2013 May YH

May 2013

Tackle that overstuffed, cluttered closet So the kids are gone‌ now what?

Have a great vacation, without even leaving town

Lisa Love She overcame a horrific car accident as a teenager and a rare neuro-muscular condition to help others with their traumas.

The best

personal trainer

may be your phone

this Issue

May On the cover

14

Thriving under difficult conditions Rather than be defeated by multiple accidents and traumas, Lisa Love has adapted.

Plus…

18

Tackling your cluttered closet Say goodbye to disorganization and hello to a neatly arranged closet.

Photos by Long’s Photography 702 West Tharpe Street, Tallahassee 339-5799 www.longsphotography.com

Also inside...

06 Mind | Body | Soul

Volunteering is good for you as well as your community.

08 Mind Matters

Once the kids have left the house, many parents have trouble coping.

10 Essential Nutrition

You can still eat healthy, even when traveling.

12 Alternative Health

Herbs are the most ancient of remedies to our afflictions.

24 Make Over

Explore the best fashion trends for the summer.

20 Smart Fitness You can stay fit and eat healthy, armed with only your smartphone.

26 Your Time

Get away on a great vacation, without even leaving town.

22 Best Body

Don’t let the summer sun do damage to your skin.

In every issue 04 Editor’s letter 30 Around town

Tallahassee.com/Health May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

3

First word

Summer

is coming

F

277 N. Magnolia Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301 Call 850.599.2255 Fax 850.942.0185 President and Publisher

Julie Moreno 850.599.2126

or this edition of Your Health, the first that I have had the opportunity to work on, it took me quite some time to decide on the articles you’ll find inside. However, it’s easy to be inspired in a city like Tallahassee.

to your skin. And Erin O’Donnell

Now I’ve lived here my entire life, so

worker with her own practice

the semi-Southern charm isn’t news

specializing in anxiety, depression

Tricia Dulaney

to me, but it’d been a while since

and pain management. She overcame

Avery Hurt

I’d taken the time to appreciate it.

a horrific car accident as a teenager

Spring is in the air, birds are chirping

and battles near-constant pain caused

Elise Oberliesen

and people are flocking to Lake Ella

by a condition called arachnoiditis.

Erin O’Donnell

with their children and pets. But the

Despite this she remains positive and

welcome breeze on an 80-degree day

helps others cope with their traumas.

served as a simple reminder that the sweltering heat of summer in Florida is on its way. And that is where I found my inspiration for this issue.

With the scorching heat also comes

offers summer style tips and trends

jmoreno@tallahassee.com

with the help of local boutiques

Editorial

Cole Couture and Narcissus.

Amanda Leighty 850.599.2256

Another source of inspiration is our cover woman for this month, Lisa Love. Love is a licensed social

I hope her positivity rubs off on you if you’re struggling with your mindset in the coming summer months.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amber Barz Kathleen Back Brady Marina Brown

Amanda Leighty Kenya McCollum

Kathy Radford Designer

April Miller

CONTACT US ADVERTISING

Thanks for reading Your Health.

Lisa Lazarus.Brown

We’ll see you again on May 29.

850.599.2333

summer vacations, summer fashion

llazarus@tallahassee.com

trends and sunburns if you’re not careful. Amber Barz gives us 10 tips for eating healthy while traveling.

ONLINE

Find a digital copy of the magazine and all this month’s

Tricia Dulaney gives ideas for a

articles, along with stories

relaxing summer getaway without

from past issues, online at

getting out of town. Kathy Radford

Tallahassee.com/health.

explores the damage the sun can cause

Your Health Magazine is published 12 times a year by the Tallahassee Democrat at 277 N. Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of the Correction: In April’s Makeover article on treatments that could be done during your lunch hour, we listed Latisse prescription eyelash enhancement as one such treatment. While still requiring little effort, Latisse is applied nightly for 16 weeks before the full effect can be seen.

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YOUR HEALTH May 2013

publisher. Your Health Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork.

Mind | Body | Soul

Volunteering

offers a number of benefits

By Amanda Leighty

W

hile we all recognize that volunteering is beneficial to our communities, we can often forget that volunteering is good for us as well.

It puts you in touch with your community By offering your time and services to an organization, you open yourself to that organization’s needs. You are introduced to problems that need to be solved in your community. And you also get to see, up close, the direct benefit of a community project or fundraiser.

planner. You can get your party-planning feet wet by helping organize a fundraiser or benefit for your favorite cause. Or you can sign up to mentor a child and the two of you can learn new things together.

It saves the organization resources for where they’re needed most Donating your time and services means that your favorite community organization will not have to pay labor costs. This leaves more funds available to dedicate to the organization’s core mission and goals.

You meet new people

You get a chance to give back

People from all walks of life volunteer. In one organization – even in one Saturday afternoon project – you can meet college students, state workers, entrepreneurs, retirees, parents and young professionals, all of whom just want to better their community. Volunteering can unite diverse groups of people for a common mission.

Volunteering is an investment in the community you live in; it allows you to give back and better the community for all.

It’s good for you Volunteering is mentally stimulating, and can be physically demanding. Spending an hour weeding in the community garden can be a great workout. Volunteering has also been shown to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.

You can learn new skills Spend a few afternoons working on a house for Habitat for Humanity, and you’ll pick up on a number of basic building skills that you can use in your own home. Or perhaps you’ve always thought you’d make a great event 6

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

You can strengthen your community By becoming a Big Sister or working with the Boys and Girls Club, you improve the lives of children. By volunteering with the Animal Service Center or the Leon County Humane Society, you help find homes for animals and help fight pet overpopulation. By participating in cleanups and ecology tours, you help beautify the community. Little by little, volunteers affect change in their communities.

But perhaps the biggest personal benefit of volunteering is that warm feeling you get. That sense of accomplishment accompanied by the knowledge that you’ve made the world a better place, even if just a little bit. That feeling is undoubtedly what will keep you involved. All you have to do is get started. v

Mind matters

Coping with

Empty nest syndrome The kids are gone…now what?

By Kenya McCullum

I

t’s the paradox of parenting: For years, you fantasize about how wonderful it will be when your children finally grow up and you can have some time to yourself again. And after years of stress, breakneck schedules and the ups and downs of raising your children, it’s finally happened — the kids have gone away to college and the nest is empty. But instead of feeling the elation that you fantasized about it, it’s quite the opposite — you actually feel sad about not having your children at home anymore.

taking a long, hot bubble bath — can help you feel good about yourself and give you relief from your sadness.

What the heck is that about?

Rekindle romance. It’s not uncommon for parents to find their relationship strained because romance often gets put on the back burner behind the day-to-day realities of raising children. But now that you have an empty nest, it’s a good time to refocus your energy on your partner and rekindle the romance that you may have lost. This can help you overcome problems in your relationship, as well as give you both the opportunity to lean on each other to get through your grief.

If this is how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Empty nest syndrome is a common experience among parents, especially mothers, which manifests itself through deep feelings of loss and sadness after children have left the home. In addition, many people feel a loss of identity, purpose and routine, which can exponentially increase the grief they feel.

But just because the nest is empty doesn’t mean your life can’t be full. The following tips can help you get through your sadness and enjoy this new phase of your life.

Pamper yourself. Have you focused so much energy on your children that your self-care has fallen by the wayside? If so, now is a great time to do things like join a gym, get a facial or have your nails done. Not only will you look great, but these acts of pampering can go a long way toward lifting your spirits.

Similarly, doing the relaxing things that you never had time for — like taking a nap in the middle of the day, going to a matinee, curling up with a good book or 8

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

Fill the void. You have a lot more free time now, but what should you do with it? When Natalie Caine of Empty Nest Support Services works with parents who do not know how to fill the void they feel after their children have left home, she asks them what they really enjoyed doing before they got married and had children.

This often helps parents tap into a side of themselves that they had long forgotten.

But if you can’t think of anything like that, there are other ways to discover the things you love to do. For example, it wasn’t until Caine had an empty nest that she realized how much she loved photography.

“I got a digital camera, and no matter how busy I was, I would start my morning outside with a black cup of coffee and my camera, just photographing nature in my yard,” she said. “It’s a total passion of mine, and I never knew that before.”

Get extra help. In some cases, empty nesters may actually fall into a deep depression. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to talk to a psychologist about what’s going on in order to get extra help with handling those feelings.

“People who get clinically depressed have a tendency or predisposition to either depression or anxiety problems,” said Dr. Friedemann Schaub, author of “The Fear and Anxiety Solution.” “If your feelings really interfere with your life — if you can’t get out of bed, if you feel you cannot function normally, or if you become antisocial — you should get help from a therapist.” v

Preparing for an Empty Nest If you mentally prepare yourself for when your children will leave home, you won’t feel blindsided, says Donald Freedheim, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Case Western Reserve University. Freedheim suggests the following tips: Start giving the children more freedom.

“The child’s senior year in high school should be a quasi-freshman year in college. Parents and adolescents should begin to have the kind of relationship and rules that the kids might have in college,” he said.

“Parents can begin to really loosen up their rules and act as if the child is in college — which helps them begin to trust the children to be on their own. As they get closer and closer to that time, they can really start to see their kids, to some extent, as boarders in the house.”

Get involved in activities.

The high school years are a good time for parents to get involved in activities that interest them. As children grow older, there is less chauffeuring to be done, fewer bake sales to slave away at the stove for and fewer class parties to attend. Parents should use this time to immerse themselves in various activities, so when they do have an empty nest, they have already developed ways to occupy their free time.

Remember your feelings are normal.

Some parents may feel like there is something wrong with them for being so sad about their children leaving home, especially when they’d looked forward to it for some time. But these feelings are normal, and keeping that in mind can help to come to terms with them faster.

Essential NUTRITION

10 ways to eat healthy while traveling healthy. “By staying hydrated, you’ll never mistake thirst for hunger,” Mullins said.

4. Don’t skip meals.

By Amber Dawn Barz

D

rive-throughs, five-star restaurants, bakeries, bars and grills — these establishments can easily derail healthy eating habits, especially when you are far from home. But with a little extra effort, it’s possible to make wise dining decisions.

Two Tallahassee nutrition experts team up to keep you eating healthy no matter where the road takes you.

1. Do a little research.

If possible, choose a hotel that offers a healthy breakfast buffet, suggests clinical nutritionist Freddy Kaye, Ph.D., L.D. The buffets are often free and typically offer healthy choices, such as oatmeal, yogurt and eggs. “When you start your day with a combination of lean protein and healthy carbs, you’ll have plenty of energy to make it through the morning.”

“Go online and look up nutritional information for the restaurants where you’ll be dining,” suggested registered dietitian Amy Mullins, MS, RD, LD/N. “Make a decision about what you will order in advance and you’ll be less likely to choose an unhealthy alternative.”

2. Pack some snacks.

Whether you are traveling by car, plane or perhaps even rail, make sure you always have a few healthy snacks available. Protein bars that also contain fruit and nuts are a good option. When shopping for protein bars, read the nutritional labels and choose one that does not list sugar as one of the first three ingredients. This will help you determine which bars are truly healthy alternatives.

Packing snacks helps prevent spikes in your blood sugar, which can lead to making unhealthy food choices later in the day.

3. Drink plenty of water.

Water helps prevent over-eating and allows your kidneys to rid your body of unhealthy toxins. It also helps energize your muscles and helps keep your skin looking 10

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

Skipping lunch can lead to overeating at dinner, so make time to eat something. Have a bottle of water and a healthy snack, such as a lite yogurt or a handful of unsalted nuts between meals.

5. Shop when you get there.

“Apples and bananas keep well and contain fiber and vitamins,” Mullins says. Having fresh fruit in your hotel room will keep you from wandering to the vending machine and its plethora of unhealthy snacks.

6. Veg up — not out.

Choose colorful vegetables as a side dish (these are typically high in nutritional value) and ask the waiter to hold the butter. Request salad dressings on the side.

Dip your fork into the dressing and then the greens and you’ll add flavor to every bite without consuming too much dressing. “Dressings often contain lots of empty calories,” Kaye reminded.

7. Have it your way.

Order first and others at the table will be more likely to choose similar healthy options and prevent temptation.

Ask to have your main entree grilled, broiled or blackened, not breaded, sautéed or fried.

8. Share the wealth.

“Split an entrée with your dining partner and ask for an extra salad,” Kaye suggests. “If the restaurant offers lunch and dinner portions, choose the lunch portion. It will likely reduce calories, fat and the size of the check. ”

9. Eat slowly.

Don’t reload your fork while there is food in mouth.

Order a glass of water and sip it throughout the meal.

“When you eat slowly, you are less likely to overeat,” Mullins said.

10. Plan your splurges.

A good goal, whether you are traveling or not, is to eat healthy 90 percent of the time. “It’s tough to travel to your favorite destinations without treating yourself to local specialties, such as key lime pie or an umbrella drink. By making healthy choices for most snacks and meals, you can enjoy an occasional treat without guilt,” Mullins said. v

Eat your calories; Don’t drink them.

• Choose an orange over orange juice or an apple over apple juice. One 8-ounce glass of orange juice has nearly two and a half times the sugar and just one-third the fiber of the fruit. An 8-ounce apple juice has almost twice the sugar and less than one-tenth the fiber of a medium-sized apple.

“The fruit will also make you feel more satisfied,” said Freddy Kaye, Ph.D., L.D. • Opt for water instead of sugary sodas and you’ll eliminate 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar a day, which can pack on as many as 15 pounds to your frame over the course of a year.

• Alcoholic beverages, particularly specialty drinks, are often laden with calories. If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start. If you do drink alcohol, choose your drinks wisely. Piña coladas, Long Island iced teas and margaritas typically contain more than 500 calories per serving. A Mai Tai contains more than 600 calories. A strawberry daiquiri contains 250 calories. Choose a glass of wine, a light beer or a shot of vodka with club soda, and you’ll consume around 100 calories per serving.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

What was old is new again

By Avery Hurt

P

atricia Stephens, Certified Nutritional Consultant, and author of “Reversing Chronic Disease: A Journey Back To Health,” was an active teacher, wife and mother, who had just turned forty when she suddenly became disabled with chronic pain, low energy and incapacitating insomnia. Her condition was eventually diagnosed as fibromyalgia. She was told that her condition was incurable, that she would just have to learn to live with it. Though conventional medicines did provide some relief, she was troubled by the fact that these medicines were merely treating her symptoms and not getting to the root of a problem that still caused a great deal of pain and suffering. “I wanted to find out what was out of balance in my body,” says Stephens.

She gradually replaced her conventional medicines with natural supplements, and now, almost two decades later, she no longer has any symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Stephens is part of a trend toward what is often called “natural medicine.” According to the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institutes of 12

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

Health (NIH), some 52 percent of Americans have used some kind of herbal remedies or nutritional supplements in their health care. These include a wide variety of supplements and herbs, including fish oil, flaxseed oil and ginseng, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Who is The New Kid On The Block?

While natural medicine has a certain New Age feel to it, there is nothing new about this approach to healing— and many of the therapies are very old indeed. Craig Thomas, DOM, a Tallahassee practitioner of Oriental Medicine, points out that while written histories vary, herbal healing traditions have been around from 2,500 to 5,000 years, almost certainly predating written history. “There are herbal formulas here in my office,” said Dr. Thomas, “that have been used for thousands of years.”

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a good example of what Stephens was looking for when she began slowly replacing conventional therapies with something “more natural.” TCM seeks to get patients back in balance. “If a patient went to a western doctor with

a headache, she would likely get pain medicine,” said Thomas. “A Chinese medicine practitioner would look at the nuances of the pain. It’s a more holistic approach.”

But Has It Been Tested?

NCCAM not only collects data on how many Americans use herbs and supplements, it sponsors research on natural therapies as well. Acupuncture, yoga, meditation, Echinacea, Thunder God Vine, fish oil and SAM-e are just a few alternative and complementary medicines that have been the subject of scientific research sponsored by NCCAM. That doesn’t mean that medicines that haven’t been studied in Western laboratories and clinics are untested. “It depends on your perception of what testing should be,” said Thomas. “[When it comes to traditional Chinese medicines versus western medicines] you are comparing double/blind clinical trials to 3000 years of use in the population,” he pointed out.

Getting the most benefit from herbs and supplements is not as simple as picking up a prescription and popping the pills. Natural health care takes a bit more involvement on the part of the patient than is typical in conventional medicine. “My recovery was a journey,” said Stephens. For many patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses, it is a journey worth taking. v

The Fine Print While natural remedies can have fewer side-effects than conventional medications, it is important to understand that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” For example, the herb comfrey and the popular kava-kava, a supplement used to reduce anxiety and aid sleep, can cause liver damage.

Herbal preparations can also interact with other medications, such as prescription drugs you might be taking. St. John’s Wort, for example, might reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and can interfere with other anti-anxiety medications.

Stephens points out that while the supplements she works with are remarkably safe, it is particularly important to get dosages correct, especially with hormones. “When hormones are too low, they cause trouble. When hormones are too high, they cause trouble,” she said.

If you use natural remedies, be sure to seek the advice of a trained provider and be sure that any physician you consult knows of any herbs or supplements you are taking.

cover story

The indomitable will of Lisa Love

By Marina Brown

H

ave you ever thrown your back out or had a really bad headache?

Ever stand up feeling woozy or so tired you couldn’t get out of a chair?

Like most of us, you probably have.

But have you ever broken your neck and back, suffered head trauma with a fracture and blood draining from the ear canal, broken ribs and separated your sternum, had most of your teeth knocked out, had optic nerve damage, endured multiple oral surgeries with infections which necessitated bone grafts, endured chronic pain and bizarre neuro-muscular symptoms so obscure that most doctors were unable to identify the cause?

And if you had had this Job’s plenty of trauma, would you still be thriving, appreciating the simplicities of life, earning your master’s degree and setting forth on a brand new professional track — with a smile?

Few could. But for the last nearly 30 years, Lisa Love, 48, has fought off a seemingly continuous series of physical challenges with a courage and determination that makes one wonder why adversity even bothers to try to take her down.

Today Love – now a licensed intern social worker and counselor with her own practice specializing in anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol, pain management, grief and loss, change and adjustment, and something she calls resiliency training – hopes to bring to others her insights on coping and overcoming life’s traumas. But she traveled a long and painful road to get here.

It was a spring night in Laramie, Wyoming, Love’s hometown. She was 19 and following her career dream of becoming a cosmetologist. And then on a mountain road with friends, the driver lost control of the car. It flipped end over end down a canyon and Love was 14

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

thrown from the rolling car. She has no memory of that part. Only later – as the years of rehab began to accumulate, as her parent’s marriage and the family fell apart, as the relentless pain continued even as she fought to complete her schooling and live on her own – did she truly realize all that had changed in that one moment flying through the air on a warm Wyoming night.

Nearly 10 years later she could barely work, and the neurological pain and weakness made doctors suspect that multiple sclerosis lay beneath her traumatic injuries.

Love admits to being depressed, filled with anxiety, isolated and unsure of how to sustain life under those conditions, or if she could. And then she made a decision.

“I moved to the mountains,” she said with a steady smile. “I felt like a Humpty Dumpty...that could never be fixed.” Love found a small cabin at the base of a mountain in a KOA campground, and there she had an epiphany. “I grieved for my old life… and said good-bye to it. And then I made the decision to live – with the pain, with the new reality of my life.

I was healed by nature, the isolation, and …my will to make the most of living.”

Since then Love has had to change and adjust. She went back to school and achieved degrees in addictionology and psychology, working with adults and adolescents in recovery. Continuing, yet with more unforeseen changes, becoming a paralegal — only to be rearended by another car at a high rate of speed at a stop light. The exacerbation of her symptoms caused her again to shift goals. She went back to school, again, to earn a social work degree and eventually a master’s.

Along the way, there have been other surgeries and other losses, but Lisa Love also found love. With her husband, she settled in Tallahassee and has now opened a clinical practice in a charming cottage behind her home.

“With resiliency and will, the human spirit can adjust.

Life is about adaptation,” she said, “…turning trauma into achievements.” v May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

15

Love moves forward focusing on a positive future Though doctors had been suspicious, Lisa Love didn’t have M.S. Instead she suffers from “arachnoiditis,” an inflammation of one of the membranes covering the spinal cord. Symptoms are diverse and sometimes transitory, but include muscle weakness, numbness, pain and spasms. Lisa’s condition had been caused by the spinal fractures from her first accident.

Now she is on a mission to have this difficultto-diagnose ailment understood. Last summer, in collaboration with several physicians worldwide, Love traveled to an international congress on arachnoiditis in Vichy, France, where she presented her own case. Planning is underway for more presentations, and in 2014 she will be attending the third congress on the issue in France.

Love knows that from her optic nerve deterioration, to degenerating spinal discs, to the arachnoiditis that often makes life challenging, a symptom-free future is not her destiny. And so how does she propose to face the next 10 years?

“I don’t know what other doors will open as a result of my trauma,” she said positively. “But I believe there will be more opportunities to come. I will continue to develop my practice and focus on career building, help other people who are experiencing life challenges, eat healthy, exercise, evaluate and adjust. Resiliency is the answer,” she said, “the willingness to let go and to grasp for. As for the challenges in the future….I’ve overcome them already and I’m keeping my eye on the big yellow ball (of sunshine)” Contact: Lisa Love, MSW Living For a Change, LLC, Professional Counseling Services 850-274-7299 LFACABC@gmail.com

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“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

--Mahatma Gandhi

feature

Say goodbye to cluttered closets

By Elise Oberliesen

T

ired of staring at the upper shelf of your bedroom closet just wondering when it’s all going to tumble down on top of you? Maybe the hanger rod looks like a perch with a few too many blouses, blazers or little black dresses. If organizing your closet tops your todo list, then take a look at how professional organizers declutter a closet.

Getting started Now that you’re committed to cleaner closets, take the plunge and remove all items from the closet, says Patty Ribera, Certified Professional Organizer and president of the National Association of Professional Organizers South Florida Chapter. “If we empty it and then sort 18

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

through things, then it’s easier to decide how much needs to go back into the closet.”

Depending on the last time you hauled out the treasures from the depths of your closet, it’s anyone’s guess what you might find. “Sometimes we find things in there like Christmas ornaments,” Ribera says.

Tallahassee-based Professional Organizer Stephanie Lipford sees her share of overstuffed closets and rooms with a view of clutter. With nearly any organizing task, minimize your stuff into “manageable amounts that fit your space,” she says.

Whether you overstuff closets or rooms, letting go of our things isn’t easy. Sometimes we feel nostalgic or

emotionally attached to our things. Or maybe a tinge of guilt stems from sending grandma’s handmade doilies and broken jewelry on their way. “The number one thing is sorting, pulling out what you no longer want and getting rid of it,” Lipford says. “Then categorize it.”

Salvation Army and Goodwill gladly accept the junk that eats up precious closet space. But even after a healthy purge, sometimes closet space runs out before we find a home for our prized purse collection or seasonal boots. “Your space is your space and you can only hold as much as your space has,” Lipford says.

Storage Consider using an empty dresser or install a low hung closet rod for seasonal clothing, says Lipford.

Inexpensive, collapsible under-the-bed storage zipper bags or containers also work well.

Dreaming about that fancy closet you see on the pages of glossy magazines? Before you pull out the tape measure to get closet dimensions, consider your needs and budget. “Don’t go out and buy a whole closet system first,” says Ribera.

That’s when some people pick up the phone requesting a CPO assist from Ribera. With a plea like, “Help me fit this stuff into the closet and make it work.”

Solutions Ever notice your silk blouses or dress with spaghetti straps live among dust bunnies on the closet floor?

Countless organizers almost salivate at the mention of velvet space-saving hangers. Lipford says these thin, grabby hangers work great for the ladies. “The clothing doesn’t fall off especially with slippery clothing.” Also consider belt and scarf hangers to secure dangling items.

Few would argue organizing a bedroom closet feels overwhelming. For some reason, I usually avoid step one — clearing out the entire closet. Sound familiar?

Then you’re not alone. “You can have hundreds of items in a closet. It may take five hours [to organize] a whole closet,” Ribera says.

If tackling the closet in bite-size chunks sounds more palatable, Ribera suggests working in 15 minute intervals several times per week. Another option, simply focus on similar items to sort and purge — like professional clothing or workout gear or maybe even Christmas ornaments. v

Easy tips to keep your workspace clutter free Does your workspace or home office look like a mish-mash dumping ground strewn with papers, projects, files, catalogs and kids’ art projects? Dedicating a little time and creative energy could help you transform office clutter into a wellorganized, reclaimed space.

Clear everything from the desk Sort and group items into categories — catalogs, personal paperwork, bills, business cards, extra cords, software manuals, trash, office supplies, etc.

Dedicate space for specific tasks or work areas — in baskets, filing cabinets, shelving, desktop organizers, magazine holders Install floating shelves to use more vertical space

Consider 10-inch-wide shelves deep enough to hold books, binders and baskets Mount a shower caddy to the wall to hold stationary, journals, day planners or office supplies Each week sort through papers to purge and file Reader Tip: Consider purchasing used file cabinets from CraigsList or find bulletin boards at local thrift shops

May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

19

smart fitness

Fitness and social media

There’s an app for that!

By Kathleen Back Brady

M

aintaining a nutritious, well-balanced diet and incorporating a beneficial exercise program – one that will become your best friend – are key ingredients to good health. Thanks to today’s technology, these tasks can be easily tracked to keep you on a successful course. Fitness apps make great motivators, can monitor your progress and some even connect users with others to foster a team spirit or share information and tips. Whether you’re jumpstarting your body overhaul or you’ve reached a plateau in your weight loss, put your smartphone to work and go high-tech.

With an abundance of fitness apps out there, here are a few that get great reviews from their respective users: Fitocracy Fitocracy allows you to enter and track exercises at the gym. You can search for exercises quickly or choose from previously created routines. Performance graphs allow you to view your progress. Your activity and personal achievements can earn points and badges. Community feedback will reward you with props and keep that good feeling going. Got a competitive spirit? Participate in challenges with friends to ramp up your energy and motivation.

Fitness Buddy Fitness Buddy is described by one reviewer as “the ultimate fitness journal with tons of amazing content.” With lots of spiffy features like detailed explanations and animations of exercises, Fitness Buddy offers easy-to-understand workouts. You

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can track your fitness progress all on one screen. Whether you are a beginner or fitness phenom, Fitness Buddy is a versatile app. It is a comprehensive exercise planner – like a personal trainer in your pocket.

MyFitnessPal If you want to track calories consumed as well as physical activity, Myfitnesspal.com fits the bill nicely. This app is an excellent all-in-one calorie counter and exercise tracker. It promotes a real sense of awareness as you record daily food consumption and exercise. MyFitnessPal allows you to record the food from an enormous database of options, as well as your cardio or weight-training exercises. MyFitnessPal also includes a wealth of recipes and meals, including their nutritional information, that other users share to keep you connected and inspired.

FIT Radio FIT Radio will get you moving with its highenergy music that will “intensify listeners’ enthusiasm,” according to its creators. FIT Radio’s high-tempo music will “amp your workout” with non-stop get-up-and-dance music. Professionally-mixed tracks in the palm of your hand will give you a DJ on the spot and get you burning those calories at the gym or on a jog. You won’t be able to sit still with FIT Radio.

Connect with other users Be creative while using your passion for social media, such as Instagram or Facebook, and share that killer workout that you would never have dreamed of doing three months ago. Post a picture of that colorful salad you’ve made or brag about a healthier recipe of a favorite high-calorie dish. Include the ingredients and let others benefit. Follow users who are inspiration for eating better and staying active.

Tapping into available technology is beneficial as you incorporate great fitness routines into your life. But after you reach your goals, maintain your accomplishments and stay the course, with or without your smartphone. v

Whether you’re craving a crash course in basic nutrition or you’re a food-savvy label-reader, add a dash of willpower and a sprinkling of some cool food apps to stay better informed and satisfied.

Mint Nutrition

Who doesn’t eat on the go these days? Mint Nutrition offers easy-to-understand nutritional labels for foods and restaurant menu items. Mint Nutrition also lets you create a list of favorite restaurants and your usual take-out spots. You can even store frequent meals for quick access. Mint Nutrition allows you to customize and create nutritional labels for your own pantry or fridge items and your own recipes. A virtual plate calculates multiple items and their nutritional values (calories, carbs, etc.), while making meal planning easier.

Fooducate

With Fooducate, you can scan a product’s barcode at the grocery store and, voila, your food is graded with detailed nutritional values and a complete list of all ingredients. You’ll be shocked to learn that some items that you thought were good for you have questionable and often unpronounceable ingredients. You can personalize Fooducate with your own nutrition needs or items to avoid, and Fooducate offers healthier substitutes. Whether you’re trying to avoid processed foods, eliminate certain allergens or just make more informed choices about the foods you eat, Fooducate brings the nutritionist to the grocery store with you.

May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

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Best Body

Protecting your skin

By Kathy Radford

Cover Up

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The creamy-skinned ladies of bygone eras may have had the right idea when they perched under parasols to avoid the sun’s rays. Covering up your skin is paramount, but instead of flimsy parasols, you should wear a hat with a wide brim. Offering shade to your ears and the back of your neck as well as your face is best.

he largest organ in the body is the skin, and it serves to protect everything inside from damage, but what is protecting our skin? There is nothing between the skin and the harsh realities of life, so it is up to each of us to protect our skin from the damage that the sun can inflict.

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Use Sunscreen There is really no longer any excuse for not wearing sunscreen. Various sunscreen brands have been on the market for decades, and now we have myriad products available. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a rating of at least 15 SPF. Apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading out and reapply every couple of hours while outside. Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee emphasizes that you should apply your sunscreen before getting dressed.

Shade Your Eyes They may sometimes be referred to as laugh lines, but those lines around the eyes are no joke. Crow’s feet can make you appear older, more tired and even sad. Look for sunglasses that curve around and cover your temples; that way, the sun’s rays can’t sneak in. Your eyes, too, will thank you for that boost of protection, and less squinting never hurt anyone.

Get Checked Add the dermatologist to your list of yearly doctor’s appointments. It makes good sense to have a full-body exam once a year and more often if your doctor deems it necessary. Dr. Pamela Kennedy’s office stresses this.

Physicians, especially dermatologists, are trained to look for evidence of skin concerns and may notice something that you did not. If you have a family history of skin cancer or if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer yourself, don’t skip the yearly visit no matter how busy you are.

Stay Kissable When applying sunscreen, don’t overlook lips and other sometimes-forgotten areas. Dermatology Associates reminds us that the sun’s rays reflect, so remember the underside of your nose, under the chin, the soles of your feet and behind the ears. The lips can be ultra sensitive, so throw a lip balm with SPF 15 in your purse and get in the habit of applying it frequently throughout the day.

Clothing Choices While remembering sunscreen and looking for hats, we should not forget that clothing is a primary way to avoid the sun. Long sleeves and pants offer protection, and there are other modern clothing options that can help us in our skincare goals. The Skincare Foundation says to look for clothing with high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) labels that tell you how much of the sun’s rays can penetrate the fabric. Look for a UPF of 30 or more. v

Fashionably Sun-Blocked Since clothing is something that definitely can come between skin and the sun, why not look for some fashionable ways to hit the summer fun? Here are some items you might want to try.

Wallaroo Hats

The Wallaroo Hat Company’s 2013 collection contains modern twists on classics like the fedora and newsboy, and they are committed to beating skin cancer. “The Wallaroo Sun Protection is a promise that each year, we will donate 1% of our profits to skin cancer research, education and prevention in the United States.” Check their website at wallaroohats.com to see their selection.

Rash Guard Shirts

Originally developed as a way to help surfers avoid rashes from surfboard wax, rash guard shirts are now a popular way to help block the sun’s UV rays.

Beach Coverups

Covering up is not just for T-shirts. From sarongs to robe-style wraps to beach pants, there are lots of options for playwear that help you block the sun while you remain modest in your swimsuit. A fun website to try is coolibar.com to check out the newest looks.

Watches with Alarms

Wear an awesome timepiece and set an alarm for every one to two hours to remind you to reapply your sunscreen. Remember, the more you are sweating or getting wet, the sooner you must reapply.

UVSunsense Wristbands

These wristbands are designed to change colors when it is time to get out of the sun or reapply sunscreen products. No gadget can take the place of good sense and responsible behavior, but who couldn’t use a fun little reminder?

May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

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Make over

Summer

By Erin Perry O’Donnell

fashion trends

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prucing up your summer wardrobe? This is no time to be shy. The season’s trends are big: big patterns, big jewelry and lots and lots of color.

like white and navy or turquoise and coral are very much in play this season, as are electric shades of blue and yellow.

With all this drama, the trick is pulling together a look with pieces that don’t overpower each other.

But pastels are trending in a huge way, creating a visual cooling effect on those long, hot days. Look for pieces in soft mint, purple, pink and lighter shades of coral and yellow.

“No matter what style a person is trying to portray, doing it well is the key,” says Juli Downs of Narcissus, a designer boutique with three Tallahassee locations.

Here are some of the top trends that Tallahassee stylewatchers recommend for your warm-weather update:

Downs said color matters in everything, from tops and jeans to jewelry and shoes. But never rule out the power of a nude shoe, especially when you want to let your other colorful pieces stand out. “Nude is still great.

Sometimes it is still the best choice,” Downs said.

Color

Make a statement

Blue has been declared the color of summer in many stylish quarters, and you’ll be seeing it not just in clothes but in home décor, too. Look for vibrant teals and turquoises, as well as softer cornflowers and light-wash denim.

Accessories that pack a pop of color can give your outfit a summer splash, McNeill said. Think of creating a focal point – a statement piece that ties your look together like a June bride’s bouquet.

The traditional summer palette is still a sure thing, says Carrie McNeill of Cole Couture. Classic combinations 24

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

Downs said statement necklaces are an especially hot item for 2013, and subtlety is not the goal. These pieces are big, colorful and attention-getting. Look for cut

Lucite stones, mixed gold, geometric designs and varying lengths.

Keep your other jewelry low-key, Downs said, so the necklace can really take center stage. Shoes, jeans and bags are also easy ways to surprise with color.

Other ways to make a statement, McNeill said, include bold earrings in summer hues, a lightweight printed scarf or even the perfect pair of sunglasses.

Dresses Summer dresses this year have a lot of movement and versatility.

Downs said the short, flowy look is especially popular for flattering nearly every body type. Keep it loose or throw on a belt – whatever fits your look and your day. These dresses are inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s style, Downs said, but with clean, modern lines. You’ll find them in a dazzling variety of prints from flirty florals to bold geometrics.

Patterns The runways were awash in stripes and contrast for spring and summer – the bigger the better. Designers like Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs were mad for black-and-white combos. McNeill suggests adding a few striped pieces or some classic polka dots to your summer closet. In the same vein, checkerboard is popping up in many pieces, often not alone. Designers are having a blast mashing up patterns this season, so don’t be surprised to see patchwork styling and multiple textures, even on bags and shoes. v

What’s Out Juli Downs of Narcissus boutiques says this season’s look is polished and deliberate. “What is out is basically looking like you don’t care.”

Neatness counts, so make sure those flared jeans aren’t scraping the ground behind you.

Keep things in proportion and appropriately fitted.

Baggy and draggy won’t do.

Another bygone trend? The matchy-matchy shoe and bag. You are free to mix it up: go with complementary pieces instead. “Don’t match a shoe, but wear a color that accents the look,” Downs said. If you want to maintain a little color coordination, match your bag to your outfit.

Your Time

Rejuvenation

By Tricia Dulaney

within easy reach

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acation time’s coming up, but gas prices remain ridiculous and air travel now resembles the 5th Circle of Dante’s Hell (wrath and sullenness, if you skipped lit class that day). Frustrated and irritated are no way to spend precious downtime, but you deserve more than a staycation spent puttering aimlessly around the house (or retiling the kitchen…don’t ask). Fortunately, Tallahassee offers a wealth of leisure options that make staying in town not only attractive, but worth bragging about when you show up rested and rejuvenated back at the office.

No one said a staycation had to involve staying home.

Take a break from the dishes and the laundry and book a room at a local hotel. “The beauty of staying right in the middle of downtown is that you’re right in 26

YOUR HEALTH May 2013

the middle of downtown,” says Terry Daniel of Aloft Tallahassee. “Here you have four museums and four out of Tallahassee’s top five restaurants within walking distance.”

Two of Tallahassee’s most appealing staycation options flank North Monroe, within easy reach of many capital city attractions. Hotel Duval offers a rich elegance you can almost taste, and Aloft gives an edgier feel to a luxury urban loft. Both offer great get-away-from-it-all opportunities for locals. “Rarely does a weekend go by without locals staying with us,” says Pam Bauer of Hotel Duval. “We host two or three big events a month; that’s one of our core values, partnering with organizations in our community for charitable purposes. We offer what we call ‘Ride the Elevator Home,’ with special

Aloft Checkin

room pricing after events.” Aloft offers a bed-and-breakfast package for locals, and both hotels are ideally placed for special city events or concerts.

Gary Stogner, senior marketing director at Visit Tallahassee, suggests other entertainment options as well. This year marks Florida’s 500th birthday, with plenty of Viva Florida events to commemorate the occasion. Stop in the Historic Capitol Museum to see a Spanish Colonial map dated 1493 or check out a Seminole People exhibit at the Florida Museum of History, art at LeMoyne or wildlife and ziplining at the Tallahassee Museum. “Rent a kayak and take a trip down the Wakulla,” Stogner suggests.

This month Visit Tallahassee is also sponsoring its second annual Capital Cuisine Restaurant Week, from May 16-28, with special prix fixe menus at many restaurants for $15 or $30. Pam Bauer of Hotel Duval confirms that Shula’s, as well as Le Roc Bistro, with its daily farm-to-table lunch specials, will participate.

Your hotel concierge can make reservations, but as Bauer says, concierge service also “creates a ‘wow’ experience for staycationers and out-of-town guests alike. From strawberries and champagne in the room to dinner reservations at Shula’s with a couch reservation at Level 8 to follow, our associates have assisted with everything from engagement proposals to babysitting recommendations.”

If you need more incentive to stay close to home, Aloft’s concierge books custom spa packages with Envy Salon, which offers everything from massages and facials to haircuts for kids – on a firetruck. v May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

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Aloft Rooms

Downtown Marketplace

Hotel Duval Shula Bar W xyz Lounge

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Stay home in style this weekend!

Book a room: Check out the clean-edged urban vibe of Aloft or the luxe Deco feel of Hotel Duval. You can even splurge on a suite.

Wind down the work week at Midtown: Check the Tallahassee Democrat’s Limelight for the weekend’s best bands and shows or ask your hotel concierge for suggestions.

Saturday morning: Pick up a one-of-a-kind pair of earrings or a handmade treat from the artisans just outside your door at the Downtown Marketplace. Relax under the oaks with a little live music and a snack from the food trucks.

Saturday afternoon: Pamper yourself with the spa treatment your concierge arranged at Envy Salon. Investigate Envy’s boutique while you’re there.

Take in some culture by hitting some museums.

Take a nap.

Hotel Duval Level 8 Balcony

Saturday evening: Call down to the desk for dinner recommendations and reservations. Dress up and meet friends there, then invite them back to your hotel for drinks at Hotel Duval’s Level 8 or Aloft’s w xyz. Order something cutting-edge and give the pros behind the bar a chance to impress you. Finish the night with a toast to the city from Level 8’s balcony.

Sunday morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch before checkout. Le Roc Bistro offers locavore treats and Starbucks.

May 2013 YOUR HEALTH

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AROUND TOWN

May 18, 8 a.m. to noon

“Saving Wakulla Springs” Overland Tour The “Saving Wakulla Springs” Overland Tour is a guided tour following the journey of water as it flows underground from Tallahassee through the world’s longest and deepest cave system to Wakulla Springs. The tour will be led by biologist Jim Stevenson, retired chief naturalist of Florida’s state parks for 20 years. The car caravan tour departs from the Tallahassee Community College parking lot and ends at Wakulla Springs State Park with nine stops along the way, including lakes, sinkholes and the wastewater treatment plant. The tour is $18 per person. Proceeds benefit two local nonprofit organizations working to protect Wakulla Springs. Spaces are limited, and registration is required. Register at www.palmettoexpeditions.com or by calling 926-3376.

May 1, 7 to 9 p.m.

Free Salsa Lessons

Learn to salsa at your own pace just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Feel the music and the rhythm in a fun environment. Even if you have two left feet, this class is for you. If you can walk, you can salsa. The lessons are free and take place at Morelia’s Mexican Restaurant, 1355 Market Street.

For more information, call 339-8463.

May 4, 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Kentucky Derby Gala

A fundraiser for the Leon Advocacy and Resource Center, the Kentucky Derby Gala promises a fun and exciting evening for all. Bet on your favorite horses while watching the Run for the Roses “Kentucky Derby” on big screen TVs. Dance to the musical styling of Pure Platinum. Join the Hat Parade and you could win a prize for the best Derby hat. Enjoy the buffet, mint juleps and more. There will also be a silent auction filled with an abundance of items including weekend getaways. Tickets are $50 per person, or purchase a table of eight for $40 per person. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive.

May 4, 8 to 10:30 p.m.

Saturdays in the Park

Enjoy downtown Tallahassee’s concert series on the first Saturday of every month.

Brought to you by the Downtown Tallahassee Business Association and the Tallahassee

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Downtown Improvement Authority, this concert series is free to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic to Ponce de Leon Park downtown and soak in the live music by the Leon Anderson Group featuring Avis Berry.

May 11, 10 a.m. to noon

17th Century Military Muster Experience the colorful pageantry and blackpowder musket and cannon fire at Mission San Luis’ fort, Castillo de San Luis.

Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the world of Spanish soldiers and Apalachee warriors at Spanish Florida’s western capital. Park admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for ages 6-17. Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee St. For more information, call 245-6406 or email info@missionsanluis.org.

May 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

19th Annual Tour of Gardens The annual tour of privately-owned gardens will begin with breakfast at Maclay Gardens at 9 a.m. along with a silent auction and plant sale. Participants are then given maps and invited to enjoy a self-paced tour of participating gardens. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event.

Tickets may be purchased at Maclay Gardens State Park, Esposito Garden Center, Native Nurseries, Tallahassee Nurseries and Wild Birds Unlimited. For more information about this event, call 487-4115 or email Ginger Nichols at Ginger.Nichols@dep.state.fl.us.

May 19, 2 to 7 p.m.

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory’s Sharks and Chablis 2013

Support the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory at their annual Sharks and Chablis benefit. Enjoy a day of live music, exhibitors, a wine tasting, scrumptious seafood and a silent auction. Tickets are $35 per person. Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, 222 Clark Drive, Panacea, 32346. For more information, call 984-5297.

May 25, 8 a.m.

2013 Fight for Air Run/Walk

The annual Fight for Air Run/Walk is 5K organized by the American Lung Association in Florida. The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Families, teams and individuals can join together to help raise awareness and funds for the millions of Americans who suffer from lung disease. You can get involved by participating in the walk as an individual, joining or organizing a team, becoming a Team Captain, sponsoring the event or making a contribution supporting a registrant. By joining the Fight for Air Run/Walk in any capacity, you are making a commitment to fight lung disease. The walk will take place at 8 a.m. in Southwood. Check-in will take place at 7:15 a.m. For more information, email EventsTallahassee@lungfla.org or go to www.FightforAirRunWalkTallahassee.org.

~ Physician Profiles MICHELLE HOGGATT, MD

Gynecology and Gynecologic Surgery Dr. Hoggatt received her undergraduate degree in genetics from the Univ. of California at Berkeley and she received her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical Univ. of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. After completing her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Tulane Univ. Medical Center, Dr. Hoggatt began practicing obstetrics and gynecological medicine in Sacramento, CA. She relocated to Tallahassee and has been in a group practice specializing in gynecology and gynecological surgery. Dr. Hoggatt is a member of the AMA, Capital Medical Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hoggatt uses her specialized skills in gynecological medicine to help educate her patients about the importance of managing the challenges of women’s health issues.

Contact: 2009 Miccosukee Road., Tallahassee, 850.656.2128

BEN J. KIRBO, MD

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Kirbo is a board certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing in the N. Florida and S. Georgia area for more than 15 years. Dr. Kirbo completed his medical degree at the University of Miami.

Dr. Kirbo completed general surgery residency at the University of Kentucky and plastic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University. His particular interests are cosmetic, breast, post-bariatric weight loss surgery, correcting undesirable plastic surgery results and body contouring.

He was recently recognized as a recipient of The Tally Awards top surgeon in Tallahassee. Contact: Southeastern Plastic Surgery, 2030 Fleischmann Rd., Tallahassee, 850.219.2000, se-plasticsurgery.com

RONALD G. WILLIS, DMD

General and Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Ronald G. Willis Graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Willis specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ/TMD Neuromuscular Dentistry, Neuromuscular Orthodontics, and Veneers.

Dr. Willis has treated missing and discolored teeth. Many treatment options exist for his patients as well as finishing the frame around the teeth and face with Botox and Derma Fillers. Dr. Willis received an award for Best Dentist in 2003 & 2005 and Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies Clinical Instructor of the year.

Contact: Centre Point Dental Group, 2470 Care Dr., Tallahassee, 850.877.5151 or rwillisdmd@yahoo.com

Jana Bures-ForsthoeFel, MD

Gynecology and Obstetrics Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel has been practicing in our community for 25+ years and is now delivering the next generation.

Dr. Bures -Forsthoefel received her doctorate in from the University Of Louisville School Of Medicine and did her residency at Emory University Grady Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. She is Board Certified in Gynecology and Obstetrics. Contact: Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates, PA Professional Office Building, 1405 Centerville Rd. Suite 4200, 850.877.3549, obgyntallahassee.com

LAURENCE Z. ROSENBERG, MD

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Rosenberg attended Emory University for college and medical school. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and Plastic Surgery.

He has written articles on facelifts, breast reduction and reconstruction, abdominoplasty, melanoma and non-melanoma reconstruction. He has a many specializations; eyelid surgery, breast reconstruction, augmentation and reduction, abdominoplasty, hand surgery, treatments of skin disorders and body contouring for massive weight loss patients.

Dr. Rosenberg is the only board certified physician in N. Florida and S. Georgia to perform a hair restoration procedure of transplanting individual follicular units. Contact: Southeastern Plastic Surgery, 2030 Fleischmann Rd., Tallahassee, 850.219.2000, se-plasticsurgery.com

ROBERT FRABLE, DO

Family Medicine Dr. Robert Frable is a board certified family practice physician established in Wakulla County for 24 years. Originally from Pennsylvania, he attended undergraduate school at Northeast Missouri State University and graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Family Pratice Residency was completed at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Hospital in Kirksville, Missouri. Contact: Capital Regional Medical Group, 2832 Crawfordville Hwy., Crawfordville, 850.926.6363

AFOLABI SANGOSANyA, MD

Cadiology/Internal Medicine Dr. Sangosanya has joined Capital Regional Cardiology Associates. He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his cardiovascular disease training at the University of MiamiJackson Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Sangosanya is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and internal medicine. He is also board eligible in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Sangosanya is committed to providing accessible care to the Big Bend and provides same day appointments to patients. Contact: Capital Regional Cardiology Associates, 2770 Capital Medical Blvd, Ste 109, Tallahassee, 850.877.0216, CapitalRegionalMedicalGroup.com

SHAWN RAMSEy, DO

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Dr. Shawn Ramsey specializes in minimally invasive surgery, female pelvic reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic procedures. He is certified in the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Dr. Ramsey received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and he did his residency at the Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. Contact: Gynecology & Obstetrics Associates, PA Professional Office Building, 1405 Centerville Rd. Suite 4200, 850.877.3549, obgyntallahassee.com