Morina at the helm features

If you need to gas up your boat, go

Relax with a cold brew and a hot slice

an atmosphere of stacked stone, wood

ahead and get some fuel for yourself

of pizza and soak in the waterfront

beams and ironwork and upscale

too at this family owned spot near

view from the deck of the eatery’s

yet rustic dishes created with fresh,

CATHERINE’S MARKET AT RUSSELL CROSSROADS

the Parker Creek area. Choose

brightly colored buildings perched

locally sourced ingredients. The menu

This butcher and bottle shop also

from multiple flavors of soft-serve

on a small hill. For the true Chuck’s

changes often, but Morina’s talent

includes a deli and bakery (as well as

yogurt (chocolate, birthday cake,

experience, mosey on up to the

and commitment to seasonal fare

other grocery staples) and serves a

sea-salt caramel and more) topped

ordering window and ask for the

are obvious in entrees like roasted

slew of items for lunch, ranging from

with pretty much anything you’re

Chimney Rock pizza, a hefty creation

chicken with spring onion romesco,

Catherine’s Cobb salad to heartier

craving (cheesecake bites, fresh

named after the lake’s aforementioned

golden beats and green tomato

choices like an open-faced Reuben or a

fruit, gummy worms, sprinkles and

iconic cliff. It’s loaded with just about

topped with fragrant, flavor-packed

thick Crossroads Club sandwich.

more) and indulge in a classic treat

everything they’ve got back in the

chimichurri.

that’s earned a reputation for being

kitchen, which includes mountains of

a spoonful above other yogurt

meat and veggies piled on a thin crust

places.

with just a hint of chew.

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This fine-dining restaurant executive

burgers as well as zesty

DELI

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

fish or shrimp tacos, crisp dill pickle fries and barbecue chicken with tangy Alabama white sauce. Pro tip: Put a sweet finish on your meal with The Landing’s intensely chocolaty version of the South’s favorite “adult” milkshake, a thick and creamy bushwhacker.

great

goods

PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS WE LOVE

GET OUTDOORS, ALABAMA.

OUTSIDE

AL

DO THE DISTANCE Getting and staying active is easier when you’ve got a goal, so if you’re trying to get motivated to get moving and hold yourself accountable to keep it up, check out The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, a statewide initiative created to inspire Alabamians to commit to a healthy lifestyle while connecting with others and enjoying our state’s great outdoors.

Participating is as simple as the program name says: Walk, run, hike, bike, swim or paddle 100 miles each year through local and state park areas.

Visit 100alabamamiles.org to find great locations to explore, to track your progress, to create teams with friends, compete with coworkers and find out how to collect electronic badges to commemorate your journey.

100alabamamiles.org

Photography courtesy of Billy Pope.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

MADE LOCAL

A BETTER BURN Let your taste buds take the leap into the fiery yet flavorful Chimney Rock Hot Sauce, a condiment made in Auburn by husband Through extensive travels, the duo developed a love of spicy sauces from around the world, and then, started playing around with making their own. They mixed influences from global cultures: sweet from Asia, fruity mango from the Caribbean and a kick from smoke-kissed

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK DROLETTE.

and wife team Ryan and Sherri Daugherty.

habanero peppers inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine.

In the beginning, the sauce was for them and lucky friends. But when others insisted it was good enough to bottle and sell, they did. And they named it Chimney Rock after the famous stone ledge at Lake Martin that brave souls jump from.

chimneysauce.com

LIONS & TIGERS & LEMURS, OH MY! When Hurricane Ivan brought its wrath to bear on Alabama’s beaches in 2004, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores was right in the storm’s path and mostly wrecked by the time the winds died down. Its hundreds of animals were homeless, but they survived, as did the zoo itself, earning it national attention and affection as well as the nickname, “the little zoo that could.” In early March, the zoo moved to a new location just a few miles inland, only weeks before it had to shut down due to the pandemic.

Today, it is back open and showcasing its hundreds of animals (including lions, monkeys, bears, two new giraffes and more) in the brand new spot that’s three times larger than the previous location and boasts a full-service restaurant on site, the Safari Club. If you’re into animals, it’s worth the ticket price to get a little wild with the residents of this special zoo.

alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

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TREAT YOURSELF We’ve all been through some trying times in the last few months and could use a little something special. Consider supporting a local business and pampering yourself with a visit to the aesthetic experts at Bella, in Montgomery’s Peppertree Shopping Center. Start with a luxurious skincare treatment (a facial, dermaplaning or a peel) and then let the friendly and knowledgeable staff make recommendations for your skincare routine so you can keep the glow going at home. Watch Bella’s Instagram (@bellamontgomery_ ) for special promotions and other news on the latest looks and lines they’ve got available.

Real Life

FIRST-HAND ADVICE AND INSIGHT TO HELP CAREGIVERS COPE

SECTION.

Through the treatment process and after, what did you want and need from your friends and family? My daughter asked me to fight and stay here for her, and this was my greatest encouragement! She immediately changed my diet to help my strength and stamina during this time. My twin sister went with me to my chemo treatments and encouraged me the entire time. She was very supportive. I continued to work at MetroFitness all during my treatment. The staff and members were extremely supportive! They threw me a hat party, and I received more than 20 hats of all sorts. This was a great encouragement. They also gave me a “I’m all done party” with champagne and lots of fun. So many precious friends brought flowers, food, prayed for me (the best) and kept me going. I am so very grateful for all of the above. It was just what I needed to finish strong.

A DISCUSSION WITH

JACK IE BU TLER

What one thing that you did for yourself most helped you cope? Praying and reading my Bible.

For more than a decade, Jackie Butler has been a valuable member of the Joy to Life Foundation team, working as its book keeper. But she’s dedicated to far more than keeping the foundation’s finances in order. As a breast cancer survivor, she brings her passion for early diagnosis to work every day, helping the foundation ensure Alabama women have access to proper breast cancer screenings. Here, she shares how a routine mammogram found her cancer, and how thoughtful friends sustained her through treatment.

Both of these things always lift me up! And making sure I was eating only good food, plus, always following my doctors instructions. I was walking at Metro on a regular basis too. We had several ladies at Metro during that time going through chemo or just having finished, so I started a noon walking club so we could encourage each other and share ideas. This was so much help, and several of us still stay in touch even now.

What advice would you give other caregivers/spouses/parents/friends, etc., on how to approach and help their loved one who is going through cancer treatment?

Describe your cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I was diagnosed through a normally scheduled mammogram in 2008. They then did a needle core biopsy and confirmed it was cancer. I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy along with radiation.

What was your first thought when you heard the diagnosis? I looked up and said, “God, I am going to need your help on this one!” I also remember when my hair came out thinking, “I may really be sick!”

1

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1

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS / BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE

real

HEAR FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR

First, BE POSITIVE! This just naturally helps to lift you—and them—up. Getting a card in the mail is very encouraging as well. Listen to the patient as to how they feel about eating and exercise, etc., and keep a “light touch” with these things; don’t push. At the same time, be aware if the patient truly seems to need to see the doctor, or lovingly let them know if you are concerned about something. LOVE is a great healer! Be generous with it.

“ LOVE

Hats Off

to Good Friends

When they learned of her breast cancer diagnosis, Jackie’s friends and coworkers at MetroFitness (where she worked at the time) threw her a hat party to make sure she had plenty of stylish head-coverings to help her cope with the hair loss from chemo. But the party was so much more than practical; it showed Jackie in a tangible way how much she was loved and valued. This support, more than the actual hats, was a gift that gave Jackie needed strength. She sent the below “thank you” to all of the hat party attendees.

“What can a hat do?

It can bring joy to a naked head and cheer to the recipient onward to a renewed belief… life can be fun in the midst of a trial!” I am so grateful to God for placing

me at MetroFitness among such wonderful, caring people. Thank you so very much for your support and thoughtfulness. I know God is healing me and look forward to many happy, healthy years together. May God bless you and your family.”

IS A GREAT HEALER! BE GENEROUS WITH IT.” -JACKIE BUTLER

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

everyday

Joy

NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION Check out

ge t y o ur own

Great memories from Walk of Life 2019.

many thanks

THE WALK THAT WASN’T

Biscuits Baseball The Caring Foundation of BCBS BUSHHOG Chappy’s Deli Cindy Clark City of Montgomery-Special Events Department Hyundai Lamar Advertising The J.K. Lowder Family Foundation Rheem Stamp Creative Group

YOU ARE LIFE SAVERS!

Wells Printing

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SORS AN D

Baptist Health

P SU

N PO

Many of Joy to Life’s sponsors and partners have continued to support the foundation in multiple ways. And many Walk of Life vendors, volunteers and registrants donated and/or rolled their registrations to next year’s event. To all of them, the foundation would like to express heartfelt gratitude. Thank you all.

JTL PITCHING IN

Aronov

S

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE WALK WAS CANCELED. BUT YOU CAN’T CANCEL HOPE!

ALFA

PORTER

THANK YOU! TO OUR

April 18, 2020 would have been the 19th annual Walk of Life, the Joy to Life Foundation’s signature fundraising event that allows the nonprofit to continue its life-saving work of providing essential breast cancer screenings for un- and underinsured people throughout Alabama.

joytolife.org to order your own Saving Lives mask.

S

In an effort to play an active part in the River Region’s response to COVID-19, in mid-June, the Joy to Life Foundation generously donated 900 masks to help protect frontline healthcare workers at Baptist Hospitals and other area healthcare facilities. “We’ve watched our community rally together to push through this crisis, and we just wanted to do our part and to show, in a tangible way, our extreme appreciation to everyone who is sacrificing to help the rest of us make it through this,” said foundation co-founder Joy Blondheim.

“At JTL, we’re committed to helping everyone live and enjoy healthy, happy lives, so we wanted to ensure that those who need them most had ample access to protective face masks.”

a e hic l e r v fo e g n a h c T

EN HE G

E

N CHI A M

E:

TO JOY ND E A TH IES OF F I R NE E NT A .

ART AT ID P BA M H ,A A T E L E N A S I ACH PURPO ONS IN M ENE ITH A ULATI G W HE PO P ’S T K BUS D Y E T V IN RSI SE R AP R IVE S E I N D U N, N RN YU TI O L U A L B D A N AU OU M E D IC F E ES LI F CAT U ED

THEY SAY BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MISSION YOU’LL FIND A GREAT TEAM. Knowing this, The Gene Machine is certainly in good shape with Dr. Nancy Merner in the driver’s seat. The group is devoted to being the “vehicle” to drive greater knowledge and change to rural populations in our state.

THE WHO, WHAT, & WHERE. The Gene Machine is a 15-passenger bus that serves as a mobile recruitment and enrollment station that travels across Alabama spreading the word about risk factors that could lead to breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

With the ultimate goal of achieving a better understanding of why certain individuals and families have cancer, The Gene Machine’s mission is to educate people about cancer risk factors and offer research participation to those individuals across Alabama who may be interested in the study, particularly those who live in remote areas.

The team logs mile after mile as it rolls into town to educate families, civic and support groups about research studies and to identify people who have genetic risks of cancer. The team accomplishes this by obtaining blood or saliva samples submitted by participants, typically from the groups they visit, who have potential ties to genetic risk factors. After getting the samples, the DNA is extracted and then analyzed to determine whether

genetic mutations exist. When a genetic risk factor is discovered, it leads to opportunities for genetic counseling and cancer prevention and also helps Dr. Merner’s efforts to advance the field of knowledge for genetic cancers. In other words, if a mutation is detected, participating family members are screened for the mutation. This screening ultimately determines the individuals in the study who have inherited mutations in known cancer genes. It also identifies participants who need more screening.

Left: Dr. Nancy Merner

COMMUNITY PARTNERS “The Joy to Life Foundation was instrumental in

If the participant is in need of further counseling, The Gene Machine has a genetic counseling partnership with both the Alabama Department of Public Health and the University of Alabama Birmingham. Many times, the participants cannot travel far distances, but ADPH has telemedicine capabilities and works with local county health departments to make sure those participating have access to the resources needed.

community-based recruitment and gave us the first grant that contributed to the funds needed to purchase The Gene Machine. Joy to Life has been instrumental in our success and firm believers in what we do,” said Dr. Merner. She defines community partners as anyone in a community who supports The Gene Machine’s efforts and brings attention to the project all in an effort to build trust so people aren’t afraid of research. “Joy [Blondheim, found of Joy to

The Gene Machine also partners with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which helps identify audiences for education seminars and community events.

“We want to get out into rural Alabama so people can learn what it is we do,” Dr. Merner said.

Life Foundation] has been a huge help in getting our project off the ground. Joy to Life provided the matching funds needed to get those initial funds through Auburn University,” she said.

BY JENNY ENSLEN STUBBS 40

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

THE WHY

Middle: Betsy Stallworth

Mindful of the need to overcome stigmas associated with medical research and recruitment, Dr. Merner explains The Gene Machine’s mission is two-fold, and it begins with engaging the people they visit and really getting to know them. “First, it’s so important, especially when you’re trying to bridge gaps in research or healthcare, to understand how outreach helps in doing that. You have to immerse yourself in the community, similar to what Joy has done through Joy to Life and what I’ve done. People need to believe you if they’re going to trust you,” she said.

In addition to outreach and recruitment, education is the second part of the mission. And understanding how and why genes matter is an important step. “I bring my own history into it by letting these groups get to know me and my own family history of cancer,” she said. “Everyone can relate to a characteristic you got from your mom or dad that you love or hate. We bring it down to basic analogies. Even though cancer is a disease, it works in the same way. And it’s important to talk about it so that concept is talked about more within families. We break those barriers, and we use research to benefit people.”

THE GENE MACHINE TEAM You’ve heard of the Dream Team, now meet The Gene Machine Team!

Although Dr. Merner started out as a lone road warrior, after spring 2017, she was able to gather a team with funds provided by grants.

While Dr. Merner serves as the “principal investigator,” educator and leader of the team, Betsy Stallworth, a registered nurse, serves as the “recruitment coordinator.” Other important members of the team include lab techs, graduate students with particular focuses of research, as well as public health and undergraduate students.

“Community partners” and “study participants” are also members of the team, and they all work together to help spread The Gene Machine’s awareness message and further the work of genetic cancer research.

You’ll see the team at its busiest during the fall during breast cancer awareness month, along with the spring, when many cancer benefits and events are taking place throughout the state.

hop on the bus

For more information about Auburn University’s Gene Machine, visit The Gene Machine on Facebook, call 855-388-8270 or email gene@auburn.edu.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Searching for a signal?

Poor connection?

GG U L ING

UNP

Thanks to technology like smartphones plus multiple other gadgets and tools, we can easily and quickly communicate and stay connected to everything all of the time. But is this true connection?

And is it hurting our overall health?

YOU R M

R

I N D &

H A R EC

G

E

DY BO 44

Smartphones in particular make a whole host of tasks more efficient and even more effective. But all of this speed and ease comes with a cost, and the correlation between technology use and mental and physical health is multifaceted.

Experts have linked anxiety and depression to excessive technology use, and some people even suffer from “screen addiction.”

It may seem like a daunting task to “unplug” from your electronic devices, the internet and especially social media. You may worry that if you disconnect from technology, you’ll feel disconnected from the world, but there’s little doubt that even a short break can prove beneficial for your health.

Consider slowing down and taking a break and follow these tips.

CE

R YOU R M I N D.

D

A

FO

EMBRACE YOURSELF

Take a walk on a beautiful day and leave your phone behind. Enjoy nature and enjoy the chance to reconnect with your undistracted thoughts.

EMBRACE YOUR SURROUNDINGS There is more to life than scrolling through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. More than status updates, the number of likes on a post, ongoing email notifications and Google alerts. How many times have you been out to dinner with a friend, in a meeting, at a class, or watching television and reached for your cell phone? These are indicators that you could be engrossed in whatever’s happening on your phone, versus what’s happening in the moment. Though there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the luxuries of the digital world, take time and enjoy laughter around the dinner table with your loved ones.

Allow yourself the opportunity to connect with others in a face-to-face interaction and engage in meaningful conversation.

BY KIMBERLEY CARTER SPIVEY VISIT JOYMAGAZINE.ORG

Taking a few minutes to check on yourself daily (without any devices) is a key element in mental health.

FIN

THE POWER OF

We live in a digital world, and the latest technology is easily accessible at our fingertips. And it’s rapidly evolving every day, giving us cutting-edge smartphones, computers and other devices that offer a variety of innovative features that most of us take full advantage of. According to Pew Research, the vast majority of Americans—a whopping 96 percent—now own a cellphone of some kind. The share of Americans who own smartphones is now at 81 percent, up from just 35 percent in Pew Research Center’s first survey of smartphone ownership conducted in 2011.

SP

The correlation between technology use and mental and physical health is multifaceted.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

When was the last time that you sat with yourself, even for a few minutes, and honestly looked at how you’re doing? Taking a few minutes to check on yourself daily (without any devices) is a key element in mental health. With the popularity of technology, it’s easy to become distracted and neglect yourself. Take a walk on a beautiful day and leave your phone behind. Enjoy nature and enjoy the chance to reconnect with your undistracted thoughts.

EMBRACE YOUR LIFE Human interaction is essential to both your mental and physical wellbeing. Be present in the moment and connect with people who enrich your personal growth. Focus on the things that make you happy outside of devices. Practice doing the things that you enjoy most with your loved ones. During these moments, when you’re tempted to pull out a device and check your email or tweet something witty—don’t. You may think you’re missing out on life if you’re not streaming and scrolling.

But the reality is, you could miss out on making memories with your family and friends that you can never get back.

WINNER, WINNER

2

INSIDE OUT

3

4

Although genetics, beauty routines and environment all play a part in the health of our skin and hair, it’s amazing— and often discounted—how big a role nutrition plays as well. Many health issues and diseases are often linked back to gut health, and obtaining radiant hair and skin is no different. So, if you are looking to boost your skin and hair’s vivacity, as well as overall health this season, read on.

Start Simple.

1 STAY HYDRATED The easiest way to see an improvement in your skin and hair? Kick up that water consumption.

Not only does it rid your body of the harmful toxins that clog pores and help to maintain those healthy locks, water offers a plethora of other health benefits. Aim to drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses each day—more if you are working out. Adding a squeeze of lemon or even a handful of berries adds flavor without adding unwanted extra calories, sugar or sodium.

5

HIT THE HEALTHY FATS

VISIT JOYMAGAZINE.ORG

B vitamins are amazing for both the skin and hair for so many reasons. Here’s why you should be on the lookout for these whenever you can.

B1, Thiamine: Bolsters the immune system and soothes the nervous system—who needs stress-related breakouts?

B2, Riboflavin: Aids cell turnover and collagen maintenance, reduces inflammation, speeds healing and helps prevent dryness.

B3, Niacin: Treats skin conditions and irritations as well as acting as a strong antiaging force.

B5, Pantothenic Acid: Helps to preserve moisture in the skin creating that fuller, more hydrated facial appearance.

Eating enough monounsaturated fats and essential fatty acids helps to prevent dry scalp, facilitates hair growth and shine and moisturizes the skin by absorbing fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

B6, Pyridoxine: Acts as another stress-

Along with wild salmon or walnuts, don’t skimp on the extra virgin olive oil, avocados, seeds and natural nut butters.

B7, Biotin: Promotes hair growth and protects

ZONE IN ON ZINC Zinc is involved in wound healing and the development of new collagen, and also plays an important role in minimizing inflammation that causes acne. It also helps strengthen hair follicles to prevent hair loss and protects your scalp from dryness and dandruff.

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buster, producing “feel good” hormones as well as creating red blood cells necessary for hair growth and strength.

cells from damage and water loss.

B9, Folic Acid: Stimulates cell turnover and fights free radical damage as well as prevents dry, brittle hair.

B12, Cobalamin: Reduces inflammation, dryness and acne as well as encourages red blood cell production for hair growth and strength.

Looking for zinc food sources? Sunflower seeds, lamb, lean beef and whole grains are your go-to options.

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

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PILE ON THE PROTEIN Protein is essential in cellular repair, allowing us to replenish the many skin cells shed each day. Protein also ensures the production of keratin to help hair grow faster and stronger.

Remember to choose lean, healthy proteins such as eggs, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds.

SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH THAT STARTS WITH YOUR FOOD

W

Antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and help red blood cell repair, as well as protect collagen, which deters fine lines and wrinkles, and fruits and veggies are full of them. Try to eat at least six servings of vegetables a day and at least two or more of fruit.

When selecting foods, think rich, vibrant colors such as dark leafy greens, blueberries, beets and tomatoes.

Radiance-Boosting Bites e all understand how what we put in our bodies affects our health, but it’s not just our organs, bones and muscles that benefit from good nutrition.

The foods we use as fuel also influence our outward appearance.

AMP UP THE ANTIOXIDANTS

Batch Full of Benefits: B Vitamins

How to:

BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Include a variety of whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, dark leafy vegetables and fruits for optimal B Vitamin intake.

DOCTOR SAYS:

Eat the Rainbow Dr. Portia B. Love, a dermatologist and founder of River Region Dermatology and Laser in Montgomery, simplifies the recipe for beautiful hair and skin.

“Want healthy, radiant skin? Limit your sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants, and incorporate plenty of lean protein and healthy fat options,” she said.

Here are Dr. Love’s picks for strong beauty-boosting foods: Blueberries

Sweet potatoes

Spinach

Avocados

Wild salmon

Flaxseed meal

Tomatoes

Almond butter

Limit your sugar and refined

Walnuts

Kale

Kiwis

Quinoa

carbohydrate intake, eat an

Dark chocolate

Seaweed

Yogurt

Oysters

LOVE YOURSELF.

abundance of fruits and vegetables.

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BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

“The birthplace of higher expectations.”

Baptist Medical Center East is proud to meet the toughest standards of excellence set by local women. We are the only hospital in central Alabama to be recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience in Obstetrics. From excellent clinical care to ranking above average for patient safety to the highest level of overall patient satisfaction, we understand what matters most to women. And being recognized with the Women’s Choice Award signifies our commitment to meeting the highest standards on Obstetric care, close to home.

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG