The High Road, March 2010

THE NEW RIDES: 2010 Mazda CX-9 and 2010 Honda Ridgeline

Page 4

MARCH. 2010 — GUAM’S GUIDE TO ELEVATING YOUR LIFE | LIVING | FITNESS | STYLE | TECH | STRONGER MIND + BODY | www.highroadmagazine.com

PLUS+ CHAMORRO LIFE IN MODERN TIMES - Preserving the Chamorro Culture - True style: How to wear traditional jewelry - Native cuisine: How Proa mixes new flavors and old favorites

publisher’s post

3.10

Real Enthusiasm for March by Norman Analista Passionate. That’s a

word that conveys how people often feel when you ask them to talk about their culture or pets.

In this issue of The High Road, our team chose to highlight two distinctive themes: “Chamorro Month”, since March 2010 has been designated as Silibrasion Chamoru, or Chamorro Celebration, and for our animal lovers, a section on “Pet Care”. In the pages to follow, you’ll find insightful perspectives and valuable advice from the people who care deeply about these subjects.

For Chamorro Month we’ve devoted some of our regular sections like “Social Studies”, “Style” and “Role Models” to offer a glimpse of what it means to display cultural pride in modern times. In constructing these editorial pieces I sought the assistance of an old buddy, just a pet but a friend. I admit, however, Frank S.A. Mateo from Sinajana. Dethat wasn’t always the case. spite his relatively young age, I conI grew up with the mind-set sider him a sage in many ways. that dogs should be kept outHe’s a physical education teachdoors, fed table scraps, and er, but in his spare time, you didn’t need any special attencan find him fishing or carving tion. Ralph on the other hand traditional Chamorro jewelry. now stays indoors, eats a speFrank showed me his collection cial diet, and has become a big of sinahis (means “new moon” part of our daily lives. Accepting in ChamorRalph into ro), which are our family moon-shaped has changed I GREW UP WITH THE MIND-SET THAT pendants my attitude commontoward pets.

DOGS SHOULD BE KEPT OUTDOORS, ly made from I’ve expeclam shells FED TABLE SCRAPS, AND DIDN’T rienced for (hima) and myself how NEED ANY SPECIAL ATTENTION. worn as trahe provides ditional neckgenuine comlaces. His panionship, collection is worth thousands of dollars, but undying loyalty, and abundant joy for all of us. what’s fascinating is that Frank has no intenIn our special section, you can read about what tion of selling them. He gives them to famothers have to say about pets. ily and friends as presents and is his way In closing, thanks for picking up the fourth of perpetuating the Chamorro culture. issue of The High Road. Our team has worked In fact, he made me a bracelet carved from tirelessly – and passionately - to improve this fossilized hima similar to what Raphon in our publication every month. We hope you enjoy it! style page is wearing. It’s thanks to Frank and the many others like him, that elements of the Sincerely, Chamorro culture will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Onto our second theme. For many people, their pets are an integral part of their family unit. Speaking from experience, I can say that “Ralph”, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn’t

definition: the high road also high·road n. The most positive, diplomatic, or ethical course.

2 | the high road. march 2010

PUBLISHER Norman Analista EDITOR Carlo Cariño WRITERS Maresa Aguon Leo Babauta Kat Barnett Juvy Gao-ay Cariño Dave Currie, Ph. D. Marylou Dulay, M.D. Jill Espiritu Deane Jessee-Jones Suzanne Perez Dave Ramsey PHOTOGRAPHY Eugene C. Herrera PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Raphon Apiag PUBLISHED BY Triple J Creative Services FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT: Tel: 648-6081 Fax: 649-3679 marketing@triplejguam.com THE HIGH ROAD Vol. 1 No. 4 is published 12 times per year (monthly)

by Triple J Creative Services, 157 South Marine Corps Drive Tamuning, Guam 96913; (671) 646-9126. Copyright 2010

by Triple J Creative Services. All rights reserved. The reporting in THE HIGH ROAD is meant to increase your knowledge in various areas of life and well-being.

Because everyone is different, the ideas expressed and research shared cannot be used to diagnose or treat individual health or other problems. Seek professional help.

The views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Triple J Creative Services, its staff, management or its Board of Directors.

Triple J Creative Services makes no representation concerning and does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.

4 | rides

CONTENTS

the new 2010 Mazda CX-9 and 2010 Honda Ridgeline

MARCH 2010

6 | relationships

drop the grudge, save yourself

8 | live easy the art of small

10 | home & garden torch ginger and heliconias

12 | style

how to wear Chamorro jewelry

14 | role models reconnecting with your Chamorro roots

12

16 | dining out

learn how PROA serves up flavors of Guam and the Pacific

18 | social studies

our panel discusses Chamorro heritage and culture

20 | fitness

part three of our workout series

22 | family fitness start your kids’ exercise early

24 | finance

insurance answers from Dave Ramsey

16

26 | pet special how pets help our health

28 | animal control island mayors team up with G.A.I.N. to deal with strays

29 | first pet

how to select a proper pet for your children

31 | grooming tips grooming has health benefits

32 | pet health visits to the vet matter

35 | rescue crew 36 | discipline & dvd reviews

real facts about pet discipline

38 | digital human finding the perfect earphones

39 | parenting

should you punish your kids for broken stuff?

40 | doctor, doctor think before using antibiotics

THE NEW RIDES: 2010 Mazda CX-9 and 2010 Honda Ridgeline MARCH. 2010 — GUAM’S GUIDE TO ELEVATING YOUR LIFE | LIVING | FITNESS | STYLE | TECH | STRONGER MIND + BODY | www.highroadmagazine.com

meet two women with a passion for keeping animals safe

Page 4

29 ON THE COVER Children can develop meaningful friendships with a pet as well as learn to become more responsible by caring for one. Kids from left to right: Samantha Barnett, Chloe Babauta, Maia Cruz,Lennon Barnett, Rain Babauta, Isabella Respicio, Justin Cruz, Seth Babauta. Pets, from left to right: Max and Willie.

PLUS+ CHAMORRO LIFE IN MODERN TIMES - Preserving the Chamorro Culture - True style: How to wear traditional jewelry - Native cuisine: How Proa mixes new flavors and old favorites

Also on the cover: Agat resident Erica Susuico models traditional Chamorro jewelry with a modern flair.

rides 3.10

4 | the high road. march 2010

you’ll never regret 3.10

FORGIVING IS a

GIFT TO YOURSELF

By Dr. Dave Currie

Why harboring your past hurts won’t lead to a healthier you Relational wounds come in many shapes and sizes. Why is it, or so it seems, that those who love us the most can hurt us the most? The situations causing the pain are limitless. Some more trivial... some more traumatic. He’s always late. She is spending money we don’t have. He lied to me. She belittles me in front of others. He talks down to me like I’m stupid.

She flirts with men. Harsh words, dishonesty, unkind treatment or a sense of betrayal can drive a wedge between you and the one you are supposed to be close to.

given? Yes. It’s as much for you as them. Yet, in some difficult cases, trust will need to be rebuilt over time and even requires professional help.

In over 3 decades of helping people with every sort of relational damage, the place of forgiveness is critical in making life work. I’ve

PREVENT BITTERNESS FROM DESTROYING YOU

LETTING YOUR HEART STAY FOCUSED ON THE HURT OF THE PAST KEEPS YOU STUCK THERE.

IT DEVASTATES YOU. ALL HURTS REQUIRE FORGIVENESS Face it; we all need people.

So, it is far better to learn how to resolve the issues with people than to avoid any issues by trying to live without people. Forgiveness is as important to healthy relationships as water is to our bodies. You can die of bitterness as easily as from thirst. Everybody

6 | the high road. march 2010

forgive. Brooding over your hurt keeps the pain alive longer and sadly not unlike a cancer, the impact of the fixation grows, sending out many damaging tentacles. By addressing the hurt, you choose to forgive thus releasing the offender and the hurt they have caused. In forgiving, you let go of a personal need for justice and getting the wrong righted. In some cases, the injustice carries consequences that are required and valid. But by forgiving, you let go of the need to get even. By doing this, it leads to calm waters inside.

has to learn how to forgive at some point in life to survive.

But when someone really hurts you, I mean causes a crater of pain in your heart, do they deserve to be forgiven? She cheated on me. He is into pornography again.

Ouch. It feels like they don’t!

But do they need to be for-

seen that forgiving is a gift to yourself. So, here are a few reasons why you need to learn to forgive...frankly, the sooner the better for you.

Letting your heart stay focused on the hurt of the past keeps you stuck there.

To hold on to the resentment doesn’t punish the other person; it devastates you. It’s like drinking poison and somehow thinking the other person will die.

Active hostility and private animosity do the same thing. They not only rob you of freedom but the emotional edge they bring affects all your other relationships as well. Don’t go there.

FREE YOURSELF RESTORE YOUR TO MOVE ON PEACE OF MIND Your life is not on hold.

You will live with far less anxiety when you decide to

If you wait until they come crawling back to you to ask

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE AND STEP

OUT OF THE PRISON OF RESENTMENT. for forgiveness, you could be waiting a long time. You are on hold until they apologize.

If they don’t take responsibility for the pain they caused, you are hinging emotional health on someone outside your control. Not wise. Do you want to wait until they are ready to move on? This leaves you at the mercy of their response. Take charge of your life and step out of the prison of resentment.

Forgiveness and Part 3- How to Forgive? Pass this article along to someone who needs help with forgiveness and come back for more truth that challenges relationships. And remember, you’ll never regret taking the steps to forgive those who have wronged you. ■

HONORS GOD WHO ASKS US TO FORGIVE Forgiveness is God’s idea in the first place. He needs to forgive us repeatedly and does it well. He is the God of second chances. He calls us to the higher way. He wrote the manual on how humankind works best and He knows that bitterness only corrodes your soul.

You may need to ask God to help you; most of us do. But when you do choose to forgive, you honor God and that in itself brings a sense of satisfaction.

When you have been wronged, the choice to harbor your hurt doesn’t lead to a healthier you.

Think about it...you have all these great reasons to begin to move on. I challenge you to get started on your freedom now.

Stay tuned for Part 2- What is

Dr. Dave Currie, as a Marriage and Family educator, counselor and sought after international speaker, is known as America’s TV Relationship Coach. He hosts Marriage Uncensored. He has been a welcome guest on Guam on three occasions. He and his wife live in the Pacific Northwest.

Send your questions about marriage, family and relationships to Dr. Dave at drdavecurrie@shaw.ca Follow Dr. Dave’s Blog at www. drdavecurrie.blogspot.com or www.twitter.com/drdavecurrie

live easy 3.10 2. Concentrate your efforts on smaller and smaller areas. When your efforts are diffused over a w good things, and see what the impact of those things are. Never underestimate the power of putting a smile on someone’s face. That smile could change the person’s entire day, and they could go on to do something brilliant that in turn helps thousands of people. All because you did something small that put a smile on their face. Sounds corny, but it works. Small things can have huge effects. Small things can change the world. ■

tains in it four lessons that we’ll call The Art of the Small (only slightly related to the Jedi Force technique):

There are a lot of us who would like to make an impact on the world, in some way or another. We’d like to make a contribution, change things for the better, improve lives, leave behind something positive.

1. One person can make an impact.

And yet, with the vastness of this world, with the number of people out there who will resist change … it seems impossible at times. How can one person make an impact on the world?

When we think of the world as such a vast place, it’s overwhelming. It’s like sprinkling drops of our efforts into the ocean — the overall effect is so little as to be unnoticeable.

But think of those same drops of effort dripping onto one tiny spot, perhaps not in the ocean but on a rock. The drops of water, concentrated on one spot, can eventually break through that rock.

And if that rock is supporting a lot of other rocks, those drops of water can cause an avalanche.

FOUR LESSONS IN THE ART OF THE SMALL So our little metaphor — of drops of water falling on an ocean, or on a rock — con-

Don’t feel that it’s hopeless.

time for change to happen, but keep that focus narrow.

3. Try to find an area that will cause a tipping point.

You’ll have the biggest impact if you can change some-

The art

of small

how to make an impact by leo babauta

You don’t need to be someone famous or powerful to have an impact. You can make a difference, you can change things — if you focus on The Art of the Small.

2. Concentrate your efforts on smaller and smaller areas.

When your efforts are diffused over a wide area, they won’t have much of an impact. So focus on smaller areas, and your efforts will be felt more fully. It could take

thing that will in itself cause further changes — the rock that causes the avalanche.

This isn’t an easy thing, to find that pressure point, that spot that will cause everything else to change. It takes practice and experience and luck and persistence, but it can be found.

4. Don’t try to beat an ocean. You’ll lose.

Instead, focus on small changes that will spread Learning the Art of the Small.

This isn’t something you’ll

always grasp instinctively, but you’ll learn its effectiveness when you put it into practice.

Want to beat climate change?

It’s too huge for one person to change — so focus on something smaller instead. Change your behaviors in small ways, help your children change, help other family and friends change. And teach them to help others change.

Start in small ways — help others, do little good things, and see what the impact of those things are. Never underestimate the power of putting a smile on someone’s face. That smile could change the person’s entire day, and they could go on to do something brilliant that in turn helps thousands of people. All because you did something small that put a smile on their face.

Sounds corny, but it works.

Small things can have huge effects. Small things can change the world. ■ Leo Babauta is the author of The Power of Less and the creator and blogger at www. zenhabits.net, a Top 100 blog with 130,000 subscribers — one of the top productivity and simplicity blogs on the Internet. It was recently named one of the Top 25 blogs by TIME magazine. Babauta is a former journalist and freelance writer of 18 years, a husband and father of six children, and lives on the island of Guam where he leads a very simple life.

ess when you put it into practice. Want to beat climate change? It’s too huge for one person to change — so focus on something smaller instead. Change your behaviors in small ways, help your children change, help other family and friends change. And teach them to help others change. Start in small ways — help others, do little

n it four lessons that we’ll call The Art of the Small (only slightly related to the Jedi Force technique): 1. One person can make an impact. Don’t feel that it’s hopeless. You don’t need to be someone famous or powerful to have an impact. You can make a difference, you can change things — if you focus on The Art of the Small.

That’s a geeky way of showing how focusing on less and less can, in the end, change everything.

the rock that causes the avalanche. This isn’t an easy thing, to find that pressure point, that spot that will cause everything else to change. It takes practice and experience and luck and persistence, but it can be found. 4. Don’t try to beat an ocean. You’ll lose. Instead, focus on small changes that will spread Learning the Art of the Small. This isn’t something you’ll always grasp instinctively, but you’ll learn its effectiven

There’s a Jedi Force technique called “The Art of the Small” wherein the Jedi essentially narrows his focus … until he can use “The Force” to change things at a microscopic level.

the vastness of this world, with the number of people out there who will resist change … it seems impossible at times. How can one person make an impact on the world?When we think of the world as such a vast place, it’s overwhelming. It’s like sprinkling drops of our efforts into the ocean — the overall effect is so little as to be unnoticeable.But think of those same drops of effort dripping onto one tiny spot, perhaps not in th

That’s a geeky way of showing how focusing on less and less can, in the end, change everything. Tre are a lot of us who would like to make an impact on the world, in some way or another. We’d like to make a contribution, change things for the better, improve lives, leave behind something positive. And yet, with ide area, they won’t have much of an impact. So focus on smaller areas, and your efforts will be felt more fully. It could take time for change to happen, but keep that focus narrow. 3. Try to find an area that will cause a tipping point. You’ll have the biggest impact if you can change something that will in itself cause further changes —

e ocean but on a rock. The drops of water, concentrated on one spot, can eventually break through that rock. And if that rock is supporting a lot of other rocks, those drops of water can cause an avalanche. FOUR LESSONS IN THE ART OF THE SMAL So our little metaphor — of drops of water falling on an ocean, or on a rock — contains i

8 | the high road. march 2010

home and garden

3.10

An afternoon in the garden

By Maresa Aguon

Shannon Murphy has been growing ginger and heliconia flowers for about 9 years.

Her passion had a modest start in 5 gallon paint buckets while she and her husband were building their house, and Top: Shannon Murphy clips some yellow-orange heliconia from her has flourished into a beautigarden in Santa Rita. Above left: Pink ginger. Above right: Lobster ful garden that has spread so claw heliconia. much that they have bought the adjoining property to culti- are perfectly suited to grow on scribes them as “Amazing – vate the flowers.

Guam, thriving in humid and there are dozens of varieties, Ginger and heliconia flowers warm climates. Murphy de- each with its own beauty.”

10 | the high road. march 2010

The ginger flower is typically grown for its root, which is most often used for medicinal or culinary purposes.

Heliconias are popularly known as lobster-claw, wild plantain or false bird of paradise. The actual flowers of these plants are almost hidden beneath the wonderfully colorful bracts, which make them difficult for most birds to get nectar from.

Of all her plants, Murphy’s favorite is a little yellow and pink heliconia that “seems whimsical somehow”. These flowers are ideal for arrangements, since they last a whole week after they are cut.

They are also ideal as border plants. Most of Murphy’s are about six feet tall, but some are as high as 10 feet. To get them to grow, Murphy suggests “once you’ve got them going, just go out and cut a bunch for the house every week or so. Then you’ll have flowers all year round.”

Now that she has started quite a collection, Murphy’s long-term plan is to develop “Flores Santa Rita”, a flower farm where people can either order cut flowers or cut their own. She also wants to “create a sort of ‘Afternoon in the Garden’ event where people could come to pick flowers, relax on the shady deck and have a fresh fruit smoothie or some lemonade, all from the garden.” In addition, Murphy would also like to have flower arranging classes, all with the relaxing sounds of Namo Falls and windchimes in the background.

Murphy advocates for buying locally, which supports our own economy as well as being environmentally conscious. Ginger and heliconia flowers grow naturally on Guam unlike many other imported plants, and for Murphy, they make her smile whenever she sees them. ■

chamorro month: style 3.10

Above: Joey displays a sinahi carved out of clamshell with Spondylus accents and a strand of pin shells.

He wears the crescent-shaped piece with a solid long-sleeve blue shirt. Who says you can’t display cultural pride while wearing office attire?

Top Right: Erica showcases a round Spondylus pendant and pin shell necklace. Her solid, light-colored top allows the neutral colors, textures, and classic shapes in her jewelry to pop out more.

Right: Detail of a sinahi necklace.

Bottom Right: Raphon wears his sinahi and Spondylus strand necklace with a dressy black shirt and slacks. A bracelet with a smaller carved sinahi compliments his necklace without overdoing it.

Below: The pendant on Erica’s necklace was carved out of a clam shell and shaped like an adze. The adze was a tool the ancient Chamorros used often.

The necklace is made of alternating pin shells and Spondylus for extra color. All these colors go well with denim.

Left: Becky wears a necklace with three round carvings. The white circle is carved from a clam shell while two identical Spondylus shells knotted beside it complete the design.

TRADITIONAL CRAFT, MODERN JEWELRY In celebration of Chamorro Month, The High Road takes a look at ways you can incorporate Chamorro jewelry into your everyday wear.

The looks we came up with are both easy to accomplish and modern.

12 | the high road. march 2010

CREDITS Models: Erica Susuico, Joey Duenas, Raphon Apiag, Becky Cepeda. All necklaces and sinahis featured are from the collection of Frank S.A. Mateo, artist and carver with the exception of Raphon’s sinahi necklace, which was carved by Mark A. Manglona.

chamorro month: role models 3.10

RECONNECT WITH YOUR CHAMORRO ROOTS

By Maresa Aguon

March is Chamor- COMING HOME ro History Month, Cathy S.N. Flores moved to but most Chamor- Guam when she was 10 years ros will probably old. “Back in the day” as she tell you they don’t puts it, she was immersed in need a designated the language and was able to month to celebrate pick it up easily. Both of her their history. We parents are Chamorro. Her are all fortunate to father, who has passed away, helps others understand and live on a beautiful was from Inalahan and her ORAL mother is from Malesso, where appreciate what is so imporisland in MicroneCONNECTIONS tant to him.

Cathy still resides.

Greg Ecle has a unique herisia where we can Cathy is a very busy woman. witness culture in A mother of three, she is al- tage. His father is Filipino and TAKE A STROLL action everywhere ways on the move. Her daugh- Apache Indian and his mother In addition to her career and is Chamorro. Greg has taken we turn. ter Mariah is a member of it upon himself to seek out a raising her family, Cathy is also We love Guahan.

Yet in the same breath, we all see aspects of our culture that are fading away. So the school children eagerly welcome Mes Chamoru. I remember growing up when it was Chamorro Week. Now we have a whole month of formal celebration.

Huts are built, food is displayed, dances are performed.

A true celebration, Guahan style.

Thankfully, there are people who make it a personal quest to preserve our culture in their daily lives. I got a great opportunity to talk to two people who really take their culture to heart.

14 | the high road. march 2010

Inetnon Gef’ Pago, a cultural dance program under Historic Inalahan Foundation, that has opened up Cathy’s eyes.

“I have grown,” she states. “I am much more culturally sensitive now than I was before my daughter started dancing.”

She appreciates that the participants are not given the opportunity to perform until they understand the meaning and language of what they are portraying.

As a Public Relations and Program Coordinator for the Guam Humanities Council, Cathy is involved with exciting programs

way to connect to his Chamorro roots.

He has found this through participation in I Fanlalai’an, which he defines as a “traditionally-styled Chamorro chant group and oral history project” being led

by Leonard Iriarte.

Greg has been involved with I Fanlali’an for about 2 years, and feels it was his way to “perpetuate the culture the best.” He appreciates the emphasis on language which, to him, is the most important aspect of the culture. Greg says, “letting go of the language effectively kills the culture.”

Greg is also a high school Chamorro teacher, which is one way he gives back and

involved as a Board member with Historic Inalahan Foundation, which strives to revitalize the village of Inalahan and showcases Gef’Pago.

“I invite you to stroll down to Inalahan and take a tour of Gef Pago,” Cathy says with great excitement. What might you find? Guided tours through the various huts to view salinas (salt making), coconut candy and titiyas to start with.

Mr. Taimanglo demonstrates rope making, Tony Mantanona demonstrates weaving and Tan Floren Paulino is always a favorite.

Cathy encourages families to take a day to go. Daily tours run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and it is a great opportunity for

Left: Cathy S.N. Flores and daughter Mariah at the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Park in Hagatna. Below: Greg Ecle.

I AM MUCH MORE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE NOW THAN I WAS BEFORE - CATHY S.N. FLORES families to bond. “What better way to spend time with the kids than to expose them to such great culture?”

PRESERVATION Other than the language, Greg Ecle’s passions include the culinary aspect of our culture, cultivating the land through farming and antigu fishing methods. He still lives in Malojloj where he is exposed to a slightly more relaxed pace of life and has opportunities to involve himself with the areas of his culture that he strives to preserve.

Some of the things that con-

cern him are the “cultural accuracy” and “authenticity in Chamorro art” and he believes that “more research needs to be done on our indigenous culture.” Our culture is very unique and we should embrace it in its entirety. “Speak it at home,” Greg says. “Everyday, at least a little, especially with the kids” Cathy agrees. In addition to speaking it to your children, seek out storytellers. Our manamko are the best in the world. From stories of their youth, to legends from the past, just ask. You’ll be amazed by what transpires from a simple exchange of story. ■

chamorro month: dining out

3.10

Tasting Guam’s rich culture through its food is a strong way to bridge presentday living with Chamorro heritage.

Serving up local dishes with a modern twist is PROA. Located in the heart of Tumon next door to the Guam Visitors Bureau, PROA has unique features that set it apart from all others in the area. Here, customers can indulge in fine dining quality cuisine without the fine dining price.

According to Chris Bejado, Partner and Director of Hospitality, all dishes are made with simple, fresh ingredients.

“Our cuisine is primarily Pacific Rim and like to label it as Marianas Regional Cuisine. We don’t call ourselves a Chamorro Restaurant, but we use elements and flavors of our region’s cuisine and incorporate it into our dishes,” he said.

FRESH CATCH

PROA: PACIFIC FLAVORS

Above: PROA’s Big Feller Trio Platter, which includes hibachistyle chicken, short ribs and spare ribs served with a simple salad and your choice of red rice or steamed rice. Center: Chocolate-covered coconut candy. Right: The PROA-Style Beggars Purse. It’s filled with sushi-grade ahi tuna prepared poke-style, and encased in a fresh Furikake crepe and served with a wasabi soy-butter sauce.

16 | the high road. march 2010

Top Left: An arrangement of some of the dishes being served daily at PROA restaurant in Tumon. The eatery’s menu showcases an ensemble of flavors, ranging from savory bold to sweet and subtle.

This month, Bejado said he’ll be serving up more fish dishes.

“Right now is Mahi Mahi season so we’ve been having some great specials with this fish. We’ve also been getting some great taro and sweet potato from Rota so we’ve been incorporating that into our menu as well,” he said.

A popular dish amongst locals and tourists is the hibachi style barbeque short ribs, chicken, or spare ribs. For those craving all three barbeque choices, the Big Feller TRIO platter is available. The Hibachi style barbeque is served with a simple salad and choice of red or steamed rice.

PROA opened its doors in October 2006 and has since grown in popularity. Next door to Proa is the Sweet Relief Pastry Shop also owned by Bejado and his partners, Geoffery Perez, and Mark Duenas.

Bejado said he chose the name PROA because it incorporated an important element of Guam’s history. Bejado said the concept revolved around creating a casual dining setting while keeping with the theme of ocean, sky, and earth. ■

chamorro month 3.10

Social Studies:

CHAMORRO MONTH EDITION

Q:What can we do as

a community to protect the Chamorro Culture?

SYLVIA FLORES: There is a need to reconfigure the Chamorro Village and build a permanent home for the Department of Chamorro Affairs, Guam Council on the Arts & Humanities and the Hagatna Restoration & Redevelopment Authority. Our local artists and artisans will then have a place where they exhibit and demonstrate their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

serve both our language and our culture. 2016 Guam will be hosting the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts and a venue has to be established in order to have a plan for this big event.

The Paseo Peninsula is the ideal location for it because it is near the ocean and huts for the 27 island nations will be built.

Our community can make use of this venue as our Cul-

such as wars, epidemics, typhoons and earthquakes.

The modern day Chamorro is often a cosmopolitan mixture of different races.

Families who have lived here over several generations will often consider themselves Chamorro even though the original ancestral lineage has derived from elsewhere.

As a community we must take ownership of perpetuating the Chamorro culture

The single most important support activity is to lengthen time in our classes. Right now, we do not allow sufficient time to study it in a serious way. We teach a few songs and dances and we are satisfied with the results.

Take the politics out of culture by establishing an independent Chamorro language culture and language institute and identify a funding source for it. No need to appoint executive directors or hire people. The Governor and Legislature appoint and confirm commissioners on a staggered basis and the Commission oversees the selection of executive directors and employees. Get the creative community involved in Chamorro language and culture thematic presentations.

FRANK MATEO: As a community we must take ownership of perpetuating the Chamorro culture through teaching the lost Chamorro language that was used prior to European contact. We should also teach the numbering system...the Chamorro calendar which was divided in to thirteen months and was significant in harvesting plants and marine life...We can also teach the old custom of hospitality and respecting our elders. You should show your support to the people and organizations that work with great integrity to reclaim our heritage.

FLORES: In 2016 Guam will be hosting the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts and a venue has to be established in order to have a plan for this big event.

The Paseo Peninsula is the ideal location for it because it is near the ocean and huts for the 27 island nations will be built.

Our community can make use of this venue as our Cultural Village. If we follow this plan this will allow us to pre-

- FRANK MATEO

tural Village. If we follow this plan this will allow us to preserve both our language and our culture.

ANTHONY RAMIREZ: The Chamorro culture is a living viable expression of the native inhabitants of Guam and the Marianas. This culture evolved over 3,500 years of human occupation in this area. Chamorro culture has survived over the several millennia due to the successful adaptation of its people to the environment and the changes incurred over time.

Part of the successful strategy is the willingness of the people to accept and incorporate the agents of change into their daily lives.

We have learned to cope with natural and man-made disasters and readily rebuild our lives after catastrophic events

18 | the high road. march 2010

A

DR. ROBERT UNDERWOOD:

BRIAN TERLAJE The family is the most important part of our precious culture and if we cannot build compassion, sustain humility and work with each other, then pride can never reach the hearts of our people. Our very own precious culture will be dominated by an evergrowing western influence.

B EVERY MONTH, we invite some of the island’s

critical thinkers to have an unfiltered conversation about the topic of the day. Here’s what they said.

OUR PANEL A: Robert

Underwood, Ph.D.

President, University of Guam

B: Sylvia M. Flores

Acting President Department of Chamorro Affairs

C: Frank S.A. Mateo Physical Education Teacher Fisherman Chamorro Jewelry Carver

D: Anthony J. Ramirez

Curator and Administrator of the Guam Museum, archives and collections division of Department of Chamorro Affairs.

E: Brian Terlaje

Chamoru language and cultural dance teacher Oceanview Middle School

Q:What about the Chamorro

Culture do you appreciate the most?

DR. UNDERWOOD:

C

Language — it is the living embodiment of a people. It is still amazing to me that I know words and thoughts and ideas that

E

D

would be familiar to Matapang or Hurao. Of course, there have been a lot of changes. The reality is that I know that I could communicate with them. It is the clearest evidence of a unique culture and approach to life. I feel very fortunate to be able to speak Chamorro and

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to become educated about the language through my years in the bilingual education program.

FLORES: I appreciate the authentic way in which Chamorros prepare chicken kelaguen — the barbeque chicken with the skin provides a smoky flavor and the importance in using freshly squeezed lemon juice along with green onions and the freshly grated coconut meat all makes a delicious treat for people who have never tasted kelaguen. It is also important that the chick- en retains its juice so that the chicken does not turn out dry.

I have great appreciation for the arts like the sinahi which is crafted by people who can truly express their feelings about their culture ... many of their work were influenced by their ancestors, it is in essence the reproduction of the past.

RAMIREZ: What I appreciate about the Chamorro culture is the ability to survive successfully in the face of adversity. I appreciate the re-

siliency of my people. I appreciate the hospitality that we show to other people ... I also appreciate the spirit of our people especially the younger generations who strive to revive many of our traditions through music, dance, the arts and navigation.

TERLAJE: I appreciate that each and every person who is of Chamoru descent has the mind to know what is important for our people, has the body to work and defend what they believe is true and most especially the heart to control our way of life for generations to come.

MATEO: Chamorros feel that “help or ayudante” is more important than monetary donations. When onlookers and strangers pass by during a fiesta, the invitation is extended to them making them feel like they are family. Shouts of “hey che’lu maila’ yan chocho (brother come and eat)” can be heard throughout the village fiestas. The smell of BBQ and the sounds of Chamorro music in the air, comfort you, and reassures you that you are in the right place! ■

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fitness 3.10

20 | the high road. march 2010

family fitness 3.10

GET THOSE KIDS OFF OF THE COUCH

By Kat Barnett With obesity, diabetes and heart disease reaching epidemic proportions worldwide — and even more so here on Guam — parents are concerned more and more with raising healthy and active kids.

Unfortunately, sometimes the kids are more interested in computer games and the Internet than getting outside and getting active.

Getting your kids active is an important part of raising them to be healthy for life. And while many parents these days enroll their kids in activities such as soccer, ballet and martial arts, that usually takes just 2-3 hours a week.

We parents need to find ways to get our kids active just about every day. To do that, it’s important that we make it fun, and that we do it together, as a family.

I know — that’s a challenge with our busy sched-

22 | the high road. march 2010

ules. But start with small changes, and start making your child’s health a top priority by making a little time each day, and the rewards will be vast: a healthier, fitter kid who leads a better life for decades to come.

THINGS TO TRY Here are some ideas to find ways to make physical activity a fun and regular part of your family’s life. Take control over the stress in your lives in order to avoid becoming a part of a discouraging situation and enjoy the added benefits that a healthy body can provide!

• Take nature walks together in your neighborhood or at the beach or nearby park.

Not only is this a great way to get you and your kids moving in an activity that anyone, from the youngest to the speediest, can enjoy but also a great way to introduce and

learn about our local environment. As you walk you can identify plants, trees, flowers, insects and historical landmarks. You can share stories about your own childhood memories or from past generations. This gives kids a great shared social belonging as well as an appreciation for the love of their land and home. Another bonus: keep a table or shelf in your home to place objects found on these walks to place an importance on these shared times.

• Play some music and dance around the house together. Go wild! You can get really silly and creative with your movements and not worry about anyone judging you on the dance floor (if your kids laugh at you, all the better, its fun to laugh at each other and this allows kids to loose their own self-consciousness about being silly together as a family, gaining more confidence overall.)

Make the yard an adventure by setting up an obstacle course using what you already have in it (coconut trees, large rocks, swing sets, a hill or bush) and get kids to navigate over, under and around each obstacle a certain number of times or in a certain number of minutes.

• Have cleaning races.

Choose a room or an age appropriate activity for each member of the family, set them up with all the tools they might need to complete the task(broom, spray cleaner and cloths, bins, etc.) along with a little direction for a job well done and see who can finish their task or group of tasks the fastest. The winner can choose the next fun family outdoor activity together.

• Have a game night once a week instead of watching the TV together and play a fun and rowdy game of charades. Younger kids in par-

ticular like acting out animals which can get really physical.

• Go swimming and hiking, as we are surrounded by the gor-

• Be active yourself; make fitness goals for yourself as well and let your actions speak louder than words. If you make becoming more physically fit a

HIT THE POOL OR HIT THE TRAIL ...

JUST DO SOMETHING.

geous blue sea and lush green jungles after all, and enjoying them is free to all. In the water you can explore the underwater world, make up stories involving mermaids, pirates and sea monsters or explore the land and discover caves, fresh water rivers or hilly terrains to fuel the imagination. Plan your hike around the later afternoon hours to avoid too much sun and remember to discuss with your kids all safety precautions.

priority, and let your kids see you doing so, you become the greatest role model your kids could possibly have. Exercise at home, near or with them, using an exercise DVD or watch free instructional videos online. Let them see and be apart of this positive change and include them in discussions about what you’re doing.

Lastly, yet most importantly, include kids in regular discussions on why physical health is

so important. Discuss what happens if we don’t invest in caring for our bodies and how our bodies and minds work together.

We need a strong body to employ a strong mind. We need to use our muscles to help us feel better, sleep better, concentrate better and treat others better.

Let exercise be your medicine and fuel for a better life. ■

Kat Barnett is a personal trainer certified in both adult and kid fitness.

Read more tips for adults and kids of all ages: www.katbarnett.com.

money matters 3.10

DAVE SAYS Dear Dave, I’ve got auto insurance, but can you tell me what other kinds of insurance are good to have?

— Chris Dear Chris, The purpose of insurance is to transfer risk. Specifically, I’m talking about risk that you can’t afford to take. Most people can’t afford to have a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. Having to pay for something like that completely out of pocket would bankrupt just about anyone. That’s why health insurance is a vital part of any good financial plan.

It’s also important to have auto and homeowner’s insurance. If you don’t own a home, make sure you have renter’s insurance instead. Don’t forget about life insurance, either. If you’re married or have kids, you should carry eight to 10 times your yearly income in a good, 15- or 20-year level term life insurance policy.

This means if you make $40,000, you should have about $400,000 wrapped up in life insurance.

Long-term disability insurance is vital. The cheapest way to get this is in a group. If you buy it yourself, out on the open market, you’ll find that the rates are based more on your occupation than your age or health. So, if you fly a desk, it’ll be a lot cheaper than if you work with your hands.

And don’t forget long-term care insurance. You need “nursing home insurance” if you’re 60 or older. It will also take care of you in your own home. The statistical probability of needing it before age 60 is about one percent, so wait until then to buy long-term care insurance. This kind of insurance can make sure you get the kind of care you want in your declining years. Plus, it can keep your nest egg with you and your family, and out of the hands of the nursing home!

— Dave

24 | the high road. march 2010

Dear Dave, My wife and I bought some furniture a while back on what we thought was a 24-monthssame-as-cash plan. The original purchase price was $1,600. The other day, I got a call from a collector saying that it was actually a 12-month plan, and the balance is now $2,800. We looked at the contract, and it was our mistake on the length of the plan. Still, that makes the interest rate about 30 percent. Is there anything we can do about this?

— Robert

Dave Ramsey answers your financial questions contract!

These same-as-cash contracts are a bear trap, Robert. They’re designed to screw you over big time. You can try to dispute it, but I’ve got a feeling you’ll lose and have to pay about $1,200 in stupid tax on this one. Lots of people think they can pull one over on a company with the “same as cash” deal, but stuff almost always comes up—even if you don’t misread the contract. I’ve said it a million times, Robert. If you play with snakes, you will be bitten!

— Dave

ACT FAST IF YOU WANT TO BUY A FORECLOSURE ...

Dear Robert, This is one of the reasons I tell people to stay away from “same as cash” agreements. You may not have agreed to a specific percentage rate, and I’ll bet it’s something less when you factor in the time before and after the 12-month period ended. Still, I’m pretty sure that when you signed the contract you did agree to have this thing convert to a financed contract if you didn’t pay it off in 12 months. These kinds of deals are really scummy. Not only have they charged you interest since the 12-month period ended, they’ve also back-charged you interest for the entire length of the

Dear Dave, I want to buy a foreclosure. How do I go about it, and where do I look? I’m having a hard time making anything happen, because it seems like the real estate brokers are buying them up before I know they’re available or have a chance to look at them.

— Jeff Dear Jeff, I used to buy and sell foreclosures for a living, and for a while I ran into the same trouble you’re having now. It didn’t take long for me to realize that you need to be the first one to talk to the person

who’s suffering the foreclosure. It can almost be a first-come, firstserved situation, and you need to beat a path to the person’s door in a hurry if you want a chance to make a deal!

Another problem I noticed was that a lot of the people who were being foreclosed on owed lots more on the house than I was ever willing to pay. Plus, it’s really tough to get a short sale worked out in the two or three weeks before the foreclosure actually occurs. So, I started looking for houses that had some decent equity in them. I’d leave it alone if the house was worth $110,000 and there was still $100,000 owed. But if you’ve got a situation where they owe $100,000 and it’s worth $300,000, then we’ve got something to talk about!

Once you find some good possibilities, cut them out of the local newspaper or legal publication, then go to the courthouse and look up how much each one of them owed. That culls about 90 percent of them. After that, I’d just drive over and talk to the 10 percent that are left. I found lots of good deals just talking to the owner before the foreclosure sale took place!

—Dave Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, popular national radio personality and the author of three New York Times best sellers – The Total Money M a k e o v e r, Financial Peace Revisited and More Than Enough. In them, Ramsey exemplifies his life’s work of teaching others how to be financially responsible. For more information visit www.daveramsey.com

pet special 3.10 They’re there for us when we need a sympathetic ear.

They love us unconditionally.

They entertain the kids and bring companionship to those in need.

They are another breed of friends and family.

THEY ARE OUR PETS. In this special issue, we take a look at how pets can improve our lives and how we can help improve their lives in return.

In the following pages, you’ll find: • HOW PETS HELP OUR HEALTH • GAIN OUTREACH GROWS • CHOOSING A CHILD’S FIRST PET • PET TRAINING TRICKS • GROOMING TIPS • PET RESCUERS • DOGGIE DISCIPLINE • DVD REVIEWS FOR PET LOVERS

26 | the high road. march 2010

bright ideas

By Deane Jessee-Jones

A BOY AND HIS CAT

My son, Jeremy, has an ugly cat.

She is probably one of the ugliest cats that God ever created. They met when he was visiting the GAIN shelter.

She was there playing in her cage and while the cute kittens called the other children, my son had to have Koi, and she had to have him. It was love at first sight.

In fact, I don’t think there is a cat on Guam that loves a boy more. My son brought her home and dressed her in his sister’s doll clothes.

He carried her around by her neck and made boxes into playrooms for her. But in spite of his torture, she loves him. They are quite a pair. She anxiously awaits his bedtime routine then jumps in his bed and purrs him to sleep. Once he is asleep, she guards his door until late. In the morning she follows him in for breakfast, where they eat together and start their day: Jeremy to school, Koi to sun herself

and hunt, often catching a gecko just for him.

Unless you have personally seen a relationship like theirs, it is hard to believe.

But pets, be they cats, dogs, birds or fish, help us and we help them. It is a mutual relationship that brings out the best in us, if we let it. If you pet a dog, science has found it will lower your blood pres-

70% of families with pets report increased family happiness with the addition of a pet. sure. Interestingly, they have found it lowers the dog’s blood pressure, as well.

Pets can serve different roles. Sometimes they help work or guard. Sometimes they are our playmates and help us keep those New Year’s resolutions to exercise. Walking can be boring alone, but with a dog that always is ready to go, it is harder to skip.

Pets help our kids, as well.

Having to care for an animal has been shown to enhance a child’s self esteem. Children exposed to pets in their first year of life have a lower frequency of asthma and allergies. Children with autism often show more pro social behavior and less self absorption when they have a pet. In fact, 70% of families with pets report increased family happiness with the addition of a pet.

Pets decrease our loneliness. They lower our blood pressure and reduce our stress. They give us an opportunity to exercise and to socialize. But mainly, if we let them, they will help us to be better people. It is hard not to be your best when you’re loved so unconditionally. Pets do this.

They don’t care if we gain five pounds, lose our job, or even our mind. They love us…and that love makes us better. It makes us stronger and healthier, both physically and mentally.

My boy will always remember his cat, and I hope will go on to have many more critters in his life. But for now there is a boy and cat… that are very happy they have each other. ■ Deane Jessee-Jones lives with her husband, Jay and three children: Jake, Jenna, and Jeremy in Mangilao.

She works as an Educational Therapist and Consultant for Brain Builders Guam and Saipan.

Send questions or comments to: brainbuilding@gmail.com.

For more information on training programs available in Guam and Saipan go to: http://guam.processingskills.com

pet special 3.10

A NEW APPROACH TO THE STRAY ANIMAL PROBLEM

BY DEANE JESSEE-JONES

Local nonprofit organization, Guam Animals in Need (G.A.I.N.), has teamed up with the Mayors Council of Guam to start a village by village Spay and Neuter program.

The goal of the program is to make spay and neuter surgery more accessible and less costly.

Unwanted animals are a very real concern in Guam, and can easily become a public nuisance, soiling parks and streets, ruining plants, frightening or even injuring children, creating noise and other disturbances, causing automobile accidents, and sometimes even killing live-

neutered, pet owners are good community members and can alleviate the problem of strays.

In addition, the benefits for the pet are a longer life usually by as much as 3-5 years, less illness, less aggressive behavior, and less roaming.

The GAIN Spay and Neuter program for cats and dogs kicked off in late February, and it is expected to grow. To get a voucher, pet owners should visit their local mayor’s office. Everyone is eligible, and there is no limit on the number of coupons per household.

Once the pet owners have picked up the coupon, they are responsible for calling the participating veterinarians and setting up the appointment for their pet’s surgery.

Local veterinarians that are participating in the program are:

In 6 years, ONE female dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies. In just 7 years, ONE female cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens. stock or other pets.

Obviously, there will never be enough homes for all these animals.

In 2009, the GAIN Shelter in Yigo received 5093 animals.

This averages about 14 animals a day.

Of these animals, only 824 were adopted or reclaimed.

This means that on average over 80 companion animals were euthanized per week in 2009.

This is a tragedy that we have the ability and now thanks to G.A.I.N. the resources to fix.

By having animals spayed and

28 | the high road. march 2010

Dr. Joseph Edhlund, Dr. Vanessa Oshiro, Dr. Velma Harper, Dr. Kevin Malakooti, and Dr. Lisa Silk. The cost of the spay or neuter will be $25 for the general population and free for those on public assistance. The goal of the program is to reach 400 to 500 dogs and cats in 2010.

As GAIN spokesperson, Cindy Bartles said, “We are one community and working together we can make things better.”

For more information on how you can become involved call the shelter at 653-GAIN. ■

Below: Barbara Zimmerman, owner of Feathers and Fins in Hagåtña, shares a puppy with (left to right) Christian Douglas (age 5) of Dededo, Lauren (age 7) and Gabriel Ramos (age 6) of Yigo.

Zimmerman said dogs can be ideal pets for children as young as three.

Photo by Juvy Gao-ay Cariño

Starter pets for kids HOW TO SELECT YOUR CHILD’S FIRST ANIMAL FRIEND

BY JUVY GAO-AY CARIÑO enjoy looking at the movement of the fish,” Zimmerman says.

Children will especially love the color of goldfish, beta, and guppies. Minimum age: 1 with parent supervision.

CATS AND DOGS Between the two pets, the cat requires the least attention, says Zimmerman. “They require food, a litter box, and some toys, and they’re happy,” she says.

Cats are particularly easier to take care of for pet owners living in apartments or condos. Dogs, however, are equally enjoyable as cats. Zimmerman recommends child-friendly dogs like Jack Russell terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, and golden retrievers, to name a few. Minimum age: 3.

BIRDS

Barbara Zimmerman was just four years old when she fell in love with a Jack Russell terrier.

She begged her parents to keep the cute puppy. Her parents never thought of bringing a dog into their home, but that day they relented to their only daughter. Decades — and numerous dogs, cats, and birds — later, Zimmerman fondly remembers that moment for steering her into a lifetime of living with pets.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children who care for pets can develop positive social skills, responsibility

and respect for living things that can help boost their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Today, as the owner of Feathers and Fins, Zimmerman has a few recommendations to parents about the best types of starter pets.

FISH Parents wishing to start their children’s pet experience early can begin with fish. “Fish are a very popular first pet because even a one-year-old baby can

Just like they appreciate fish, young children can appreciate birds. Tame birds, especially, can be taught to sit on your finger or shoulder or can be taught to talk. Parakeets and cockatiels can be good starter birds because they are easily tamed, Zimmerman says. Finches, canaries, and lovebirds can’t be tamed, but they are colorful and active for younger children.

Minimum age: 1 with parent supervision, or 6 if children want a tame bird.

SMALL ANIMALS The smaller critters are hamsters and mice. "Hamsters are the most popular because they're small and children can hold them in their hands. As long as they're handled every day and played with, they generally are very gentle," she says.

If parents buy them for younger children, Zimmerman recommends adult supervision as these small pets can jump and easily get hurt.

Minimum age: 6.

This category also includes guinea pigs and rabbits, which work better as single pets so they can focus on their human owners. Minimum age: 4.

A WORD ABOUT TURTLES Turtles are interesting pets, but parents may reconsider whether to get them for their young child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of reptiles are carriers of the Salmonella bacteria.

The CDC recommends that children five years old and younger not have direct contact with reptiles. Also, Federal law forbids pet stores from selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches because they are more likely to spread the bacteria.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Start-up Expense: Responsible pet ownership requires some up-front expenses, depending on the type of pet purchased.

House: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good cage or kennel if you don’t want your pet to destroy furniture.

Food: Besides their particular pet food, some require fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, Guinea pigs can’t produce their own vitamin C. Toys: They can provide many advantages, from stimulation for your pet to diversion from chewing furniture.

Veterinary Care: Kitten and puppies should get vaccinated and have annual check ups. ■

DiamonD auto Parts

Grooming your pet

Left: Sheila Yvette Masculino with her two-year-old Pomeranian.

Grooming is important for longhaired dogs. Photo by Manny Masculino

BY JILL ESPIRITU

“Grooming your pet is cosmetic to a degree, but it may also provide health benefits,”

says veterinarian Dr. Vanessa Oshiro of Marianas Vetcare.

“It’s definitely helpful especially in the type of climate Guam has. It’s generally warm, and at times hot and muggy. There are specific breeds that are naturally thick coated, and it would be especially beneficial for them to occasionally be groomed.

“It’s always a good idea to find a pet groomer who can handle the procedure appropriate-

ly. If not done properly, your pet may develop skin issues,” Oshiro adds.

Many veterinary hospitals have a pet groomer on staff like Marianas Vetcare. Oshiro recommends to have your pet groomed by a groomer at a veterinary hospital, or with direct ties to a veterinarian should any complication occur. If your pet does not particularly enjoy the grooming process, veterinary

hospitals are the only places with access to sedation, should it be necessary to properly complete the grooming process.

“There are a lot of cute grooms out there, but grooming should be done to make your pet more comfortable than anything else,” Oshiro says.

Pet grooming also can be a bonding experience between owners and their pets. It’s a positive way for animals and people to connect, Oshiro adds.

The more you get to know your pet, the more you’ll be able to identify their preferences – from toys they enjoy, activities they like to food they prefer to eat. Sandra Low, owner of Opus One, highly recommends Eukanuba dog food or Iams cat food.

“Dogs and cats are carnivores, so they do well with a meat-based diet,” Low says.

“Our line of pet food has food grade quality meat as its main ingredients.

“The immediate benefit the new pet owner will see is the pet will eat less and the output (a.k.a. stool volume) is less – a plus for housebreaking,” Low adds.

Low says that pet food is the number one seller at Opus One, however, many pet owners also like the store for its accessories, including collars, leashes and grooming products. Additionally, her customers also like the store’s wire kennels in stock.

Pet health and overall care is enhanced by spending the extra money for grooming or high-quality food. Like any living being, pets need the basic necessities – food, water and shelter – anything extra is because of pure love. ■

pet special 3.10

Simple ways to keep your pet healthy

BY JILL ESPIRITU

There are times when Shadia Terlaje will just sit and watch her cat, Dottie, jump through the legs of a row of bar stools as if she were leaping through fire hoops in a circus.

Dottie will complete the obstacle course in mere sec-

onds, leap up on the kitchen counter and meow at Kaila, her pit bull friend, who’s stuck in one of the stools trying to copy the agile feline.

“It’s funny that Kaila will always try to imitate Dottie,” Terlaje says. “I think Kaila has caught on and will, at times, act like a cat even though she’s a dog. Kaila has that cat-type walk going on sometimes.

“When we first brought home Kaila, Dottie would hiss at her all the time. Now I think Dottie is more used to Kaila being around,” Terlaje adds.

Terlaje has raised Dottie from when she was just a tiny kitten that could fit in the palm of her hand. With Merissa Damian, they have seen Dottie grow into the adult cat she is today.

It wasn’t always easy, as Dottie was an abused kitten before Terlaje and Damian took her in.

Making the decision to own a pet, whether purchased or adopted, comes with great responsibility and generous re-

Making the decision to own a pet, whether purchased or adopted, comes with great responsibility and generous rewards if cared for properly.

“Dottie was a stray cat and wasn’t in good shape,” Damian says. “When we made the decision to keep her, we brought her to the veterinarian to get her core vaccinations, spayed and declawed.”

wards if cared for properly.

“One thing I talk about, especially with new pet owners, are their expectations of having their pet,” says veterinarian Dr. Vanessa Oshiro. “It’s also important to know the kinds of

situations the animal is in, like if it is an indoor or outdoor animal, for example. I just want pet owners to be prepared to keep their pet as safe and as healthy as possible.”

Her main focus is to provide the proper education and awareness in order to prevent the spread of disease among animals and other health issues in pets.

Taking preventative measures, with the help of veterinarians, will save pet owners money in the long run and will help in the overall welfare of their pets, Oshiro says.

“The one thing I notice about pet care in Guam versus pet care in the U.S. mainland is that medicine plays a big part of practice here,” Oshiro says. “I would say that it’s about 60-40 vaccinations-

medicine in the U.S. mainland for vet visits, whereas here in Guam, it would be more 50-50.”

The good news for pet owners is that many pet maladies are preventable if monitored regularly and with proper vaccinations.

Vaccinations help to ward off possible debilitating diseases either brought on by parasites, or infectious diseases from other animals. Common pet diseases in Guam are usually tick-borne, Oshiro says.

General principles of good preventative pet care include annual pet vaccinations, regular monthly evaluations for the prevention of heartworm disease as well as monthly check ups for fleas and ticks, and parasite assessments

every six months. Dogs and cats each have their own set of core vaccines that should be administered annually.

Puppies and kittens will require a total of three sets of shots every three to four weeks before going annual with the vaccinations.

Core vaccines for dogs are distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

For puppies, an additional vaccine for coronavirus is recommended.

Core vaccines for cats are rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus), calicivirus and panleukopenia. Especially for outdoor cats, vaccines for feline

leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus in addition to the core vaccines are highly recommended.

Additional vaccines, including leptospirosis shots for dogs and rabies shots, also are available.

While it may be ideal for pets to be indoors, it may not be realistic for some households.

Either way, Oshiro said pet owners should always be cautious of their pet’s interactions with other animals, especially unvaccinated stray animals, and aware of their pet’s comfort levels. Pets also thrive on high levels of interaction with their owners as well. ■

pet special 3.10

Left: Faye Varias and two of her furry friends Brendan and Zeke.

QUICK TIPS FOR TEACHING DOG TRICKS: STEP 1 Give small treats to reinforce good behavior as you teach a dog tricks. As they learn, take away the treats a little at a time until they are obeying commands without food.

STEP 2 Repetition is key when you teach a dog tricks. They need consistency to understand what action they are being asked to perform, and repeating the action solidifies the learned behavior.

STEP 3 Training has to be done on a regular basis, even daily, in order for the information to stick with the dog.

HUMANE DOG TRAINING For Faye Varias, a simple greeting at the door by her dogs when she comes home is enough to remind her not to sweat the small stuff.

Varias, a member of Guam Animals in Need (G.A.I.N.) owns a shih tzu, Maxine, now about 70 dog years old, three boonie dogs – Ben, Jerry and Billy, a pit bull named Zeke and two golden retrievers – Tilly and Brendan. Billy was a rescued animal temporarily housed at the G.A.I.N. animal shelter.

Along with Bryan Sualog,

34 | the high road. march 2010

she has taught her dogs simple tricks, including fetching objects, sitting on command, saying “I love you”, and giving high fives among other tricks.

While some methods worked for some of her dogs, she had to improvise for the others.

“I am opposed to using any sort of violence with the dogs.

Doing a tricks is supposed to be fun for them, not something they do because they’re scared of you,” Varias adds.

For some of her dogs, a simple auditory command is enough, while others in her pack may require a visual cue.

“When we got Zeke and Brendan, things were getting a lit-

BY JILL ESPIRITU

tle out of control. Knowing how powerful these guys can be, we decided to give obedience class a shot – we signed up for an at-home session with Brett Silk from the Dog Training Squad.

“I learned more in that one training session than I have ever learned about dogs in my entire life. Going into it, Bryan and I were saying that if we are able to one day sit down and watch TV without the dogs jumping up and down all over the place, we’d be satisfied …

We did that yesterday – just one day after the training. And Tilly’s unnecessary barking? Cured in less that 10 minutes! ■

STEP 4 Use a clicker. Food is a good option, but seeing as dogs process information with their sense of hearing and smell more than humans, using a clicker to train is helpful. They can be purchased at pet stores. To properly use a clicker you must familiarize the dog with the sound and follow it with the command. You can still use treats as a reward, but the clicker can be the main training tool.

STEP 5 Use verbal and physical commands. Dogs can associate a word and a hand motion with different actions. When you tell the dog to roll over with your words and hands, it will help them to comprehend what is being asked of them.

Source: ehow.com

SAVING LIVES, ONE ANIMAL AT A TIME Rescuing animals and taking care of them is a lifelong passion for two Guam women.

Both work around animals on a daily basis. It is their job to protect those who can’t speak for themselves and have no say in where or how they live. The two are self proclaimed animal lovers who at times, risk their own lives to save an injured animal.

Winnie Escobar, Shelter Chair for the Guam Animals in Need, was born and raised in Guam and eventually moved to Houston, Texas at the age of 18. She lived in Texas for seven years and eventually made her way Above: WInnie Escobar has been back to Guam. Now residing in rescuing animals for years.

the village of Mangilao, Escobar has three children, two dogs and a cat. What started out as a volunteer position eventually led to her employment at G.A.I.N. Escobar said she has been actively involved in animal rescues for eight years. One animal that she literally brought back to life was a five month old pitbull named Boudreaux. The dog’s owner was told by a local vet that he had an incurable case of mange. Because of this, the dog was turned over to GAIN. “I took him to a vet who told me he had Démodé tic Mange which is easily fixed with baths and dips once a week for six weeks…We treated him like he was part of our family,” she said. “Eventually he was placed in a wonderful home – a family with three children, a three legged cat and an-

BY SUZANNE PEREZ

other dog. They bring him up to the shelter to visit every now and then.”

Outside of working at the animal shelter, Escobar said she has rescued numerous dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. Two items she must have in her car at all times are a thick blanket and leash, in the event she sees an injured animal on the road. “One day I was dropping my son to daycare and I saw a dog get hit by a car…Thank God I had that blanket. I pulled over, wrapped the dog in the blanket and took it to the shelter,” she said.

Bambi Leone, an avid animal lover and employee at Feathers N Fins, has had her share of animal rescues. Leone has lived in CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

pet special 3.10

A MATTER OF DOGGIE DISCIPLINE BY JILL ESPIRITU With proper communication as a base, convincing your dog that you are the boss also is necessary for discipline.

Controlling your dog’s behavior is as simple as communicating your intentions properly and displaying leadership.

Without effective communication, dog owners become “owned” by their dogs instead.

Many times, dog owners may not realize this. Dogs naturally have great perception skills and can read body language and human behavior well.

Dogs can capitalize on submissive gestures, or sense subordinate qualities in their owners Brett Silk, a canine behavioral consultant for over 35 years and owner of Dog Training Squad, helps dog owners understand their dogs better and teaches owners how to be effective leaders and communicators in owner-pet relationships.

According to Silk, there are four basic levels of communication. Depending on which level you are communicating with your dog, you may not get the response you want. For example, if you ask your dog to fetch a ball verbally and your dog doesn’t respond, you may be inclined to push your dog in the direction of the ball. This

36 | the high road. march 2010

physicality is at the fourth level of communication, which to dogs, is at the level of fighting. In this scenario, there is a communication imbalance.

With proper communication as a base, convincing your dog that you are the boss also is necessary for discipline.

“Generally, when you know you are better, faster or stronger, you feel superior,” Silk says. “For example, when you have a child and a dog play, and they engage in a chase, the dog will always win because it’s quicker than the child. Now that the dog knows it’s quicker, it’ll feel superior and won’t feel like it has to listen.”

The solution isn’t necessarily to develop your running muscles, but to convince your dog that you are the leader. Once this happens, the dog begins to respect the owner rather than demand from the owner.

Silk provides consultations for dog owners to assist in this process. A few hours with Silk learning about your dog, and learning more about yourself as a pet owner can provide everlasting results — a renewed bond between you and your pet.

In a consultation, Silk will go through a step by step process with dog owners. Since different dogs will have behavioral problems specific to them, there is not one universal solution. ■

The High Road reviews new releases from a family-safe perspective.

In line with this month’s pet care theme, we take a look at new DVD releases that just happen to deal with both real and imaginary animal-friends.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE RATED PG, SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE 3/2 “Where the Wild Things Are” is an entertaining movie about a boy named Max who wishes to escape to a world where what your heart desires will actually happen. As a result of being bullied by his older sister’s friends and feeling neglected by his mother, Max lashes out. He bites his mom on the shoulder and runs away in hopes of finding a family who will better appreciate him.

Max runs away into the woods, where he discovers a small sailboat and sets out to begin his adventure. Soon, he reaches a vast ocean and lands on a strange island inhabited by large untamed creatures, called “the Wild Things.” As a means to protect himself, Max pretends he has special powers. So instead of being ignored, he becomes the King of the Island. The creatures in turn get to learn about purpose, meaning and love.

Max’s mother says some obscene words and there is light profanity.

The mother and her boyfriend drink wine, however, no one gets drunk.

In the end, this is a movie that showcases how love, family, and friendship can overcome anger and bitterness. Both children and adults can relate to this movie. ■

HACHIKO: A DOG’S STORY RATED G, SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE 3/9 “Hachiko: A Dog’s Story”, starring Richard Gere, is an American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko. Parker Wilson (Gere) is a college professor who takes in the abandoned dog and soon forms a remarkable bond with him. The canine accompanies his master to the train station every day and like clockwork, returns each afternoon to greet him after work.

That is until one day, as a result of some tragic circumstances, the professor departs from the station, but never returns.

He passes away, without Hachiko knowing. For the next nine years, his pet faithfully returns to the same spot at the station to wait for his beloved master.

As a result of his actions and obvious love, Hachiko touches the lives of those who work near and commute through the town square. In the process, he teaches the local people about unyielding loyalty and compassion.

Today, a bronze statue of the special dog sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a reminder of his devotion to all those who see it. ■

SAVING LIVES, ONE ANIMAL AT A TIME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Above: Bambi Leone has been invovled in animal rescues fro some time. She has adopted several of them.

Guam since 1976. She is married with three grown children, two young grandchildren, and ten pets. Since a young age,

Leone has loved animals. “My mom taught me how to love them…We had dogs, cats, birds, turtles, gerbils and ham-

sters,” she said.

To rescue an animal, she has dodged cars, blocked cars from running an animal over, and placed them in her own vehicle to lead them to safety.

“I try to get a leash on them so I can pick them up safely. I did finally catch a female dog yesterday that I have been working on for two years…animal control and the Mayor’s office has tried as well. I eventually found her pups after searching the jungle with the mayor and his staff,” she said.

Like Escobar, Leone doesn’t wear any protective gear when rescuing animals. She simply uses a blanket and leash.

Leone has rescued dogs, cats and birds. In fact, she’s known for adopting some of her own rescued animals. She said most rescued animals are turned over to G.A.I.N. or put to sleep. Because of this, she offered some advice to those who own pets. “Take care of them, let them live in your house with you…they love being a part of the family,” she said. “If you adopt a rescued animal give them time to trust you and they will become some of the best pets you will ever own.” Escobar also offered her own advice. “Please spay and neuter your pets. Help us help them.

The healthier your pet is the more time you will have with your faithful companion,” said Escobar.

If you have a pet and would like to have them spayed or neutered, please contact G.A.I.N. at 653-GAIN. Unwanted pets should also be turned in to G.A.I.N. They have a better chance of finding a nice home. Volunteers are always welcomed at G.A.I.N. ■

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

digital human

3.10

BEYOND THE

EARBUD

els.

If you want to make the transition to exponentially improved sound quality and comfort, consider full-size noise canceling headphones or in-ear canalphones.

SOUND ISOLATING IN-EAR CANALPHONES

PLUG YOURSELF INTO SMARTER LISTENING ACTIVE NOISE

CANCELING HEADPHONES

If you have a personal music player, then it’s likely you’ve struggled with included earbuds which likely lack in two areas — sound quality and comfort. Do they fall out of your ear? Do you have to crank up the volume to uncomfortable levels? Do they just hurt?

To get the most out of your music experience, you must choose your listening device for yourself. If you’re ready to upgrade your sonic experience, here’s a guide to the options available.

A word about sticker shock: If you’ve never purchased your own headphones or earbuds, you may be surprised at models that break $100 in price. Don’t be afraid, this is normal for quality listening devices and your ears will thank you.

If nothing else, remember this — LOUDER IS

NOT BETTER.

Which sounds more enjoyable? A calm conversation in a quiet room or the same conversation shouted at you at a construction site? If you upgrade, you’ll be kind to your ears and get better results in the process.

The more background noise you can eliminate, the lower you can keep your volume and still enjoy your music. If you’ve ever stood next to a person wearing basic earbuds in a public place, it’s a good bet they had the volume turned up to damaging lev-

38 | the high road. march 2010

While they are larger and less portable, full-size headphones which completely surround your ears often give you a fuller sound than their lightweight cousins. Today, many of these also include active noise canceling — special technology designed to block out continuous loud background noise. The best known of this variety are the Bose Quiet Comfort series, though many other manufacturers make them as well.

These work best in stationary locations. If you listen to your own music at the office or at home, these are perfect. If you’re going to be sitting still for a while — on an airplane, for instance — these will provide plenty of pleasure.

The only down side is that you can’t wear them to the gym without a lot of bulk — which might cause them to slip off while you’re moving.

These are my favorite type of earphones. If you want the best possible sound and background noise blocking possible, then consider in-ear canalphones. These are the newest entry on the headphone scene and it’s likely that most people have never tried them.

These are just as portable as most earbuds, however, they are far better in terms of background noise blocking and sound quality. Plus, they don’t fall out of your ears when you’re jogging.

Canalphones are similar to earbuds, except they have silicone or foam tips which fit tightly into your ear canal. They block as much sound as industrial earplugs. They also have speaker technology that’s comparable to what you’d find in full-size headphones.

No matter what you choose, keep in mind what feels and sounds best to you. In music, like life, things are better when you exercise choice. ■

Carlo Cariño is a writer, artist, and graphic designer. He lives in Yigo with his wife, Juvy. His daily earphones are Etymotic hF2s. You can follow him on Twitter at www. twitter.com/itsjustcarlo or view his lessfocused blog at www.itsjustcarlo.com.

family time 3.10

Don’t let broken stuff break your kids By the Dads www.fathers.com

REMEMBER ... IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE KIDS KNOW THEY’RE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY STUFF YOU OWN

Accidents happen. But who pays for the broken stereo? This is a tough question for parents.

Jerry and his wife left their normally responsible 10- and 11-year-old home alone for about an hour. But this time, the kids started roughhousing and ended up breaking an expensive piece of stereo equipment that would cost hundreds of dollars to fix.

Jerry and his wife reacted by taking away all the kids’ privileges, then told them they’d pray and think about it some more. That’s when Jerry wrote to us.

Jerry and his wife did something commendable: It’s okay to tell the kids you need more time to think and pray about something.

Now, every dad and mom know their own kids the best, so the best solution is to work together as a couple.

These are general principles.

For starters, discipline works best as teaching rather than punishment. That’s difficult when a child has broken

something, but taking away all privileges seems to lean more toward punishment then teaching. Ask yourself: what is my child learning through my response?

Remember: accidents happen. Sometimes they cost a few dollars, and sometimes a few thousand. But they’re still accidents. That doesn’t mean you let the kids off the hook, but consider responding with some negative consequences and also some

positive learning experiences.

One good question to ask is, how do you teach them responsibility through this? It seems a little much to force ten-year-olds to work for three years to raise $800. That isn’t a lesson, it’s an unfair burden that will weigh on you and them for a long time. A better solution might be to come up with a more reasonable amount that they can “earn” to help fix the stereo—by

working odd jobs around the house or wherever they can to come up with the money.

Whatever approach you take, it’s important that they see themselves as more important than any stuff you may own. I endorse discipline and punishment. But all the while, you must reinforce your unconditional love and acceptance of them as your children in good times and bad. ■

doctor doctor

3.10

GREAT EXPECTATIONS The ins and outs of antibiotics I have a toddler who has had his share of colds, although thankfully relatively few.

curs when bacteria mutate, or change, in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs. As a result, many bacteria have become stronger (“superbugs”);

By Marylou Dulay, M.D.

viral infections, including colds, flu, most coughs and bronchitis, sore throats (excluding “strep throat”), and some ear infections. Furthermore, they do not prevent viral infections

When he was two, amidst one of his coughing fits, he asked me, “Mommy, are you a doctor to make the germ monsters go away?” This is a question I am often asked, in one form or another, usually in connection with a request for antibiotics.

Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria.

Alexander Fleming discovered the first clinically useful antibiotic, penicillin, in 1928. Up until the availability of penicillin and a number of other antibiotics that followed, infections were among the biggest causes of death. With the advent of antibiotics came the belief that medicine had found the “miracle” drugs that would eliminate infectious diseases as a major health threat. They cured infections that would have otherwise been fatal.

However, their widespread and often inappropriate use has also led to a potentially bigger problem—antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance has been recognized by many world leaders and organizations as one of the world’s most urgent public health issues.

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic. It oc-

40 | the high road. march 2010

ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WHEN YOUR DOCTOR SAYS SO when antibiotics fail to work, illnesses are prolonged, and require more expensive and often more toxic (potentially harmful) medications. Infections like tuberculosis, staphylococcus, and malaria, which were once definitely curable, can now be more costly and more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

DO YOU REALLY NEED IT? Antibiotics should only be used when your healthcare provider has determined it to be necessary and beneficial. As powerful as antibiotics are, they cure only infections caused by bacteria, and are not useful for

from spreading to others and do not help you feel better when you have a viral infection.

Norway has taken the lead in understanding and dealing with antibiotic resistance.

Twenty-five years ago the Norwegians faced the same problems as the rest of the world, with growing numbers of antibiotic-resistant staph infections that were not responsive to even the newer, stronger, and more expensive antibiotics, and leading to thousands of deaths. Their answer was to drastically cut down on the use of antibiotics.

The results have been astonishing—Norway has the lowest rate of infectious diseases worldwide.

DO’S AND DONT’S

The Centers for Disease Control offers the following tips to prevent antibiotic resistance (from its Get Smart, Know When Antibiotics Work campaign): • Do not take antibiotics for viral infections.

• If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as your healthcare provider has directed.

Make sure to complete the course, even if you feel better sooner; if an antibiotic is stopped prematurely, it may allow some bacteria to survive and become resistant.

• Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick.

• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else; it may not be appropriate for your illness.

• Do not demand antibiotics when your healthcare provider has determined they are not necessary.

Instead, ask about ways to help relieve your symptoms.

My son, now three years old, had another bout of the common cold recently. He knows that with these colds, mommy does not have a medicine to “make the germ monsters go away” (and neither does his pediatrician). Instead, there is the “purple medicine” (children’s acetaminophen) and humidifier to help him feel better until the virus has run its course … as expected.■ Dr. Marylou Dulay is an Internal Medicine physician. She received her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

She completed her residency training and Kennamer fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles - Olive View. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.