February 2015

february 2015

battle of the sexes

Why Does He Lose Weight Faster?

snap out of it!

Not Everyone Wants Your Advice

everyday explorations What’s New in Niagara

Working

to Bring Our Community Together

f o r a l l t h e t h i n g s t h at yo u a r e . . . r o c h e s t e r w o m a n

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rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

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february OUT & ABOUT 7

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EVERYDAY EXPLORATIONS 8 FASHION FORWARD 10 SNAP OUT OF IT! 18 MENOPAUSE MOMENT 20

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BATTLE OF THE SEXES 22

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LEADING WOMAN: Lamarr Jackson

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COVER STORY: Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan

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READS & WRITES 32 LOCAL BUSINESS MATTERS 34 POSITIVE MIND/POSITIVE LIFE w/ Dr. P

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE: The Lupus Chic

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TIPS FOR WOMEN 40 FITNESS 42 RW INSPIRES 45

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EVENTS CALENDAR 49 DOLLARS & SENSE 50

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LETTER FROM THE

OUR TEAM...

publishers

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

-- Maya Angelou February is finally here and spring is right around the corner. At least we hope it is anyway! So, with that in mind, Rochester Woman Magazine would like to make an exciting announcement. In April we will be hosting our first ever RWMs Ultimate Women Entrepreneur’s Expo!

This event will showcase over 150 of the incredible woman-owned businesses in the greater Rochester Area.The expo will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at the Rochester Plaza Hotel and Conference Center from 5:00-9:00pm. Come and enjoy food and beverage sampling, some retail therapy, free srvices, fashion show and much, much more! And is free to attend! If you are a woman-owned business, this is a great way to promote your products or service to hundreds of possible new clients. Vendor space is limited, so reserve your spot today.

Also, our RWMs Ultimate Health and Wellness Expo has a new location this year. The event will be held on Saturday, June 13th at the Sibley Building downtown. We are thrilled to be able to host this event in a venue that has so much significance to the history of downtown Rochester and will fill two floors with amazing services, demonstrations, sampling, and so much more. For more information on either of these events you can visit www. rwmsultimatewomensexpos.com.

In honor of Black History month, RWM decided to have our first ever Black History edition. Our February cover woman is a true inspiration and leader in this community. Cynthia HerriottSullivan served in the Rochester Police Department for 24 years and retired in 2009 as an Executive Lieutenant. She has recently been named CEO of Rise Up Rochester, and organization created to help victims and families of violence deal with the justice system. Improving relationships between the community and the police department is one of her main goals. Read more about her inspiring story on page [26].

Plus, this month we are introducing a new regular feature called Everyday Explorations with Katie DeTar. In this feature, Katie will take us on local day trips around the area exploring places we may, or may not know about and introduce us to little known facts and out of the way places. This month Katie takes us to Niagara Falls and explores what’s new on the much ???? American side of the falls. You can check out her column on page [8].

In this month’s Snap Out of It! column, Associate Editor Margaret Madigan talks about how we deal with the constant barrage of people’s opinions and advice on how we “should” run our lives.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but Margaret has her solution that you can read about on page [18].

As always thanks for reading RWM, we look forward to seeing you at some of our upcoming events.

Stay warm and think Spring!

Kelly & Barb on our cover

Cynthia Heerriott-Sullivan, retired RPD Executive Lieutenant and CEO of Rise Up Rochester was photographed by Stephen Reardon at the Sibley Building, downtown Rochester. Hair and make-up was provided

by Tachara Ashord of Salon Bella Vita in Pittsford, NY.

our team...

Publishers Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

associate editor Margaret Madigan

Creative DIRECTOR/designer Kelly Breuer

Photography

Tiffany Boula Jennifer Gattelaro Stephen Reardon

Contributing Writers Vanessa Cheeks Katie De Tar Laura DiCaprio Rebecca Ferguson Krista Gleason Caroline Hill Shannon Joy Cynthia Kolko Joan E. Lincoln Margaret Madigan Sraddha Prativadi, MD Kit Teresi Elizabeth Warner, MD James Woods, MD

for advertising information:

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Unlike any other publication in the Rochester area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Rochester women.

The print magazines are distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the first week of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

Contact our home office 585.727.9120 PO Box 90798 I Rochester, NY 14609 info@rochesterwomanmag.com Download our media kit at www.rochesterwomanmag.com The magazine is published 12 times a year by Rochester Woman Magazine, llc. 1115 E. Main Street, Box 60, Rochester NY 14609.

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o&A

::OUT &

about

F OA

Award-Winning Journalist Sheehy To Speak March 1st

On Sunday, March 1st, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Gail Sheehy will be speaking at 2 pm at the Atkin Center at Jewish Senior Life as part of the JCC Lane Dworkin Jewish Book Festival, dramatizing scenes from her new memoir Daring: My Passages.

MOVIES Fifty Shades of Grey – 2/14 Based on E.L. James’ erotic best-seller, the story follows Anastasia “Ana” Steele, a 21 year old college senior who attends Washington State University Vancouver in Washington. In place of her friend Kate, Ana interviews 27-year-old Christian Grey, a successful and wealthy young entrepreneur. From this meeting on, Christian engages with Ana in a new type of relationship – BDSM.

McFarland USA – 2/20 Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farmrich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White, a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other.

Focus –2/27 A seasoned master of misdirection becomes romantically involved with novice female con artist. As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he breaks it off.

Three years later, she shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high-stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest scheme, she throws his plans for a loop… and the consummate con man off his game.

Unfinished Business – 3/6 A hard-working small business owner (Vince Vaughn) and his two associates (Tom Wilkinson, Dave Franco) travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. But what began as a routine business trip goes off the rails in every imaginable -- and unimaginable -- way, including unplanned stops at a massive sex fetish event and a global economic summit.

Sheehy, who began her journalistic career over 50 years ago at the Democrat and Chronicle, has changed the way millions of women and men around the world look at the stages of their lives. Her revolutionary book, Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life, was named by the Library of Congress one of the ten most influential books of our times.

Sheehy is one of the founding writers of New York Magazine and has been a contributing editor to Vanity Fair since 1984. She has written about presidential candidates from Robert Kennedy to Hilary Clinton and world leaders from Margaret Thatcher to Saddam Hussein.

Her latest book, Daring: My Passages, chronicles her trials and triumphs as a “girl” journalist in the 1960s, her magical love affair with New York Magazine founder Clay Felker, and her rise to become one of the premier political profilers of modern times.

To register for this event, please visit rjbf.org.

THIRD SEWN SEEDS FASHION FUNDRAISER RETURNING TO GOOD LUCK

The third Peppermint Sewn Seeds fashion show will take place Sunday, March 29, at Good Luck Restaurant located at 50 Anderson Avenue in Rochester. The annual event showcases the talent of local designers in Rochester and proceeds will once again benefit Girls Rock! Rochester and Verona Street Animal Shelter.

Designer and creator of the Sewn Seeds show, Tanvi Asher, will present spring ready-to-wear designs from Peppermint and her 2015 collection of handmade couture bridal gowns from Asher Bridal. According to Asher, “This year’s bridal collection will be more refined and cohesive, with romantic elements such as lace and ruching.” Fans of her ready-to-wear can expect to see clean, unpretentious looks inspired by the current normcore trend. Asher is once again collaborating with her Park Avenue neighbor, World Hair, for the show’s hair and makeup.

Also returning for this year’s event will be collaborating designer, Josean Vargas, of J. Vargas.

With a continuing focus on bright and vibrant color, his resort wear will take a cool refreshing dip in Caribbean waters. The collection will represent a lively, spirited woman, with different silhouettes to appeal to all body types. New to the Sewn Seeds roster is Katrina Elliott, whose work embodies an ever-changing but cohesive style. She has selected a mixture of textures, colors, prints and silhouettes inspired from the past, present, and future. Her goal is to showcase a combination of garments meant for stimulating and fresh results.

A cocktail reception will precede the show at 1:00 PM and the runway show will commence at 2:00 PM. Tickets will be available on February 16 for online purchase at Good Luck’s website (http://inspiredtable.restaurantgoodluck.com) and will also be available at Peppermint. Limited VIP seating tickets are $65 and general admission is $30. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event and a portion of the show’s ticket sales will also benefit the two charities. For additional information and media inquiries, please contact Tanvi Asher at Peppermint at 585-466-4396.

Girl Scout Cookie Program Adds Gluten-Free and Online Sales

Think that box of Girl Scout Cookies is just a tasty treat? The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s largest girl-run business. By participating, Girl Scouts learn many valuable lessons and gain five essential skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

This year, for the first time in history, Girl Scouts will be able to sell Girl Scout cookies online through the Digital Cookie platform. To purchase Girl Scout cookies online, customers will have to receive an email from a Girl Scout and pay the shipping and handling charges. This initiative presents a way for local Girl Scouts to learn valuable lessons about running a business in the 21st century.

Also new, some Girl Scout troops will sell a new gluten-free cookie called Trios, which has peanut butter and chocolate chips. The other traditional varieties will be available, too: Thin Mints, Caramel delights, Peanut Butter Patties, Lemonades, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbreads, Thanks-A-Lots and Cranberry Citrus Crisps.

Cookie sales are going on now, the cookies will arrive in Western New York at the end of February, with booth sales taking place around the region throughout March. The 2015 Girl Scout Cookie Program ends March 28 in Western New York. For More information about the program, visit gswny.org

explorations ::everyday

What’s New In

By Katie DeTar

Niagara

If you’ve lived in western New York for any period of time, undoubtedly you’ve hosted guests who dream of visiting our area’s natural wonder – Niagara Falls. And many of us can admit that we’ve advised those out-oftowners, in a manner locals often do, to skip the American side and head right to Canada.

Since the 1970’s, our side of falls has developed a non-so-flattering reputation of aged attractions, lackluster hotels, declining population, and crime that we’ve all come to perpetuate in conversation. But given some recent changes and upcoming developments to the region, I encourage you to rethink your travel advice. It’s time to give Niagara USA a second chance.

Natural Scenery Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls collectively form the Niagara Falls. The powerful, 167-foot high waterfalls are a sight that attracts millions every year.

The best place to get up close to the river, its rapids, and the falls is Niagara Falls State Park – the oldest state park in the United States. Founded in 1885, the park encompasses a 435-acre area and attracts some 8-million visitors annually.

Here, you’ll wander through walkways and vista points, including parkland along the Niagara River, the gorge, and numerous islands. The largest island, Goat Island, connects to the main land via a pedestrian bridge and a road bridge. From Terrapin Point – a small extension of land

beyond the river at Horseshoe Falls – you can ogle over some of the best views in the region.

Now in a 25-million dollar rehabilitation and revitalization project, this park is a great place for a hike, bird watching, and photographing. The project includes new walkways and railings, updates to the Prospect Point observation tower high above the American Falls, new park buildings, and fresh landscaping. One of the construction goals is to return the park to the original vision of famed landscape designers Frederick Law Olmstead and his colleague, Calvert Vaux. Indigenous plants will be added, and invasive species are being removed to bring the park back to the late 1800s topography.

One area, Three Sisters Islands, is complete – and it’s stunning. Here, you’ll get as close as possible to the Canadian rapids on the Niagara River.

It’s an oasis of nature amidst a developed area – its quiet, scenic, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot numerous waterfowl species, including rare peregrine falcons and bald eagles. The Islands are the hidden gem of this impressive park.

The changing seasons offer fresh perspectives on the falls and the landscape. In winter, the frozen mist settles on the trees and the grass, sparkling in the sunshine. In summer, gardens bloom and the mist feels cooling and refreshing. No mater the season, you’re sure to see a rainbow.

And by completion in 2015, you’re sure to be impressed with the updates at this beautiful park.

As you head north from Niagara Falls State Park, you’ll find four more state parks all within the Niagara region. The 7-mile stretch of parks along

::everyday explorations the gorge offers miles of hiking trails for all skill levels – with scenic views at every turn. Some trails bring you down into the gorge – including the Whirlpool Rapids Trail, skirting past the dangerous, swirling rapids just a few miles north of the falls.

The river and gorge region are also well known for the fishing opportunities.

There are charter boats available, and the lower Niagara is a known spot for autumn salmon fishing.

Culinary Scene The Niagara region is upping its interest in culinary passion, including a more recent focus on the popular farm-to-table movement.

In downtown Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is training students for careers ranging from culinary arts to wine management, tourism and more. The school, opened in 2010, completely transformed a portion of the former Rainbow Center Mall on Old Falls Street into a 90,000 square foot facility.

Lunch here is a real treat. At Savor – the school’s main restaurant – students prep and serve a seasonal menu. Try the salmon cake, with dill sour cream and hard boiled egg on a baguette – you’ll be glad you did – delicious.

The school also houses a deli, a patisserie, and their own culinary-themed Barnes and Noble bookstore.

Just north up the Robert Moses Parkway you’ll find Lewiston, NY – a charming village of small shops and unique dining.

At Carmelo’s on Center Street, Chef Carmelo Raimondi serves up authentic Italian. The 16-table dining room is romantic and cozy. Just up the street, the DiCamillo family continues a tradition of baking that began at their first location in Niagara Falls in 1920. The charming shop offers breads, pastry, cookies and more – you can’t help but leave with bags of goodies. And good news – they ship!

In the summertime, you can’t come to Lewiston without experiencing The Silo – and bring a friend! You’ll need two people to down one of their famous “haystack” sandwiches; high-piled ribeye steak loaded with mozzarella cheese and topped with crispy hash brown strings. Whoa.

The Niagara Region is also bringing farm-to-bottle, with the opening of more and more wineries as part of the established Niagara Wine Trail.

Now 22 members strong, the trail extends from the Falls into Monroe County - and offers tastings, tours, and special events.

At Leonard Oakes winery in Medina, 4th generation farm owner/ operators are bringing the best fruits from the farm and creating some incredible beverages. Winemaker Jonathan Oakes has a real passion for creating products that reflect the region’s culinary history and culture.

With the Steampunk cider, they’re using a variety of apples, all grown on their farm. The Eloquence Cider includes a hint of quince – a fruit with a long history of cultivation in the Niagara and Genesee Valley regions of New York State. The results are crisp and refreshing, and are gaining the winery some national accolades.

Oakes is also proud of their ice wine – and he should be. The Vidal Blanc holds its own compared to the famed Canadian producers. The thick syrupy sweetness made from grapes frozen on the vine is a truly unique and delicious experience. The entire crop must be harvested under very specific temperature conditions, and then pressed to create a concentrated and sweet wine, resulting in a very limited annual yield. New York State – which was recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine – is just one of a few regions in the world that can produce such a treasure.

Family Fun There are dozens of family-friendly activities in the Niagara Region to choose from. Two attractions deserve your interest – the Aquarium and Old Fort Niagara; one for renovations to come, the other for the renovations that saved it in the first place.

with katie

EE

The Aquarium of Niagara opened in 1965 just a few miles from the American Falls. Its unique retro round façade is showing its age. Inside, there are some great – if small – exhibits on tropical fish and sharks.

But starting this year, work on a multi-million dollar refurbishment will include a new 1600 square-foot penguin exhibit, more interactive displays, and a sculpture garden. The staff is also teaming up with the state DEC for a new Lake Ontario themed exhibit as part of a Genesee River Lake Sturgeon restoration project. The Aquarium will raise fingerlings (young) for later repopulation efforts. Drawings of the completed renovations are intriguing.

In the meantime, the best reason to make a visit to the Aquarium is to experience the sea lion demonstrations. Multiple times daily, trainer and animal companions present live shows in a large round stage area. The show will wow you with their athletic interactions and synchronized swimming and diving. The connection between animal and trainer is magical. And here’s a fun fact: did you know that a sea lion can outrun a human on land?

For more trivia tidbits – and a history lesson – head to Old Fort Niagara, at the northernmost point of the Niagara River.

On October 13, 1812, the United States invaded Canada for what would become the first major battle of the war of 1812. Fort Niagara exchanged fire with Fort George – located just across the river in what is now Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. This notable battle is just part of the lengthy military history of this fort. The flags for three nations have flown here beginning with the French at the start of the French and Indian War, then the British, then the United States - who used the fort in some fashion right up until 1963.

During the 20th century, a pubic-private partnership saved the historic buildings, and they were restored to their original form – including the 300-year-old French Castle. The stately and imposing stone structure depicts early officers’ quarters.

Old Fort Niagara holds special events all year, including re-enactments and candlelight tours. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Will Emerson – an incredibly enthusiastic and realistic re-enactor. He’s got a real knack for making his audience laugh and a way of drawing you in to the history of his story as a French Soldier. On a blustery winter day, as the sun sets on a lonely Lake Ontario, his musket firing demo really brings to life what soldiers must have felt hundreds of years earlier.

Shopping and more On your way in to the city, swing by the newly expanded Fashion Outlets

of Niagara Falls. Following an opening in October, there’re now 200 stores – making it one of the largest outlets in the country.

Closer to the falls, the former Rainbow Center Mall is set to be transformed into a mixed-use retail and hotel space, including plans for an indoor waterpark.

And nearby, Third Street – home to local favorite restaurant Wine on Third – is poised to attract new business. Recent street renovations included wider sidewalks and plantings, and there’s a rumor of a specialty soap maker and a handmade bowtie boutique moving in soon.

People and Perspectives The city has a relatively new mayor, and as of this past election, new faces on the city council – and there’s a feeling here of more cooperation and a collective effort of revitalization. There’s even a program in place to keep recent college grads in town by helping to pay down student debt if they agree to live within a designated city zone.

A refurbished city takes investment, innovation, and time. Prosperity also takes people, and that’s where you come in. Take the 1.5-hour scenic drive west and see what’s new in Niagara USA. rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

9

:fashion

forward

By Joan Lincoln

Connect with your individual style and wardrobe ... at almost any age.

Here’s my take on ageless chic and age appropriate style. I’m talking women of style and personality, women who are aware that wearing miniskirts over their knee at 50 is not a good idea, unless of course you have a tennis racket or golf club in hand. Wouldn’t you rather look great, than great for your age?

Let’s Talk Hair.

Where is it written that women of a “certain age” should cut her hair short?

I am often asked about my head full of long, curly locks—”Why don’t you wear your hair curly all the time?” Another often asked question, mostly by women who have chosen to wear their hair in a short easy care style, “When are you going to cut your long hair short?” My responses to these two questions are: first, I don’t wear my hair curly all the time because it’s a lot of work to get those curls to cooperate. Curly hair girls are considered “lucky” to have all that volume and bounce, it’s a full-time job to try and control those curls and frizz in our Upstate NY weather. Second, my answer to the question about cutting my hair is “never”. I tell my daughters I am going to be the “Grandmother” who wears her gray hair braided down the middle of her back as long as it will grow. My mother still sports a lovely shoulder length silver-blonde hair style and I celebrate this as she enjoys her 81st birthday this year.

This apple did not fall far from the tree...but, just far enough. I look at my Mom as an ageless style mentor.

Entertaining Fashion Lessons: A Good Read In her book The Threads of Time, The Fabric of History: 38 Profiles

of African American Designers and Dressmakers from 1850-Present, one of the designers author Rosemary E. Reed Miller profiles is Anne Cole Lowe (1898—1981) the earliest African American designer to become part of the New York fashion establishment in 1950. Lowe is best known for designing Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress which featured 50 yards of silk taffeta, with a very full circular skirt tucked and pleated (Lowe’s specialty). The wedding dress was shown to the world on September 12, 1953 and became the most photographed in history. It is housed in the Kennedy Library in Boston.

For all those who are sick and tired of seeing style and fashion presented solely as a young woman’s game, behold Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen. I received a signed copy of this masterpiece from a client friend who embraces her look every day. She treats the streets as her own personal runway. Advanced Style inspires all of us who dabble in the world of fashion to create our own personal style and remember that age is just a number. The book and documentary by Cohen are a fun refreshing display of images and interviews of women who haven’t thrown in the fashion towel. Their stories and individual styles will lift your spirits and perhaps your eyebrows.

I didn’t choose to be an “ageless style mentor”, as one of my clients affectionately calls me, I grew into it. I embrace my individual style every day. One day is very different from the next for me. At the age of 55, I have come to realize that fashion is a tool of expression, it allows me extraordinary opportunities to express my personal emotions through my wardrobe, outfit with style and flair. I would have to say that my style ranges from a great pair of jeans and cowboy boots, to a free-spirited layered look or a more conservative classic Chanel look. When I approach dressing for the day I take three things into consideration: the day’s activities, weather and the “party” at Panache!

Taking care of you is a daily deal you make with yourself. You can decide to fall prey to fleece, sweaters and stretchy, shapeless pants or you can “rock what you’ve got” out of the house.

Dare to embrace your “advanced style”!

Joan Lincoln owns Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment in Brighton Commons. Her Fashion Forward segment can also be heard every Thursday morning during Wake Up With Tony on WARM 101.3 exploring all::ofrochesterWomanMag.com the latest fashion trends and styles.

10 february 2015

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With over 90 programs, MCC is the affordable start to a bachelor’s degree and a great career. To learn more about Maggie’s story and how we can help you achieve your dreams, visit www.monroecc.edu/inspiring.

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it! ::snap out of

NOT E

Advic

Holy moly, stop telling me what to do!

Argh!

it!

:snap out of,

EVERYONE

ce

, g

SIF SF

wants your

By Margaret Madigan You know that old chestnut from Voltaire, “Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes”?

You’re probably more familiar with the saying, “Opinions are like a#% h#*%!, everyone has one”? Well I have a new take on this quote, “Opinions are like fruit, some are good, some are bad, you don’t know until you squeeze them.” Wow, that was really kind of lame, wasn’t it? Anyway…

I’ve had to face many tough decisions in the past couple of years. You know a lot of “crossroads in life” type of stuff. As I’ve had to make some decisions about my career, finances, living situation, kid’s college futures, my parent’s health, etc...everyone has something different to say, advice or opinion to offer. And most often it’s the complete opposite of what the last person said. If the opinions were charted they’d looked like the echocardiogram of a speed freak.

Oh don’t get me wrong, advice is good. Bouncing things off people is good. We all need to weigh things out. But if you hear from too many people, solicited or unsolicited, if you’re weighing and it starts to feel like one of those people from a TLC documentary like “The 900 lb Man” sitting on your chest... wait maybe the 900 lb man riding Mothra... well then it’s time to stop bouncing things off others. As my mother used to say, “Too many cooks spoil the soup.”

One of the most intelligent things my ex-husband ever said as I obsessed daily with the “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” books when I was pregnant was, “Throw the damn book away!”

“Throw all the books away” (OK maybe save one for reference).

Yea, he was right. I kept reading all these different opinions and doubting my ability to make rational decisions. I worked myself up more than a bag of cats tossed down a hill. I was worrying and second guessing non-stop. Oh yes, I think they call it “anxiety”.

When you begin to doubt your own compass is when you need to take a step back. For instance, I have my second child in the college selection process right now. She is a senior at Our Lady of Mercy High School; we did the whole investigating thing—campus visits and mailing applications. And now we wait. She’s had a few acceptances come in; waiting for more and then financial aid packages will be the deciding factor. I’m not a Rockefeller after all.

Now my son is currently a junior at one of the most expensive colleges in the universe, NYU. I’m trying to be realistic with my daughter. He got scholarships but will still have a few big loans and the travel expense back and forth adds up. I allowed my daughter to apply to her dream schools but we need to weigh things out before accepting. Fortunately this child had very reasonable dream schools.

But if I can’t afford to bring you home for Thanksgiving, we have a problem. I have some people insisting I send my next two children to state schools or community college for two years then four year state school. Um no, you don’t know all the acts of my situation.

Nothing against them but state schools really aren’t any cheaper in my circumstance (single mom) because they don’t give as much aid as private schools do. I just know my kids, I know how they are and they wouldn’t be happy living at home and going to community college. There isn’t anything wrong with community college, it’s wonderful. It’s just a different atmosphere. For example…I started out at a small college in Pennsylvania my freshman year and was miserable, then sophomore year I transferred. I transferred to a much bigger school in New England and I was as happy as a clam.

It was about the whole atmosphere. My grades got better too. For some kids, it doesn’t really matter, others it does. Some people will just go anywhere because a degree is a degree. Others look for the whole college experience. And that is the beauty of life… to each his own.

“Your kids should do this”. “Your kids should do that”. “Your kids would be happier doing…” “It would be best if you did…” “Trust me, I know”.

Holy moly, stop telling me what to do! Argh! I’ve raised these kids for 21 years pretty much on my own and have gotten this far, do you think I’m stupid? Don’t answer that. The thing is, I’m the one that lives my life day to day. I’m the one who has all the inside info.

And even if I’m not 100% sure of what to do, I’m a risk taker. I’ll give it the old college try (no pun intended) and see what happens.

Let the chips fall where they may. I’m not like the people who say “What if?” “What if?” ‘What if?” I’m a “Let’s try it and if we need to change our course, we will” kind of gal. Maybe that wasn’t always the best thing, but at least I didn’t do it with anything crazy like, “Let’s try heroin and just see what happens” or “Let’s just try unprotected sex with this guy who injects meth and see what happens” (I don’t know, is injecting meth even a thing?).

If you are obsessed with making a move on the condition that you can predict the outcome, then you can become paralyzed.

Conversely if you leap without thinking, you can find yourself in a heap load of trouble. I say weigh things out, then take an educated leap of faith. And there’s a lot to be said for gut instinct.

(Unless of course you’re a rapist, murderer, or pedophile) I’m not afraid. But once I’ve made up my mind... leave me the heck alone.

I don’t mean to be mean, I know some people are just trying to help but sometimes advice comes out as “I know better than you do” especially if you are insistent. That’s rude. The outcome will eventually be apparent to me; I don’t need your predictive “Mark my words...” shenanigans, because you really don’t know. No one knows.

Margaret “Madge” Madigan in the Associate Editor of Rochester Woman Magazine, and author of the best selling book, “When Life Gives You Lemons…At Least You Won’t Get Scurvy!” rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

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moment ::SHIFT+CONTROL ::menopause

what has

got to do with

By James Woods, MD & Elizabeth Warner, MD

No one likes belly fat since it is usually a reflection of overall elevated weight. Phrases like “pot belly,” beer belly,” or “apple-shaped” impact both our self- image and our relationship to others. While genetics definitely has some effect, evolutionary forces are also at work here.

Does the pattern of fat deposition suggest additional health risks? Why do women seem to preferentially gain belly fat during the menopause?

Obesity is indeed a byproduct of evolution. The Paleolithic diet needed to support foraging and chasing down wild animals for food (and thus survival) consisted of red meat, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables. This diet was low in carbohydrates and high in proteins and micronutrients.

In addition, the Paleolithic lifestyle was very active. In contrast, the industrial revolution brought with it cheap transportation, time-saving machines, high glycemic prepackaged foods and resultant obesity.

Unfortunately, fat deposition patterns can reflect health risks. Our superficial fat carries little health risk apart from impacting our psyche and our joints. It is the visceral fat around our internal organs and blood vessels that produces the inflammatory proteins that generate the major health risks of obesity. These intra-abdominal fat cells with a direct effect on the liver are linked to the metabolic syndrome with a higher risk of diabetes mellitis, elevated cholesterol and lipids and resultant cardiovascular disease.

Fat deposition changes with age and sex. Weight gain and fat deposition are similar in boys and girls until puberty. As adolescents, with boys having higher testosterone levels and girls having higher estrogen levels, girls begin to have a higher percent body fat. Testosterone causes higher muscle to fat ratios as well as its more masculinizing effects.

Estrogen causes a typical female fat distribution pattern in breasts, buttocks and thighs as well as its more feminizing effects. During the 20

estrogen belly fat?

february 2015 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

reproductive years women get additional fat deposition in the pelvis, buttocks, thighs and breasts to provide an energy source for eventual pregnancy and lactation.

Paradoxically, in menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels are inversely related to her weight. In a study of newly menopausal healthy women over a four year period, women showed an increase in weight and body fat (primarily as visceral adipose tissue) which coincided with a drop in estradiol levels and a decrease in physical activity and energy expenditure. In the laboratory, when female mice were surgically thrust into menopause by removing their ovaries, only those mice treated with estrogen maintained their weight while those deprived of estrogen rapidly gained weight. Why would this be? Studies have shown that estrogen incorporates crucial elements into the DNA responsible for weight control. The absence of both estrogen and these crucial elements leads to progressive obesity.

So along with hot flashes, irregular menses, irritability and depression in the menopausal transition, women have to deal with a tendency to weight gain and visceral body fat deposition that can affect their longterm health. The best way to deal with this is still dietary adjustment and increased activity levels.

James Woods MD is a practicing gynecologist credentialed in Menopause Medicine and a regular contributor to Rochester Woman Magazine.

Elizabeth Warner, MD, is a retired gynecologist. For questions regarding menopausal issues, please call (585) 271-7800. These issues are discussed in the menopause BLOG entitled www.obgyn.urmc.edu/menopause.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Henry Hess, MD, PhD

Jim Woods, MD

We specialize in perimenopausal and menopausal care and welcome new patients.

To make an appointment, please call 585.271.7800.

Hess/Woods/Warshof Obstetrics and Gynecology 2255 South Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY14618 Kalin Warshof, MS, RN, FNP-BC

sexes ::battle of the

?

Why weight

does he lose

faster than m

They say behind every great man is an even better woman, so it seems like a cosmic joke that men seem to lose weight so much faster.

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?

e

t me

sexes

:battle of the,

By Ashley Martin The winter months present a time honored tradition in many households. Granted it’s a tradition most of us strive to break every year. With the changing of the new-year comes the most common resolution of all, to lose weight. Couples vow to make this New Year a time they will kick that spare tire and shake away those Lunch lady arms. Droves of husbands and wives flock to their local gym to try and tackle the daunting task of weight loss. And, shortly thereafter comes the most common question on every woman’s mind. Why do men lose weight faster than women? They say behind every great man is an even better woman, so it seems like a cosmic joke that men seem to lose weight so much faster and easier than the fairer sex.

This weight loss battle of the sexes is a lot less unfair than it may seem. Let’s explore a few reasons why women seem to have a harder time with weight loss and what can be done to understand why this is and how to stack the odds in their favor. A great differentiator in gender differences is in the perceived ability to reach set goals. Women will tend to score lower than men when estimating their ability to succeed in reaching a specific weight goal. Nonetheless women will increase their scores during weight loss while men’s scores stay the same. So basically men will tend to see themselves as having the ability to reach stated weight goals from the beginning all while women experience an increase in self-confidence once they achieve small measures of success.

Time or the lack of it has always been a major limitation and often the go to excuse in every weight loss quest.

So, when a couple heads to the gym you often see the men head straight to the weights while the women prepare to sweat it off on the cardio equipment. From a woman’s perspective, as well as the calorie counter on their chosen equipment they are putting in a lot more effort than their husbands who seem to be spending as much time chatting as they do at the bench press or squat rack. So, why is it that their husbands seem to slim down faster than they do?

Although the cardio equipment seemingly burns more calories than weight lifting and head to head during the actual action it most often does. The simple act of strength training will increase muscle mass and decrease fat stores. Weight training also does much more than what is evident on the surface.

Weight lifting and particularly compound lifts such as squats, dead lifts, bench press and bent rows signal the body to release many different hormones that change your metabolic profile. The primary benefits come from the body’s release of testosterone and human growth hormone. These hormones allow both men and women to develop lean muscle and burn fat simultaneously. This shift in body composition increases the metabolism and yields results indefinitely for days after training ends.

A steady cardio workout that burns up to 800 calories in an hour may seem optimal on paper. But, your metabolism only stays elevated for about an hour after

bsF SF

the session is complete. Weight training depending on intensity can elevate your metabolism for a full 24 hrs after the workout has ended which leads to a total calorie deficit much greater than its cardio counterpart.

A clear fact in the ability to lose weight is what we decide to put in our mouths. It is very common that women more so than men, are emotional eaters and frequently list overeating triggers such as mood, stress, depression, and low self-esteem. Men, on the other hand, seem to be protected from body dissatisfaction by failing to identify themselves as heavy, even when they are objectively overweight.

Unfortunately, for women the decision to lose weight comes with the belief that making every meal a salad is a sure way to shred the weight. Often, salads contain high fat dressings and carb laden croutons. Granted salad is a better option than a slice of pizza but to make it really beneficial the salad must contain protein.

Protein is an essential aid in any weight loss plan.

Protein is digested slowly and keeps you full longer and much more satisfied. So the fact that most men on their diets veer away from the salad and choose chicken or steak as their food of choice makes sense from a biological standpoint.

To even up the odds in this battle for superior weight loss skills there are a few key guidelines that if followed, can tip the scales in favor of the wives and have their husbands asking for their secrets. If your preference is to focus on cardio equipment make sure to take the first 15 minutes or so to focus on strength training. Dumbbells are usually the best choice as they engage stabilizing muscles during the exercise path of motion. Most gyms have a staff of trainers that can help you through the process of selecting a weight training routine that suits your goals. Also, when it comes time to hit that cardio area remember that word “hit” or HIIT to be more specific. HIIT (High intensity Interval Training) can burn up to three times the amount of calories than a steady pace. Start with 20 second sprints at the start of each minute and use the succeeding 40 seconds for active rest and returning your heart rate to 60% of your max. So ladies it is possible to step up the playing field in the weight loss rivalry.

Finally, finding the right diet plan can also be a frustrating decision. So many options are being thrown in your face through television, radio, social media or word of mouth. Do your home work, explore your options, ask your friends or co-workers what worked best for them. Pick a program that you feel you can stick with that will best help you achieve your goals. There is nothing shabby about losing up to 40lbs in 40 days. And remember willpower is a muscle the more you use it the stronger it gets.

Ashley Martin is an LPN at Vitalize Medical Center.

Visit www.vitalizemedicalcenter.com for information on weight loss programs and services they offer. rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

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woman ::leading

A Formidable Force for

The City

by Vanessa J. Cheeks LaMarr Jackson stands out. A professional and driven community leader; in many ways she embodies what it means to be of Rochester. Giving in time and spirit to this city she has worked to not only achieve her own dreams and has seen success but, works continuously to enrich the lives of city residents through her church and community involvement.

Getting her start with Monroe County as Director of Affirmative action and EOP, Jackson began working closely with labor law and employment diversity issues facing the city.

“In that capacity I was able to see issues with Civil Service and labor relations, as well as trying to increase diversity in the workforce.” Described Jackson whose initial success with the county spurred her to pursue an additional Master’s degree from Cornell University, but there she was set on another path by a revered professor.

“It was because of her that I ended up going to law school. When I completed law school I started my career in law by teaching because at that time it was important for me to continue my labor arbitration practice” said Jackson.

After attending the University of Buffalo school of Law she accepted a position teaching. Holding a Masters in education from SUNY Brockport she began as a professor at St. John Fisher College.

Transitioning from teaching she began working almost exclusively with the Zion church managing their legal needs as well as practicing family and property law; however her desire to take on more complex cases lead her to seek out a position with an already established firm.

“I contacted Donald Chesworth. I said “look I’m looking to go in a firm because I have cases too complicated for a solo practitioner.” In 2005 I went to Harris as an Of Council, in 2007 I made partner.” Jackson explained.

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Her appointment made her the first African American female partner at a primarily white law firm in the city; something she describes as an important and proud milestone in her career.

“Being named first African American partner in the Rochester area was a major accomplishment. I worked hard to get there.” said Jackson.

No stranger to hard work in her professional career, Jackson still makes community involvement a priority and has served on several boards including the United Way of Greater Rochester, the League of Women Voters and her current appointment to the board of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). Jackson has made great efforts to choose programs that are close to her heart.

“I look where I can make a difference. I am currently involved with the RPO; music is something I thoroughly enjoy. I am going to start taking piano lessons again.”

Even as a level-headed career woman with a high level of community involvement it can be easy to get overwhelmed but it is obvious that is not in Jackson’s nature.

“There are times when it is hard but I have learned to balance. I am involved with my church as well. My father’s grandfather was a minister so I am very much involved in the Presbyterian Church. My family is five generations at Trinity Emanuel.

I was always taught that you work hard, take care of your home and help others that might need help,” said Jackson. Even though she has yet to master the piano, it’s obvious that her personal faith, dedication to her community and unquenchable ambition make LaMarr Jackson a formidable force for this city that she loves. Describing Rochester as her home Jackson believes it’s a city you can feel connected to and she herself is a great example of how.

::cover

story

Wo

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Working

::cover

story

cs

to Bring Our Community Together

By Margaret Madigan | Photos by Stephen Reardon After more than 20 years in law enforcement, Cynthia HerriottSullivan has great insight on police and community relations.

Her unique perspective makes her a tremendous asset as Chief Executive Officer of Rise Up Rochester, a 501(c ) (3) nonprofit human services agency that empowers the community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture and provides support to crime victims and their families.

In 2008 in response to Rochester’s 50 plus homicides in each of the years 2004–2007, Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church launched a countywide anti-snitching billboard campaign called You Bet I Told. In December, 2009, the You Bet I Told campaign merged with Baber’s Center for Social Change and Economic Development and embraced another local nonprofit committed to advocating for victims’ rights and promoting violence awareness.

These organizations united to form Rise Up Rochester, a new cutting-edge nonprofit that would empower the community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture.

Born and raised in Rochester, Herriott-Sullivan graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. After high school she continued her studies at Roberts Wesleyan College and received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. With her developing interest in criminal justice, she then went on to receive a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.

Herriott-Sullivan became a police officer with the Rochester Police Department in 1985. She moved up the ranks, being promoted eight times. Her roles included: Lieutenant – Federal Grant Program Manager, Lieutenant – Critical Incident Investigations Team – Personnel Investigations, and Executive Lieutenant/Chief of Staff – Patrol East Division from 2004 until she retired from

the force in 2009. When asked how and why she entered law enforcement, she stated, “A mentor of mine contacted me when RPD was hiring and encouraged me to apply. It seemed like a good fit. I’ve come to see that problem-solving is a strength that I possess, though I didn’t realize this then. I’ve never been able to tolerate seeing the weak get picked on. I was the one that would challenge the bullies in grammar school.”

In 2010 she was hired to become Deputy Director of the National Drug Court Institute in Alexandria, VA based on her organizational development acumen combined with her law enforcement background. She was tapped to bring structure and professional management to this nonprofit agency as second-incommand. Herriott-Sullivan controlled annual budgets in excess of six million dollars at the institute. She also oversaw 13 direct staff members and 200+ consultants until her departure in 2012.

From 2012 until 2014 she became principal consultant for Community Oriented Correctional Health Services in Bethesda, MD and CHS Projects, LLC where she consulted and provided strategic human resource services to government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and businesses. She conducted need assessments and provided recommendations and action plans in training and development, conflict resolution, program evaluation, policy analysis, specializing in strategic problem-solving.

Herriott-Sullivan also serves as chair of Unite Rochester Justice Engagement which examines issues of racial disparity in the criminal justice process and develops solutions. She managed the development of the first Community Court Academy and also the Community Justice Forum, both with the intended goal of addressing disparity in the criminal justice system, and is currently leading the Community Critical Response Team, which works with community leaders to respond to issues of community unrest.

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27

story

law enforcement in Rochester is really good about contacting the families of the cold case victim on a regular basis, “Law enforcement stays in touch with them. Have to give them credit.”

::cover

Herriott-Sullivan has a special concern with the children who have experienced violence and death. She believes it is important to get them counseling which is available through both the City of Rochester in the form of Victim’s Assistance and through Rise Up. She believes it is important for them to “Not just receive counseling, but getting them to a place where they can be a kid again.”

In 2014, over 700 people participated in Roc the Peace, an annual festival coordinated by Rise Up Rochester that promotes nonviolence and rallies against homicide. Roc the Peace was organized by Mrs. Sirena Cotton after her 16 year old son, Christopher Jones, was gunned down outside his home on November 17, 2000. Initially named “Peace for Chris Fest,” the annual festival has since been renamed to honor all victims of violence and to rally against homicide.

Rise Up Rochester is funded by grants and donations. HerriottSullivan acts as the ambassador for the organization and goes out in the community trying to raise funds and awareness. The organization is run by a combination of paid staff and volunteers.

She is always working on writing grants to raise funds, but states “I am a big picture person. I’d love to take what we do and ask for an underwriter someday.” And she prefers to be out in the community rather than sitting at a desk writing grants. She says she doesn’t know a better way to do things than to get out there and talk to people. She states, “The people get a chance to think and feel ‘We’re here, we matter, and somebody will listen’.”

In August of 2014 she became CEO of Rise Up Rochester whose main purpose is to help victims of violence and their families to deal with the justice system. It also offers other programs such as a “Service of Remembrance.” Each December, Rise Up Rochester invites loved ones to remember family and friends that have been taken by homicide. The annual service consists of readings, music, and a candle lighting ceremony. Following the service, those present are invited to an informal reception.

Other programs include a support group for families of victims who all experience the same pain of loss and a speakers bureau featuring a pool of individuals available to speak to schools and community groups about violence in our community and what we can do to stop it. Another is the “Stop the Violence” Billboard Contest. It is an opportunity for Rochester City School District Students to take a proactive stand against violence; especially homicide. In its fifth year, over 2,000 students have submitted artwork that promotes nonviolence, crime reporting, and making healthy decisions. Selected artwork is placed on billboards in the city and in other locations like Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester City Schools and local businesses. She believes it helps empower the children.

Rise Up Rochester also helps coordinate victims and law enforcement on cold case files. These are unsolved homicides that can go back decades. Although Herriott-Sullivan states that 28

february 2015 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

Herriott-Sullivan is always working to continue to make better relationships with the community and police. She states, “Working together is critical to Unite Rochester. Figuring out ways to work together to fix problems.” This is something she had already been working on for years, now it has become formalized. She wants to remain engaged while the situation is evolving and will continue to evolve in the future. She believes it should be a collaborative effort through several related agencies in the community.

In relation to the nation’s recent issues with police and community relations, Herriott-Sullivan says again it’s a dialogue that needs to continue. Both sides need to be heard and understand the other side. They need to come together. She states, “There are more good officers than bad, unfortunately the bad drive the conversation.”

She believes it is unfortunate that a few ‘Knuckleheads’ (as she calls them) in uniform make bad decisions which bring bad behavior to light and the community forms their perception of the entire force from those bad behaviors. She feels both sides, community and law enforcement need to stop making generalized stereotypes of the other.

Herriott-Sullivan lives in Rochester with her husband Norman Sullivan, daughter Crystal Sanders, and two step children Norm Jr. and Tiffany.

For more information on Rise Up Rochester or to volunteer or donate, you can contact them by emailing riseuprochester@frontiernet.net, calling 585-454-3060, or visit their website at www.riseuprochester.net.

“I’ve never been able to tolerate seeing the weak get picked on. I was the one that would challenge the bullies in grammar school.”

rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

29

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& writes ::SHIFT+CONTROL ::rwm reads

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&writes

::rwm reads

RW

Romance

A

novel...

Just in time for Valentines Day, a romance novel What the Heart Can Hold by local author Charlotte Symonds. Her novel an intriguing blend of romance, passion, sex and drama with sprinkles of humor.

Follow Marissa Molinari, a gregarious, hopeless romantic, 26 year-old native New Yorker from a middle-class Catholic background through twenty two days of her life which change the course of her future. Below is an excerpt from the novel.

By Charlotte Symonds They sat on the love seat, as her apartment was too small for a full couch, and drank their wine. Hans put down his glass and gazed into Marissa’s eyes. He had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen and when she looked into them she felt as if he could see right down to her soul. When he reached over and kissed her, she felt her heart stop. Their first kiss could not have been more perfect. He continued to kiss her, softly at first and then with more intensity. As he drew her nearer she could feel her heart racing, and for the first time she felt a titillating feeling in an area that had never been awaken by a man’s kiss before. Her body was aching with desire. She had never gone pass merely making out with a man before as their kisses had never had this powerful affect on her.

As he stoked her bare arm with the gentlest of touch she could feel her body’s desire for him grow. “Yes”, she told herself “he is going to be my FIRST”. After all these years of remaining a virgin, she realized that it wasn’t because she was a good Catholic girl. It was because she had never met a man before who released within her sensations of such intensity that their desire to be gratified was too overwhelming to ignore. Had it been like this with any other man, she would never have been able to resist. She decided she needed to tell him that she was a virgin. She wanted to make sure he would be gentle, although she knew innately that he would be. She released herself from his embrace for a moment and said, “There is something I need to tell you”. He asked her if there was a problem. She said “I have never been “with” a man before. I realize I am twenty-six and it’s probably an oddity, but it’s just that no one until you has made me feel that I had wanted to”. As she was saying the words she realized how lame it sounded, “twenty-

six and still a virgin”. He said, “Are you asking me to make love to you”? She replied in almost a whisper, “Yes”. Marissa instantly became nervous and sensed Hans could feel the tension in her body. He again kissed her gently as he had at first and her body relaxed. Then the kisses became longer exchanges of pleasure. She had never known that kissing held the key to unlocking within her secret pleasures of which she was unaware. In her heightened state of excitement she couldn’t recall exactly how they got to her bedroom.

While on her bed he undressed her slowly, seemingly savoring the removal of each garment. With the removal of her dress, she was happy she had chosen to wear the red silk bikini panties which she had recently purchased. For an instant she recalled the “big mother underwear” scene from “Bridget Jones Dairy” and was happy to not be repeating it. She lied there thinking for a moment how she no longer needed to recall that movie while fantasizing about Colin Firth. For now she had a man of her very own to pleasure her. No fantasizing needed, he was real. He kissed and caressed every inch of her skin. It was so erotic as he undressed her that she wished she had worn more clothing. He paid such attention to kissing and pleasuring her body that she lost track of time and of reality. As she lay naked on her bed she marveled how she was not cold. She was never able to walk around her apartment naked without being chilled, either due to drafts in the winter or the air conditioning in the summer. Yet there she lay naked on her bed, feeling as hot as if she was sitting in front of a raging fire. With each touch of his hands, lips and tongue she became increasingly more excited and equally as increasingly aware she was not going to be needing the K Y jelly that sat in her dresser drawer, which Rita had tucked in her Christmas stocking last year “just in case”.

Her body had never experienced this reaction to a man before, it was as if a faucet had opened and the waters had been set free.

“What the Heart Can Hold” is available at smashwords.com, Barnes and Noble ebooks, Apple ibooks and Amazon.com. Charlotte will be signing copies of her novel at the new Barnes & Noble book store at the University of Rochester on Tuesday February 10th.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

33

matters ::local business

A

Holistic Approach to Hearing Loss

By Laura DiCaprio | Photo by Jennifer Gatellaro

Ramona Pompea is a dedicated audiologist who has devoted her professional life to treating her patients’ hearing health. Her unique holistic approach to hearing loss focuses on examining the person as a whole and not just concentrating on their ears. She graduated over twenty years ago from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a dream of one day opening her own practice. In October 2014 her dream became a reality when she opened her own audiology clinic, Sounds for Life, in Pittsford.

Pompea moved to the Rochester area over 14 years ago when she accepted a position with the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center (RHSC). Having moved around a lot as a young adult she was excited to settle in Pittsford to focus on her career and to raise her two children. But even though she enjoyed her position at RHSC as the Director of Audiology Operations, her desire to open her own practice remained strong.

After 14 years with RHSC the timing finally seemed right and after months of work and planning, Sounds for Life opened its doors. “Everything takes longer than you think it would,” she laughs, “but when something is right it just falls together. Everyday there’s a lot do to, but it’s all very enjoyable. Opening my own practice was definitely the right decision for me.”

Together with audiologist Kristen Nolan, Pompea takes a holistic approach to treating individuals experiencing hearing loss. “We are interested in our patients as a whole…we’re not just interested in their ears,” she says, “A hearing aid is definitely an important option for treating hearing loss, but there are other considerations that are involved with hearing.”

Educating both patients and health care providers about the causes of hearing loss is a huge initiative for Sounds for Life. Pompea believes that education can help prevent certain types of hearing loss. When speaking to patients about their individual hearing challenges, Pompea’s practice explores every detail of the

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individual’s health from where they work, to socio-economic and psychological factors, to overall health issues - anything that hearing might have an impact on.

“We’re not just here to sell hearing aids” she notes, “We’re not commissioned so we don’t earn a commission on sales. We don’t sell people products they don’t need and our patients find that refreshing.” Pompea is interested in anything that will help her patients enjoy a higher quality of life, whether that’s purchasing a new hearing aid to educating patients’ employers about the issues that hearing loss can cause for their staff.

Pompea has plans for Sounds for Life to contribute to the Rochester community beyond providing holistic health care. She plans to feature St. Louis School students’ artwork in her office and wants to donate a portion of her proceeds to Lollypop Farm. “We’re already partnering with Lollypop as a sponsor of closed captioning for the Tails of Hope telethon in March” she reports. Sounds for Life is also currently working with Lifespan, to provide hearing loss education to local YMCAs. Pompea stresses that if people are considering getting their hearing checked they should select their hearing healthcare professional very carefully since this will be the person they will be relying on for many years to come. “It is important to find someone you can trust and talk to,” she advises, “who will really listen and take the necessary steps to improve your hearing.”

When asked who her most memorable patient was over the past 20 years, Pompea was thoughtful and could not single one individual person out, but stated, “Working with patients who haven’t heard well in years and seeing their faces after they’ve heard things for the first time in a long time…sometimes they break down in tears because they realize what they’ve been missing for so many years….that’s what I find most rewarding.”

Sounds for Life will offer free hearing screenings during the month of February. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call 585-248-5212 or visit sflhearing.com.

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life ::positive mindpositive

the

power of

By Sraddha Prativadi When I look back on my childhood, two songs stick out in my head - Tina Turner’s “What’s love got to do with it?” and Whitney Houston’s “Greatest love of all” Well, when it comes to personal development and manifesting the gifts of the mind and the universe, love has everything to do with it, particularly when it is the greatest love of all. Let’s explore this a little bit. Do you know that every single emotion has a vibrational frequency attached to it? And because the Universe draws like to like, you fill your life with things that match your feeling, not necessarily the things you desire. Love has a particularly powerful role in this whole manifestation process.

Positive Philosophy: Love is a powerful emotion. As a word, there are many nuances to it. We seem to explore these every year, reminded by St. Valentine of the healing power of love. As an integrative holistic physician, my community of healing professionals outwardly acknowledges love as the greatest healing force on the planet. As a personal development expert, my global elite community of professionals points to love as a powerful driving force for creating and manifesting high-thinking worthy goals and seeing them to fruition. But why is this? This is because love is a high vibrational emotional. It is the emotion that is most harmoniously aligned with the Source of all creation, the all-knowing, the Paramathma, God, Divinity. This is why those who work in something they love, don’t work at all and they glow. Have you every met a person like this? They are on purpose, in the flow because they are in love and in the knowing of their higher purpose.

Positive Purpose: Knowing what your purpose is requires you to go inward, away from the

clutter of the external world of thought and shoulda, woulda, coulda’s. As I have I said before, this requires courage, nixing the ego and listening to what we like to say in India as your “dil ki baath” or the speech of your heart.

Knowing your true self, that part of your self that is timeless and placeless, is like an anchor in the distractions and delusions of the world is critical to developing the most important type of love - self-love. This is not an ego based love in which loving yourself means being judgmental, conceited and looking down your nose at others. NO. If you are doing this, you are 36

february 2015 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

Love

just foolishly following your ego. Stop it. I am talking about getting into touch with your self that wants to give expression to itself from a divine place without regard of reward, recognition or retaliation for past events. What is it you would like to do to spread joy and love across the planet with no regard for money or time? Write it down. Write out what a day would look like with you doing this. This is your purpose.

Positive Processes: Now if you had trouble with the above exercise, no problem. Most do.

You’ve gotta love yourself first. This is why LOVE has EVERYTHING to do with it. Your positive potential is the most precious thing you have.

Giving expression to it is the most important thing for you to do. But often in life, we don’t love ourselves enough to love our gifts to believe in them. We get yanked around by others’ opinions, comments - which are a reflection of THEM not YOU. Remember this.

Others will love you only to the extent that you love yourself. What you feel projects out into the world. Even more than that, you can only see in the world that which you are, so if you don’t have a healthy dose of love of love for yourself and your gifts, you will not recognize those that do . . and possibly even more dangerously you will not recognize when people truly do not love you, and you will become a slave to circumstances and wild luck, which usually ends in unfavorable ways for you!

So, true love is the pure divine love you have for yourself. You must fill your own cup first, otherwise you are only living a lie that you have anything to give others. Love that divinely sprouted purpose and genius that comes from your heart and project it into the world with love. Find yourself, Find your strength in Love! Love’s got everything to do with it - learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all. Thanks, Tina and Whitney!

Dr. Sraddha Prativadi, MD is a transformational coach, integrative holistic physician and founder of Doctor P: Power of Your Positive Potential. Visit www.

YourDoctorP.com for Free Positive Notes from Doctor P. As a facilitator of the prestigious Thinking into Results program of the Proctor Gallagher Institute, she will skillfully guide you through 24 weeks of radical personal transformation to help you turn your dreams into reality, your goals into achievements and your thinking into results. Start now with a free transformational consultation! 585-364-8018.

cause ::SHIFT+CONTROL ::for a good

the

LupusChic

Providing Support & Hope

By Rebecca L. Ferguson | Photo by Jennifer Gatellaro

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie Imagine, if you will, running your errands on a beautiful Florida day, warm breezes gently dancing with sweet citrus aromas and the sun adorns you with hot kisses. Life is good…college is fulfilling, you have great friends, incredible family and big dreams. By all means, everything is going just as you planned.

Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana did not have to imagine such days. She was enthusiastically living and then in one moment life as she knew, it changed dramatically.

With the lulling hum of machines and rhythmic drops of fluid running from an IV Marisa opened her eyes to doctors, nurses and family converging around her bed in a Florida intensive care unit.

She had been struck in a parking lot by a drunk driver while running those errands on a sunny afternoon. The injuries were extensive and her surviving was an absolute miracle.

But God, why me?

Recovery was intense and eager to get back on track with life, Marisa

made incredible strides in just a few short weeks. It was during her rehabilitation that she had her first, of what would be many strokes.

Strange rashes, unrelenting fatigue accompanied by diffuse pain and cardiac decline, Marisa knew something just wasn’t right. After a series of testing, she had been diagnosed with Lupus; a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease in which there is no cure and treatment options are limited.

“I began reading everything I could about Lupus and how to navigate through the health system. The information was alarming.

Five million people are affected with some form of Lupus and of that number, ninety percent are women between the ages of 18 to 44, ” Zeppieri-Caruana goes on to further say, “I started talking to other people and I realized I wasn’t alone, someone had an aunt or a friend but no one really knew what Lupus was. So I began writing about my journey.”

The Answer.

It didn’t take very long for all of her perseverance to reveal the answer to her question that day in the ICU. Today, Zeppieri-Caruana, is the founder of LupusChick.com, (an award winning website and blog), avid journalist, board member with the Lupus Foundation of America and Author – Lupus: Real Life, Real Patients, Real Talk. Her calling and true passion is to support patients and their family members who have been diagnosed with Lupus. And this, she says “is my purpose.”

“There is a constant theme among patients newly diagnosed - they are really scared. I want to come beside them, I want to love up on them and I want them to know they can still reach their goals,” explains Zeppieri-Caruana.

In 2014 Marisa was titled Mrs. Rochester America, in the Mrs. New York America System. She currently holds the title of Mrs. New York USA Universal 2015, and will be competing in Reno this summer for the title of Mrs. USA Universal, the preliminary to Mrs. Universe.

“This has been a wonderful platform to present our cause locally as well as nationally. And well, we are all really excited to be sharing our organizations mission, upcoming opportunities and our gratitude,” warmly, Zeppieri-Caruana says, “I am so grateful.”

This past year LupusChick became a nonprofit organization that will offer college or trade school scholarships, opportunities to intern and an invitation to write for the blog as well as the website.

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LupusChick is seeking board members, community involvement with fundraising for the scholarship program(s) and forums to continue to raise awareness about Lupus. For more information about Lupus and how you can support the organization, please visit www.LupusChick.com

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me ::A little bit about

serving up more then

By Josephine Matela Doing something you love to do is the best thing in the world! I know because this is what I am doing right now. I can say that after working in both the public and private sector I have the best of both worlds in The Red Bird Café and Gift Shop.

In 2002 I found a small store front on Main Street in Brockport and began selling high end antiques, crystal and china. Before I knew it people were asking me to serve tea. So shortly thereafter I became licensed and served tea, scones and cakes. But that was not enough.

People now wanted salad, sandwiches and soup. So it became quite evident that the need did exist for a niche café in the village. I still liked combining the aspect of retail and food and then proceeded to look for a larger space. So in 2005 we moved to our present location on the corner of Main and Water Street.

I now had the opportunity to reinvent the Red Bird as a small business that combined retail and food in a space that would give each component the room in needed to expand. I had the vision of

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january 2015 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

Tea

what it should look like and the plan to do it. Using my 401k and a lot of hard work from designers, painters, plumbers, electricians and great vendors The Red Bird Café and Gift Shop has grown to become one of the area’s finest cafés. Throughout the year we are staffed with students from the State University College at Brockport as well as other universities throughout the area. The students are wonderful to work with and keep us all on our toes at the Red Bird. They do not see it just as a job, but a place where they can learn skills that will help them throughout life. Our “Red Birds” have gone on to become successful business owners themselves as well as teachers, psychologists, artists, sales women and successful partners in business and life.

I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy every day at The Red Bird and hope in some small way we have contributed to the community and to the lives of those who have been part of our family. As I always say, “I once served the people, and now I serve tea!” And I like it!

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Make 2015 your year to reclaim your health.

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www.inspiredhealthybody.com

::fitness

Do you have fitness or competition goals?

Having a goal gives you a challenge. It gives you purpose

::fitness

New Year’s

f

Are You Keeping Up Your

By Kitty Teresi | Photo by Stephen Reardon

Now, we are a month into the New Year, and you’re well on your way into your fitness resolution. Now that you’ve been working at it for a few weeks, have you given any thought to what you are actually working towards?

Soon after starting fitness programs, most people start complaining that it’s boring and end up dropping off the fitness and sports kick. They’re not lazy or losers, they just left out the most important factor, which is the most common mistake made by so many of us; the mistake of not pinpointing a specific goal to work towards. Yes, you know what you want in general, for example… lose weight, or learn a sport, but what is your first attainable goal that you have lined up?

Do you have fitness or competition goals? Having a goal gives you a challenge. It gives you purpose. If you do something without a goal it becomes meaningless and no extra effort is given to take you that extra mile, to take you to the next level. When you just go to the gym or learn a sport without a goal set, you are just working to work, not to be your best, not achieve your dreams!

Let’s compare your fitness and sports goals to your job. When you want that promotion, or to move up the ladder and make more money, what do you do? You set attainable goals.

Now, let’s go over what we need in order to reach these goals in our fitness and sports training. Remember, any goal that is not written is just a thought. So, let’s make it official by getting ourselves a notebook and a pen. Let’s write out our goals, and our plan of action. Keep it handy to look at every day as a reminder of why what we are doing is so important.

First, name your goal. Really give some thought into what you will be working towards. You might want to lose weight, gain muscle, get healthier from your last doctors visit, or train for individual sports competitions and/or on a team that competes in group sports.

Next, let’s do some research on what avenues of approach we will take to attain this goal…. We have so many resources available to us on the internet and professionals in the area of fitness and the many areas of sports from baseball to martial arts. Research them, ask questions, and again…write it down.

RESOLUTIONS

Ok, now that you have a list of possible places and ways to attain this goal, let’s look at other components of your goals.

If you want to lose weight, you must know that fitness is not the only thing that will help you reach your health goals. Give yourself a time frame to lose a certain portion of your desired weight.

You should seek out a fitness plan that you enjoy and will give you the proper training to help you with your specific weight/ fitness goals.

Now you can seek out a “healthy diet plan” that will give you both the energy you need and the meal plan that best fuels your body during your weight loss/fitness training.

For those of you training for specific sports, if you want to take your training to the next level or give yourself a reason to train harder, set a date for a competition, look for local teams that hold tryouts, and put yourself into an environment that will push you.

Put a team of your friends together and sign up for a fun run with obstacles, or a competitive team run. Set the date.

Next, find a location that best suits your needs. It should be a place that you’ll look forward to going to train. The better your surroundings make you feel, the more motivated you’ll be to work.

Let’s not forget your supplements. They are needed to fill in your nutritional gaps. Healthy foods today are just not what they used to be. Taking the proper supplements will fill in the gaps and make all the difference when you are working toward a healthier lifestyle, competing for a completion, or losing weight. Did you write all of this down?

Well, this plan sounds pretty much complete. Read over your plan of action carefully. Set your goal dates to either get back on track, or fine tune your existing fitness and sports training with competitions. Now, you’re training for a reason. You are accountable; you have a goal… something to look forward to.

Now, all of your work will be put to the test.

Now this is exciting! rochesterWomanMag.com :: february 2015

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Inspire

rochester women

Theresa Finley

Account Relationship Coordinator, Bersin by Deloitte

By Krista Gleason | Photo by Jennifer Gattelaro

If there’s one thing Theresa Finley has mastered, it’s time.

Finley is an Account Relationship Coordinator for Bersin by Deloitte, which provides organizations with consulting services in the areas of human resources, talent acquisition and management, and learning strategies. Her focus is business development; she maintains successful relationships with many Fortune 500 companies and also works to attract new clients. Finley works out of her home in Rochester, loves her job, and calls herself a workaholic.

She often logs up to 12 hours a day, but adds, “I walk away when I need to. You have to take that time for yourself, otherwise you get burned out.”

Finley raised two boys as a single parent, sometimes working two jobs to support them. Her sons are now grown. Roland, 24, has a paralegal degree from Bryant & Stratton College and works at CooperVision. Trevor, 21, is studying graphic design at Bryant & Stratton. Single parenting, Finley says, “has its good days and bad days and I wouldn’t change any of it. My older son said he would not be who he is if I didn’t do all the things I’ve done.” She has instilled in her sons a strong work ethic, and has been ever-present in their lives. “As a parent, the most important thing is to always be there,” she advises.

Both Roland and Trevor were active in marching band and sports in school, including travel teams, and Finley managed to fit their busy schedules in with hers. She chaperoned band trips and volunteered with the PTA. When they were teenagers, she spent evenings taking online classes to earn her second degree—in marketing; her other degree is in business management. She also went through a divorce. To juggle it all and keep a positive perspective, she was mindful of her priorities. “Your kids are what are most important.

You’re doing it for your kids. Sometimes doing it for you is not enough. Thinking about the future you want your kids to have is what got me through all that,” she shares.

Finley now has a blended family. She lives with her partner Patrick, who has two daughters, one in high school and the other in college.

Finley also helps support her sister, who is the same age as her younger son, and attends college in Ohio. Finley’s mom suffered a stroke a few years ago, and because her dad takes care of her mom, she stepped in to help with her sister.

When her sons were young, the only time Finley occasionally took for herself was a morning workout at the gym. Now, she has more time to do the things she enjoys. But the transition required thought and introspection. “At one point, your kids are your life, and then you have to figure out, what’s my life?” she says.

She and Patrick share an interest in motorcycles. And while figuratively, Finley has been in the driver’s seat her whole life, it’s (continued on page 48)

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inspire

“We want to bring an upscale feel to the location, we want to be different, make people feel special.”

:rw

Alyssa Whitfield

Owner, Dress for Success Rochester

By Margaret Madigan | Photo by Tiffany Boula

You can feel the passion Alyssa Whitfield has for helping women when she speaks. Her enthusiasm is infectious. It makes you want to help; it makes you want to be part of the change of which she feels Rochester is on the verge.

Dress for Success Rochester is a not-for-profit affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, which is sponsored by corporations such as Walmart, Southwest Airlines and Skinnygirl Cocktails. The organization was founded “to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.”

Whitfield felt the need to “change the way women are being served” in the Rochester area. She was looking for a way to help women help themselves, in a dignified manner that would give them the tools they need to survive and support their families. While searching for ideas, Whitfield came across the Dress for Success website and was incredibly excited because it struck a chord. This is exactly how she wanted to help. She was ecstatic when the site announced that one of their target cities for starting a new affiliate was Rochester, NY. She started the application process two years ago and was just approved in 2014 to become an affiliate. Dress for Success Worldwide is now up to 138 affiliates in locations such as Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Mexico. “I am so excited to be involved in an organization helping women around the world”, states Whitfield.

The Dress for Success model is to help only women referred to them by local community human services organizations. These women are job ready and have completed training. Now they just need to find the right outfit for the interview and feel confident. Dress for Success Rochester has just announced they have chosen a location for their facility at 47 State St. The facility will be like a show room with a consultant. “Our First Impressions Consultant, is what we like to call them”, says Whitfield. Volunteer consultants help the women choose appropriate outfits, accessories, and shoes to wear to their job interview so that they look smashing and feel confident.

Another area in the facility will have private rooms for job and interview consulting and job retention training. If a client doesn’t receive an offer from the first interview, they are invited back for more training. If a client receives and accepts a job offer, they are allowed to come back into the showroom to pick out a full week’s worth of professional clothing for their new career. “So they feel confident going in on the very first day”, says Whitfield.

“I feel like I’ve been leading up to this point since I was six years old. I feel like I’ve always had it in me to help others”, Whitfield says of her role in starting up Dress for Success Rochester. Whitfield is thankful for the support of her wonderfully supportive husband Michael, and their four children, twin boys in the Air Force and at Syracuse University, another son who is a freshman at Ithaca College, and a daughter who is a freshman at Aquinas Institute and is also the reigning National American Miss New York Jr. Teen.

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inspire

::rw

“Women tend to give up too easily and think they don’t have options when they really do.”

Julie Valpey

Technical Partner, BDO USA

By Cynthia Kolko | Photo by Tiffany Boula

Attaining an upper-level position at a large company while working from home can seem to many an insurmountable task.

Yet according to Julie Valpey, who as an at-home, remote worker rose to the rank of partner at an international accounting firm, it can be done.

Indeed, it is because of Julie’s aplomb in securing such a position– one that allowed her to achieve an enviable work-life balance– that Working Woman magazine named her one of their “Working Mothers of the Year” for 2014. From her Fairport home, Julie works as a technical partner in the National SEC group at BDO USA, a member of BDO International, a global professional services network. A panel from BDO nominated Julie for the Working Woman honor.

Julie says that she “lucked out” being able to essentially mold the parameters of her job to suit her needs as a parent. Yet it was the strong work record she had already achieved that made working from home palatable to the company. Subsequently, years of demonstrating that the arrangement worked paved the way for more latitude as Julie’s personal situation changed.

Earning Her Way

At first, Julie had traditional in-office jobs. A Penfield High School graduate, Julie had earned an accounting degree at SUNY Geneseo.

After she and her husband Scott adopted their first child, the family relocated to the D.C. suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, where Julie worked part time on site at BDO’s Washington, D.C. office. When BDO relocated the D.C. office to Bethesda, Maryland, Julie’s daily commute to and from her job became unbearably long. The Valpeys had adopted another young child, and the extra driving cut away at the time Julie wanted to spend with the kids.

Since Julie accomplished most of her job responsibilities over the phone or on the computer, she reasoned that she could complete them just as well from home. So, Julie presented the idea to her boss: she could work from a home office, commuting to BDO’s offices when face-to-face meetings were required, and traveling to any occasional conferences deemed appropriate. The boss agreed.

Family First

For a time, working from home in Alexandria fit the bill nicely for the Valpey family. But when one of the couple’s children exhibited developmental issues that required significant attention, Julie longed to move back home to the Rochester area. “I needed family support,” she explains, also feeling a pull home in order to be more helpful to her own aging mother.

Julie was aware that her employer may not have been so receptive to a move several states away. She was prepared to switch companies (continued on page 48)

rochesterWomanMag.com rochesterWomanMag.com::::february february2015 2015

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Theresa Finley

::rw

inspire

(cont)

the one place she prefers to be the passenger.

She lets Patrick steer the Kawasaki while she takes in the scenery. They ride wherever the road takes them and also participate in charity rides. Patrick introduced her to deer hunting, which they do together during deer season. She considers it calming, and stress relieving to be out in nature. Finley also plays league volleyball once a week, which she likes for the exercise and camaraderie.

Planning is the key to Finley’s ability to seemingly do it all. “The calendar is my friend,” she laughs. She also credits Patrick for his support. “The help I get from my partner is tremendous,” she says. “I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the things I do without his help.”

Whether it’s time for work, time for family, or time on the open road, one thing is certain: Theresa Finley is having the time of her life.

alyssa whitfield

Julie Valpey

The startup has gotten some help from headquarters but still has to rely on a grassroots campaign to sustain funding. Thankfully the national women’s clothing store White House/ Black Market donated a generous grant to fund the initial launch of the Rochester affiliate. So far the organization is all volunteer run and follows a strict model laid out by headquarters.

They also plan to collaborate with other local organizations. “Collaboration is key”, says Whitfield who is very excited to already be working with Rochester Works and Volunteers of America, among others.

to find work that would allow her to do what she wanted, and what her family needed, when off the job. Yet she felt that, given her stellar job performance, it was worth a shot to ask her boss if she could keep her current position, but this time work from Rochester. “I had proven the arrangement was working,” says Julie.

(cont)

Dress for Success Rochester is aiming to officially open this. They are looking for volunteers who have a flair for interior design to help design the reception area. “We want to bring an upscale feel to the location”, Whitfield says, “We want to be different, make people feel special.” E-mail Alyssa at rochester@dressforsuccess.org or call the office at 585-678-1041 for more information or volunteer opportunities. Also check out their Facebook page – Dress for Success Rochester, and their website at www.dressforsuccess.org/Rochester.

(cont)

Again, the boss said yes. So, Scott sold his brokerage firm and the family relocated to their present home in Fairport. Julie worked full-time from the house, Scott volunteered for several local entities including the Egypt fire district, and the family adopted two additional children.

Eventually, Julie’s continued excellence at work earned her the position of partner.

Exercising One’s Options What advice might Julie give to women looking to score a similar work-from-home gig? “Pay your dues,” she says. “Become valuable to the company.” Doing so, Julie explains, gives workers leverage to ask for special arrangements. “Set boundaries for yourself,” she adds, explaining that nailing down what will and won’t work is important information in finding a suitable position with which a worker will be happy. Julie stresses that, though joining another company may be needed to secure the job that will fit one’s needs, leaving the workforce altogether isn’t necessary.

february 2015 Wine at Center Ice

6 Susan B. Anthony Luncheon

11 In Crowd Comedy Ladies’ Night

20 2015 Policeman’s Gala

21 Just One Night Celebrity Bartending

25

EVENTS CALENDAR Organization: Holy Childhood Time: 7:00P-10:00PM Where: Bill Gray’s Iceplex Website: www.holychildhood.org

Susan B. Anthony Luncheon Organization: Susan B. Anthony House Time: Noon Where: Riverside Convention Center Website: www.susanbanthonyhouse.org Time: 7:00-10:00PM Where: Victor Village Inn Admission: Ladies-$1/Men-$5

Organization: Badge of Honor Association Time: 5:30 pm Where: Riverside Convention Center Website: facebook.com/boha.org Organization: Al Sigl Community Time: 5:30PM-7:30PM Where: Ox and Stone Website: crowdrise.com/justonenight

::dollars

& sense

women

Financial Strategies for

By Caroline Hill Today, women are playing an ever-increasing role in making important financial decisions – whether for themselves or for their families. While many of the basic rules of investing hold true for everyone, some life events will affect women differently than they will men, and these can also have an impact on investment decisions. Following are a few areas of special consideration for women investors:

Longer Life Expectancy.

People in general are living longer these days, and conventional wisdom will tell you that women tend to outlive men. Studies have, in fact, confirmed that this is the case. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, women outlive men by an average of more than five years.* So, women often end up facing more years in retirement. To be prepared for such a situation, women need to take special care to implement select strategies catered to their possible long-term needs.

Being On Your Own.

Statistics also show that women have a very high probability of being on their own at some point in their financial lives, not only as a result of a spouse’s death, but also because of divorce or simply remaining single. Dropping from two incomes down to one would obviously require making some adjustments, so it’s important to think about alternatives and options in the event you should be faced with a similar situation.

Time Spent Out of the Work Force.

When caring for children — or even an elderly parent — women tend to spend more time away from work than men. Some surveys have shown that, on average, women spend more than a decade out of the work force. The implications for women with regards to investments are clear: they will have less time than their male counterparts to contribute to their retirement nest eggs.

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While these are just some of the many important considerations for women investors, there are also several simple steps women can take to come up with an effective financial strategy.

For starters, you should look for ways to educate yourself about investments.

The financial press and financial web sites are loaded with information about investments and alternatives. You should also seek advice from a professional.

The act of enlisting a financial advisor to help with your investments does not take away from your ability to make the final decisions. It does, however, provide you with someone you can turn to for guidance as you make those important decisions.

One of the most important things you can do is make a list of your financial goals and then develop strategies to meet those goals. Taking the time to assess your current financial situation will help you get a clear picture of where you are, and then you can envision where you want to go. Keeping in mind the special circumstances we mentioned earlier, you can chart a course of action that will enable you to meet any challenges that may arise in the future. * CDC, NCHS, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/life_tables.htm This article was written in part by a third party and provided courtesy of Brighton Securities, a member of FINRA and SIPC, and Caroline Hill, Financial Advisor.