50+Living MAY 2023

May, Women’s health care month, is an important time to focus on the unique needs of women when it comes to their health. As a whole, women ofen face distinct health issues and concerns that can be overlooked or under-addressed in mainstream healthcare discussions. During Women’s Health Care Month, it’s important to take the time to discuss the various health issues that are specifc to women.

Tis includes taking steps to reduce breast cancer risk, prevent heart disease, and address mental health concerns. Women should maintain regular checkups with their doctors and keep track of any changes or unusual symptoms they may be experiencing. Additionally, developing lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are important steps to maximize health.

Women’s Health Care Month is also a great opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of preventive care. Preventive measures such as annual physicals, breast exams, STD screenings, pap smears, and mammograms can help detect problems early when treatments are more efective. Additionally, immunizations are a key tool for protecting women from illnesses such as HPV, the fu, and certain types of cancer.

Women’s Health Care Month is also an opportunity to focus on health equity and access. Despite advances in medical knowledge and technology, many women still face barriers when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. Tis includes a lack of insurance coverage,

limited access to services in rural areas, and language and cultural barriers. By increasing awareness of these issues, we can help ensure that all women have the resources they need to maintain their health and wellness.

Tis is a great time to take charge of your health. Make sure you schedule regular check-ups and screenings, practice healthy habits, and educate yourself on the issues that are most relevant to you. Doing so will help ensure that you have the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

By recognizing the unique health needs of women and increasing awareness of how to address them, we can help ensure that all women have access to the care they need. So, let’s celebrate our commitment to improving women’s health and well-being.

Support Women’s Health Care Month by scheduling a check-up, educating yourself on the issues relevant to you, and advocating for greater access to quality healthcare. Together, we can make sure that all women have the resources they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Women’s health care is essential to creating a healthier, more equitable society. Let’s take this Women’s Health Care Month to make sure every woman has access to the resources they need to live their healthiest life. Together, we can build a better future for all women.

Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time of year dedicated to celebrating mothers and the hard work and love they put into raising their children. With so many ways to show appreciation for Mom, it can be challenging to decide how best to honor her on this special day. To make things easier, here are some fun and thoughtful ways that you can make your mom feel extra loved this Mother’s Day.

Make her breakfast in bed- Tere’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal made with love to show Mom how much she means to you. Serve her favorite recipes or whip up a classic like eggs, bacon, and toast.

Create a personalized gif- Show Mom how much she means to you by making her a special handmade gif. Whether it’s a scrapbook flled with memories, a DIY frame for her favorite photo of the two of you, or a necklace with her birthstone, your mother will love any thoughtful creation from her favorite person.

Give the gif of time- Quality time is one of the greatest gifs you can give your mother. Spend the day with her doing something special like visiting a nearby park, going to brunch or simply relaxing together at home.

Give her a spa day- Treat Mom to some rest and relaxation by booking her an appointment for a massage, facial, or manicure. Alternatively, if you can’t get her to

the spa, bring the spa to her with a homemade facial mask and foot soak.

Take her on a shopping spree- A day of retail therapy is always an enjoyable experience for Mom. Whether she loves window shopping or loves scooping up new items, taking your mother out shopping will make her feel special.

Send her a bouquet- A beautiful bouquet of fowers is an easy way to show your mother how much you care. You can even order online and have them delivered straight to her door.

Write her a letter- Penning your thoughts down in a heartfelt letter is a meaningful way to express your gratitude and love for Mom. Let her know just how much she means to you and all the ways that she has made an impact on your life.

Give her a photo album- Capture precious moments by creating a custom photo album flled with photos of the two of you throughout the years. Just think of how much joy it will bring her to look through the special moments you’ve shared.

Plan a fun activity- Gif Mom with a unique experience like going out for dinner at her favorite restaurant, or watching a movie that she’s always wanted to see. It could be something simple like taking a walk together in the park or something more elaborate like a trip to the zoo.

Have a “me day” with Mom- Give your mother the gif of self-care by setting aside a day when the two of you can just relax and enjoy each other’s company. You could go for spa treatments, spend time pampering yourselves at home, or hop on a virtual yoga class for an hour of relaxation.

No matter what you decide to do this Mother’s Day, the most important thing is that your mom knows how much she means to you. A simple gesture can go a long way in expressing your appreciation for all that she does.

Happy Mother’s Day!

PUBLISHER

Tammy Sheppard

tsheppard.avlmedia@gmail.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Joan Hutt

WEB DESIGN

Alphie Hyorth

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Peggy Ratusz

Laurie Richardone

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Mike Demos 828.273.0098

mikedemos@aol.com

Bridget Hepler 828.551.9893

brisdon00@gmail.com

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The meaning and tradition of Memorial Day is deeply rooted in the history of America, as it has become an important holiday that serves as a signifcant reminder of the country’s past and its many sacrifces, both civilian and military.

Te origins of Memorial Day date back to 1868 when General John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that May 30 be designated a day for decoration and commemoration. It was also known as Decoration Day and was used to honor those who had died in service during the Civil War. Over time, this tradition expanded to include all those who gave their lives in service for America’s wars and conficts.

Since then, Memorial Day has become an important part of American culture, with people taking time on this day to refect on those who have gone before us in defense of our nation’s freedom. Te holiday is celebrated nationwide by gatherings at cemeteries across the country where fags are placed on gravesites to honor those who have passed away while serving our country. In Washington D.C., there is a special event held each year called National Moment of Remembrance which includes a moment of silence to remember our fallen heroes at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day.

In addition to honoring those who have lost their lives while serving in America’s armed forces, Memorial Day

also serves as an opportunity for family and friends to come together for barbecues and other outdoor activities such as hiking or camping trips. Tis holiday marks the ofcial beginning of the summer vacation season in many parts of the United States, so it can be a great time to start planning out fun activities with friends and family before school starts again afer Labor Day.

Tough this day is associated with leisurely activities like barbecues, parades, festivals, or beach trips for many Americans; we must not forget that it also represents much more than just these festivities - it represents an acknowledgment from citizens all over that our freedom is something we should never take lightly or forget, even if it means sacrifcing our own lives if necessary. Memorial Day is therefore more than just another summer holiday - it symbolizes respect for those men and women who have bravely fought for our nation’s freedom throughout its history. Tey deserve all the admiration and recognition they can get from us citizens; afer all, without them none of us would be able to enjoy life as we do now. For your service, your bravery, and your hard work, we thank you.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

-John F. Kennedy

Fire Up the Grill!

Every May 28th America celebrates one of our most iconic foods, hamburgers. National Burger Day is an important occasion for burger enthusiasts and grillers alike. To commemorate this special day, it’s time to break out the grills and prepare some delicious burger recipes that are sure to have everyone begging for seconds. From classic favorites to modern takes on classic favors, here are some of the best grilling recipes to help you celebrate National Burger Day.

First, let’s start with the Classic Cheeseburger: Te classic cheeseburger is a timeless favorite that always hits the spot. To make an amazing cheeseburger, you’ll need ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese slices and hamburger buns. Start by combining the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder in a bowl and mixing until incorporated. Form into 4 equal patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of grilling and allow it to melt. Toast the buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles and condiments like mustard, ketchup or mayo.

Next, a Veggie Burger: Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on all of the delicious burger fun. To make a favorful veggie burger, start by combining cooked quinoa, chopped mushrooms and onions, and shredded carrots in a large bowl. Form into patties and season with salt and pepper before grilling for 3 minutes per side. Serve on a toasted bun with all of your favorite toppings – guacamole is recommended!

Now let’s move on to something a little more creative: bacon cheddar burgers. Bacon makes everything better – especially burgers! To make these delicious burgers you’ll need ground beef, bacon strips, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce and hamburger buns. Start by forming ground beef into 4 equal patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.  Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon strips to each burger during the last couple of minutes of grilling and allow it to melt. Toast the buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned.

Ten, a BBQ Burger: Tis BBQ burger recipe is perfect for fans of smoky and sweet favors. Start by preheating the grill, then preparing your beef patty with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 3 minutes per side, then top with a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has caramelized and is sticky. Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion for the perfect BBQ burger.

Finally, let’s top of National Burger Day with a delicious Mushroom Swiss burger. To make these delectable burgers you’ll need ground beef, mushrooms (sliced), Swiss cheese slices, Worcestershire sauce and hamburger buns. Start by forming ground beef into 4 equal patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Add a slice of Swiss cheese and sliced mushrooms to each burger during the last couple of minutes of grilling and allow it to melt. Toast the buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned.

Whatever type of burger you choose to make, National Burger Day is the perfect opportunity to try something new or indulge in your favorite classic recipes.

So fre up that grill and get ready to have an unforgettable burger experience!

Enjoy!

Local Music Makers

Catz in Pajamas – Original Rock Power Trio

By Peggy Ratusz

Robin Borthwick – Drums

Ed Dodson – Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Songwriting

Troy McMillan - Bassist, Lead Vocals, Songwriting

Troy “Corky” McMillan reached out to me late this past winter, asking if I’d like to profle the original power rock trio he is part of called Catz in Pajamas. Always intrigued by bands that are new to me and who are working in the local music scene, I asked him to send me their promo materials and website link so that I could familiarize myself with their sound and vibe. I was honored to receive from him, even before their ofcial record release show, access to the full track masters of their 16- song album, “Out of the Bag.”

As it turns out, I was familiar with the drummer, Robin Borthwick. I recognized her photo and remembered a mutual friend of ours who introduced us maybe 10 years ago. Back in 2016, we actually shared the stage on a show where she was the hired drummer and I was the hired backup singer.

Fast forward another seven years and here I am today, introducing this potent threesome to all of you.

Te frst thing I want to know is how they concocted their band name.

Teir band name came from a line in one of the songs Ed wrote for the album. When Corky heard the song, he misheard the line ‘dogs in pajamas and cats on the prowl’ as ‘cats in pajamas and dogs on the prowl….’ Afer the laughter died down, they decided ‘Catz in pajamas’ was obviously a compelling moniker. Ed eventually relented and changed the line of the song to match it.

Corky and Robin met in 1967 in Winston-Salem. Robin explains: ‘this guy had a great rehearsal space in the basement of his house and invited us both to come and jam.’ Corky takes over, “we played in a lot of diferent bands while we were all growing up. I played in a band with Ed, Ed played in another band with Robin. But this is the frst time we’ve played in the same band!”

Borthwick relocated to the Carolinas in 2014 afer decades touring with various groups and theater troupes. Early on, one of the bands she played in from WinstonSalem opened for Kenny Rogers and Chicago. She toured Europe with a band called Lucille and Te Red Hot Blues Mamas. Notably, she appears in a book that came out in 2010 called “Sticks & Skins: A Photography Book About the World of Drumming.”

Corky was a sought afer sessions bassist for decades and spent time making a name for himself in Atlanta and in the 1970’s he played with Grammy winning fddler, Vassaar Clements and has shared the stage with icons such as Paul Butterfeld and Papa John Creech.

Dodson split their home-town too and spent time exploring and learning diferent guitar styles and genres while living and gigging in Atlanta and New York. Tis aforded him opportunities to play everything from Jazz to Funk to Bluegrass. Some of you might recognize Ed Dodson’s name. He was the Bluegrass guitar instructor at the Swannanoa Gathering for many years.

Te three of them serendipitously reunited when a highly respected and popular Winston-Salem musician and record producer, Chris Stamey, put a show together in 2018 called ‘Yesterdays Tomorrows” and hired them all to play that production.

Dodson expounds, “Chris reconstituted a number of the late 60s and early 70s bands from Winston-Salem. Corky and Robin were the rhythm section for a couple of those bands and I was enlisted to play a big role in the show as well,” He continues, “During rehearsals, I approached the two of them and pitched my idea of putting a group together. I really liked the way the 3 of us sounded.”

Tough Ed resides in the Greensboro, NC area he’s nonetheless ready, willing and able to make the trek to Asheville for Catz rehearsals, shows and recordings.

“Out of the Bag” as I mentioned, is their current alloriginal record. Lyrical themes run a meaty gamut. Tere’s a crowd pleasing ‘everybody-sing-alongin-unison’ rock anthem; there’s a ‘cheatin’ song; an ‘I-caught-you-cheatin’ song; there’s a tumultuous tune

about the pandemic and a foreboding and raucous ditty about a stripper, to name just a few of the stand-outs.

Te project is rife with solid and punchy guitar rifs, hard drivin’ and exuberant rhythms and each track comes with its own beefy bottom end. You’ll hear a bit of rap, a splattering of efective and well-placed harmonies and competent lead vocals from the guys.

If you’re up for it, this record will take you down their ‘rockin’ road; where one turn doesn’t always lead to another and where the terrain can switch from paved to gravel in an instant. At the end of the fnal track, when you’re fnally home and sittin’ back in your easy chair, I wouldn’t be surprised if you hard core rock devotees aren’t ready to get up and go again.

Catz In Pajamas summer schedule:

5/12/23

Chimney Rock Smokehouse, Chimney Rock, NC 6pm-9pm

6/16/23

Te Dugout, Hendersonville, NC 8pm-12am

8/19/23

St. Paul Mountain Vineyards, Hendersonville, NC 3pm-6pm

https://www.catzinpajamas.com/

https://catzinpajamas.hearnow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CatzinPJs

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at peggymarie43@gmail.com

Lifestyle & Resource

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Beauty Bin

117 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville

828-417-9915

Dry Bar & Day Spa. Asheville’s One-Stop Shop for ALL your Beauty Needs. Helping every client look and feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. www.beauty.bin.com

Circle Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic

30 Clayton St, Asheville

828.989.1380

We provide a personalized, comprehensive and exceptional approach to healthcare. Dr. Boudreaux uses efective, natural and ethical methods to improve the mental, physical and emotional health & wellbeing of his patients. CircleAcupunctureWellness.com

Four Seasons

828-692-6178

A locally trusted organization, Four Seasons is a leader in highquality person-centered care, proven by our consistent rank in the top 10% of service providers for family satisfaction. www.fourseasonscare.org

Ingles Pharmacy

Prescriptions ready when you need them, every time. www.ingles-pharmacy.com

Te Lodge at Mills River

5593 Old Haywood Rd, Mills River

828-684-4857

Make your rehabilitation or long-term stay at a skilled nursing facility a positive experience. We ofer our residents a warm community dedicated to seeing them achieve their health goals. www.sanstonehealth.com/lodgeatmillsriver

Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D.

Suite B-2, 1944 Hendersonville Road, Asheville

828-684-3939

General Dentistry. Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with our team. Being patient-centered means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern. www.DentalAsheville.com

guide

Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles - Martha Lowe

1210 Hendersonville Road, Asheville

828-777-4364

“I love homes and I love people”!  My experience includes 34 years in banking as well as 20 years in real estate.  I want to earn your business.

Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles - Owen Fields

1210 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-777-5447

2011 Asheville Realtor of the Year.  Specializing in estate sales.  Available nights and weekends.

Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty

60 Biltmore Ave, Suite 210, Asheville 828-707-9556

Our goal is to understand you and your needs; doing this means we can provide you with spot-on guidance to make informed decisions when buying or selling your home. www.mymosaicrealty.com

Norma Clayton Realty

262 S. Caldwell St., Brevard 828-384-1806

Your HomeTown Realtor in Brevard. A team of real estate professionals dedicated to helping you fnd your perfect place. Let us show you why we love calling Transylvania County home. www.brevardrealty.net

RE/MAX Results - Elizabeth Jones

115 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-226-2269

I enjoy listening, then searching for the home you feel is right. Are you selling your home? I can advise you on how to make your home ready, then sell your home for the best return.

WNC Bridge Foundation Estate Sales & Services

75 Fairview Rd, Asheville 828-575-2509

We are a community-based charitable organization that works to provide funds to support and assist in meeting the many health challenges that face the people of WNC. www. WNC bridge.org

FOOD & DINING

Baked Pie Company

4 Long Shoals Rd, Arden

828-333-4366

Our pies are made daily with the freshest and highest quality ingredients. We think our customers deserve only the best! www.bakedpiecompany.com

PB & Jay”s Cafe

3445 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher

828-376-3711

Tis unique café ofers quality nut butters, locally made jams and preserves and delicious breads. Anyone missing their childhood? You will fnd it at the Café! www.pbjayscafe.com

LIFESTYLE

5 Little Monkeys Quilt & Sew

32 N. Main St, Weaverville.

828-484-7200

Fabric, Supplies, Longarm Quilting and Machine Service.   Our passion is supporting all people in their desire to learn to sew and quilt.

Asheville Cotton Co.

1378 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville

828-277-4100

With the help of a super friendly, knowledgeable and talented staf, the shop now boasts more than 10,000 bolts of quilting cotton, representing more than twenty major brands. We ofer a variety of classes, bringing in both local and national teachers. www.ashevillecottonco.com

Stephens Upholstering Co.

220 Weavervile Rd, Asheville

828-645-3422

Get furniture upholstery, drapery fabrics, blinds, and hardware right here. www.stephensupholstery.com

Tyme In Te Garden

190 Weaverville Hwy, Asheville.

828-658-3700

A unique garden and gif shop ofering whimsy to the refned, bringing the outdoors in.

Celebrating Life

by Laurie Richardone

Life happens In the In-between.

Te time that is the space between the beginning and the end of something, is where life happens.

Planting the seed and reaping the harvest, grinding the beans and taking the frst sip, turning on the oven, and biting into fresh baked bread, charting out a course, and reaching the summit. It is here in the mundane, the not yet manifested, we patiently, or impatiently wait for what’s to come. It is easy to forget that it is about the journey, not the destination. As soon as we arrive at our destination, it can be easy to look at what’s next. We don’t bask in our accomplishments, however small scale they are.

In the modern world it’s so much harder to focus on the humdrum when you’re caught up in the bustle of trying to meet goals, and achieve something. Experts suggest you can signifcantly improve your overall mood by jotting down three good things that happen to you each day and your role in them. It could be as simple as bringing a smile to someone’s face. By doing so, you can also stop focusing on external results, and live in the moment, and change the way you perceive happiness and success.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that appreciating the little things, like a childhood memory, a well made meal, getting one step closer to learning a new skill, has become more difcult in a world fxated on achievement and meeting your next career milestone. You’re ofen encouraged to celebrate your big successes and then curate them for social media. Tis means that these smaller, simpler, precious moments in your day tend to go unnoticed.

I love this quote by Eckhard Tolle “ Do not be concerned with the fruit of your action, give your attention to the action itself, the fruit will come on it’s own accord”

Let’s give our attention to making delicious healthy Banana Bread for Mothers Day.

Celebrating all the beautiful mothers in the world.

To your good health ~ Laurie

If you are a curious person or cook, join me on my Podcast ~ a taste for all seasons. Listen to the latest episode~Te Nature Of Creativity ~ All shows on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Now Available ~ Asheville Cooking Class Series ~ Hosted by CSLAsheville.org

Tese scrumptious classes will open seasonal new opportunities in your kitchen. Join us in a group setting and learn how to feed your body for optimal health.

https://cslasheville.org/event/boost-vitality-through-food-keto-comfort-cooking/

Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and certifed health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

Fresh Baked Banana Bread ~ Low Carb & Grain free

Tis healthy banana bread is moist and delicious, and will stand up to any high carb banana bread. Easily made vegan.

Ingredients

3/4 cup almond four

1/4 cup coconut four

2 tablespoons arrowroot four

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil melted or butter melted

3 eggs room temperature, substitute 3/4 cup applesauce for vegan

2-3 bananas very ripe, about 1 cup of mashed banana

1/4 cup maple syrup, raw honey, or monk fruit

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cardamom or cinnamon, ground

1 tablespoon poppy seeds to sprinkle over bread.

Preheat the oven to 350° F/175° C.

Method

Using a whisk or fork, mix all the dry ingredients together.

In a separate bowl mash the ripe bananas until they break down and become creamy.

Mix all the wet ingredients into the bananas until everything is combined. Then mix them into the dry ingredients. If needed, you can use a stick blender or mixer to ensure the batter is well blended.

Oil or butter a loaf pan. Add the batter to a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until well browned and a knife inserted in the middle of the bread comes out clean.

Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certifed health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

The ABCDEs of SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that can potentially lead to life-threatening conditions if not treated in time. While anyone can get skin cancer, people with light skin are more likely to develop it than those with darker skin tones. Te most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and typically appears as a raised patch of tissue on the surface of the skin. It may be pink or red, sometimes scaly or shiny, and is ofen found on sunexposed areas such as the face, arms, and neck. BCCs rarely spread beyond their site of origin but they can cause permanent disfgurement if not treated in time. Common warning signs include small lumps or bumps that may have visible blood vessels and open sores that don’t heal within four weeks.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is less common than BCC but it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early enough. It usually appears as a frm red nodule or bump with a crusty top layer. It may also appear as an ulcerated sore that does not heal within four weeks or any abnormality that continues to grow over time regardless of treatment attempts. Common locations where SCCs are found include areas around the eyes, lips, ears, scalp, and face even when these areas are rarely exposed to sunlight.

Melanoma is a rare but deadly form of skin cancer that accounts for less than two percent of all cases yet causes a majority of deaths due to this disease. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body but most ofen occur in moles located on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, and arms. To help identify melanomas at an early stage, it’s important to remember the ABCDE rule which stands for Asymmetry: If one half looks diferent from the other; Border: Its edges should be regular; Color: Look for diferent shades such as black, blue or red; Diameter: Should be equal throughout; Evolution: Watch out for changes such as new size or color over time.

In addition to recognizing possible symptoms and warning signs related to each type of skin cancer listed above, there are certain risk factors that increase one’s chances of developing this disease including excessive exposure to UV rays which can come from sunlight or tanning beds; any history of radiation therapy; weakened immune system or certain medications used afer organ transplants; fair complexion leading to higher sensitivity towards sunlight; family history; age (over 50); having many moles on your body among others.

It is important to note that early detection is key when it comes to treating any form of skin cancer since later stages could lead to metastasis (spread) throughout other parts of the body making treatment difcult so regular self-examination coupled with annual checkups by qualifed healthcare professionals should become part of the daily routine whenever possible.

Tere are various ways through which people can protect themselves against getting skin cancer some of which include always applying sunscreen before going outside regardless of weather conditions, wearing protective clothing such as long pants, hats, sunglasses, etc., and avoiding midday sun hours (10 am - 4 pm), checking oneself regularly for any suspicious moles, refusing tanning beds/UV treatments among others. While these steps might seem trivial at frst glance when added together they can make a huge diference in helping prevent many cases from developing into fullblown cancers.

To sum up, while anyone can get skin cancer there are various measures one can take to reduce the chances of getting it such as proper protection against UV rays coming either sunlight tanning beds avoiding midday hours, regular self-checks, annual visits to doctors ensure a safe environment one live a healthier lifestyle overall. If you ever feel something wrong with your body do not hesitate to contact a medical professional promptly diagnose and treat in whatever necessary manner possible.

MaiaGreek Goddess of Growth

Origins and Background

Maia’s origins are not entirely clear. It is believed that she was one of the oldest gods of the Greek pantheon, a daughter of Atlas and Pleione, and a sister to the Pleiades, a constellation consisting of seven stars that the Greeks believed represented the seven sisters. Maia is mentioned in various ancient Greek texts, including the epic poems of Homer and Hesiod, and is ofen associated with the goddess of the dawn, Eos.

Mythological Role

Maia’s primary role in Greek mythology was that of a goddess of fertility. Her name itself means “mother,” and she was associated with the growth of plants, animals, and humans alike. In particular, she was seen as a protector of newborns and was ofen invoked to aid in childbirth. According to mythology, Zeus, the king of the gods, fell in love with Maia and fathered a son with her, named Hermes. Hermes was a mischievous and playful god, known for his cunning and quickness, and was ofen seen as the messenger between the gods and humans. Maia was also sometimes associated with other gods of fertility, such as Dionysus, who was the god of wine, and Pan, who was a god of nature.

May and Maia

Te month of May is named afer Maia, and there are many reasons why she is associated with this time of year. In ancient Greece, May was a time of rebirth and new beginnings, as plants began to bloom and animals gave birth to their young. As the goddess of fertility and growth, Maia was seen as the embodiment of this new life. Additionally, the beginning of May was marked by the festival of Maia, a celebration in honor of the goddess. During this festival, people would gather to worship Maia and ofer up sacrifces to her.

Greek mythology is full of fascinating deities, each with their own unique stories and attributes. Among these gods and goddesses is the beautiful and powerful Maia, the goddess of growth and fertility. Widely revered in ancient Greece, Maia remains an intriguing fgure to this day. In particular, many people associate her with the month of May, and there are good reasons for this. In this article, we will explore who Maia was, what she represented, and why she is so frequently linked with the beginning of spring.

In addition to her association with May, Maia was also associated with the constellation Taurus, which was visible in the sky during this time of year. Te constellation was said to represent the bull that Zeus transformed himself into when he kidnapped Europa, a woman he had fallen in love with. According to mythology, Maia was one of the daughters of the river god Asopos and was a close friend of Europa. Terefore, her association with Taurus helped to reinforce her importance and status as a powerful goddess.

Symbols and Representations

Like many other Greek gods and goddesses, Maia was ofen depicted in artwork and sculptures. She was typically shown as a beautiful and youthful woman, ofen holding a bundle of grapes or a cornucopia. She was also sometimes shown with her son Hermes, whom she was said to dote on. In addition to grapes, other symbols associated with Maia included the month of May, the bull of Taurus, and a goat or ram, which were thought to represent her fertility.

Conclusion

Maia was a fascinating fgure in ancient Greek mythology, and her importance is still felt today. As the goddess of growth, fertility, and new beginnings, she was seen as a protector and guide to those starting new chapters in their lives. Her association with the month of May helped to solidify her importance and made her a central fgure in ancient Greek culture. Even today, people continue to recognize and appreciate her infuence, making her one of the enduring and beloved fgures of mythology.

The Great Game of Pickleball

A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, social sport that is easy to pick up and hard to put down, look no further than pickleball. Originally developed in 1965 by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, two dads trying to entertain their bored kids, pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with millions of players of all ages and skill levels.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court that is a fraction of the size of a traditional tennis court, with a net that is lower than in tennis or

badminton (36 inches high in the middle and 34 inches at the edges). Te ball used in pickleball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball, similar in size to a wife ball, that is designed to be hit with a paddle. Players play either singles or doubles and the objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court without the opposing player or team being able to return the ball efectively.

How to Play Pickleball

Playing pickleball is simple and easy to pick up. Te rules are similar to tennis, but with some key diferences. Te serving player stands behind the baseline, and hits the

ball diagonally over the net to start the game. Te ball must land within the opponent’s court and bounce once before being returned by the opponent who is standing across the net. Once the ball is in play, both players can hit the ball back and forth, with the aim of hitting the ball in such a way that it bounces twice on the opponent’s court, or that the opposing player misses their return. Te game continues until one of the players reaches 11 points, with a minimum lead of two points. Players switch sides of the court afer each point.

Equipment

One of the most attractive things about pickleball is that it is an inexpensive sport to play. All you need to get started is a pickleball paddle, a net, and some pickleballs. Paddles used in pickleball are smaller than a tennis racket, but bigger than a ping pong paddle. Tey typically weigh between 6 and 11 ounces and are made of materials such as fberglass, graphite, or composite. Te amount of paddle power and control will vary depending on which kind of paddle you are using, and which is right for you will depend on your play style and preferences. Pickleballs are lightweight plastic balls with dimples on the surface, much like a wife ball. Tey come in a variety of colors, and there are some diferent models available for indoor or outdoor play.

Benefts of Playing Pickleball

Te combination of fun, socializing, and exercise makes pickleball a popular choice for people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a sport that can be played indoors or outdoors, on any smooth surface that is the correct size, making it accessible for those who don’t have access to a large space or who want to avoid inclement weather. And because it is not as physically demanding as tennis or basketball, it is attractive to older individuals looking to stay active.

Pickleball also ofers numerous health benefts. Like other forms of exercise, it increases your heart rate and benefts your cardiovascular system. It also develops your endurance, balance, and agility with its quick movements and changes of direction, enhancing fexibility, and improves hand-eye coordination. Because pickleball can be played in doubles, it also increases socialization and comes with the benefts of playing on a team - developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Furthermore, it is an efective stress reliever and allows you to decompress from daily stressors more efectively.

Pickleball Goes Social

One of the aspects that make pickleball an almost addictive choice is the social aspect of the game. It is a sport perfect for people who want to meet new friends, develop relationships, and engage in the community. Te USAPA, United States of America Pickleball Association, is the recognized governing body for pickleball in the United States, supporting more than 40,000 members and a growing network of more than 2,000 ambassadors, instructors, referees, and coaches.

Te USAPA holds and sanctions thousands of tournaments and events every year, and it is also working to make pickleball an inclusive sport that can be played at all skill levels by all kinds of people. Leagues and clubs are being formed all over the country, and they are as available for beginners just starting to learn as they are for seasoned players.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced, and social sport that is growing in popularity every year. It’s simple rules, inexpensive equipment

Strawberry Dump Cake

Ingredients:

2 cans (21 ounces each) strawberry pie flling

1 package (18.25 ounces) white cake mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup chopped pecans, optional

Whipped cream or ice cream, for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Pour the strawberry flling into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

3. In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the strawberries in the pan and spread it out evenly.

4. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream on top.

Enjoy!

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