• N A S
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chool is back in session, and despite the weather that can’t seem to make up its mind,
O
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Editor
I N
Karen Bakhtegan
Style
Q
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Fall into
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PUBLISHER Roger Coover PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Deitra R. Kenoly EDITOR Karen Bakhtegan
it is actually beginning to feel like fall. It’s almost time to start pulling out the sweaters, jackets, and boots, and begin coming up with new and creative ways to restock and revamp our closets. We hope this edition of San Joaquin Woman will help you do just that. Inside you will find articles and information on everything fashion and style for you, your kids, and even a little something for your pets. We are also introducing the San Joaquin Woman Style Challenge. We want you to shop local for affordable alternatives to pricey designer fashion, and then share your treasures with us and our readers. Turn to page 11 for details.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charleen Earley Stacey Guyton Stuart Jacobs, MD Leah Myers Kim Robinson Susan Michener Spracher Lita Wallach
And if you like getting interactive with us, jump to page 28 and read Susan Michener Spracher’s article on “The Giving Keys,” get inspired, and share your own “paying it forward” adventures with us. You just might start a chain reaction. Coming up, we will be accepting nominations for San Joaquin Woman of the Year and San Joaquin Young Woman of the Year. Nomination forms will be available soon. Send us an email if you would like a nomination form sent to you. We welcome you to share your thoughts and ideas with us anytime. We love to hear from our readers. Contact us via email at sjwoman@recordnet.com. Or by mail at The Record/San Joaquin Woman Magazine, 530 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. We are waiting to hear from you!
San Joaquin Woman magazine is published six times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in San Joaquin Woman magazine is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. San Joaquin Woman magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Photos and content become the sole property of San Joaquin Woman magazine and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinwoman.com.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS On the Phippside Photography Ashlee Blackard Photography Lindsay Ortez Photography GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein COVER PHOTO BY Lindsay Ortez Photography
To advertise in San Joaquin Woman magazine, call (209) 546-8200 Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/RecordSpecialtyPublications
Contents
FALL Style
September 2012
EDITION
8 11 17 21 26 28 30
FEATURE STORY
An Adoption Like No Other Pt. 2
FASHION & BEAUTY Style Challenge Eye Wear City Girl Boutique Echo Chic Salon The Giving Keys Pinterest
CAREER
32
Barking Lot
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
36 38 40
Skin Care Put On A Happy Face
Margaret Szczepaniak Leader in local healthcare
PEEK-A-BOUTIQUE
42
Zoop A Loop
FEATURE FEATURE
An Adoption
like no other Part 2
THAI (FAR RIGHT) WITH HIS BIRTH MOM AAMEY, HER HUSBAND COLIN AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN, LINCOLN AND HARPER.
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012
The Ultimate Gift of Love through Sacrifice and Adoption
BY CHARLEEN EARLEY PHOTOS BY ON THE PHIPPSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
I
t was never her dream to give her firstborn up for adoption, but for Aamey
Stephens of San Ramon, it became one of the biggest and unfortunately, most difficult decisions she ever had to make in her life. Beautiful, young and pregnant at age 21, Stephens said she was deeply in love with her baby’s father of Samoan decent, but knew things were rocky and unstable with him. When she reached full term, he disappeared, leaving her jobless, without a car and unable to care for their baby on her own.
Part 2 of a 3 part series: Look for part 3 in the November edition of San Joaquin Woman
“He had left me once before, and it destroyed me. It hurt me so deeply that I thought about what kind of effect that would have on my son if that were to happen again,” said Stephens, now age 36. “But I don’t want people to think badly of him – he had struggles in his life, and didn’t have the support of his family.”
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
9
FEATURE
An adopted child herself, Stephens said her
for her baby, whom she never named, but
Amy and Doug Phipps of Stockton
called him sweet terms of endearment instead,
thoughtfully gave Stephens’ child a Samoan
“I always thought it was the coolest thing.
such as “little guy,” “baby” and “sweet guy.”
name, Fa’afetai (‘Tai’ for short), which means
I am the middle of three kids, and it has always
She searched eagerly for any little flaw in the
thank you.
been an extremely positive experience with my
prospective adoptive parents.
experience was nothing short of amazing.
It’s a word that describes how Stephens
parents. My mom Joanna was unable to have
When she finally narrowed down the search
feels about the Phippses, who throughout the
kids. She and dad couldn’t love us any more
to one couple that she couldn’t find one thing
years have welcomed her to be a part of Tai’s
than they do,” said Stephens. “But after placing
wrong with, she got a call from the social worker
life – through letters, phone calls, text messages
my own son, I have different feelings.”
at the adoption agency saying he got a call from
and even home visits.
Married now with two children together with
a particular couple saying they had a dream last
Regrets are not part of Stephens’ life.
husband Colin, Stephens admits she struggled
night that they were going to adopt a Samoan
“I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m
with every aspect of the adoption process, and
boy. It was the same couple Stephens had
resigned to those feelings of being sad that Tai
even though it was 15 years ago, the pain and
chosen – Amy and Doug Phipps.
is not with me; that I don’t get to mother him.
sorrow cuts deeply, as if it were yesterday. “It’s still the biggest heartbreak of my life
“‘Right, Larry, you’re making that up,’” she said to her social worker.
I’m so lucky that Amy and Doug have let me be a part of his life. I know my boundaries, and don’t
and for sure the hardest thing I’ve ever done,”
“I was still filled with anxiety, sadness, dread
want to do anything that Tai is not comfortable
Stephens said tearfully. “I found myself in a
and fear, and was not at all sure this was the
with. There’s always a huge loss, and it sounds
situation where I didn’t have what my perfect
right decision, but when I walked into the room
like I’m ungrateful, but I’m not. That loss doesn’t
little baby deserved.”
where Amy and Doug sat waiting to meet me
go away.”
“My heart has tripled because I have two
for the first time, I finally felt some peace,” said
“I know 100 percent for a fact that I did
other kids, but it’s still the biggest heartbreak,”
Stephens. “Amy reminded me of my sister, funny
right by Tai,” Stephens added with tears. “I feel
added Stephens.
and spunky, and it comforted me a lot; my sister
like I gave my heart away. I know that Tai is
After giving birth, Stephens stayed with
is my best friend. But even still, I was hanging
happy and thriving – and that’s what gets me
her newborn for 19 days, mostly because of
onto every word, trying to find something wrong
through each day. It’s a constant struggle, and
the difficulty she had in choosing the adoptive
with them.”
I’m so very thankful to Amy and Doug for letting
parents. In her eyes, no one was good enough
She found nothing.
me be a part of their lives.”
SEPTEMBER 2012
e l y t S CHALLENGE SAN JOAQUIN WOMAN
THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
E
ach year the best and most celebrated designers participate in New
York’s Fashion week, where they set the tone and define the trends for the
affordable alternatives can be found and designer looks can be recreated without breaking your budget.
apparel you will be wearing for the upcoming seasons. This year’s hottest
On the following pages we have put together some designer ensembles
trend is leather, and it’s not just for jackets, boots and handbags anymore.
using this year’s leather trends to inspire you. We challenge you to shop
Leather pants, leggings and dresses are the must-have items for fall and
for affordable alternatives right here in San Joaquin County, create similar
winter 2012.
looks, take photos and then send them to us. We will choose the best
Alas, as we all know, designer fashions are pricey. The cost of one
finds to share with our readers in the next edition of San Joaquin Woman
designer item can often exceed the average woman’s entire clothing
magazine and on our Facebook page. You might even win shopping gift
budget. That being said, every fashion-addicted woman knows
certificates from local clothing merchants.*
gin! Let the hunt be
*All submissions must be made up of items purchased from San Joaquin County retailers. Please include a description of the items, where they were purchased and the price paid, along with your name and contact information. The leather-inspired challenge ends October 10, 2012 and all submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Email your submissions to sjwoman@recordnet.com.
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
11
Leather Legs Photos courtesy Stylebop.com
GUESS Heart Snake Ring
Helmut Lang Skinny Leather
Faith Connection Tonal Tweed Jacket
Michael Kors Halter
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Bow
Sergio Rossi Ankle Boot
Valentino Black Studded Bag
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012 Balmain Double Breasted Tuxedo Blazer
Day to Night Mission Saffron Scarf
Balmain Leather Trousers Paul & Joe Sister Fringed Pullover
Jitrois Stretch Leather Pants
Emilio Pucci Studded Clutch Sergio Rossi Green Studded Ankle Boot
La Silla Zip Pump
Belstaff Mahogany Suede Kent Tote Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
13
Little Leather Dress Jitrois Amber Belted Stretch Leather Dress
Derek Lam Leather Sheath Dress
La Silla Dark Chocolate Suede
Alexander McQueen Leather Wool Blend Dress
Valentino “RockStud” Peep Toe
Salvatore Ferragamo Casper Loafers
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
15
16
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012
Eyecessorize With the current trends in eyewear, the four-eyed look has never been more fashionable. Expect to peep these looks this fall and winter.
RAY-BAN
ED HARDY
FIND THESE EYEWEAR DESIGNS AND MORE AVAILABLE AT ZEITER EYE IN STOCKTON, LODI, MANTECA AND TRACY
WWW.ZEITEREYE.COM
NINE WEST
SCOTT HANSEN
GEEK CHIC
TRANSLUCENT COLORS
The “nerdy” dark-rimmed look was everywhere this past year. Well, it’s not going anywhere this fall, but it is evolving with smaller designs and lighter tones.
Color is a great way to express personal style and spice up your eyewear wardrobe. Translucent colors are more subtle than solids, and create a dramatic look without being overbearing.
SEPTEMBER 2012
TRUE RELIGION
GUCCI
GUCCI
HELIUM
CAT EYES
TEXTURE
The fashion world is currently obsessed with the retro ’60s look. The very feminine cat eye frame is a perfect fit for this trend, and is making a fast comeback.
If you want your glasses to resemble art more than eyewear, look for textured frames with artisan cutouts at the temples. Designers are getting very creative with these unique and feminine designs. Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
19
CITY GIRL
e u q i t Bou
B R I N G S U R B A N C H I C FA S H I O N TO D O W N TO W N L O D I Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
21
STORY BY LEAH MYERS PHOTOS BY LINDSAY ORTEZ WWW.LINDSAYOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
T
ucked away on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of downtown Lodi, you will find
City Girl, a stylish boutique specializing in women’s apparel. Catering to the fashion conscious residents of San Joaquin Valley since opening its doors in 2004, the store features a wide selection of on-trend, in demand clothing, accessories and shoes. After working at the boutique for three years, Joni Green became the owner of City Girl in 2010, though her plans quickly changed from aspiring licensed full-time aesthetician to small business owner, she has never looked back. She took the leap and bought the store from its previous owner because of her love for fashion, shopping and penchant for putting together outfits and unique looks. “My favorite part of owning and managing the store is the opportunity to give personal attention to customers when they are looking for an outfit for a special occasion or choosing a gift,” Green said She knows what her customers gravitate toward and only chooses the things she knows they will love.
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012
As fashion is ever-changing, Green travels to the garment district in Los Angeles five times a year to buy clothing, jewelry and accessories--keeping the store stocked with the latest seasonal trends. There she can personally select the items that she knows her customers will be excited to see in the store. What sets City Girl apart from other boutiques is that women of all ages can find something to suit their wardrobe at various price points—whether you’re a new mom, young professional, college student or a grandmother, the store has something for everyone. Everything sold in the store is hand-picked and the pieces sold at City Girl are not something that even Nordstrom or Macy’s might have in stock. What draws people into the store is the excitement of finding new and rare items that not everyone will be seen wearing. Because Green is the owner and the only employee in the store, she has the opportunity to get to know her customers on a personal level and can offer her expertise in choosing just the right gift or help put together a new ensemble. City Girl showcases a variety of neatly displayed premium denim lines such as: Citizens of Humanity, Seven for all Mankind, Hudson and True Religion. The store also has a beautiful selection of colorful, casual dresses, tanks and tees from Michael Stars, Splendid and Kersh. Near the front entrance of the store you will find a treasure trove of necklaces, rings, bracelets and scarves. From premium denim, to maxi dresses, t-shirts and fun accessories, this boutique has it all.
Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
23
Fall 2012 Essentials: City Girl 14 West Pine Street • Lodi • CA 95240 (209) 339-9838 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Find City Girl on Facebook Facebook.com/City-Girl
n Cardigans n Printed Dresses in rich floral shades n Bib Necklaces & Chandelier Earrings n Cotton-corduroy pants and bold-colored denim n Peplum Skirts n Cotton/Wool Blazers
24
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
B EAUTY
ECO CHIC SALON NATURALLY
Love Love Love BEAUTY. NATURE. LIFE. E
co Chic Salon Naturally is a unique salon experience in Stockton. From
BY STACEY GUYTON PHOTOS LINSDAY ORTEZ WWW.LINDSAYOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
evaluations regarding Balmain and how it can work for you.
the chic waiting area to the gardens outside, this is truly a green and
Customer comfort and care are the top priority at Eco Chic Salon
friendly salon. Owner Monica Harbut has created an innovative, eco-friendly
Naturally. The Eco Chic team specializes in services which include
environment using furnishings, fixtures, trendy paint colors and hardwood
“formaldehyde-free” Vegan Blowouts, cuts and coloring, waxing, nail
flooring made of recycled or repurposed materials. “Going green” is a
services, eyelash extensions and permanent makeup application. This is a
huge challenge which Monica has taken seriously. Upon learning how
family-friendly atmosphere, so men and children are welcome!
extremely toxic the salon industry had become, Monica dedicated her time to selecting eco-friendly products. Eco Chic Salon is proud to exclusively use an all-natural hair care line by Davines. The Davines products have aided in developing customer loyalty because they deliver superior results. “They really do work without the use of harsh chemicals,” says Monica. Davines products are available for purchase at the salon alongside bath and body products by HippE Chics. Eco Chic Salon is also the only salon in San Joaquin County to offer the Balmain hair treatment system. The Balmain treatments allow customized options to enhance the thickness and color of your existing hair. It can be used by those suffering from hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia.
Eco Chic Salon Naturally
Treatments will last for up to 6 months, and are made of real hair, which
5940 Pacific Avenue, Suite C • Stockton, CA • (209) 644-8111
can be colored and styled to create the your desired look. The talented
www.ecochicnaturally.com
and knowledgeable staff is available to answer questions and provide free
26
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
The following article by our friend and contributor Susan Michener Spracher is an inspiring look at how the most simple idea, coupled with a giving spirit, can make a life-changing difference to someone in need. We hope this story inspires you to pay it forward in our own community. If it does, we want to hear your stories, and share them with our readers in a new upcoming feature,
serendipitously walked by a homeless couple huddled under an umbrella in the rain, holding a sign that read: “UGLY, BROKE, HUNGRY.”
“Paying It Forward in San Joaquin”
THE GIVING KEYS FASHION MEETS PHILANTHROPY BY SUSAN MICHENER SPRACHER
Crosby approached the couple and offered to buy them a meal. Over dinner she learned Cera and Rob were both 23 years old and homeless. Crosby noticed Cera had on a pretty necklace that she had made herself, and had an aha moment. She immediately asked
T
he innocuous “borrowing” of an old, rusted
like keys; unique, scarred, flawed, and at risk
Giving Keys found its purpose, and offered an
New York motel room key started singer-actress
of discard. Choosing a key with a word that
opportunity for Cera and Rob to work their way
Caitlin Crosby on a pay-it-forward journey of
resonated would serve as a reminder that we
off the streets.
epic proportion.
are all one-of-a-kind. At shows all over the
Cera and Rob were able to use the money
Putting what she thought was just a cool-
country, the key necklaces sold out every night.
they made to start staying in a motel. Having
looking key on a chain, Crosby began wearing
Demand began to exceed what Crosby
a bed to sleep in and a place to shower daily
it around her neck, and immediately began
could supply, so she encouraged people to give
was a huge step for them. They both began
getting compliments. When she returned
their necklace away to someone who could use
to take GED classes, and have successfully
home to Los Angeles, she took the key to a
the message on their key. Now the key carried a
transitioned to community college and other
locksmith and had the word “LOVE” engraved
story, and Crosby established a website where
work opportunities.
on it. As the key continued to elicit questions
people could post their experience of passing
The Giving Keys represents a perfect circle
and compliments, Crosby decided to sell an
their key on. The Giving Keys concept was born.
of humanity by offering a unique key, paying
assortment of used and discarded keys at
Although amazing stories began pouring
it forward by helping the homeless, and then
the merchandise table during her next music
into the website, Crosby felt something was
passing it on to people who need a little
tour. Each key was engraved with inspirational
missing – that the concept could do more. She
kindness and inspiration.
words like “HOPE, STRENGTH, FEARLESS,
decided the profits from the necklace sales
PEACE, COURAGE,” etc. Crosby talked to
should go to a charity or special cause. Not
by
audiences during concerts about the concept
long after making that decision, Crosby found
www.thegivingkeys.com
of embracing imperfections that made people
herself on Hollywood Boulevard, where she
the couple to be her business partners. The
Let fashion really make a statement visiting
The
Giving
Keys
How have you paid it forward in our own community? Please share your stories with us via email at sjwoman@recordnet.com or by mail to The Record, attention: SJWoman Magazine, 530 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. Be sure to include your own contact information.
28
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
at
B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
GETTING
BY SUSAN MICHENER SPRACHER
Yet for all of Pinterest’s popularity, there and drink, DIY and crafts, and women’s apparel.
remains a good amount of ambiguity about
Pinterest is a visual extravaganza of images
the site’s concept and why it should be used.
where users find everything from unique
Opinion does not seem neutral; either you’re
aunched in March 2010, Pinterest has
wedding planning ideas, home decorating,
Pinterest-savvy and relish what the site
exhibited an epic trajectory moving into the
meaningful quotes, fashion and beauty tips,
has to offer as the sheer number of users
top 10 of social network sites in less than two
travel locations, sports… there’s even a Geek
demonstrates, or there is zero desire to know
years. By January 2012 the site had more than
category. Pins can also be uploaded from
what Pinterest is for, as people feel that their
11.7 million users (predominately women) and
users’ personal images or from other websites
time is already overly taxed and consumed by
drove more referral traffic to retailers than
they visit.
social media.
L
The ability to “re-pin,” “like” and “follow”
Check it out; what do you have to lose?
Pinterest is a cyber-bulletin board that
the pins and boards of friends and others
The reality could be large chunks of time if you
could also be described in fresher terms as an
with common interests and tastes provides
fall in love with what you find on Pinterest. But
inspiration or vision board. Users visit the site,
the social aspect of the site. Users are alerted
isn’t that true of any pastime like watching
establish a profile, and create any number of
when their pins are re-pinned or boards are
sports or reality television? Pinterest seems
boards representing their personal interests.
followed, which further creates a community
no less life-enriching when you can find
Each board contains a collection of pins that
feel. Pinterest offers the opportunity for people
inspiration there in the way of DIY projects,
users cull from the Pinterest site’s over 30
all over the world to connect over the “things”
holiday/party planning, travel dreams… and
categories, including the most popular: food
they find interesting.
then there’s the shoes.
LinkedIn, YouTube, and Google+.
www.pinterest.com 30
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
CAREER ~ WA LK ING A MILE IN HER S HOE S
Pets get their groom on at the
Barking Lot BY CHARLEEN EARLEY PHOTOS ASHLEE BLACKARD PHOTOGRAPHY
W
hen I discovered my next job shadow article would
be with a pet groomer, I got excited and began to wag my tail with glee. Instead of jumping out of a plane (see the July issue of San Joaquin Woman in case you missed it), my feet would be firmly planted on solid doggie-hair-tufted ground, and I didn’t mind one bit. I found Patti Small, owner of The Barking Lot in Stockton off West Benjamin Holt just past Pacific Avenue, sitting at her post, snip-snipping away, and completely in her element. She’s been in the business of pet grooming for over 10 years. With her German shepherd named Jack patiently resting at her feet while she groomed Penny, a West Highland terrier, Patti explained what she loves about her job. “Animals are the greatest friends, and it gives me a huge satisfaction in transforming them into great pieces of art!” said Patti, who was raised on a farm in Canoga Park, Chatsworth, and today lives in Stockton with her family, dogs and horses. Out of the 1,900 pets she has in her company database – not just dogs; it includes cats, ferrets, guinea pigs and rats – Patti’s pet grooming spa employees can groom up to 35 pets per day. I hung around for a couple of hours to watch her and her
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012
staff members perform their salon magic on
“I’m allergic to cats and dogs, but I don’t
Patti advises pet owners to resist hopping
several small-sized dogs. While I thoughtfully
care. I just take shots,” said Patti, who makes
from groomer to groomer, in search of the least
didn’t offer my unskilled services at hair-
sure to send each dog home with a bandanna
expensive one. She said it wears on the pets,
trimming – since once it’s snipped, there’s no
around their neck for that final beauty touch.
and makes it difficult for them to bond with
glue to put it back – I watched Patti handle each pet as if it were her own. Holding Penny’s paws and slowly working her way through a few knots, Patti did health
Before haircuts, pets get lathered up, followed by a 20-minute full-body massage. Nail trimming is also included in the package.
the groomers. “Find a good one, and stick with them no matter how much it costs,” she added. “If your
“Our prices are a little higher than most
dog’s tail is tucked beneath him when you pick
pet groomers, because we do quality work. Our
him up, that’s a good sign that grooming place
“We check the eyes, ears, skin and we look
basic groom is $40, but Yorkies are between
is not a good fit for him.”
for luxating patellas (trick knees), because it’s
$32 and $35, which includes bath, style, nails
more than just prettying up the pets,” said
and sanitation.”
inspections as well.
Another tell-tale sign of a good groomer is whether they let you fully into their shop.
Patti, whose husband Michael, an attorney,
What really made my ears perk up was the
“If they won’t let you in, stay away from
helps out at the shop every now and then.
primping with designer doggie colognes and
that place,” said Patti, who also performs oral
“We notify their owners about health issues,
perfumes as the final pinch of sprucing.
irrigation and teeth brushing.
including foxtails, ticks and fleas.”
“We use White Dalmatians, which smells
Between all the coos, petting and playful
I began scratching, but only because
a lot like Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds!”
communication, oh
ya, and
grooming,
fleas were on my mind. I wondered whether
said Patti, as she kisses her next client on the
Patti believes she hones animal whisperer
allergies were a part of Patti’s job.
nose and whispers, ‘that’s a good girl.’”
capabilities.
“I can tell when they’re stressed or trying to tell me something,” said Patti. “I love everything about them. They give you as little or as much as attention as you want, and they’re always there for you. I’ve always had a need to help animals.”
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
H
SKIN CARE FOR
BEAUTY
EALTH and
BY STUART JACOBS, MD
O
ur skin is an amazing creation. It is the
yearly visits to a dermatologist are advised,
largest of all our body’s organs, is continuously
especially if one’s skin has had excessive sun
regenerating
everything
exposure, history of sunburns, a family history
inside our body, and functions in many ways
of skin cancer, or if you have multiple moles,
to keep us alive and well. These functions
particularly darkly pigmented ones.
itself,
protects
include control of body temperature, fluid
The incidence of malignant moles, or
and electrolyte balance, as well as being an
malignant melanomas – a type of skin cancer
important part of our immune system. And, as
– has been rising dramatically for decades. It
we all know, healthy skin helps us feel great
is the third most common skin cancer, and can
and look beautiful.
become rapidly lethal, as it has a tendency to
We should take an active role in keeping
spread to other vital organs. In the first half
our skin healthy and functioning, just as
of the twentieth century, the incidence of
we would our heart and blood pressure,
malignant melanoma was one in 1,500. Today,
with exercise and a healthy diet. Regular or
it is one in 50 and climbing.
THE SIGNS OF A MALIGNANT MELANOMA ARE DESCRIBED BY THE ACRONYM, ABCDE. YOUR MOLE COULD BE A MALIGNANT MELANOMA IF IT IS/HAS:
■ Asymmetrical shape
■ Border or margin that is shaggy, notched or irregular
■ Color that is black or mixed dark coloration
■ Diameter of 6 millimeters or more (the size of a pencil eraser)
■ Evolving or changing noticeably over a period of weeks to months. Dr. Jacobs has been practicing dermatology in Stockton for 37 years. He practices traditional and cosmetic dermatology at 5345 N. El Dorado Street. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacobs, call (209) 957-6662.
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
If you have a close family relative who has been diagnosed with a melanoma, a full-body skin exam is recommended as your risk rises significantly. We can best care for our skin with reasonable sun protection. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, which is cumulative over our lifetime, is the best way to avoid premature aging of the skin and the development of skin cancers. Sunscreen products have become more protective, cosmetically elegant, and less irritating. The basics of healthy skin care are not only proper sunscreen use, but appropriate cleansing products and moisturizers. There are over-the-counter products that contain ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. The most common nourishing ingredients are glycolic acid, which stimulates new collagen production, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that soaks up free radicals caused by strong or prolonged sun exposure. Prescription strength products such as Retin-A are more effective at keeping the skin more youthful and radiant. Beautiful and healthy skin is the blessing of good genetics, as well as the result of proper self maintenance and sun protection. Your dermatologist can also provide a variety of quick and easy skin treatments that go beyond the capabilities of over-the-counter and prescription products. Relatively noninvasive procedures, such as Botox and Dysport treatments, are safe and have little or no side effects. These procedures also stop the progression of lines caused by facial movements such as frowning or squinting. Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are used to fill the smile lines and the grooves or folds from “falling cheeks� and reduce lines around the mouth. Lips that have thinned with age can also be brought back to natural looking youthful fullness by a skilled clinician. These two types of anti-aging treatments have become the most popular because of their ease, safety, and typically remarkable results. There are many ways for you to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. A well-staffed dermatology office with personnel who are well-trained in skin care, who give individualized skin care service, and a doctor who is experienced in cosmetic care, are an excellent source of guidance and treatment.
B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
PUT ON A
HAPPY FACE
BY KIM ROBINSON
A
s we move closer to autumn and its
annual display of gorgeously colored leaves, crisp, cool mornings and mounds of pumpkins waiting to be carved into fantastical designs, my spirit feels compelled to take a deeper look at the meaning of this special season. Isn’t it interesting to see how easily the Earth lets go of what no longer serves her? She lushly shares all the glory and splendor of summer, and then in an epic and breathtaking way, much like a hostess after a lavish event, sheds everything that can easily be reproduced, keeping only that which is truly of value for her next grand party in the spring. As leaves turn to shades of red, gold and orange, may I encourage you to take time to ponder what “leaves” you’d like to gently release? If you’ve held onto prolonged grief over the loss of a loved one or friend, anger or resentment over the breakup of a relationship, loss of a job, a home, a way of life, or if you harbor blame or judgment in your heart or mind, if you can’t see how wonderful you are, shadow side and all, might this be the perfect time to take a new look at it all? For in every
38
downturn in life, there is an upside, that if
her boss, felt that life had become stagnant,
the corporate ladder, gained success, created
explored and turned over, will often times yield
boring and dull. Like a hamster on a wheel,
a decent relationship with a good man. I have
an “a-ha moment” that can take your breath
she just kept things turning while she turned
a few outside interests to keep me active. But
away. The following story may give you the lift
into the middle-aged woman she’d always
it all feels hollow, and I feel dead inside.” As I
you need to delve in and begin.
dreaded she’d become. When she came to me
listened to her, my heart filled with compassion,
I recently worked with a client who was at
she told me, “I’m done. I’ve worked so hard
and I realized that she was speaking for so
the end of her rope. She hated her job, hated
all my life. Put myself through college, climbed
many women who followed the yellow brick
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
SEPTEMBER 2012
road to having IT ALL, and discovered it wasn’t quite what they’d hoped for.
whatever way he could. Who’d have thought? Then she went to work discovering new
words of love and encouragement further boosted her self-worth.
My client was willing to invest in four
and playful things to do out in the world to
At our final session, she told me she was
sessions with me to completely change her
bring happiness, joy and a childlike wonder
amazed at the difference in her life in just four
life. So we rolled up our sleeves and went to
back into her life. I encouraged her to look
weeks! She felt alive, vibrant and happy again!
work! First to go was the job that no longer
online for links to uplifting blogs, great meet-
She was excited to get up every morning and
served. Crazy, right? When so many people
up groups, all sorts of fun things to do that
see what the world was offering her each day!
can’t get jobs, I encouraged her to leave hers
wouldn’t stretch her budget TOO much. She
She felt ready to begin using her expertise to
behind. I intuitively knew that she had so many
was surprised at what all was available! She’d
create income while she began her job search.
skills inside her, she’d be a huge asset to any
been so caught up with work all these years,
And she decided to leave corporate behind
company, and she even had skills that could
and doing the same activities when she
in favor of working for a company that had
be utilized to bring in a nice income while
was home, that she’d
compassion and a desire to do something
she job-searched. So with shaking knees and
good for the planet and its people.
wildly beating heart, she told her employer
Not bad for a month’s worth of
she was leaving. Her manager was
effort, right? She literally has a new life
stunned, and for over a week
that she’s in love with, and for the first
my client basked in the glow
time, she’s in love with herself. It makes
of all the praise she’d never
my heart purr just thinking about it.
been given as to how wonderful
Now I know why spring is the
she was, and how impossible it
season for lovers. It’s a time of new beginnings,
would be to find a replacement for
new purpose and new hope. The Earth must
her. Great for her beaten-down self-esteem!
surely feel a deep self-love to be willing to
Her company offered her a delicious severance
shrunk her world down to fit into a much
package! Fabulous for her feelings of being
smaller box than I envisioned for her.
undervalued all that time!
release such beauty, to create new beauty. It’s my hope that you’ll discover what you
We also worked on residual grief she’d
wish to release, allow it to fall away like dead
Next up was having a chat with the good
held onto for almost 35 years after the death
leaves, and be renewed in a way that leaves you
man in her life. Their relationship had grown
of her sibling. She’d never realized that she was
refreshed and reveling in all your abundance
stale, and she wondered if parting would be
carrying a heavy burden of feeling that she had
and magnificence. It’s time to put on a happy
the better way to go. He politely declined that
to live for both of them. Freeing that energy
face and face the world and embrace your life.
idea, and told her that he was seeing a more
gave her a turbo burst to get out and live life
Don’t forget to look in the mirror and admire
spirited woman in front of him, and he wanted
with renewed gusto. Her parents, significant
your sparkly new self! Spring would be proud
to be supportive of her reinventing of self, and
other and friends all noticed this newer, bright,
to see you preen!
he’d be most happy to help and support in
more energetic woman, and their praise and
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR KIM?
Email your questions to kimrobinsonintuitive@gmail. com, and you may find your answers in the next edition of San Joaquin Woman magazine. Kim Robinson is an intuitive life coach in Stockton. Combined with her unique gift of intuition, her non-standard approach helps people deal with issues such as grief, low self-esteem, anger, depression, substance abuse, compulsive behavior, financial difficulties, sexual abuse, control issues, and weight and eating disorders, just to name a few. WWW.KIMROBINSONINTUITIVE.COM Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an
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B ODY, M IN D & SP IR IT
MEDICALLY NECESSARY Meet a behind-the-scenes leader in local health care
A
ccording to Margaret Szczepaniak, the
county’s highly complex public health and
“Our county clinics have historically
path that led to her career as a leader in San
emergency medical services, planning for the
operated at a deficit due to the high numbers
Joaquin County health care started with a bit
future of local health access at a time when
of Medi-Cal and uninsured clients that we
of luck.
community needs are acute – and the health
serve,” Szczpaniak explains. The cost of
care field is rapidly changing.
delivering care exceeds the amount that
“I didn’t enter into a health care career by design,” says Szczepaniak, the county’s
Responsible for monitoring federal and
the government reimburses the county for
low-profile but highly accomplished Assistant
state legislation on key health care issues,
providing it. To address that gap, Szczepaniak
Health Care Services Director.
a recent priority for Szczpaniak has been
says, the county is pursuing the “Federally
preparing for the anticipated impact of
Qualified Health Center” designation for its
national health care reform.
clinics, which will give access to new federal
For some, a career in health care is a lifelong calling. But for Szczepaniak, it began with an unexpected – though ultimately
According to the National Association of
fortunate – turn of events in her professional
Community Health Centers, “The evolving
life. Twenty years ago, she was working on
health care environment is ushering in new
“It is more important now than ever that
capital projects in a county administrative
financing and insurance structures, new
we position our clinics as cost-effectively
office when her role expanded to include
marketplace players, and greater opportunities
as possible,” Szczepaniak says. “We have
budgeting for a major Southern California
to expand health care access to more medically
a successful track record of serving the
medical center.
underserved and uninsured Americans.”
community’s low-income and uninsured. We
and state reimbursements. This will allow the system to operate more effectively.
Enjoying the challenge of integrating her
In San Joaquin County, national health
have the balancing act of increasing quality
political science and public policy educational
care reform could mean increased demand for
while keeping health care expenditure in
background with budgeting and management
medical services, with more patients eligible
check.”
skills, Szczepaniak decided to further explore
for Medi-Cal benefits, while still others
So, tasked with planning and delivering
the health care field. “I wanted to see what
purchase commercial plans through a Health
high-quality health care during uncertain
else I was good at,” she explains. “I learned
Benefits Exchange. Ensuring that San Joaquin
and ever-changing times, how is it that
that the challenges of health care are different
General Hospital can meet the community’s
Szczepaniak can feel so lucky?
every day. It’s a diverse career.”
growing needs into the future means closing
Today, Szczepaniak helps oversee the
40
Margaret Szczepaniak
BY LITA WALLACH
S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
gaps now.
“It’s not everyone who can convincingly say that they love what they do,” she says.
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S a n J o aqu i n Wo m an
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